Schupp: TANF Amendments Ruled Out Of Order, Robo Calls From Ameren

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

In the State of the Union address this week, President Obama's message underscored the importance of creating and expanding jobs that will help our nation "win the future."

Policies that call for investment in the creativity and imagination of our people, supporting entrepreneurial efforts, are among those I will work toward in the House.

Job creation, education and development of clean energy technologies are issues that remain top priorities for our state during this session. I remain hopeful that we can move forward positively and develop solutions that serve us well into the future.

Thank you for allowing me this opportunity to serve.

Truly,

Jill

This Week in the House

HOUSE ENDORSES DRUG TESTING OF TANF* RECIPIENTS
*Temporary Assistance for Needy Families

The House voted 121-37 in favor of authorizing drug testing of heads of household receiving federal dollars through a program called Temporary Assistance for Needy Families.

None of us wants to use taxpayer dollars to help support a drug habit. However, this bill is based on an assumption that has not proven to be true.

Contrary to what some believe, members of the TANF recipient population, often single parents with a couple of children, are no more likely to be drug abusers than members of the general population.

Families on TANF receive these benefits only temporarily, with a lifetime limit of five years. For a family of 3, benefits can range up to $292 per month (less than what I pay for monthly rent of an apartment in Jefferson City) to help them pay for rent, clothing, utilities and other basic needs.

Several amendments offered were ruled out of order on what could be considered technicalities; unfortunately, some of those would have improved the legislation.

The amendment I offered stipulated that only those who were not in compliance with the program designed to help them in their work search could be subjected to drug testing in order to continue receiving benefits. My goal was to encourage TANF recipients who are complying with the program to find employment and support themselves and their families.

Under the bill as passed, those testing positive for illegal drug use will lose their portion of benefits for 12 months, plunging the family further into poverty without helping them access solutions to unemployment or to a drug problem. While it will be recommended that they seek out treatment for drug abuse, on a typical day in Missouri, there 3700 unserved people waiting to get into drug rehab treatment.

This legislation will cost the State just under $2 million to implement in the first year alone. The number grows each additional year for the next several years. I would rather see this large amount of money go to test fewer people (see amendment) and help expand treatment options for those testing positive for drugs.

I voted "no" on this version of the bill, and am hopeful the Senate will either modify or defeat it.

A Look Inside the House

A hearing on HB 47 and 73, the legislation mentioned above, was held in the General Laws committee before the legislation could go to the Floor for debate. Here I inquire of Rep. Ellen Brandom, the sponsor of the bill.

Good News/Bad News... Which do you want first?

From Marc Powers, Democratic Caucus Communications Director

COMMUNITY COLLEGES AGREE TO LIMIT TUITION INCREASES

Missouri's community colleges have agreed to limit tuition increases to $5 per credit hour for the 2011-2012 school year. The Jan. 25 announcement came nearly week after Gov. Jay Nixon proposed cutting state appropriations for public colleges and universities by 7 percent for the upcoming school year, which is less than higher education officials

MISSOURI HAD NATION'S THIRD-WORST 2010 JOB L0SS RATE

Employment in Missouri declined by 0.6 percent during 2010 for the third-worst job-loss percentage in the nation, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The only states to fare worse last year were Nevada, where employment dipped by 1.5 percent, and New Jersey, which suffered a 0.8 percent decline. Missouri's unemployment rate in December stood at 9.5 percent.

Robo Calls

Thank you to "Mr. S" (I am keeping your identity secret!) who just called my office after receiving a "robo call" about nuclear power and Ameren's proposed site permitting process legislation.

You may receive a call like this, giving you a sentence or two about an issue and in some cases allowing you to press a button to be connected to my office. Please know that these "robo calls" are generated by special interest groups, not by my office. When you reach my office through a robo call, I haven't been given notice of who you are or the subject of your call. Please update me with your name, reason for calling, and a number at which I can reach you.

Most importantly, you never have to wait for a robo call to reach me! Your input, ideas and questions are always welcome. Call my office or the (314) phone number to share your thoughts.

Green Tip of the Week

Reusable shopping bags are all the rage. While they're little things that make a big impact, using them isn't totally fool-proof: eco-friendly bags have to be kept clean and aren't always easy on grocery store staff. Follow these simple tips for easy green:

1. Empty bags completely; don't store things in them between uses.
2. Wash bags regularly in the washing machine or with a soapy sponge.
3. Use bags that are easy for a cashier to fill, and be prepared to help bag your groceries.
4. Always bring plenty of bags. If you don't, ask for paper bags, as most grocery stores have rules on mixing or overfilling groceries.

(From Mother Nature Network)

Community Opportunity: Meals on Wheels "Adopt a Route"

A new program by Mid-East Area Agency on Aging, Adopt-a-Route, is making it easy for employees of local businesses or members of organizations, with a minimal time commitment, to help out seniors who need meals. MEAAA Meals on Wheels volunteers not only deliver meals, they are often a lifeline for the needs of our seniors.

Smaller groups are also welcome, such as groups of four where each person volunteers once a month. This is a wonderful way to help the seniors in our community by sharing your commitment.

To join MEAAA Meals on Wheels Adopt-a-Route, contact Carolyn Amacher at (636) 207 0847 (ext 118) or by email.