Included in our top five goals is passing my “drug testing” bill for welfare applicants [HB73]. The welfare program referred to as TANF was established to help people as they train for jobs. People have 60 months of eligibility. There are very few (if any) entry level positions today that do not require a drug test. Taxpayers do not want their hard earned dollars being used to support a drug habit. This bill allows children to keep their welfare benefits but it will be issued to a third party. I am happy to say this bill was referred to committee the day after session opened. We can expect floor action very soon.
Our Speaker is very serious about wasting no time in addressing our states problems. As many of you already know, we have a House agenda called the “Show Me Solutions Initiative” that encompasses five (5) key areas: Job Creation, Taxes and Spending, Government Accountability, Education and Healthcare. We are already beginning to introduce legislation that highlight these areas.
Currently, I have been named Chairman of the Professional Licensing and Registration Committee. This committee is charged with protecting the public/consumer. One of the most pressing challenges we will address is investigating needed regulations and enforcement tools for the Board of Healing Arts.
I also continue to serve on the Job Creation and Economic Development Committee. In visiting with leaders of both Missouri’s largest and smallest
businesses this summer, I found the number one concern on everyone’s list was excessive and strangling regulations. We now have several legislative priorities to help businesses. I will keep you informed.
This session finds me continuing to serve on the Financial Institutions Committee. This committee oversees all state chartered banks and credit unions.
A new assignment for me this year is becoming a member of the newly created Corrections Committee. Many important ideas will be explored in this committee as we try to reduce the expenditures needed by our correctional facilities.
I urge all of you to share your ideas and concerns with me. It is you that I serve. And, it is to you that I am accountable. While government is not the only solution to our problems, we need to make sure that it is not going to make them worse.
On a personal note, I wanted to thank everyone who visited my office during this past session. It is always a pleasure to have friends, neighbors, and constituents visit.
 Representative Ellen Brandom, Allison Miles and Lauren Eby on the night of the 96th General Assembly Legislative Ball |  Representative Ellen Brandom and Holly Lintner of Jackson on the night of the 96th General Assembly Legislative Ball |  Representative Ellen Brandom and Allison Miles after the 96th General Assembly Inauguration Ceremony |
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