Schupp: State of the Judiciary Remarks, Fire Sprinkler Bill Pre-empts Local Authorities

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Missouri Supreme Court Chief Justice William Ray Price Jr. addressed the legislature with his State of the Judiciary speech on Wednesday.

Justice Price has once again made the case for the legislature to to change the way Missouri operates its prison system.

Drug and alcohol abuse treatment and re-entry programs for non violent offenders will have several positive results. We know these programs work. Offenders are significantly more likely to become productive and non-offending members of the community when we find alternatives to incarceration.

It is much less expensive to treat than to imprison an individual.

With an investment in alternative programs, the state could move in the direction of closing a prison, saving Missouri billions of dollars.

Justice Price also talked about the importance of retaining Missouri's non partisan court plan. Known nationwide as "The Missouri Plan," I understood Justice Price to advocate for its continuation on the grounds that a partisan process will undoubtedly result in large sums of money being used to influence elections. To have a Judge that is politically motivated, rather than one who is motivated by making a fair decision on the facts of each case, will not serve the state, and those appearing before the court, well.

Please click here to read his informative speech.

I wish you and yours well, and appreciate the opportunity to serve.

Truly,

Jill Schupp

This Week in the House

HB 162 Workers' Compensation

This bill provides that all injuries and illnesses which occur on the job be remedied through the workers' compensation program. It does not allow for an employee to sue the employer in court to collect additional damages. While that may sound reasonable at first blush, consider the situation many believe to be the impetus for this legislation:

A particular company in the St. Louis area had, for years, knowingly exposed employees to asbestos. That exposure has resulted in cancers and one particular disease, mesothelioma...which kills its victims within a very short time after diagnosis.

This legislation prevents the family from bringing suit against the employer. The family receives only the worker's comp earned during the short amount of time the employee lives after diagnosis as well as the standard death benefit.

The right to sue the employer and seek a remedy through the judicial process is eliminated. An injustice has been done to the employee who suffered a horrible death from this disease, and to the family who lost a loved one and cannot hold the employer accountable through the judicial system. I voted against this legislation which passed through the House.

HB 46 Fire Sprinkler System Installations

The House voted to pre-empt any opportunity for local municipalities or political subdivisions to impose a requirement for sprinkler systems to be added to new residential construction.

While you would likely agree with me that we would prefer that the homeowner make the decision about whether a home should be outfitted with this life-saving amenity, not all new construction is built by the person who will become the homeowner.

So, where should a decision rest about which standards to put into place for new construction of residential areas including subdivisions?

It is my belief that the local government should work with its community to decide what standards should apply in the building of new homes. The local government is the entity issuing the permits. The state needed to step aside and not pre-empt local decision-making. We did not. A community that might have good reason to impose the standard of fire sprinklers in new homes cannot do so if this legislation continues to pass.

Through our vote, we have pre-empted the local government's ability to work with its residents and make locally sound judgments. I voted no on this legislation.

A Look Inside the House

Members of the Democratic Caucus wear red during Go Red Day at the Capitol, a bi-partisan effort to raise awareness of cardiovascular risks in both men and women. I am standing tall on the ledge of the pillar.

Proposition B

The controversial "puppy mill" bill, HB 100, was passed to the Rules committee this week. This is the final stop before it comes to the House floor. If passed, this bill will reverse Proposition B, which regulates puppy mills in the state.

In November 2010, the passing of Proposition B sent a clear message from all areas of the state that humane care for animals is a reasonable standard and a major priority for many Missourians. The goal of Proposition B was to curb large-scale animal abuse.

I have heard from voters all over the State, and people in our district has been particularly diligent in making their opinions known. Overwhelmingly, constituents do NOT support the REPEAL of Proposition B.

I plan to vote against the bills I have seen, all of which essentially overturn Proposition B. I will respect the decision of the voters in our district!

Spring Brings School Visits

Attention teachers and parents! If your class has not scheduled your visit to the Capitol, do so soon! Our office is always open, but exciting opportunities to visit the Governor's Mansion and the Missouri Supreme Court are very limited. To organize your tour, call (314) 616 5009 or email Anne Marie Rhoades.

Robo Calls Reminder

Many of you are still receiving phone calls, about a variety of legislative issues, that are known as "robo calls."

You may receive a call like this, giving you a sentence or two about an issue and in some cases allowing you to press a button to be connected to my office. Please know that these "robo calls" are generated by special interest groups, not by my office. When you reach my office through a robo call, I haven't been given notice of who you are or the subject of your call. Please update me with your name, reason for calling, and a number at which I can reach you.

Most importantly, you never have to wait for a robo call to reach me! Your input, ideas and questions are always welcome. Call my office or the (314) phone number to share your thoughts.

Green Tip of the Week

Each week we bring you a Green Tip from one of our legislative interns. This week's Green Tip is written by Amanda Sasek. Amanda is a sophomore Political Science major at Central Missouri State University

Aggressive driving (speeding, rapid acceleration, and hard braking) wastes gas. For every five miles over 60 mph you drive, you can use up to 7% more gas. Driving the speed limit helps you save money and can lower your highway gas mileage by 33%, which is good for your wallet and good for the planet.

Weatherization Works!

Weatherizing your home will result in positive economic and environmental impacts. Extreme conditions can happen in any season! Based on financial need, you might qualify for help with weatherization of your home through the Community Action Agency of St. Louis.

To find out more, contact John Parsons, director of weatherization for the Community Action Agency of St. Louis.

Mr. Parsons can be reached by phone at (314) 446 4430 or by email.