Keaveny: Veto Session, Proposition A, Rebuilding Together

Veto Session Brings Lawmakers Back to the State Capitol

Legislators made their way back to Jefferson City in mid-September to consider five measures that were vetoed by the governor. However, no vetoes were overridden by the Legislature.

• Senate Bill 777 - Allows for the sale of certain financial products and plans associated with certain loan transactions.
• House Bill 1741 - Changes the laws regarding a meeting of a board of directors or the executive committee of a corporation.
• House Bill 1831 - Allows school districts, after 10 years, to sell as surplus any real property that has been donated to it if the donor refuses the district's offer to return it.
• House Bill 1903 - Creates the Federal Budget Stabilization Fund and the Race to the Top Fund to receive moneys from any legislation enacted by the 111th United States Congress.
• House Bill 2317 - Requires each members of the General Assembly to be provided with a key to access the State Capitol dome and authorizes the governor to convey certain state property.

Informing You About Proposition A

One of the constitutional amendments that will appear before Missouri voters at the polls in November, Proposition A, has the ability to eliminate certain city earnings taxes if approved by voters. The ballot initiative would:

• Repeal the authority of certain cities to use earnings taxes to fund their budgets.
• Require voters in cities that currently have an earnings tax to approve continuation of such tax at the next general municipal election and at an election held every five years thereafter.
• Require any current earnings tax that is not approved by the voters to be phased out over a 10-year-period.
• Prohibit any city from adding a new earnings tax to fund their budget.

In 2010, the City of St. Louis budgeted earnings tax revenue of $141.2 million. If the earnings tax were to be phased out, through the elimination of the local tax deduction, the State of Missouri could realize increased revenue of $4.8 million. While this may be attractive at the state level, it will be challenging for the City of St. Louis to continue to provide the level of service at which its citizens are accustomed.

To see a complete list of constitutional amendments and ballot initiatives, please visit www.sos.mo.gov/elections/2010ballot or call 800-NOW-VOTE (669-8683).

St. Louis Public Schools Receive Federal Funding for Improvements

Several schools located in the St. Louis Public School District have been awarded funding to improve academic achievement. These grants, made possible through the federal School Improvement Grant (SIG) program, are targeted toward school improvement efforts.

Eleven St. Louis area schools were selected to receive a total of $4.3 million for use in implementing two intensive school-reform models: turnaround and transformation. The four schools using the transformation model are required to implement strategies such as replacing the principal, reforming the curriculum, extending learning time, and providing extensive professional development. The other seven schools using the turnaround model will use transformation strategies as well as adopt a new governance structure, screen existing school staff, and rehire no more than half the teachers.

This is the first of three years of funding for selected schools receiving these federal funds. The first-year (2010-11) grant award recipients from the St. Louis Public School District include:

• Vashon High School ($399,827 - turnaround model)
• Fanning Middle Community Ed. ($444,175 - transformation model)
• Langston Middle School ($436,579 - transformation model)
• L'Ouverture Middle School ($441,804 - transformation model)
• Ashland Elementary and Br. ($353,737 - turnaround model)
• Columbia Elementary Comm. Ed. Center ($356,608 - turnaround model)
• Hamilton Elementary Community Ed. ($363,928 - turnaround model)
• Jefferson Elementary ($340,193 - transformation model)
• Mann Elementary ($380,419 - turnaround model)
• Sigel Elementary Comm. Ed. Center ($382,436 - turnaround model)
• Walbridge Elementary Community Ed. ($377,942 - turnaround model)

For more information about SIG funding, please visit www.dese.mo.gov or call (573) 751-3469.

Rebuilding Together - St. Louis: Providing Safe and Healthy Homes for Low-Income Families

As an affiliate of a national volunteer organization, Rebuilding Together - St. Louis revitalizes and rehabilitates houses belonging to low-income homeowners. The individuals who benefit most from this program are elderly and disabled citizens in our area, who are able to continue to live independently in the comfort of their own homes. In addition, this program renews neighborhoods by bringing citizens together with new and improved community centers, playgrounds, and other projects that benefit those living in the community.

More than 50 communities throughout the St. Louis area have benefited from Rebuilding Together-St. Louis, which has served our area since March 1992. The national program, created in 1973, has 253 affiliates throughout the country, works in 1,800 communities, and has more than 272,000 volunteers who work each year to preserve and revitalize thousands of houses and non-profit facilities. In the St. Louis area alone, 1,051 homeowners and 35 community projects have reaped the benefits of this program.

For more information about Rebuilding Together - St. Louis, including how you can sponsor a rebuilding group, volunteer, or apply for the program, you can call (314) 918-9918, e-mail information{at}rebuildingtogether-stl{dot}org, or visit www.rebuildingtogether-stl.org.

Foreclosure Help Soon Available to St. Louis Citizens

Federal funding provided by the Neighborhood Stabilization Program through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development will soon be available to citizens in the St. Louis area. Approximately $6.2 million will be awarded to the St. Louis region, with $3.4 million for the City of St. Louis and $2.8 million to St. Louis County. More than $13.1 million was award to our state as a whole under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, which was signed into law by President Obama back in July.

The Neighborhood Stabilization Program assists communities that have suffered from foreclosures and abandonment by purchasing and redeveloping foreclosed and abandoned properties. These funds may be used to establish financing mechanisms for the purchase and redevelopment of foreclosed homes and residential properties; purchase and rehabilitate homes and residential properties abandoned or foreclosed; establish land banks for foreclosed homes; demolish blighted structures; and redevelop demolished or vacant properties.

These funds can also be used to help homebuyers purchase homes; however, individuals need to contact their local grant office for application details. For more information on the Neighborhood Stabilization Program, you can contact Jim Holtzman at (314) 615-4414 or Darlene Rich at (314) 615-4592 for St. Louis County, and Bill Rataj at (314) 622-3400 ext. 566 for St. Louis.

