Berry: Repeal Amendment, IRS Free File

Brilliant flashes of Spring splashed across mid-Missouri this week, drenching skies in a glorious bath of sunshine and vanquishing the remaining vestiges of the massive amounts of ice and snow that had piled themselves like cold sentinels along streets and lots, removing any fleeting memories of the blizzard of 2011 and teasing us with hints of an early thaw…

This Week……

HCR 9, sponsored by Rep. Jay Barnes (R-114), was debated on the House floor. HCR 9 is commonly referred to as the Repeal Amendment Bill. If ever initiated by 33 of the States, the Missouri delegation to a federal Amendment Convention would submit the following amendment for consideration; "Any provision of law or regulation of the United States may be repealed by the several states, and such repeal shall be effective when the legislatures of two-thirds of the several states approve resolutions for this purpose that particularly describe the same provision or provisions of law or regulation to be repealed." If there is a two-thirds approval by the several states, the approved resolution (for the purpose of repealing a federal provision of law or regulation) would then return to the states where approval of the resolution from the state legislatures of three-quarters of the states would be required for repeal to occur. If this is successful, it would strengthen state sovereignty for every state in the nation and would help defend our state against unwanted federal mandates, disastrous federal legislation and overreaching federal regulation.

On Tuesday, the House Transportation Committee voted do pass HB 167, which would require Missouri driver’s examinations to only be administered in English.

On Wednesday, the House Elections Committee voted do pass HJR 14, which proposes a constitutional amendment changing the laws regarding elections by authorizing provisions relating to advance voting, voter identification, and absentee voting.

On Wednesday, the House General Laws Committee voted do pass HB 361, which would establish the Missouri Firearms Freedom Act.

GOOD TO KNOW…….

Taxes

Through IRS Free File, all taxpayers who made less than $58,000 in 2010 can visit http://www.irs.gov/efile/ and use the industry’s top tax preparation software for free. Users get the step-by-step help they need to prepare, complete and file federal tax returns online – at no cost.

Missouri Taxes can be filed free to taxpayers at www.dor.mo.gov.

State Parks Youth Corps

The State Parks Youth Corps is a program helping 17-21 year old Missourians gain work skills. It is a great opportunity to experience Missouri’s beautiful state parks and historic sites while earning money. Some of the responsibilities could include: excavating historical sites, designing marketing campaigns, leading tours, and building trails; to name a few. The positions are limited and do have income eligibility requirements. If you are interested, or know someone who might be, you/they can receive more information and apply on-line by visiting www.mo.gov.

Visitors this week

Vicki Vance
Carol Graham
David & Linda Eaton
Randal & Janeel Smith
Lori Jacobsen

Fun Facts

• Ginger Rogers, a native of Independence, played Fred Astaire’s romantic interest in 10 films including Top Hat and Shall We Dance.
• Hallmark Cards based in Kansas City is the source of 152 million greeting cards exchanged on Valentines Day.