While we welcome in 2011, we also welcome the new 96th General Assembly which will be sworn in on January 5. With so many new members, tickets are scarce and the gallery will be full for the noon swearing-in ceremony. Of course,the evening Legislators' Ball is open to all, so please find me if you are attending at our beautiful State Capitol in Jefferson City! The new office is 102-B.
Just back from a family getaway, it was wonderful to be able to ring in the new year with my husband, children and their friends. As we move into 2011, I know my family has much to be thankful for. I am hopeful you and yours do, too.
During our layover in Atlanta on New Year's Day, we learned the news of the fierce reality of events beyond our control: the lives lost and damage done by tornados, including those in St. Louis. These events served as a reminder of the awesome responsibility we have to reach out to a neighbor and to help take care of each other, addressing those things we have the power to control.
So, as we head back for swearing in and the new legislative session beginning January 5, I will once again focus on supporting policies that help lift our neighbors up. Economic growth is dependent upon the expansion and creation of employment opportunities. It is up to us to provide an educational system that ensures that our Missouri students are prepared to compete globally. And we have an opportunity to bend the curve on escalating healthcare costs by developing a sound exchange program that allows all of us to continue to see our doctors, to access care regardless of pre existing conditions, and that emphasizes critical preventive care and screenings.
There is good work to be done as we step into 2011 and avail ourselves of the opportunities we have to work on behalf of the people of Missouri. I am hopeful we don't need another tornado to remind us of the importance of policies that support the lives of our families, neighbors and fellow Missourians.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve,
Truly,
jill
Mark, Jill, Brandon and Alex Wish You a Happy, Healthy New Year
Looking Forward
Legislature by the Numbers...the Back Story Looking ForwardThe November elections expanded the divide between the parties in both the Missouri House and Senate. Of the 163 member of the Missouri State House, 106 are now Republicans, and 57 are Democrats. (For a visual, think of the Missouri House Democrats as the Heinz 57 blend.) In the House, to override any Governor's Veto, 109 votes are needed.
Just three votes shy of any Veto override, some find it interesting that three Democratic members were appointed to chair committees, appointments usually reserved for the majority party members. Will these three Democratic Chairs vote with the Majority Party in the event of a strong partisan divide and a Governor's veto? I frankly do not know what promises were made, if any.
Two of our Democratic members, one of whom was appointed to one of the Committee Chair positions noted above, were also provided third floor offices. Again, these offices are generally distributed only among the majority party members. Whether these special assignments will be used to undermine the Governor's Veto power has yet to be seen. What is very clear is that in the House, with a divide this large, the Republican Majority Party has been given the power by Missourians to pass any legislation it deems important.
On the Senate side, the balance of power is also very much slanted to the Republicans. With 26 Republicans and 8 Democrats, the Republicans hold a veto-proof majority.
Glean what you will from the information above. What I know and believe is that there is room for some bipartisanship and work to be done that is thoughtful and centered on reasoned policy for Missouri. I will do my best to work in that way and remain hopeful.
Committee Updates
Seniority comes into play in the assignment of committees. Democrats are assigned through the Minority Leader's office and, depending upon the Rules passed early in session, may need approval from the Speaker of the House. Currently, it looks as if my committees will include: General Laws, Appropriations for Transportation and Economic Development, Higher Education, and Small Business. I am thrilled with those assignments! The number of members from each party on each committee is proportionate to the total number of members from each party elected to the House.I have also been appointed to the role of Policy and Member Engagement Leader for the Democratic Caucus. During our first full week of session, I have scheduled speakers to come before the caucus who will provide insights into issues we believe might come before us ranging from Education issues including Open Enrollment, Teacher Tenure, Merit Pay and Charter Schools to Missouri's Non-Partisan Court Plan; The "Fair" or "Mega" Tax; Construction Work in Progress; "Right to Work" and more. While small in numbers, the Democrats will continue to work hard to understand the issues and advocate as each individual deems appropriate.
Budget and Balance
Not having dug out of a budget deficit, the State Legislature will once again be forced to either cut $400 - $800 million dollars or find ways to increase revenues...often referred to as a "Balanced Approach." The State is legally obligated to produce a balanced budget each year. That is why, as the year progresses, you often hear about the Governor withholding dollars from previously approved appropriations. As revenues and expenditures change from projections, the Governor must do what is necessary to keep the budget balanced.Because of the formulation of the Budget and the relative amounts spent in certain departments, some programs that account for one third of our dollars are among those that will be under attack as we look at the 2012 budget. Safety net areas including in the areas of Health and Mental Health, and programs such as Meals on Wheels become vulnerable. Our nationally renowned Parents as Teachers Program is unlikely to see restored funding. HIgher Education may be forced to charge tuition increases, leaving some students unable to afford to attend, and K-12 cuts will further impact a budget that did not receive the increase of dollars promised under the Foundation Formula last year. For a state and nation that seem to understand the critical nature of educating its citizenry, we are looking at making choices that have weighty long term ramifications.
The "Balance Approach" is about looking at opportunities that will provide additional revenue.
Putting into place the structure for internet sales tax collection seems as if it should be "a given" considering the stakes.
A cigarette tax increase, moving us from being the 50th in the nation with our current rate of 17 cents per pack, will not only increase revenue, it will discourage young people from smoking!
Would you support a plan to find alternative sentencing for non-violent offenders? Such a plan has reduced recidivism in other states and helped foster the positive growth of those who today, in Missouri, are incarcerated. With appropriate alternative treatment programs in place, non-violent offenders are able to live and work as productive members of society. We incarcerate so many non-violent offenders that providing alternative programs that work would allow us to close a prison, saving the state billions of dollars.
Our budget reflects our priorities. How will we think about the long term impact we make when we craft law in 2011? Let me know your thoughts.
Missouri: Lean, Clean and Green...
I have been working on an array of issues and legislation that I believe will have a positive impact on our state. As we move forward, I will provide you with updates and legislative language as it is filed.Some Areas include:
- State-wide smoke free legislation
- State-wide planning for generator access in facilities that house seniors and the disabled
- (CID) Community Improvement District clarification of qualified voters
Having just received and read the most current annual report, there is much good news to report from many state departments. With rapid technological changes and new types of recycling options, it would likely serve us well to ensure that our plan is comprehensive in scope and delivering a new millenium approach that goes beyond what we knew when it was crafted in the mid 1990's.
We will continue to look at best practices and see what policies deserve implementation or change to encourage an environmentally healthy Missouri.
We generally provide you with a Green Tip of the Week, written and researched by one of our office Interns. They will be starting soon, and as we introduce them, you will see their additions to the e-Newsletter from my office.
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