Prefiled Measures for 2011 Legislative Session
For the 2011 legislative session, I have prefiled several bills that, if passed, will benefit the state of Missouri.
Senate Bill 24 would increase the fine for seat belt violations from $10 to $50. Evidence shows that higher fines are associated with higher seat belt usage. In fact, surveys in 1998 and 1999 found that seat belt usage increased an average of 6 percent in states that had fines of $30 or more. In Missouri, studies show that only 77.2 percent of motorists wear seat belts. This percentage of people not wearing seat belts accounted for 425 traffic-related deaths in 2009 from people not buckled up. Safety is a top priority for me, which is why I support the passage of this bill.
Another measure I have prefiled, Senate Bill 23, is similar to a bill I filed last year. This bill would allow the City of St. Louis to have control of its own police force, with no state intervention. The bill will not alter the current police pension system for members of the St. Louis Police Department, which will continue to be governed by state statute. The move to local control will not affect any officer benefits or residency requirements, and would allow for collective bargaining of uniformed officers. The citizens of St. Louis clearly support returning control of our police department to the local level. On Nov. 2, 2010, 69 percent of St. Louis voters approved Proposition L, the measure that asked voters if they want authority over the police department to return to local control. I think those results send a strong message to Missouri lawmakers that City of St. Louis residents want the local charter to be enacted.
To follow the status of measures throughout the legislative session, visit the Missouri Senate website at www.senate.mo.gov.
Returned Refund Checks from the Missouri Department of Revenue
In the hustle and bustle of moving, many forget to send their updated addresses to the Missouri Department of Revenue (DOR). This results in more than 10,000 income tax refunds that are returned back to the Department of Revenue. If you have moved and would like to update your address, please see the "address change request" page under the "returned refund checks" link on the DOR website at www.dor.mo.gov. If you have not received your check and would like to see if it was returned to the department, visit the "returned refund checks" page. If your name is on the list, please e-mail the department or call (573) 751-3505 to notify them of your check status.
"Rebooting Government" in Missouri
With the First Regular Session of the 96th General Assembly approaching on Jan. 5, I am eager to get measures passed that will improve the quality of life in Missouri. Your well-being is my priority, and I work dutifully throughout the year to initiate measures that will benefit our great state.
The Legislature would also like to hear from you. After all, it is your voice that matters the most. Last year, the Missouri Senate began the "Rebooting Government" program, which allows Missourians to submit their ideas online about how we can better our state government. We plan to continue "rebooting government," and we would like to hear your thoughts and concerns regarding how we can make Missouri a better place to live. To submit your views about how we can better your government, visit www.senate.mo.gov and click on the “Rebooting Government” link.
Missouri Rapid Response Program
During the recession that our country has experienced and is still dealing with, downsizing companies and cutting jobs have been unfortunate symptoms. As of November 2010, the rate of unemployment in the United States was 9.8 percent, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This percentage is equivalent to 15.1 million people.
To help ease the stress of unemployed Missourians, the Missouri Rapid Response Program, offered through the Missouri Department of Economic Development, is available to provide assistance, with a mission to, “provide employers and employees who are affected by business closing or layoffs with information and assistance to help alleviate the unemployment and economic distress that results from these unemployment actions.”
When Rapid Response receives confirmation of a layoff at a company, a dispatched coordinator from the program conducts a meeting with the company and plans outplacement services for employees losing their jobs. The unemployed men and women are then able to attend meetings, where the following services are provided:
- Information about new employment opportunities
- Resume workshops
- Career counseling
- Job training for a new career
- Unemployment insurance options
2011 Community Services Directory
A priority of mine is to make sure all St. Louis citizens have access to and are aware of local services available. Therefore, my office is providing a community services directory for 2011 with contact information for St. Louis establishments. The directory contains content information for programs offering:
- Educational opportunities
- Emotional support groups
- Emergency organizations for those abused or stressed
- Employment offices
- Housing establishments
- And much more!
Missouri AIDS Taskforce
One of the biggest health issues the world is facing is the epidemic of HIV/AIDS (Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). According to the Global Health Council, nearly 25 million people have died from AIDS in the last 27 years. Members of the Missouri AIDS Taskforce, whose mission is to provide a voice for Missouri citizens living with HIV/AIDS and to, “…shape public policy to increase access to care, supportive services, education and prevention through a coalition of AIDS service providers and advocates,” are raising awareness in their community by hosting events to promote knowledge regarding HIV/AIDS.
Findings by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services show that in 2009, almost 5,000 people in the city of St. Louis and in the county were infected with HIV.