Ameren MO - Energy Tips for Consumers

Ameren UE customers most likely received a notice in the mail about the St. Louis-based utility company switching its name from Ameren UE to Ameren Missouri (MO). This change took effect Oct. 1.

However, that's not the only thing that's changing. Autumn is in full swing and many citizens have noticed cooler, more fall-like weather starting to move into our area.

Here are some helpful hints to help you save on your energy costs this season:

• Use a programmable thermostat with your furnace to adjust your heating and cooling settings while you are away and while you are sleeping.
• Replace the furnace filter monthly.
• Have your furnace inspected each year before the cold weather hits.
• Caulk and place weatherstripping on windows and doors that leak air.

Click here, visit www.beenergyefficient.org, or call 800-361-4827 to learn more about winter heating energy savings actions.

Senator Keaveny and Fellow Lawmakers Tour Coal Mine

In September, several of my legislative colleagues and I toured the Gateway Mine located in Randolph County near Coulterville, Ill., which is about an hour outside the St. Louis area.

Many people don't understand how much we use coal-powered energy. Nine out of every ten tons of coal mined in our country today is used to general electricity. We use coal-generated electricity for heating, cooling, cooking, lighting, transportation, communication, farming, industry, health care, and much more. It was important for lawmakers to understand how consumers use this coal-powered energy and how it all starts with carbon — ancient plant material that gives coal most of its energy.

Gateway Mine received the prestigious President's Award in 2009 for the safest underground mine in Peabody Energy, which is the world's largest private-sector coal company and leader in clean energy solutions. Peabody fuels 10 percent our country's power and 2 percent of electricity worldwide.

Properly Taking Care of the Flag

Did you know that there are laws relating to the flag of the United States of America?

• Display your flag from sunrise to sunset. You can also fly it at night if you illuminate it.
• There are several designated flag days, such as Memorial Day (last Monday in June), Flag Day (June 14), Independence Day (July 4), Labor Day (first Monday in September), and Veterans Day (Nov. 11). However, as a citizen, you may display your flag any day you wish.
• Hoist your flag briskly and lower it ceremoniously.
• Put it to the right or above other flags on display.
• Don't let the flag touch the ground.
• Properly dispose of the flag. When your flag becomes tattered, soiled, or faded, it should be disposed of in a dignified manner. You can contact your local Veterans of Foreign Wars or American Legion Post, who often offer flag retirement ceremonies.

Senator Keaveny Named 2010 "Legislator of the Year" by Missouri Bar

In recognition for my contribution to legislation affecting the administration of justice and the integrity of the judiciary, I was awarded the 2010 "Legislator of the Year" award by the Missouri Bar Association.

The association particularly acknowledges my work relating to probate legislation. Last session I sponsored Senate Bill 920, which would have changed several provisions of law relating to trusts and wills in our state. I will continue my efforts into the 2011 legislative session with similar legislation designed to give further clarification regarding these legal documents.

I am honored to receive this distinguished award and will remain a strong supporter of positions upheld by the Missouri Bar, including improving the legal profession, the administration of justice, and law in our state.

Joe Smith: St. Louis Regional Work Zones for Sept. 29 - Oct. 6

Lane Closures Westbound I-70 at Rte 370 in St. Charles This Weekend

View MoDOT's weekly video work zone report at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oUIO_kpQ3n8

ST. LOUIS – This weekend's biggest impact to motorists will be on I-70 in St. Charles County.  Starting 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 1, westbound I-70 at Route 370 will have one lane closed until 2 p.m. Monday.  During the late overnight hours of Friday and Saturday, there will be two lanes closed.  There will also be two lanes closed on eastbound Route 370 over the railroad bridge north of I-70.

In Jefferson County, Route M will be closed under I-55 this weekend for removal of the I-55 bridge over Route M.

In downtown St. Louis, motorists can expect lane closures Sunday and Monday nights on north and southbound I-55 under the Poplar Street bridge and into the Depressed Section of I-70.  The ramps on and off of Memorial Drive will also be closed Sunday night.

Starting Monday, October 4, MoDOT bridge crews will be repairing the Tamm Bridge over I-64.  Motorists can expect two lanes closed westbound at night for about two weeks to repair the damage caused by a truck hitting the bridge girders earlier this month.

South County drivers will encounter daytime lane closures on I-55 at the Union Bridge every week day for the next week for work on the new bridge.  There will be two lanes closed from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. southbound and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. northbound.

Motorists should be aware of the following on-going closures:

• I-55, St. Louis County, on ramp from Union to northbound I-55 closed.
• I-64, St. Louis County, Spirit Blvd bridge over I-64 closed until December.
• I-70, St. Louis County, all hours, one to two lanes closed eastbound from McKelvey to St. Charles Rock Road for construction of auxiliary lane through mid-September.
• I-55, Jefferson County, on ramp from Route M to Southbound I-55.
• I-55, Jefferson County, northbound I-55 exit to Route M closed until mid 2011.
• Route 94, St. Charles County, Jungermann Road across Route 94 is closed until mid-November.
• Compton Avenue, St. Louis City, closed starting Monday, October 4 for the City's reconstruction of the bridge south of I-64 to Chouteau.  Motorists can use Jefferson as an alternate.

Ongoing lane restrictions include:

• I-55 Jefferson County, 10 ½ foot lanes from Route M to 1 ½ miles south of Route M
• I-64, St. Louis County, Chesterfield Airport Road bridge, lanes narrowed to 12 foot until December.
• I-64, St. Louis County, lanes in both directions narrowed and shifted over I-270 until December.

