Schupp: Missouri Veterans History Project Kick Off

New Missouri Veterans History Project Preserves Oral Histories and Unites Generations
State Rep Spearheads Program after Budget Cuts in Veterans Videos Funding

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - With an idea, a connection and a heartfelt desire to preserve history and honor our veterans, state Rep. Jill Schupp, D-Creve Coeur, is the driving force behind the new Missouri Veterans Video project, set to unveil this Veterans Day at the University of Missouri in Columbia.

Cutting a program's state funding and then finding alternative means to fund it is not the usual way things get done in Jefferson City. Aware that hundreds of thousands of dollars in the state budget earmarked for veterans' videos had to go, and knowing that the University of Missouri, just a half hour away from Jefferson City in Columbia boasts one of the nation's finest schools of journalism, Schupp focused on finding a way for the university and veterans to work together to keep the project alive and bring it to fruition.

With the support of University of Missouri governmental relations liaison, Marty Oetting, and through the collaboration of individuals with higher education institutions, veterans organizations, the Missouri Historical Society and experts in transcription, the new Missouri Veterans History Project will be unveiled on Veterans Day, Thursday, Nov. 11. Part of the 2010 Veterans Day Observance hosted by the University of Missouri Veterans Center, the event will feature samplings from the videos of veterans' oral histories recorded to date.

"Cutting state dollars used to record veterans' oral histories was fiscally responsible, and finding creative and collaborative ways to continue to record and preserve histories is socially and historically responsible," says Schupp, who formed the Missouri Veterans History Project in May 2010 and serves as chairperson. "I saw this as an opportunity to connect veterans and students, honoring and respecting the work of each as they record and preserve veterans' oral histories to be shared with the public for generations to come."

Through the efforts of the committee members, participating organizations and volunteers, and in accordance with the rules of the Library of Congress, video interviews of 10 World War II veterans have already been produced. The project's long-term plans focus on sustainability, including adaptation for course credit in university curriculum, and broadening the program to include schools throughout the state. While the current focus is on Missouri's oldest veterans, the scope will expand to include all interested veterans, including those just returning from service.

"What has impressed me the most is how passionate and eager people and organizations are to get involved," Schupp said. "While we have certainly reached out for help, the number of amazing individuals who continue to find their way to us, willing to share their vast knowledge and resources, is truly gratifying."

The program's kick-off event on Nov. 11 is designed to highlight the pilot program started in Columbia.

"We are asking the press to help us get the word out about the program so that we can find additional volunteers to train for filming and interviewing, as well as veterans who are ready to share their stories," Schupp said. "We look forward to a more expansive commemoration next year since we are developing plans to roll out the program across Missouri. We expect Veterans Day 2011 --11/11/11 -- to be particularly poignant as we salute our veterans and thank the volunteers who will help create history."

The Missouri Veterans History Project is in the process of applying for its 501(c)(3) status. It is comprised of individuals representing the American Legion, Central Missouri Honor Flight, Columbia Veterans Administration Hospital, University of Missouri, Columbia College, Western Historical Manuscripts Collection, State Historical Society, Department of Public Safety, Missouri Veterans Commission, and the Missouri House of Representatives.

The Missouri Veterans History Project reception is free and open to the public. The event will be hosted by University of Missouri Chancellor Brady Deaton and will take place in the University's Memorial Union at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 11.

For more information on the Missouri Veterans History Project, please call Representative Jill Schupp's office at (573) 751-9762.

Goodman Continues Senate Leadership Position

Leadership Positions for 96^th General Assembly Selected Today

JEFFERSON CITY – State Sen. Jack Goodman, R-Mt. Vernon, was selected today by his peers to continue his work as the Assistant Majority Floor Leader of the Missouri Senate.

Senator Goodman was re-elected to his position in a party caucus held at the Capitol today (11/4/10). He served in this position during the 95^th General Assembly, in which he was responsible for gathering the votes on major issues, as well as resuming responsibility of the majority floor leader in his absence.  Both majority and minority parties met today to elect leadership positions for the upcoming session.

"I want to thank my colleagues for continuing to have such faith in me and elect me to serve again in this position," said Sen. Goodman. "I will continue working to reflect and promote southwest Missouri values in the Missouri Senate." Sen. Goodman also serves as chair of the General Laws Committee, vice-chair of the Judiciary and Civil and Criminal Jurisprudence Committee as well as on several other legislative committees.

