Schupp: Appointment to Children's Trust Fund, What Did The People Say About Prop C?

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

I am hopeful you are safe and warm this week. Weather hit us a little harder in Jefferson City: blizzard conditions with just shy of two feet of snow. Having an apartment within walking distance, I am able to bundle up and trudge to and from the Capitol.

Floor activity was cancelled for today and Thursday due to the weather and those who could made the trek home. I hope to leave later today, but am enjoying the opportunity to get some work done in a less hectic environment.

Thank you for allowing me this opportunity to serve.

Truly,

Jill Schupp

This Week on the House Floor/Committee

Unemployment Benefit Extension

This week on the House Floor we perfected HB 163 with an emergency clause to extend federal unemployment benefits. The voice vote appeared to be unanimous.

Prop C ...What Did the People Say?

Rules promulated by the Public Service Commission (PSC) came under question as the utilities fight to purchase Renewable Energy Credits from anywhere in the world in order to ensure cheaper prices for consumers. The PSC pulled back a geo-sourcing rule that would force the growth of the renewable energy industry here in Missouri. It did so even as a committee was appointed to seek compromise about how to implement what the voters intended in the passage of Proposition C.

Passing this legislation [SCR1] after the Speaker had formed a working committee on the issue appears redundant; worse, this Resolution may severely limit Missouri's ability to move forward into renewable energy.

Sprinkler Systems and Local Control

In General Laws, we heard testimony and voted on legislation [HB90] that will prevent any political subdivision such as a municipality, neighborhood improvement district, subdivision, fire district etc. from mandating sprinkler systems for new residential structures. These structures include single family residences and multi-unit dwellings of 4 of less.

I did not consider this a question of mandating sprinkler systems; rather, this is a matter of the state overreaching in an issue of local control. Before acting on this, there are building codes and other safety concerns that must be fully addressed.

Interesting fact from Chief Ennis of the Cape Girardeau Fire District: In Missouri, no firefighter has died fighting a fire in a home that had a sprinkler system. I am learning quite a bit about response time and the working of sprinkler systems, so let me know if you would like information.

Rep. Wanda Brown update

We have heard reports about one of my colleagues, Freshman Representative Wanda Brown, who had a car accident on her way to session earlier this week. Despite a broken back and neck, she is apparently doing very well...there are even reports that she is up and walking! I am hopeful her recovery will continue at this miraculous pace. Meantime, be careful and wear your seatbelts when travelling!

Winter Wonderland

Bundled up the evening of February 1, in between falls, during the walk to my apartment from the Capitol.

Schupp appointed to Children's Trust Fund board

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - Speaker of the House Steven Tilley officially appointed Representative Jill Schupp to the Children's Trust Fund Board of Directors on February 1, 2011, recognizing Schupp's leadership within her party as well as her ongoing commitment to children and families.

Schupp, D-Creve Coeur, was recently elected to a second term in the Missouri House of Representatives and currently serves as the Policy and Member Engagement Leader for the Democratic Caucus.

"I'm excited to be stepping into this role, both as a parent and a legislator, because it offers the opportunity to greatly impact children and families around the state," says Schupp. "The Children's Trust Fund is a leader in insightful and innovative ways to educate Missourians about child abuse and prevention, and I look forward to being a part of that work."

In addition to the highly successful Children's Trust Fund license plates, the organization provides child abuse prevention toolkits to communities and continues to offer conferences and events in communities across the state. Founded in 1983 and signed into law by Governor Kit Bond, the Children's Trust Fund Board of Directors is comprised of: 17 members of the general public, appointed by the Governor; two Senators, appointed by the President Pro Tem; and two Representatives, appointed by the Speaker of the House.

Snow White Tip of the Week

Road crews are out doing yeoman's work to keep our roads clear and safe. Stay inside and check on your friends and neighbors. If you do get out, consider dropping items off at your local food pantry to help those in need.

Community Opportunity Meals on Wheels "Adopt-a-Route"

There is still time to volunteer for Adopt-a-Route, a new Meals on Wheels program by Mid-East Area Agency on Aging. Adopt-a-Route is making it easy for employees of local businesses, members of organizations, or groups of friends to help out seniors with a minimal time commitment. Perfect for individuals and small groups, MEAAA Meals on Wheels is

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