Please see the list of daily interstate lane closures, weather permitting:

Wednesday, September 29

• I-44, St. Louis City, 7 p.m. to 5 a.m., eastbound ramp to southbound I-55 ramp closed and ramp from Jefferson to eastbound I-44 closed.
• I-64, St. Louis City, 7 p.m. to 5 a.m., one lane closed westbound from Poplar Street Bridge to 9^th Street.
• I-70, St. Louis City, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., one lane closed each direction at St. Louis Avenue.
• I-70, St. Louis City, 8 p.m. to 5 a.m., reversible lanes closed.
• I-44, St. Louis County, 8 p.m. to 5 a.m., left lane and shoulder closed both directions between Allenton and Rte 109.
• I-55, St. Louis County, 6 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., two lanes closed southbound at Union.
• I-55, St. Louis County, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., two lanes closed northbound at Union.
• I-70, St. Louis County, 8 p.m. to 5 a.m., one to two lanes closed both directions from I-270 to Fee Fee.
• I-170, St. Louis County, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., one lane closed southbound at St. Charles Rock Road.
• I-270, St. Louis County, 8 p.m. to 5 a.m., multiple lane closures in both directions at Page Avenue and complete highway closure from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. for setting of bridge girders.
• I-270, St. Louis County, 8 p.m. to 5 a.m., two lanes closed southbound from Olive to Dougherty Ferry.
• Rte 40, St. Louis County, 7 p.m. to 5 a.m., one to two lanes closed eastbound at Spirit Blvd. bridge.
• I-70, St. Charles County, 10 p.m. to 5 a.m., exit ramp from eastbound I-70 to Fifth Street closed and westbound I-70 exit ramp to Fifth Street closed.
• Rte 364, St. Charles County, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., one lane closed eastbound on the Page Avenue Missouri River bridge.
• Rte 370, St. Charles County, 9 p.m. to 5 a.m., ramp closed from westbound Rte 370 to eastbound I-70.
• I-55, Jefferson County, except for 5 a.m. to 9 a.m., one lane closed northbound from Rte Z to Rte M.
• I-55, Jefferson County, 6 a.m. to 3 p.m., one lane closed southbound from Rte M to Rte Z.
• I-44, Franklin County, 9 a.m. to 5 a.m., one lane closed eastbound between Route 100 and Viaduct Street.
• I-44, Franklin County, 7 p.m. to 3 p.m., one lane closed westbound between Viaduct Street and Route 100.
• I-44, Franklin County, 5:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., one lane closed westbound at Pin Oak Creek near Union.
• I-44, Franklin County, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., one lane closed eastbound at Pin Oak Creek near Union.
• I-44, Franklin County, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., one lane closed westbound at Winsel Creek near Sullivan.

Thursday, September 30

• I-44, St. Louis City, 7 p.m. to 5 a.m., eastbound ramp to southbound I-55 ramp closed and ramp from Jefferson to eastbound I-44 closed.
• I-64, St. Louis City, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., one lane closed westbound from Poplar Street Bridge to 9^th Street.
• I-64, St. Louis City, 5 a.m. to 3 p.m., one to two lanes closed eastbound 22^nd Street to 8^th Street.
• I-70, St. Louis City, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., one lane closed each direction at St. Louis Avenue.
• I-70, St. Louis City, 8 p.m. to 5 a.m., reversible lanes closed.
• I-44, St. Louis County, 8 p.m. to 5 a.m., left lane and shoulder closed both directions between Allenton and Rte 109.
• I-55, St. Louis County, 6 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., two lanes closed southbound at Union.
• I-55, St. Louis County, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., two lanes closed northbound at Union.
• I-70, St. Louis County, 8 p.m. to 5 a.m., one to two lanes closed both directions from I-270 to Fee Fee.
• I-255, St. Louis County, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., one lane closed westbound on Jefferson Barracks Bridge over Mississippi River.
• I-270, St. Louis County, 8 p.m. to 5 a.m., two to three lanes closed southbound at Page Avenue.
• I-270, St. Louis County, 8 p.m. to 5 a.m., two lanes closed southbound from Olive to Dougherty Ferry.
• Rte 40, St. Louis County, 7 p.m. to 5 a.m., one to two lanes closed eastbound at Spirit Blvd. bridge.
• I-70, St. Charles County, 10 p.m. to 5 a.m., westbound exit and entrance ramps from I-70 to Fifth Street closed.
• I-55, Jefferson County, except for 5 a.m. to 9 a.m., one lane closed northbound from Rte Z to Rte M.
• I-55, Jefferson County, 6 a.m. to 3 p.m., one lane closed southbound from Rte M to Rte Z.
• I-44, Franklin County, 9 a.m. to 5 a.m., one lane closed eastbound between Route 100 and Viaduct Street.
• I-44, Franklin County, 7 p.m. to 3 p.m., one lane closed westbound between Viaduct Street and Route 100.
• I-44, Franklin County, 5:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., one lane closed westbound at Pin Oak Creek near Union.
• I-44, Franklin County, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., one lane closed eastbound at Pin Oak Creek near Union.
• I-44, Franklin County, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., one lane closed westbound at Winsel Creek near Sullivan.

Friday, October 1

• I-44, St. Louis City, 7 p.m. to 5 a.m., eastbound ramp to southbound I-55 ramp closed and ramp from Jefferson to eastbound I-44 closed.
• I-64, St. Louis City, 5 a.m. to 3 p.m., one to two lanes closed eastbound 22^nd Street to 8^th Street.
• I-70, St. Louis City, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., one lane closed each direction at St. Louis Avenue.
• I-44, St. Louis County, 8 p.m. to 5 a.m., left lane and shoulder closed both directions between Allenton and Rte 109.
• I-55, St. Louis County, 6 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., two lanes closed southbound at Union.
• I-55, St. Louis County, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., two lanes closed northbound at Union.
• I-70, St. Louis County, 8 p.m. to 5 a.m., one to two lanes closed both directions from I-270 to Fee Fee.
• I-270, St. Louis County, 9 p.m. to noon Saturday, one lane closed southbound at Dorsett.
• I-270, St. Louis County, 8 p.m. to 5 a.m., two lanes closed southbound from Olive to Dougherty Ferry.
• Rte 40, St. Louis County, 7 p.m. to 5 a.m., one to two lanes closed eastbound at Spirit Blvd. bridge.
• I-70, St. Charles County, 9 p.m. until 2 p.m. Monday, one to two lanes closed westbound at Rte 370.
• Rte 370, St. Charles County, 9 p.m.  until 5 a.m. Monday, two lanes closed eastbound at railroad bridge north of I-70.
• I-55, Jefferson County, except for 5 a.m. to 9 a.m., one lane closed northbound from Rte Z to Rte M.
• I-55, Jefferson County, 6 a.m. to 3 p.m., one lane closed southbound from Rte M to Rte Z.
• Rte M, Jefferson County, from 7 p.m. Friday until 5 p.m., Sunday, Route M closed under I-55 for bridge demolition of I-55 bridge.
• I-44, Franklin County, 9 a.m. to 5 a.m., one lane closed eastbound between Route 100 and Viaduct Street.
• I-44, Franklin County, 7 p.m. to 3 p.m., one lane closed westbound between Viaduct Street and Route 100.
• I-44, Franklin County, 5:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., one lane closed westbound at Pin Oak Creek near Union.
• I-44, Franklin County, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., one lane closed eastbound at Pin Oak Creek near Union.
• I-44, Franklin County, 7 a.m. to noon, one lane closed eastbound at Winsel Creek near Sullivan.
• I-44, Franklin County, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., one lane closed westbound at Winsel Creek near Sullivan.

