Berry: Legislation Passed Amid An Ongoing Battle Against Snow

The week that was: Jefferson City has become the land of Winter we have had to battle snow every week that I have been here. This week unlike last I did not have to sleep in my office.

The House passed HB 163. This bill changes the laws regarding unemployment compensation that allows the state to receive federal funds. HB 163 also removes the current 10-year time limit obligation under a financial agreement so that compensation funds can continue.

With the passage of this bill, it will allow for a smooth stream to the Unemployment Trust Fund to pay off the federal government so that those who are unemployed will continue to receive benefits and allow employers the opportunity to focus on keeping people employed. I voted yes for this bill. I think we do need to do more to solve the problem, extending the payment without solving the root problem will create more problems later.

HB 46 was given approval on Thursday. It specifies that a builder of a one- or two-family dwelling or a townhouse must offer to any purchaser the option, at the purchaser’s cost, to install or equip fire sprinklers in the buildings. Any political subdivision that adopts the 2009 International Residential Code for One- and Two-Family Dwellings or a subsequent edition of the code without mandated automatic fire sprinkler systems will retain the language in Section R317 for two-family dwellings and townhouses.

Thank you for the privilege of serving you.

A Zen Saying

Sit quietly, doing nothing, spring comes, and the grass grows by itself.