Also elected to Senate Majority Caucus leadership positions:

• Sen. Rob Mayer, R-Dexter, nominated as President Pro Tem
• Sen. Tom Dempsey, R-St. Charles, Majority Floor Leader
• Sen. Bill Stouffer, R-Napton, Majority Caucus Chair
• Sen. Eric Schmitt, R-Glendale, Majority Caucus Secretary
• Sen.-elect Mike Parson, R-Bolívar, Majority Caucus Whip

The First Regular Session of the 96th General Assembly will convene in Jefferson City on Jan. 5, 2011.

Rupp: The Voter Results are In

The November 2010 election is over and we have new leadership and laws to lead us in to 2011. I would first like to say thank you to all of our voters. One person's vote can truly make a difference, and I appreciate all of you who took the time out of your busy day to exercise your American right. I would also like to thank my fellow Missourians for allowing me to continue to serve you. I am very grateful and look forward to my upcoming term in the Senate.

According to the Missouri Secretary of State's office, our statewide voter turnout was 46.8 percent and many counties had a turnout above 50 percent. In the 2^nd Senatorial District, there was a 51.2 percent turnout in St. Charles County, and a 46.9 percent turnout in Lincoln County.

Among the issues voters had to decide were Proposition A, which was approved by a large 68.4 percent of voters. This amends Missouri law to repeal the authority of certain cities to use earnings taxes to fund their budgets.  The amendment further requires voters in cities that currently have an earnings tax, St. Louis and Kansas City, to approve continuation of such tax at the next general municipal election and at an election held every five years or to phase out the tax over a period of ten years. This measure will impact taxes by removing the ability of cities to fund their budgets through earnings taxes.  The only exception is that voters in cities that currently have an earnings tax may vote to continue such taxes.

Proposition B, which was approved by 51.6 percent of voters, amends 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; and 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 election also brought Republican legislators across our nation and state to a high majority. In the Missouri House of Representatives, Republicans will hold 106 seats and Democrats will hold 57 seats. In the Missouri Senate, we will have 26 Republicans in service, the most our great state has ever had. I would like to welcome Reps. Brian Munzlinger, R-Williamstown; Brian Nieves, R-Union; Rob Schaaf, R-St. Joseph; Dan Brown, R-Rolla; Jay Wasson, R-Nixa; Ron Richard, R-Joplin; Mike Parson, R-Bolivar; and Bob Dixon, R-Springfield; and Mike Kehoe; R-Jefferson City, to the Senate. I look forward to serving with all the new and returning members in the upcoming legislative session.

For more information about the election results, visit www.sos.mo.gov.

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.

Joe Smith: Thank You District 14 and Good Luck to Kathie Conway!

Serving the people of my district and of this great state as a Representative was truly a great experience. I will always cherish and appreciate the people of Missouri House District 14 for sending me to the State Capitol to serve them for the last 8 years.  I look forward watching my replacement Kathie Conway as she represents the people of Missouri House District 14.  I am confident in her abilities to represent you and your values in Jefferson City.

God Bless everyone for this opportunity.  May God watch over Representative Kathie Conway as she represents the great People of Missouri!

Davis: Tuesday's Election

Paws and Relax Pet Spa, owners Jessica and Matthew Uzzetta (to my left), offers stress-free, cage-free play time and a large private fenced yard among other services. The recent ribbon cutting was held at their 1330 Sunburst Drive location in O'Fallon.

What Happened Tuesday?

Last Tuesday appears to have been a surprise to everyone.  The Missouri House has never had 106 Republican members since its inception.  It takes 109 votes to override a veto, so the majority is positively remarkable.  Additionally, this election produced a historic record of 41 women for the Missouri legislature. The previous high was 40 in 1999. For most of the eight years I served, there were eight other women Republican House Members.  Yesterday, I counted 17 women Republican House Members.

Having attended many women legislators meetings, it is common to hear speakers say, "If only we had more women in the legislature."  I wish they knew how sexist that sounds.  One can no more judge the benefit of a woman legislator by her gender, than by her hair or skin color.  We don't need more women; we need more principled legislators who are educated about our constitutional rights, the purpose of government and the importance of traditional marriage as the bedrock for every community and civilization.