Saturday, October 2

• I-70, St. Charles County, until 2 p.m. Monday, one to two lanes closed westbound at Rte 370.
• Rte 370, St. Charles County, until 5 a.m. Monday, two lanes closed eastbound at railroad bridge north of I-70.
• Rte M, Jefferson County, until 5 p.m., Sunday, Route M closed under I-55 for bridge demolition of I-55 bridge.
• I-44, Franklin County, 9 a.m. to 5 a.m., one lane closed eastbound between Route 100 and Viaduct Street.
• I-44, Franklin County, 7 p.m. to 3 p.m., one lane closed westbound between Viaduct Street and Route 100.
• I-44, Franklin County, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., one lane closed westbound at Winsel Creek near Sullivan.

Sunday, October 3

• I-55/I-70, St. Louis City, 7 p.m. to 5 a.m., one lane closed southbound from Memorial Drive under I-64 and ramp from Memorial Drive to southbound I-55 is closed.
• I-55, St. Louis City, 7 p.m. to 5 a.m., one lane closed northbound and ramp to Memorial Drive closed.
• I-70, St. Charles County, until 2 p.m. Monday, one to two lanes closed westbound at Rte 370.
• Rte 370, St. Charles County, until 5 a.m. Monday, two lanes closed eastbound at railroad bridge north of I-70.
• Rte M, Jefferson County, until 5 p.m., Sunday, Route M closed under I-55 for bridge demolition of I-55 bridge.
• I-44, Franklin County, 9 a.m. to 5 a.m., one lane closed eastbound between Route 100 and Viaduct Street.
• I-44, Franklin County, 7 p.m. to 3 p.m., one lane closed westbound between Viaduct Street and Route 100.

Monday, October 4

• I-55/I-70, St. Louis City, 7 p.m. to 5 a.m., one lane closed each direction from I-64 through the Depressed Section.
• I-55, St. Louis City, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., one lane closed each direction from I-44 to I-64.
• I-64, St. Louis City, 5 a.m. to 3 p.m., one to two lanes closed eastbound 22^nd Street to 8^th Street.
• I-64, St. Louis City, 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. two lanes closed westbound at Tamm bridge for damage repairs.
• I-70, St. Louis City, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., one lane closed each direction at St. Louis Avenue.
• Compton Avenue, St. Louis City, closed starting Monday, October 4 for the City's reconstruction of the bridge south of I-64 to Chouteau.  Motorists can use Jefferson as an alternate.
• I-44, St. Louis County, 8 p.m. to 5 a.m., left lane and shoulder closed both directions between Allenton and Rte 109.
• I-55, St. Louis County, 6 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., two lanes closed southbound at Union.
• I-55, St. Louis County, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., two lanes closed northbound at Union.
• I-70, St. Louis County, 8 p.m. to 5 a.m., one to two lanes closed both directions from I-270 to Fee Fee.
• I-270, St. Louis County, 8 p.m. to 5 a.m., two lanes closed southbound from Olive to Dougherty Ferry.
• Rte 40, St. Louis County, 7 p.m. to 5 a.m., one to two lanes closed eastbound at Spirit Blvd. bridge.
• I-70, St. Charles County, until 2 p.m. Monday, one to two lanes closed westbound at Rte 370.
• I-70, St. Charles County, 10 p.m. to 5 a.m., eastbound exit and entrance ramps closed at Fifth Street.
• I-55, Jefferson County, except for 5 a.m. to 9 a.m., one lane closed northbound from Rte Z to Rte M.
• I-55, Jefferson County, 6 a.m. to 3 p.m., one lane closed southbound from Rte M to Rte Z.
• I-44, Franklin County, 9 a.m. to 5 a.m., one lane closed eastbound between Route 100 and Viaduct Street.
• I-44, Franklin County, 7 p.m. to 3 p.m., one lane closed westbound between Viaduct Street and Route 100.
• I-44, Franklin County, 5:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., one lane closed westbound at Pin Oak Creek near Union.
• I-44, Franklin County, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., one lane closed eastbound at Pin Oak Creek near Union.
• I-44, Franklin County, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., one lane closed westbound at Winsel Creek near Sullivan.

