This session I've been appointed to serve on the following committees: Small Business, Children & Families, Elections, Ethics, the new Special Standing Committee on Election Contests and the House Democratic Campaign Committe. In addition, I was elected the second day of session to chair the revitalized House Progressive Caucus, our largest caucus.
The number of House Democrats have decreased to 57 members and gives us just 3 votes to prevent a governor veto override of any potential bill. We may be smaller in numbers but I can assure you that we will are fully engaged, responsible and dedicated to standing up for our values.
Some constituents have written asking why we're not working on specific issues - such as healthcare, education, job creation, etc. I remind you that being in the extreme minority, we have little influence over what bills are heard in committees or brought up on the floor. Most often, we are in the position of defense, trying to add amendments to improve bills, speaking up and making sure that you and the media are aware of what bills are advancing. Believe me - we DO care about the same things you do!
If you are in Jefferson City from now until May 13th, please stop by my office on the 1st floor of the Capitol to say hello. I always enjoy meeting and visiting with constituents, supporters and friendly faces. I will be back in my district on Fridays when we are not in session. As always, please feel free to contact me anytime by email, phone or mail with your concerns.
Stacey
HOUSE PASSES SMALL BUSINESS JOBS BILL
This past Thursday the House debated and passed HCS HB45 by a vote of 136-21. This bill would allow small businesses with less than 50 employees a state income tax deduction for each new fulltime job created. Yes, it's not perfect by any means but it's a start in creating new jobs and putting Missourians back to work.
I supported the bill and spoke on the floor as the Ranking Minority member of the Small Business Committee which heard the bill the week prior.
Listen to my support of the legislation here. [Ed. note: dead link not included]
MY LEGISLATION TO DATE...
On behalf of the Missouri Secretary of State's office, I was asked to sponsor HB245 which would allow voters to cast votes in advance. This early voting bill is also sponsored by State Sen. Robin Wright-Jones (STL-D) as a Senate bill and continues the conversation to allow voters the convenience and access to utilize their right to vote, as many other states have improved.
The bill needs to be assigned to a committee for a public hearing so please stay tuned for further action.
GOV. NIXON STRESSES JOB CREATION AND BUDGET CUTS IN STATE OF THE STATE ADDDRESS
Missouri’s recent and future efforts to create jobs and the need for continued funding cuts to state government dominated Gov. Jay Nixon’s 2010 State of the State address before a joint session of the General Assembly on Wednesday, Jan. 19.
Nixon also proposed a $23.09 billion state operating budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1 that would cut state spending by about $700 million and eliminate another 863 state jobs in addition to thousands that have already been cut in recent years.
The governor’s budget on paper would reduce basic state funding for local school districts by about $112 million for the 2012 fiscal year. However, the governor proposes allocating $189 million in one-time federal education funding that must be appropriated to schools during FY 2011 and asking local districts to save $112 million of that money for next year in order to keep actual FY 2012 education spending flat.
In the official Republican response to Nixon’s address, Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder delivered an angry denunciation of Nixon with only vague and fleeting references to the budget and policy agenda of Republicans, who control both chambers of the General Assembly.
FOLLOW THE LEGISLATURE ONLINE
House Democrats being sworn in on January 5th - I am in the center with my seatmate from Kansas City, Rep. Jean Peters-Baker.
We normally go into session each Monday at 4pm and Tuesday through Thursday at 10am - until May 13th. You may listen to live debate then at http://www.house.mo.gov/
In addition, you can track legislation, read the daily journal and get to know House members through their individual pages on the same website.
You may also follow my committee work and progress of bills that I sponsor and co-sponsor on my house website.
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