Several of my constituents asked me about the judges.  Until yesterday, it was hard to have any hope for correcting the judicial branch of government because even though you see plenty of judges on the ballot, it is nearly unheard of for a judge to lose a retention vote. The judges don't campaign like other candidates do because they don't want voters to speculate on whether they are prejudiced about upcoming cases. Therefore, we are relegated to voting for people who appear to be "nice", rather than scrutinizing over whether they have a deep understanding of our laws, constitutions and the scope and purpose of the judicial branch of government.

When three activist judges in Iowa tried to legislate from the bench, they lost their seats last Tuesday.  The message is clear:  If judges want to act like legislators, they will lose their elections like legislators.  We should all be encouraged to know that even though it is very difficult, it is possible. Here is a link to two news stories about how voters took action to correct the problem of the renegade judges in Iowa: Iowa State Daily and New York Times.

In other good news, the voters of District 19 elected a very qualified replacement for me. I will be introducing you to Kurt Bahr in future Capitol Reports.

Dialoging with you is good, so please let me know what you think about Tuesday's election. You can send me your opinion by clicking here: Cynthia Davis

A Little Bit of Humor

A man walked into a bar with a shotgun in one hand and pulling a bull with the other. He ordered a drink, downed it, turned around and shot the bull -blowing his guts all over the place- then left. The next day, he came in again with the shotgun and another bull. He ordered a drink, downed it, turned around, and shot the bull, blowing his guts all over the place. While walking out the bartender grabbed him and asked, "What are you doing"? The man replied. "I'm practicing to be a politician. I come in here, party with a few drinks, shoot the bull and leave the mess for someone else to clean up!"

Goodman Announces 2nd Annual "Season of Hope"

Mt Vernon, MO – Senator Jack Goodman (R-29) today announced the kick off of the 2^nd Annual Season of Hope Food Drive. He hopes to again coordinate a food drive in the 29^th Senate district designed to help provide families in need with all the groceries needed to prepare a traditional Christmas dinner.

The idea of helping to host a food drive originated during a meeting Senator Goodman attended in Branson in 2009. During that meeting a constituent pointed out the need and asked Goodman if he would be interested in helping in a food drive.  This challenge motivated Goodman to try and do something during the Christmas Season to help address hunger in his Senate district.

"Not only as a public servant, but as a Christian and a neighbor, I feel called to try and meet this need," Goodman said. He added, "The government is not the solution to every problem and I am grateful to the neighbors throughout the 29^th District who have joined with me in addressing this need in our communities."

By most standards, last year's food drive was a success. To help facilitate the collection of donated food items, 42 food donation boxes were placed at businesses, chambers of commerce, and courthouses around the 29th Senatorial District. In addition, the effort partnered with a number of hunger-relief organizations throughout the 29th Senate District that helped to collect groceries, identify families in need of assistance, and coordinate distribution days. As part of Season of Hope, every family received either ½ of a turkey, a whole chicken or a 6lb bag of chicken filets, a box of stuffing, a 15 lb bag of potatoes or boxed mashed potatoes, canned sweet potatoes, canned vegetables, boxed macaroni and cheese, and a variety of other groceries. Overall the effort provided Christmas meals to approximately 2,000 people in the 29th Senate District. Total food donations or food purchased with donations was in excess of 17,000 lbs.

"The success of last year's Season of Hope Food Drive was the result of great collaboration and I look forward to our team helping even more of our neighbors this year," Goodman commented.

Last year, Season of Hope benefitted from the guidance and work of a dynamic steering committee composed of community leaders in every county of the 29th Senate district. Senator Goodman is pleased to announce that Branson Mayor Raeanne Presley has again agreed to Chair the steering committee assembled to help coordinate this year's activities.

"It's far too common for hunger to go unaddressed because it simply goes unnoticed. I was pleased when Senator Goodman took this project on last year, and excited that he asked me to help coordinate the effort as Chairperson " said Mayor Presley. "Last year Season of Hope was very successful, and we are already working hard to make sure this year's food drive can help meet needs across the 29th Senate District"

Goodman hopes to have Season of Hope fully organized within the next couple of weeks. Like last year, Season of Hope will distribute food at multiple drop points throughout the district about one week before Christmas. Those interested in donating, volunteering, or receiving assistance should contact Senator Goodman's Office at (573) 751-2234 or (417) 466-7937.