Tuesday, October 5

• I-55, St. Louis City, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., one lane closed each direction from I-44 to I-64.
• I-64, St. Louis City, 5 a.m. to 3 p.m., one to two lanes closed eastbound 22^nd Street to 8^th Street.
• I-64, St. Louis City, 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. two lanes closed westbound at Tamm bridge for damage repairs.
• I-70, St. Louis City, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., one lane closed each direction at St. Louis Avenue.
• I-44, St. Louis County, 8 p.m. to 5 a.m., left lane and shoulder closed both directions between Allenton and Rte 109.
• I-55, St. Louis County, 6 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., two lanes closed southbound at Union.
• I-55, St. Louis County, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., two lanes closed northbound at Union.
• I-70, St. Louis County, 8 p.m. to 5 a.m., one to two lanes closed both directions from I-270 to Fee Fee.
• I-270, St. Louis County, 8 p.m. to 5 a.m., two lanes closed southbound from Olive to Dougherty Ferry.
• Rte 40, St. Louis County, 7 p.m. to 5 a.m., one to two lanes closed eastbound at Spirit Blvd. bridge.
• I-70, St. Charles County, 10 p.m. to 5 a.m., exit ramp from eastbound I-70 to Fifth Street closed and westbound I-70 exit ramp to Fifth Street closed.
• I-55, Jefferson County, except for 5 a.m. to 9 a.m., one lane closed northbound from Rte Z to Rte M.
• I-55, Jefferson County, 6 a.m. to 3 p.m., one lane closed southbound from Rte M to Rte Z.
• I-44, Franklin County, 9 a.m. to 5 a.m., one lane closed eastbound between Route 100 and Viaduct Street.
• I-44, Franklin County, 7 p.m. to 3 p.m., one lane closed westbound between Viaduct Street and Route 100.
• I-44, Franklin County, 5:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., one lane closed westbound at Pin Oak Creek near Union.
• I-44, Franklin County, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., one lane closed eastbound at Pin Oak Creek near Union.
• I-44, Franklin County, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., one lane closed westbound at Winsel Creek near Sullivan.

Wednesday, October 6

• I-55, St. Louis City, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., one lane closed each direction from I-44 to I-64.
• I-64, St. Louis City, 5 a.m. to 3 p.m., one to two lanes closed eastbound 22^nd Street to 8^th Street.
• I-64, St. Louis City, 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. two lanes closed westbound at Tamm bridge for damage repairs.
• I-70, St. Louis City, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., one lane closed each direction at St. Louis Avenue.
• I-44, St. Louis County, 8 p.m. to 5 a.m., left lane and shoulder closed both directions between Allenton and Rte 109.
• I-55, St. Louis County, 6 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., two lanes closed southbound at Union.
• I-55, St. Louis County, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., two lanes closed northbound at Union.
• I-70, St. Louis County, 8 p.m. to 5 a.m., one to two lanes closed both directions from I-270 to Fee Fee.
• I-270, St. Louis County, 8 p.m. to 5 a.m., two lanes closed southbound from Olive to Dougherty Ferry.
• Rte 40, St. Louis County, 7 p.m. to 5 a.m., one to two lanes closed eastbound at Spirit Blvd. bridge.
• I-70, St. Charles County, 10 p.m. to 5 a.m., westbound exit and entrance ramps from I-70 to Fifth Street closed.
• I-55, Jefferson County, except for 5 a.m. to 9 a.m., one lane closed northbound from Rte Z to Rte M.
• I-55, Jefferson County, 6 a.m. to 3 p.m., one lane closed southbound from Rte M to Rte Z.
• I-44, Franklin County, 9 a.m. to 5 a.m., one lane closed eastbound between Route 100 and Viaduct Street.
• I-44, Franklin County, 7 p.m. to 3 p.m., one lane closed westbound between Viaduct Street and Route 100.
• I-44, Franklin County, 5:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., one lane closed westbound at Pin Oak Creek near Union.
• I-44, Franklin County, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., one lane closed eastbound at Pin Oak Creek near Union.
• I-44, Franklin County, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., one lane closed westbound at Winsel Creek near Sullivan.

Rupp: Redistricting Efforts

WHAT RESDISTRICTING EFFORTS MEAN FOR OUR STATE

Households throughout our state have filled out and returned their forms and we've even seen workers go door to door gathering information for the 2010 U.S. Census.  Now, operations are underway to process the information collected for the decennial census.  Data collected from these forms will help determine the number of seats our state occupies in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Currently, Missouri has nine Congressional districts.  The 2^nd Senatorial District, which I represent in the Missouri Senate, falls within the 2^nd and 9^th Congressional Districts held by Rep. Todd Akin and Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer, respectively.

According to a 2010 Census map representing mail participation rate by counties in our state, Lincoln County had a 73-78 percent participation rate and St. Charles County had a participation rate of 79-84 percent.  However, even with these high percentage rates reported out of our district, news forecasts have Missouri losing one of our nine Congressional seats.  According to a Boston Globe article, Missouri is one of eight states projected to lose a seat as a result of a shifting population base throughout the country.

A St. Louis Post-Dispatch article reports that Missouri's 72 percent return rate matched the nation's overall number; however, our state's growth rate (about 7 percent since 2000) has not kept pace with the nation's 9 percent increase.

We have a couple of months before the Census Bureau releases its report with a recommendation on how the 435 Congressional seats should be appointed.  The first data released from the 2010 Census will be the official national and state population count, which will be used to apportion seats in the U.S. House.  As mandated by the U.S. Constitution, this data must be delivered to the President of the United States by the U.S. Census Bureau on or before Dec. 31, 2010.

The work then falls on each state to draw new congressional districts in time for the 2013 elections.  In Missouri, Congressional redistricting is the responsibility of the State Legislature.  As chair of the Senate Select Committee on Redistricting, created in 2009, it is my job to help prepare the General Assembly for its role in redrawing Congressional districts in 2011.  The task of redrawing the state's 34 Senatorial districts and 163 House districts is assigned to two bipartisan commissions appointed by the governor.  The Legislature must draw and approve new Congressional districts during the 2011 regular session, or face a special session, to ensure proper filing in February 2012 for Congressional District candidates.

As work progresses on this issue, I will keep you informed on any changes regarding how the boundary lines are drawn for your legislative districts.  If you have any questions regarding this matter or any other issues within state government, please visit my website at www.senate.mo.gov/rupp.  You can also e-mail me or call my office toll-free at (866) 271-2844.

