Thank you for reading this capitol review. This Jan 2011 newsletter marks the begining of our fourth year of publication.
The Missouri General Assembly moves fast. It is impossible to even scratch the surface in a monthly newletter. But, myself and staff will do our best to balance the big debates with my individual efforts on behalf of the 45th district.
There are many reps who do weekly publications and I encourage all of my readers to subscribe to theirs as well. It's free information that keeps our citizens connected to their state governement.
If your not a fan of recieveing more email then try the web sites which aggregate Missouri political news for you. Below you will find links on how to stay informed.
As always, all comments, questions, and suggestions are welcome. Thanks for the opportunity to serve you.
Jason Holsman
Robo-calls from Energy Group
It has become common in recent years for groups seeking to influence public opinion about a particular issue to make automated "robocalls" to people's homes that urge them to support or oppose that issue. Sometimes these robocalls give the recipient the option of pressing a button on their phone to automatically be connected to their state lawmaker's office so that they may share their opinions on the subject with their elected representatives.
I recently have been contacted by some constituents who received such robocalls and were upset because they were left with the impression that the calls originated from my office. That is absolutely not the case. Those calls were placed and paid for by special interest groups who are unaffiliated with my office, and I in no way support or condone the calls.
Introduction of Staff
Please welcome my new staff this session;
Legislative Assistant: Ryan Burke graduated from the University of Missouri with a degree in Political Science. He is a member of Alpha Nu chapter of Pi Kappa Alpha. Ryan will be in charge of the capitol office handling constituent issues and policy management. He is a St. Louis native but is quickly getting to know South Kansas City and Grandview.
Legislative Intern: Shannon Dawson is a senior at the University of Central Missouri and will be graduating in May with a degree in Political Science and a minor in Criminal Justice. She is a member of the Zeta Zeta chapter of Alpha Sigma Alpha sorority and plans to attend law school back in her hometown of St. Louis in the fall.
Legislative Intern: Jason Copeland is a junior at the University of Missouri and will be graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in English with emphasis in fiction writing and a minor in Philosophy. He is a member of the Alpha Nu chapter of Pi Kappa Alpha and hails from Independence, Missouri.
Inauguration
At right: Holsman FamilyThe 96th Missouri General Assembly was sworn into office on January 3rd 2011. In keeping with tradition the newly sworn in members of the assembly celebrated the occasion by participating in the Grand March held during the Legislative Ball.
Department of Agriculture Gets Grant for 5 Million Dollars
An exciting breakthrough for Missouri small farmers took place on January 21, 2011 in Jefferson City. Governor Jay Nixon announced the launch of the Missouri Agricultural Energy Saving Team - a Revolutionary Opportunity (MAESTRO) from the Missouri Department of Agriculture and the University of Missouri Extension. MAESTRO is a grant program that is offering 5 million dollars to help small farmers who want to reduce energy costs in their homes and farms.
The program will offer several financial incentives to farmers, including audit cost share, audit rebate, grants for interest buy down or down payments, and loan loss reserve. Missouri participated in a competitive grant process and was the only state to receive funding for this type of program.
State of the State
While the snow fell outside Governor Jay Nixon addressed the General Assembly on Jan 19th 2011. The state of the state speech highlighted economic successes of the past year. Governor Nixon was in his element communicating our budget challenges while laying out his legislative agenda.
State of the State Text
Speaker Tilley Forms Renewable Energy Committee Names Holsman Chairman
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - State Rep. Jason Holsman, D-Kansas City, has been named chairman of the newly created House Special Committee on Renewable Energy. House Speaker Steve Tilley, R-Perryville, established the committee and selected Holsman to lead it.
"Establishing energy independence from fossil fuels through the development of renewable energy is an important and long road to travel," Holsman said. "Missouri takes another step on that journey with the creation of a legislative committee dedicated to exploring all alternatives for making the state a leader in renewable energy production."
Holsman has established three priorities for the committee:
- Conducting an energy audit of the Missouri Capitol and pursuing options for making it the first truly "green" state capitol building in the country.
- Pursuing better implementation of Proposition C, which Missouri voters overwhelmingly approved in 2008 to establish renewable energy standards for Missouri power utilities.
- Crafting legislation to assist residential, commercial and industrial users of electricity in investing in on-site energy generation.
Drug Testing TANF Recipients
Jefferson City - The Missouri House of Representatives gave initial approval to legislation that would implement a system of drug testing for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families recipients suspected of using illegal controlled substances. The House perfected HB 73, sponsored by Rep. Ellen Brandom, (R-Sikeston), by a vote of 121-37.
HB 73 would require the Department of Social Services to develop a drug testing program for applicants and recipients of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Program benefits. Tests would be given to individuals who the department has reasonable suspicion to believe engage in the illegal use of controlled substances. An applicant or recipient who tests positive would be ineligible for benefits for one year. Household members of an individual who tests positive could continue to receive benefits as protective or vendor payments to a third-party payee.
An amendment offered by Representative Jeanette Mott Oxford (D-STL) would have allowed a third party to pay essential housing and utility bills on behalf of the suspended citizen if they voluntarily enter a drug treatment program. The change would have insured that no tax dollars would be used to purchase illegal drugs while protecting the necessary minimum resources for independent survival. The amendment failed along party lines and prevented me from supporting the bill. I am hopeful that the Senate will consider the sensible compromise and send us legislation I can support.
Resolution Asks Attorney General Koster to Join Healthcare Reform Lawsuit
The Missouri House of Representatives adopted a resolution that calls on Missouri's attorney general to file an independent or group lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the federal health care legislation.
During discussion on the House floor, Rep. Keith Frederick, R-Rolla, added an amendment to HR 39 that calls on Gov. Jay Nixon to urge Attorney General Chris Koster to join the lawsuit. Rep. Paul Curtman, R-Pacific, also added an amendment that urges the members of Missouri's congressional delegation to repeal and defund the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Curtman's amendment also requires that copies of the resolution be provided to the governor, attorney general and each member of Missouri's congressional delegation. The House approved the resolution Tuesday by a vote of 115-46.
If the Affordable Healthcare Act is repealed many citizens who have pre-existing conditions will once again find themselves locked out of coverage.
Stay Informed
I encourage everyone who reads this publication to also visit the following sites.
For corporate media's take on Missouri Politics
www.johncombest.com
Newsletters from the General Assembly
http://missivesfrommo.blogspot.com/
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