Rep. Tim Jones Elected Incoming House Majority Floor Leader

JEFFERSON CITY, MO – On the day following an historic election that swept through the Nation and the State of Missouri that saw House Republicans pick up a record 17 seats to establish a record GOP 106-seat majority, Rep. Tim Jones (R-Eureka), was unanimously elected by his caucus to serve as the incoming House Majority Floor Leader beginning in the January 2011 Legislative Session. Jones, who was first elected in 2006, will succeed Rep. Steven Tilley (R-Perryville), who is ascending to serve as Speaker of the House.

"I am humbled and honored that my colleagues have chosen me to serve in this position that comprises such a pivotal role in moving legislation through the process. The people of Missouri have spoken: they agree with and approve of the job House Republicans have done over the past eight years and their support has carried us to an historic Republican majority. Now we must use that mandate to build on our legislative successes and continue our efforts to make Missouri an even better place to live, raise a family and do business," said Jones.

Jones continued, "The message the people sent during this election is represented by the undeniable fact that not a single House Republican was defeated while Republicans defeated ten incumbent Democrats and took back seven open, formerly Democrat held seats.  Americans and Missourians want their leaders to lead through common sense conservative governance of limited government, decreased taxation and regulation while defending the Constitution and our personal freedoms.  House Republicans continue to hear that message loud and clear."

Regarded as the second most powerful position in the Missouri House of Representatives, the Majority Floor Leader sets the legislative calendar and determines which legislation makes it to the floor for debate and when. No vote on any bill is taken without the consent of the Floor Leader.

"As excited as I am to serve in a leadership role for the 96^th General Assembly, I am even more excited by what it will mean for the constituents I serve both in the 89^th district and across our great State.  It is the people, through their elected Representatives from across the entire State, who have placed their trust in me to represent their interests in the General Assembly." said Jones.

Jones will begin his service as Majority Floor Leader when the 96^th General Assembly convenes January 5, 2011.

Joe Smith: MoDOT to close Woodsteam Drive at Centre Pointe Drive on Monday

ST. LOUIS – The Missouri Department of Transportation and its contractor, Fred Weber Inc., will close Woodstream Drive at Center Pointe Drive (the Route 364 north outer road) before morning rush on Monday, November 8, 2010.

The intersection is scheduled to remain closed until mid-December.

Crews will be reconstructing the closed section of Woodstream to connect to the new north outer road.  Drivers on Woodstream will not be able to access the outer road, or Route 94 at Harvest, until this work is complete.

Residents on Woodstream can take McClay to Jungerman to access Route 364/Route 94 or take McClay to St. Peters Howell to Central School Road to access Route 94 during this closure.

This is part of a $44 million project to extend Route 364 from east of Jungermann Road to west of Central School Road in St. Charles County. Crews will also construct outer roads build Route 364 over Woodstone and Jungermann Roads and construct a bridge to carry Central School Road traffic over the new route. There are additional projects to extend Route 364 all the way to Mid Rivers Mall Drive. The project is scheduled to be complete in 2012.

Keaveny: Urban League Promotes Economic Development, Women's Safe House, Eads Bridge Project

Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis - Promoting Economic Empowerment

Urban League has worked to better the St. Louis community for more than 90 years.

Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis was created to empower African Americans and others throughout the St. Louis area to secure economic self-reliance, social equality, and civil rights. Through advocacy, coalition building, program services, and promoting communication and understanding among different races and cultures, the organization continues to serve as a catalyst for change.

I am proud to support this organization that continues to provide African Americans and others in the St. Louis region with the chance to create economically self-sufficient lives within our community that have boundless growth and opportunity. Several programs have been designed by the Urban League to address issues facing citizens in our area, including:

• Economic empowerment
• Education quality and equality
• Meeting families' basic needs
• Civic engagement and social justice

To learn more about these and other priorities found within the organization, please contact their communications office at (314) 615-3600 or visit www.ulstl.org.

Providing Shelter and Hope for St. Louis Women

In the St. Louis area, more than 20,000 children are affected by domestic violence, more than 3,600 women and children are turned away each year at shelters because they are at capacity, and 27 percent of residents in homeless shelters statewide are victims of domestic violence.

Fortunately, there's an organization in the St. Louis area designed to provide victims of domestic violence with the shelter and hope they need to help women make a better future for themselves and their families. The Women's Safe House (TWSH), founded in 1977, was the first domestic violence shelter established in our area. Now, since moving to a larger facility in 1999, this organization has provided more than 150,000 worry-free nights at no cost for nearly 6,000 abused women and children.