Davis: The Poverty Report

My sister lived in France for a number of years.  When I went to visit her, she introduced me to many traditional French delicacies; one of which was Pâté de Foie Gras (If you are of my generation or older, the only place I had ever heard of this was on The Three Stooges -but I've digress.)  Pâté de Foie Gras is a special spread made from a fatty liver of a force-fed goose.  When I think of many governmental solutions to poverty, there are some parallels with a forced-fed goose.  A lot of well intentioned efforts to create something beneficial turn out to be unpalatable or cause pain to others in ways never imagined and certainly very unnatural.

While it may seem like we are correcting the presenting problem, the resulting bigger government foists programs upon us that rob both the taxpayers and recipients of their natural dignity.

The Speaker of the House appointed a committee to study Poverty.  Do you think with all the unemployment, there would be a proportional increase in poverty? Surprisingly, no.  Taken in the aggregate, marital status is a greater indicator of poverty than job status!  An old expression says, "You get more of what you subsidize and you get less of what you tax."  Our national government has been subsidizing promiscuity and has been taxing marriage and those with an ambitious work ethic. The policies of the current federal administration are designed to escalate this to a higher level yet.

The only hope left is for the states to design policies that will reverse this trend because they are on a financial collision course. If you have the time to read through the report we produced, you will learn some innovative ideas that you will not hear about on the evening news.  We toured the Sunshine Mission in St. Louis and heard from some of the foremost experts in the entire country about how to solve many poverty related issues.  The answers will surprise you because they do not involve bigger government or more money thrown at the problem.

We are on a mission to save our state from waste, fraud and abuse.  The first place to start is by understanding which programs help and which ones merely exacerbate the problem.  Sometimes our methods of involvement actually do more damage than good. Those who study alcoholism understand the concept of co-dependency.  In many cases, the government has been acting like a co-dependent---enabling people to destroy themselves so that they will have a greater need for more government.  The only lasting solutions come from the private sector.

Here is the link to the report from the Interim Committee on Poverty: Interim Committee on Poverty.

Here is an article that appeared this week in the New York Newspaper, Democrat and Chronicle

Mike McManus: Marriage absence at root of child poverty

Mike McManus • September 28, 2010

America's press blamed America's high unemployment rate for the problem. However, though the jobless rate doubled in a year from 5 to 10 percent, poverty increased only one percent.

The primary cause of poverty is not joblessness but marriage, or rather, marriage absence. Indeed, the Heritage Foundation published data last week: "Marriage: America's No. 1 Weapon Against Childhood Poverty."

It notes, "Marriage Drops the Probability of Child Poverty by 82 percent."

That's stunning. However, 36.5 percent of families headed by a single mother were poor in 2008 while only 6.4 percent of married, two-parent families are poor.

Yet the marriage rate has plunged 51 percent since 1970.

Heritage notes that children of unwed parents have soared eight-fold since 1960 when only five percent of births were out-of-wedlock, to 40.6 percent in 2008. A third of America's children live in unmarried families, seven-tenths of whom are poor.

Marriage absence should be a major political issue in the current campaigns for governors, state legislators and even Congress.

Why? "Marriage absence is driving federal and state deficits," says David Usher, president of the Center for Marriage Policy in St. Louis.

"Health care coverage, personal bankruptcy and home loan defaults are infrequent problems for married couples. Children raised in intact families are the last to get in trouble, flunk out of school, join a gang, have babies, become chronic substance abusers, or grow up to be criminals."

What can be done to reverse these trends? Heritage suggests federal strategies:

Reduce anti-marriage penalties in welfare programs. Why should the government reward single parenthood with welfare, food stamps, free medical care, housing subsidies, etc? Robert Rector of Heritage estimates that "the cost of subsidizing single parenthood is $280 billion. The people who receive large subsidies should no longer get one-way handouts." He asserts those subsidies should require full-time work. Welfare Reform took that strategy, reducing welfare rolls 60 percent.

Require welfare offices to provide factual data on the value of marriage, and require federally funded birth control clinics to provide information on benefits of marriage.

By contrast, the new Center for Marriage Policy is recommending initiatives that could be taken by state government.

Missouri State Rep. Cynthia Davis, the Center's executive director, says present law provides "perverse incentives" to destroy rather than preserve marriage. For example, she tells of a woman who was "poisoned by her friends to get out of the marriage. They said she could get custody of their child, which comes with a big lump of money, plus she got her husband to pay her lawyer's fees. Their child was a teenager who did not want to live with her mom, but her dad, which she did. But the mom got a court order for him to pay child support to her anyway."

To put it differently, the state provides incentives for marriage destruction, not marriage preservation. Hundreds of studies prove that couples with enduring marriages are happier, healthier, live longer and have more sex and better sex. (See "A Case for Marriage" by Maggie Gallagher and Linda Waite.)

Davis introduced a bill requiring that couples with children agree on the divorce, unless fault (adultery, abuse) is proven — a reform of no fault divorce that I have called "mutual consent."

Why? She says, "It is simple. If there are children, more people are involved. Mutual consent would breed more stability for society in general." The bill did not pass, but she was term-limited and will be out of office next year. As the center's director, she can pursue legislation as a private citizen, yet with a knowledge of people and issues that only a former legislator would have.

A second reform that could cut the divorce rate is to require divorcing couples to live apart for a year if there is mutual consent, and two years if contested. Maryland, Illinois and Pennsylvania have such a law and their divorce rate is half that of states with no requirement to live apart.

Why? If couples have to live apart for a year, many couples decide to reconcile before the divorce takes effect.

Usher, center president, charges "The welfare state is eating Missouri alive. The cost to taxpayers of marriage absence is at least $1.3 billion per year. A sensible marriage policy could reduce illegitimacy and divorce by half. The deficits will abate when marriage is restored."

Your thoughts are important to me, so please let me know what you think about government's role in poverty. You can send me your opinion by clicking here: Cynthia Davis

A Little Bit of Humor

Ben invited his mother over for dinner. During the meal, his mother couldn't help noticing how beautiful Ben's roommate was. She had long been suspicious of a relationship between Ben and his roommate and this only made her more curious.

