We witnessed our first normal week here in Jeff City in what seems like a long while - no substantial snow, regular travel, committee meetings, floor action, and lots of meeting with people and groups. During weeks like this, I wonder if we could possibly pack anything more into a day. Hopefully, we can stay in the routine for a while and be very productive in our work.
The most interesting thing to happen this week was my first experience of having second thoughts on a committed future vote. It is a bill, still yet to come up, that I had decided to vote one way on. However, as I've done a bit more research and talked to more people, my first blush reaction is beginning to morph into a more educated opinion. As of now, I am undecided, still leaning one way, but taking seriously all information on the topic. Good facts on both sides, relationships with other legislators, and a dose of pure politics make this particular issue one that needs more than a reactionary yes or no vote; instead, it needs careful consideration and deliberation to make the best decision possible.
The depth of the deliberation process has brought to light an interesting fact as to why many in politics keep their views close. To the pubic, this lack of a definitive position on complex issues may, at times, sound like evasiveness; however, it is really an attempt to keep our minds open to potential new information. So the next time a politician sounds like they are avoiding the question, take it from me, give 'em a little break. They may just be taking their time to formulate the correct position on a given issue.
You too can help me come to better conclusions on a staggering array of public policy issues that will face the state this year. I have published a survey and mailed it to as many households as I could in our district. If you do not receive a survey in the next few weeks and would like to let me know your opinions, please contact me at myron{dot}neth{at}house{dot}mo{dot}gov and I will direct you to our online version of the survey.
It sounds like the weekend may break the 50 degree mark. Enjoy it while you can.
Myron
Visitors to the Capitol
I met with Dr. Bill Fish who is a Liberty physician. He was in Jefferson City for the day to talk about current health care issues.
The Northland Chamber Leadership Class visited the capitol. They met with the Northland Legislative Delegation in the beautiful House Lounge.
Floor Action
The main bill that was discussed and passed on the floor this week was HB 162. It had to do with the Missouri Worker's Compensation program and some issues that arose after modifications to the program in 2005. From here, it will go to the Senate to be debated. There was also HB 46 which, if passed by the Senate and signed by the Governor, would require homebuilders to offer fire sprinklers in home construction. This legislation would not mandadte the installation of sprinkler systems in new homes.
Committee Action
Elections
In the Elections Committee, we discussed two bills relating to early voting and voter ID. First, HJR 14 would allow the voters to change the Missouri Constitution allowing for early voting and requiring a form of voter identification. Similar legislation was passed a few years ago, but was struck down by the courts. If the voters choose to support HJR 14, it would change the Missouri Constitution so requiring voter identification would be Constitutional. The second piece of legislation we discused was HB 329. This would be the actual legislation that would put these items into law and process. We had a very spirited hearing that was eventually cut short due to time constraints. The hearing will be continued next week.Financial Institutions
We discussed HB 83, HB 109 and HB 173 in our Committee on Financial Institutions. HB 83 would simply allow Missouri banks to charge ATM fees to foreigners who use our ATM machines. HB 109 would remove the sunset provision on the Missouri Linked Deposit Program administered by the Treasurer's office. The Linked Deposit program allows Missouri banks access to low interest money from the state which it could then loan to small business customers. By removing the sunset provision, we will increase the number of small business loans in our state because banks will have more confidence in the sustainability of the linked deposit program. From its inception, the Missouri Linked Deposit program has been very successful in helping hundreds of businesses in our state. HB 173 proposes to expand the investment options for the Missouri MOST Plan, which is used by over 120,000 Missourians to save for college. It is a worthy goal, but there are problems that may arise with the IRS regulations on the plan that would not allow such an expansion.Education
We passed two bills out of my education committee: HB 138 and HB 219. HB 138 would exempt most public K-12 schools from having to use the prevailing wage on future construction projects. This could save millions of dollars for school districts. HB 219 creates new safeguards in the schools to protect our children from sexual predators. We also heard testimony on HB 48. If passed, it would exempt schools from paying the Missouri fuel tax for school buses.Community Events
Liberty Symphony's February 12th Concert to Benefit Feed Northland Kids.
The Liberty Symphony Orchestra's third concert of their 40th Anniversary Season will be held Saturday, February 12, 2011, at the Liberty Performing Arts Theatre, 1600 S. Withers Road, Liberty, Missouri. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. and will feature Symphony No. 40 by Mozart as well as the winners of the William Jewell College Artist Competition.
The Liberty Symphony Orchestra is proud to participate once again in Orchestras Feeding America, a nationwide effort to support food banks and hunger relief programs. Mention code "FEED" at the LPAT Box Office or enter coupon code "FEED" when purchasing tickets online to receive 10% off your ticket sale. 25% of the proceeds from tickets sold with this code will be donated to the Northland Childhood Hunger Initiative. Purchase tickets online at: http://www.libertysymphony.org.
In addition to the fundraiser for Northland Childhood Hunger initiative, Harvesters food barrels will be placed in the lobby of the Liberty Community Center the week of the concert. Residents are encouraged to support Harvesters by donating non-perishable food items.
800 Wins for Jewell Head Coach
This past week, I was honored to take part in a celebration of Coach Larry Holley and his impact on William Jewell College and the community. At a ceremony prior to the basketball game last Saturday against MidAmerica Nazarene University (W 69-66), many past players from Jewell were recognized and I was able to present a House Resolution to Coach Holley recognizing his record 800 wins and other achievements. It was a great honor. These types of activities are one of the best parts of my job as State Representative.
It is an honor and privilege to serve the people of the 34th District and the State of Missouri. Let me know how I can better represent you.
For a better Missouri,
Myron
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