Attorney General Chris Koster recently proposed efforts to revise Missouri's domestic violence laws. These revisions will include input from shelter professionals and women's advocates from across Missouri.

Domestic violence should not be taken lightly. If you or someone you know is a victim of this terrible crime, please contact TWSH's crisis hotline at (314) 772-4535. This line is staffed 24-hours a day with compassionate and caring individuals who want to assist those who are seeking help.

You can also learn more about TWSH's services, including:

• Residential and children's programs
• Outreach and aftercare
• Community education
• Volunteer opportunities

For more information about how to participate in the organization's volunteer program, visit www.twsh.org.

100 Recovery Act Projects Changing America — St. Louis's Historic Eads Bridge

The Eads Bridge, built in 1874, is a registered National Historic Landmark that spans the Mississippi River between Missouri and Illinois.

Thanks to the Federal Recovery Act that was passed in 2009, projects are underway to put American citizens back to work and build the economy back up for both the present and the future. The Recovery Act has taken on thousands of new projects, from restoring historic landmarks and expanding highways, to investing in clean energy. An estimated three million people are now back to work because of the Recovery Act, and citizens are taking more pride in their renovated communities. One such project established in our great city is the restoration of the historic Eads Bridge.

With construction beginning in the spring of 2011, the $25 million restoration of this landmark will bring an estimated 875 construction-related jobs over the two-year projected production, which will greatly benefit out-of-work Missouri citizens.

Once the restoration is finished, the bridge will be in excellent standing for decades to come, and St. Louis will be even grander than before.  For more information on this and other projects in Missouri, please visit www.transform.mo.gov.

Roosevelt and Gateway Schools Receive Smaller Learning Communities Grant

I am proud to say that two of our district's largest schools, Roosevelt and Gateway High Schools, will share a five-year grant amounting to almost $4 million. The grant will achieve the establishment of Smaller Learning Communities within the two schools.

This grant will benefit both students and teachers, allowing students to receive supplementary tutoring and learn in a smaller, hands-on environment, and teachers will be granted more common planning time. More specifically, the grant will support the high schools' College Resource Centers and will provide more help for students who are struggling with reading and math.

The grant has been provided by the U.S. Department of Education's Smaller Learning Communities program, whose mission is to advance the academic achievement of pupils and to help prepare them for success in postsecondary instruction.

For more information on St. Louis Public Schools, please visit www.slps.org or call (314) 231-3720.

The I Am Foundation Football Challenge

Football players' good grades and hard work provided their high schools with new grants to purchase equipment.

The St. Louis Ram's safety Oshiomogho Atogwe presented a challenge encouraging a number of area high school football players to get studying. The challenge provided financial grants from Atogwe's I Am Foundation, and the grants were given to two schools based on the football players' grade point averages. Another grant was awarded to a high school based on the players' grade-point-average improvement.

Three high school principals, two of whom represent the St. Louis Public School District, happily accepted their grants on behalf of their studious football players on Aug. 23 at the Russell Training Center.

The Oshiomogho Atogwe I Am Foundationwas founded to support education of children in need. The grants awarded for the challenge were to be used for non-salary associated costs, including the purchase of football equipment.

Congratulations to our hard-working football players — keep up the great work!

For more information on the Oshiomogho Atogwe I Am Foundation, please call (314) 291-1880 or visit www.ifsh.org.

SciFest at the St. Louis Science Center

SciFest, the St. Louis Science Center's International Science Festival, was held Oct. 12 ­– 17, entertaining and educating thousands. The event hosted nearly 100 activities, from film festivals in the OMNIMAX Theater, family fun nights and musical performances by the Strings of Arda of the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra.

Several of the most popular activities were designed for the enjoyment of young students. A few of those activities included topics on agriculture, states of matter, and astronomy.

I recently attended a forum held at the St. Louis Science Center to discuss the importance of educating our youth in the fields of science and technology in order to compete globally. To view the forum, visit www.scifeststl.org.

The St. Louis Science Center has many more upcoming events, including World Usability Day, Home School Days, HealthFest, and Family Med School Day.

Admission to the St. Louis Science Center is FREE. For more information about the St. Louis Science Center, please visit www.slsc.org or call (314) 289-4400.

Missouri Child Care and Early Education

Quality early education is a top priority for me. To ensure that students are adequately prepared for their education, I sponsored SB 969 during the 2010 legislative session, which requires children to attend kindergarten at age five.