Over the course of the evening, while watching the two interact, she started to wonder if there was more between Ben and the roommate than met the eye. Reading his mom's thoughts, Ben volunteered, "I know what you must be thinking, but I assure you, Allison and I are just roommates."

About a week later, Allison came to Ben and said, "Ever since your mother came to dinner, I've been unable to find the beautiful silver gravy ladle. "You don't suppose she took it, do you?"

Ben said, "Well, I doubt it, but I'll write her a letter just to be sure."

So he sat down and wrote: "Dear Mother, I'm not saying you 'did' take a gravy ladle from my house, and I'm not saying you 'did not' take a gravy ladle. But the fact remains that one has been missing ever since you were here for dinner."

Several days later, Ben received a letter from his mother that read:

"Dear Son, I'm not saying that you 'do' sleep with Allison, and I'm not saying that you 'do not' sleep with Allison. But the fact remains that if she was sleeping in her own bed, she would have found the gravy ladle by now. Love, Mom"

Roorda: Domestic Violence Task Force, Vietnam Wall in Arnold, Suicide Prevention Month

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE TASK FORCE

Preventing those who commit domestic violence from manipulating victims was one of several topics discussed at a Monday meeting of the Missouri attorney general's Domestic Violence Task Force. The group also addressed possible legal changes that would create a mandatory holding period for offenders in Missouri.

"While there are statutes in the law that work, the task force will have a report for the next legislative session containing recommendations for legislation and best practices communities could adopt," said Rep. Jeff Roorda (D) Barnhart.

To read the full Post Dispatch article click here.

VIETNAM WALL COMING TO ARNOLD

At left: The Dignity Memorial® Vietnam Wall coming to Arnold, Missouri.

The Memorial will arrive with an escort on Wednesday, October 13th.  The Wall wil be erected on Thursday morning, October 14th, with an "Opening Ceremony" to begin at 1:00pm.  You may view the Wall 24/7 from the opening ceremonies on Thursday to the closing ceremonies on Sunday evening.  Viewing the Wall is free of charge and open to the public.

The Dignity Memorial Vietnam Wall is a traveling, three-quarter scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. The faux-granite replica stands 240 feet long and eight feet high and is inscribed with the names of more than 58,000 Americans who died or are missing in Vietnam.

For more information on the Dignity Memorial Vietnam Wall visit
The 20th Century GI.com

SUICIDE PREVENTION MONTH

In response to national recognition of suicide as a worldwide public health problem, collaborative planning efforts began in Missouri that resulted in the passage of legislation in 2003 that mandates the development of this statewide suicide prevention plan. The Missouri Suicide Prevention Plan has been developed with broad input from public health experts, mental health providers, suicide survivors and twelve town hall meetings conducted in communities across Missouri. The recommendations have been developed using reviews of research, experience of other states in suicide prevention and experience gained in suicide prevention efforts in Missouri. Broad community input was sought to tailor the scientific knowledge and national experience to address the specific needs of Missouri communities and organizations.

To learn more about Suicide Prevention click here.

JUDGES CAN NOW CONSIDER COSTS OF INCARCERATION

Missouri will soon become the first state to provide judges with information concerning the financial costs to taxpayers of sentencing individual defendants to prison, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported on Sept. 14. The information will be provided by the Missouri Sentencing Advisory Commission, a judicial branch panel that sets guidelines for establishing fairness and consistency in criminal sentencing.

The cost of Missouri's criminal justice system has become a concern in recent years as incarceration rates have increased while financial resources dedicated to the system have failed to keep up. During his State of the Judiciary speech to the General Assembly in February, Chief Justice William Ray Price Jr. warned that a generation of so-called "tough-on-crime" policies has resulted in a "a great waste of resources" that has done nothing to reduce crime. Price was especially concerned about the increasing tendency to impose prison sentences for non-violent offenses when less costly alternatives are available that are more effective at reducing recidivism.

Judges will continue to determine how much, if any, weight to give to the financial estimates when making sentencing decisions in individual cases. Supporters of providing the information say it will give judges a role in ensuring that the resources of the criminal justice system are allocated wisely. Some prosecutors, however, are concerned about making financial considerations a factor in sentencing decisions.

If there is anything I can do for you, please do not hesitate to contact my office.  I enjoy serving my constituents as "their" voice in the Missouri State Capitol.

Kraus: The Wall That Heals

I wanted to send out one last reminder to everyone to visit the Walk That Heals exhibit that is coming to Pink Park in Blue Springs this week-end.  Here is a schedule of events:

Tuesday, September 28

12:30 p.m. Parade and escort of Wall begins in Concordia
1:45 p.m.  Wall arrives at Pink Hill Park

Thursday, September 30 - exhibit hours 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

6:55 a.m. Ceremony and Welcome
6:30 p.m. Reflection Ceremony "Enlightening Youth to Vietnam's Legacy"

Friday, October 1 - exhibit hours 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

6:55 a.m. Awakening Ceremony
6:30 p.m. Reflection Ceremony "Courage, Sacrifice and Devotion to Country"

Saturday, October 2 - exhibit hours 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

6:55 a.m. Awakening Ceremony
2:00 p.m. Reflection Ceremony "Honoring the Fallen; Healing the Living"

Sunday, October 3 - exhibit hours 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

6:55 a.m. Awakening Ceremony
2:00 p.m. Closing Ceremony "All Gave Some…Some Gave All"
3:45 p.m. Boeing CH-47 Chinook Helicopter take off, fly over and landing Last Roll 6:00 p.m. The Wall That Heals Exhibition Ends

The Wall will be accessible and staffed 24 hours a day.  A Veterans Administration trailer will be open at all times for veterans.  Each event mentioned above is packed with activities.  For a full schedule of the activities go to www.bluespringswallthatheals.net and click on Schedule of Events.  You can also find a map as well as parking and shuttle sites on that website.