The Missouri AIDS Taskforce is a branch of DOORWAYS, an interfaith organization which provides housing and assistance to people living with HIV/AIDS. DOORWAYS has many housing options and currently serves 570 adults and 300 children each month. To find out more about the Missouri AIDS Taskforce, visit www.moaidstaskforce.org, and to learn more about DOORWAYS, visit www.doorwayshousing.org or call (314) 535-1919.
How to Stay Safe on Wintery Roads
Winter is officially here, and with the chilly season often comes dangerous conditions in our state. Here are some tips for driving in snowy and icy circumstances, provided by the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT):
Before the Trip
- Prepare your car with fresh antifreeze, a good battery, a properly operating exhaust system, and oil that will withstand the rigors of cold weather.
- If possible, avoid driving until the roads are safe and passable.
- Inspect your tires, brakes, windshield wipers, and windshield wiper fluid before you get on the roadways.
During the Trip
- Always wear your seat belt.
- Adjust your speed to suit driving conditions.
- Give snowplows plenty of room, and don't pass them.
- Driving is most dangerous when temperatures are near 32 degrees.
- Watch for other vehicles having problems with road conditions.
- Keep mirrors, windows and lights clean; keep your lights on.
- Don't pass other vehicles on or near bridges.
- Keep your fuel tank at least half full.
- If you don't feel comfortable driving, park at the first safe place.
If You're Trapped in Your Car
- Stay in the vehicle. Don't leave to search for help. It's easy to become disoriented and lost in blowing and drifting snow.
- Display a trouble sign. Hang a brightly colored cloth on the antenna.
- Run the engine for about 10 minutes each hour. Run the heater and turn on the dome light only when the vehicle is running.
- Keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow, and open a window slightly for ventilation.
- Clap hands and move your arms and legs occasionally. Don't stay in one position for too long.
- If more than one person is in the car, take turns sleeping.
- Huddle together for warmth.
- Use newspapers, maps, and even car mats for added insulation.
"Yes You CAN Make Missouri Litter Free" Trash Can Decorating Contest
At right: The first-grade class of Potosi Elementary School were the winners of the 2010 "Yes You CAN Make Missouri Litter Free" Trash Can Decorating Contest. (Photo courtesy of the MDC "No MOre Trash!" campaign.)An important tool in keeping a litter-free society is to educate children to throw waste away properly, and Missouri schools are teaching young students that maintaining a tidy community is important and can be fun.
Litter in Missouri is becoming increasingly problematic. Joe Jerek, coordinator of the Missouri Department of Conservation's (MDC) “No MOre Trash!” campaign, said that MoDOT spends more than $5 million a year removing litter from highways and streets. In addition, the MDC spends $1 million each year to remove litter from conservation areas. This is very saddening, as this litter is sometimes responsible for killing Missouri wildlife.
As part of the 2011 “Yes You CAN Make Missouri Litter Free” campaign, Missouri elementary, middle, and home-school students are invited to participate in the “Yes You CAN Make Missouri Litter Free” Trash Can Decorating Contest. The contest has no entry fee and is sponsored by the MDC and MoDOT as part of Missouri’s “No MOre Trash!” campaign.
Students are encouraged to decorate the trash cans and display the “No MOre Trash!” logo, as well as their own personal message encouraging others to protect the environment and discourage littering. Entries must be placed by March 1. Admissions earning first place will receive a $100 prize and are eligible for the ultimate reward of $500 and a trophy. For more information about the contest, visit www.nomoretrash.org or call (573) 522-4115.
"Thank You" For Your Generous Cards
At left: I had the privilege of visiting Wilkinson Early Childhood Center this past year.One of the most satisfying duties of my job as a legislator is improving the well-being of children in Missouri. Education is one of my top priorities, and it makes me happy to know children are receiving the opportunities they deserve.
It also brings me great joy to receive cards and letters from students, and I would like to thank Wilkinson Early Childhood Center for the creative and thoughtful cards they sent me. I really appreciate your kind words, and I was glad to have met you. I would also like to send my gratitude to St. Raphael School for sending me the delightful thank you card. I'm glad to have met your faculty and students, and I was very pleased to hear from you.
It is my pleasure to visit schools and meet with students in the 4th Senatorial District. If you would like me to visit your school or place of business, please contact my office.
Happy New Year 2011
I would like to wish a very happy new year to my fellow legislators and to all whom I represent in the 4th Senatorial District. It is an honor to serve you and I hope your holiday season was filled with joy. I am looking forward to representing you during the 2011 legislative session, and I encourage you to call my office or e-mail me if you have any questions or concerns. Thank you again for this privilege and may 2011 be a year of happiness for you.
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