I will focus on early childhood education for the 2011 legislative session by supporting quality early childhood education programs, funding options, and universal pre-Kindergarten.

Child Care Aware of Missouri (formerly Missouri Child Care Resource and Referral Network) strives to prepare children for early education. This organization ensures parents that their children are provided with excellent daycare.

Child Care Aware of Missouri provides data reports on:

• Child care supply and demand
• Community needs assessments
• Family and work consulting
• Funding for scholarships that help families pay for child care

With our children safe and well-educated, Missouri will have a bright future with brilliant leaders. To learn more regarding Child Care Aware of Missouri, visit www.mo.childcareaware.org or call 1-800-424-2246.

Capitol Dialogue Appearance: Missouri Fair Tax

The fair tax would replace all state income taxes with a single broad state consumption tax on retail sales.

Recently, two of my fellow lawmakers and I met to discuss the issue of fair tax and how it affects Missouri citizens. I don't believe the answer to creating more jobs in Missouri is changing our state to a right-to-work or a fair tax state. We have a delicate balance between Missouri's state sales tax and our state's income tax. To be totally dependant on one form of funding I think would be a big mistake.

To watch this 30-minute episode online, visit the Missouri Senate Newsroom website at www.senate.mo.gov/newsroom and click on the Capitol Dialogue link on the right hand side of the page.

Mississippi River Barge Trip

This past October, St. Louis Earth Day, a non-profit organization promoting the education of protecting our environment, hosted its 11th annual Earth Day Symposium, Planning for Clean Water and Healthy Communities.

Festivities started with a barge trip along the Mississippi River. Local leaders had the opportunity to discuss channel maintenance, levee and flood protection, river industry, environmental mitigation projects, and efforts to protect and improve natural habitats and the environment along the navigation route.

I would like to thank the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and St. Louis Earth Day workers and volunteers for all their dedication and hard work toward this symposium.

I was happy to write a letter of support for this organization so that they can continue protecting our natural resource.

Announcements

Voting

• Need to know where you're going to vote this November? Visit www.sos.mo.gov.

Tax Credits

• To see if your business or organization is eligible for a Department of Economic Development (DED) tax credit, loan, or grant, please visit www.missouridevelopment.org.
• Please e-mail to inquire about a written support letter for your organization. I am happy to support organizations that support our community.

Unclaimed Property

• Missourians can now sign up to be notified through e-mail whenever the state is holding unclaimed property in their names. Click here to enroll, or visit www.treasurer.mo.gov.

School and Organization Tours

• Please e-mail if you would like Sen. Keaveny to tour your school or facility to understand your needs.

Organization Announcements

• If you have an upcoming event in your ward, neighborhood or organization, or if you would like your organization featured in this publication, please e-mail or call my office at (573) 751-3599.

October Keaveny Connection Correction

• Each year, the Missouri Bar recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to legislation affecting the administration of justice and the integrity of the judiciary. Senator Keaveny, who proposed SB 920 to modify provisions of law relating to wills and trusts, was one of several lawmakers who received the Missouri Bar's legislative award

Holsman: Voter's Guide

Dear Friends

I can only imagine that you are ready to have this election over, but as messy as this campaign season has become, it's still the greatest - and most peaceful - electoral process in the world.  The time remaining until Super Tuesday can be counted in hours.  There are many issues on the ballot besides candiates.

As a service to my friends and constituents, I would like to provide this voter guide.  As always, all comments, questions, and suggestions are welcome. Thanks for the opportunity to serve you.

Jason Holsman

Women Veterans Stand-Down

At left: Rep. Holsman speaking at the Women Veterans Stand-Down

On October 23, the U.S. Department of Labor Women's Bureau hosted the first-of-it's-kind Women Veterans Stand-Down at Penn Valley Community College.  The Stand-Down was a mini-retreat for female veterans, intended to address issues that specifically impact the women veteran's community.  Two of the foremost problems impacting veterans - homelessness & gaining access to veterans benefits - were discussed at the event.

Congressman Emmanuel Cleaver, State Representative Jason Holsman and KC Councilman John Sharp, along with representatives from area organizations such as Connections to Success, the V.A., the Association of Female Lawyers, and the Missouri and Kansas Workforce Development Center were on hands to provide assistance and guidance as needed.