Our Vietnam veterans are brave and loyal men and women who served in an unpopular war.  This war was a traumatic time for our country.  It was equally traumatic for the troops who came home to a country where many citizens took out their anger on those who answered their government's call to serve their country.

Since then, the people of America have realized their shameful treatment of the troops and largely united once again behind our men and women in uniform.  We recognize and honor all of their contributions to America.  The Vietnam War, however, remains a wound in need of healing.

I particularly urge Vietnam veterans to go, where they can read and remember the names of their comrades and know that this exhibit is for them.  Those who served in that war can receive a commemorative medal, patch or lapel pin.

By honoring these veterans in this way, the Wall That Heals brings a healing message to whoever visits it.

Stouffer: Passing Prop B Will Harm Rural Missouri

For the past four weeks, I have written about the measures you will see on your November 2 ballot. Click "Recent Topics" to review these columns. The fifth and final question is one that could have been stopped from appearing on the ballot.

Proposition B is designed to crack down on illegal dog breeders. However, there is a lot more to this issue than meets the eye. In reality, it infringes on Missourians' right to raise animals. I will get into this in a moment. First, here is what you will see on your ballot:

Official Ballot Title:

Shall Missouri law be amended to:

• require large-scale dog breeding operations to provide each dog under their care with sufficient food, clean water, housing and space; necessary veterinary care; regular exercise and adequate rest between breeding cycles;
• prohibit any breeder from having more than 50 breeding dogs for the purpose of selling their puppies as pets; and
• create a misdemeanor crime of "puppy mill cruelty" for any violations?

It is estimated state governmental entities will incur costs of $654,768 (on-going costs of $521,356 and one-time costs of $133,412). Some local governmental entities may experience costs related to enforcement activities and savings related to reduced animal care activities.

Fair Ballot Language:

A "yes" vote will amend Missouri law to require large-scale dog breeding operations to provide each dog under their care with sufficient food, clean water, housing and space; necessary veterinary care; regular exercise and adequate rest between breeding cycles. The amendment further prohibits any breeder from having more than 50 breeding dogs for the purpose of selling their puppies as pets. The amendment also creates a misdemeanor crime of "puppy mill cruelty" for any violations.

A "no" vote will not change the current Missouri law regarding dog breeders.

If passed, this measure will have no impact on taxes.

With the exception of the admitted costs — if passed — this sounds relatively harmless and maybe even like a good idea. I have written about this issue before. I handled House Joint Resolution 86 in the Missouri Senate earlier this year. The proposal asked Missourians to vote on a ballot measure that would limit the creation of laws that keep folks from being able to raise animals. The resolution did not make it through the Senate.

The concern has been over puppy mills. For starters, there is no such legal term as "puppy mill." This is a term that was invented by animal rights activists to define all dog breeders. There are standards animal breeders are asked to keep. Those that do not maintain these standards are breaking the law. So, for folks to claim HJR 86 was useless because it would have done nothing to stop puppy mills were missing the point, which is that illegal dog breeding operations are already against the law. We need more enforcement.

I am watching this issue very closely. A lot of out-of-state money is coming in to get Proposition B passed. I am hopeful these efforts prove fruitless. Otherwise, a lot of folks will suffer from unnecessary laws that will do nothing more than harm their way of life.

Nance: Route D Bridge over Crooked River Being Replaced with Safe & Sound

RAY COUNTY, MO. - The Missouri Department of Transportation continues to replace or rehabilitate bridges in Ray County and across the Kansas City District as part of the Safe & Sound Bridge Improvement Program. Crews will close Route D at Crooked River to replace the 56 year old bridge on Monday, September 27 through November 19, weather permitting.

Once crews close the Route D Bridge, the more than 1096 motorists using this bridge daily will need to seek an alternate Route. A detour will be in place during the road closure. Motorists can head north from Lawson on Route 69 to Route 116, east to Polo and south on Route 13 to reach Route D.

Currently, the Route K Bridge over Crooked River is closed and expected to open by October 16, and the Route T over Rollins Creek is closed and expected to open by October 20. All work is weather permitting. Crews recently completed the Route A Bridge over Crabapple Creek near Hardin, opening that bridge on schedule.  The remaining bridges to be done this year include the Route B at Cottonwood Creek and the Route E at Mud Creek, both closing this fall.

In the last 18 months, 224 bridges across the state have been repaired or replaced, with a new bridge being opened every two-and-a-half days.  When completed at the end of 2013, the Safe & Sound program will replace or improve 802 of the state's worst bridges, most of which are located on rural routes.  In the Kansas City area, MoDOT will replace or repair 145 bridges - 22 in Ray County to be complete within the next three years.

For further information about other projects, please visit MoDOT's Facebook page at www.facebook.com/modot.kansascity, Twitter site at www.twitter.com/modot_kc, or web site at www.modot.mo.gov/kansascity. You can also contact MoDOT 24 hours-a-day at 888-ASK-MODOT to find out information or report road concerns.

Carter: Waiting for 'Superman'

We're inviting you and a guest to a private screening of Waiting for "Superman," a documentary by St. Louis native, Davis Guggenheim, whose father, Charles was a former director for KETC-St. Louis, one of the country's first public television stations.

We are not using this as an opportunity as a virtual spit in the face of our public education system.  Nor are we saying that charter schools and models such as the Harlem Children's Zone are the silver bullet to fix our current system.  Children in failing schools have a faces and a names, and this movie sheds light on a few families in our current crisis.

America used to have the best education system in the world, now we're 20 out of 28 developed countries.  We didn't get here overnight and we can't make the necessary changes overnight either, but maybe this film will spark some revolutionary ideas that will guide us down a path of good policy that will help all of our educators and children succeed.

We sincerely hope that you and a guest will strongly consider joining us on Saturday, October 9, 2010 at 9:00 am at the Landmark Plaza Frontenac Theater for a private screening.  A limited number of seats are available so please send your RSVP to chriscarter2008{at}gmail{dot}com no later than October 1, 2010.