At right: Rep. Holsman & Congressman Cleaver with the organizing committee of the event

Holsman Speaks To Local Cub Scouts

Representative Jason Holsman recently addressed a local group of Cub Scouts at the Mid-Continent Library on Red Bridge Road.

Over the course of a thirty minute discussion with the group of scouts, Holsman talked about civic engagement and how to treat one another with kindness and charity.

In a time where children watch negative political advetizements on TV and the internet, Rep. Holsman stressed the value of solving conflict in a peaceful and civil manner.

Grandview Teacher Wins Award

At right: Rep. Holsman watches as a $25,000 check is presented to Anika Williams

Anika Williams, a fifth grade teacher at Grandview's Conn-West Elementary, was awarded a prestigious Milken Educator Award.  The award, given by the Milken Family Foundation and known as the "Oscar of Teaching" includes a $25,000 cash prize.  Williams received the award at a surprise ceremony on October 14th.  The presentation was made by Dr. Jane Foley of the Milken Family Foundation and was attended by Missouri Commissioner of Education Dr. Chris Nicastro, Congressman Emmanuel Cleaver, State Representative Jason Holsman, Grandview interim Mayor Steve Dennis, Superintendent Dr. Ralph Teran, and members of the Board of Education.

"Anika exhibits exemplary instructional skills," said Mary Moore, principal at Conn-West. "She motivates students to want to succeed."

Proposition A

Proposition A, if approved by Missouri voters on Nov. 2, would trigger local elections in April 2011 in Kansas City and St. Louis at which voters would determine whether to retain the local 1 percent earnings tax each city levies on those who live or work in those cities. If local voters endorse keeping their city's earnings tax, it would come up for renewal every five years. If local voters reject retaining the earnings tax, either in 2011 or at a subsequent renewal election, the tax would be phased out over 10 years and could never be re-imposed.

While overturning the E-Tax could save taxpayers money in the short run, the net effects would be devastating to the local economies of both Kansas City & St. Louis.  40% of Kansas City's general fund comes from the E-Tax.  Removing this funding stream would result in drastic cuts in services to Kansas City residents.  The city would be forced to lay off hundreds of firefighters, police officers, paramedics, administrative personnel, and public works employees.  Unemployment numbers would spike, competition for jobs would increase, and crime skyrocket.

MY SUGGESTION:
VOTE NO - Municipal taxing authority should reside with local control. If farmers in rural Missouri decide how Kansas City raises revenue then it will open the door for Kansas City residents to meddle in rural issues such as contained animal feeding operations. If Prop A passes then Kansas City's largest dedicated source of revenue will be uncertain every five years significantly harming our ability to bond projects. If the citizens of Kansas City or Saint Louis want to change their taxing structure they have the ability to do so without out of town special interests.

Proposition B

Proposition B, also known as the Puppy Mill Cruelty Prevention Act, would establish new regulations on large-scale dog breeding operations in Missouri and create criminal penalties for violations. It would require breeders to provide dogs under their care with adequate food, water, shelter, veterinary care, exercise and rest periods between breeding cycles and restrict operations to no more than 50 breeding dogs.

Proposition B is being supported by various animal welfare groups and is being opposed by Missouri's Dog Breeding Industry.

MY SUGGESTION:
VOTE YES - Missouri Department of Agriculture's "Operation Bark Alert" has shut down 340 illegal puppy mills in 2009. Prop B will make it easier to prosecute illegal breeders engaged in animal cruelty.

KC Question 1

(Police/Public Safety)

Shall the City of Kansas City continue to impose a sales tax authorized by Section 94.577 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri for a period of 15 years at a rate of 1/4% to be used for funding expenditures for police, emergency medical services and emergency management associated with promoting, providing, and administering public safety within Kansas City, including but not limited to acquiring, constructing, equipping, furnishing, and/or remodeling facilities and for purchasing and preparing motor vehicles and technology and for other capital improvements and capital equipment needs, to improve response to all hazards, including biological/chemical terrorism or events, which may include the retirement of debt under previously authorized bonded indebtedness or to repay bonds not yet issued?

MY SUGGESTION:
VOTE YES - Public safety is vital to city progress.

KC Question 3

(Redistricting)

Shall the Charter of Kansas City be amended to only require redistricting of Council districts every 10 years in the year of the release of official census figures?

MY SUGGESTION:
VOTE YES - The redistricting process should use the most accurate data available to determine boundaries.