“I cannot undertake to lay my finger on that article of the Constitution which granted a right to Congress of expending, on objects of benevolence, the money of their constituents.”—James Madison
FLOOR ACTION: Monday, February 21, 2011
At left: Speaking to the St. Louis RCGA Public Policy Council Meeting.HJR 24 through HJR 26 were second read. HJR 26, related to state sovereignty, proposes a constitutional amendment prohibiting the state government from recognizing, enforcing, or acting in furtherance of certain actions of the federal government when it is determined those actions exceed the limited powers enumerated and delegated to the federal government. HB 549 through HB 588 and SB 3, the voter ID bill, sponsored by Sen. Stouffer (R-21), were also second read. HJR 14 was reported Do Pass out of the Committee on Rules. See the “Addressing Voter Fraud” section for more detailed information on this quality legislation.
FLOOR ACTION: Tuesday, February 22, 2011
HB 589 through HB 603 were second read. HB 71, sponsored by Rep. Nasheed, was read the third time and passed by a vote 109-46. This bill, if it becomes law, would allow the City of St. Louis to establish and maintain a municipal police force completely under the city's authority. This would be a dramatic change in public policy from what has been the law in our State for over 150 years. Although I personally voted against the bill, I am in full support of continuing to advocate for transformational change in my beloved City of St. Louis that will truly help the City and all its residents enjoy a better education system, an improved form of government and the opportunity for a successful life. HCS HB 14 and HB 15, both relating to appropriations, were ordered perfected and printed. HB 15 stabilizes the distribution of education funding from this years funding levels to next.
“With the many difficult issues facing our lawmakers, it is important that they maintain a solid connection to their faith.” —Monsignor Kurwicki
FLOOR ACTION: Wednesday, February 23, 2011
HJR 27 through HJR 29 were second read. HJR 27, sponsored by Rep. Brattin (R-124), proposes a constitutional amendment guaranteeing the right to possess or purchase ammunition and mechanical parts essential to the proper functioning of firearms. HB 139, as amended, was ordered perfected and printed. HB 139 would require the Office of Administration to maintain public school and county and municipal government accountability information and the Governor's travel information on the Missouri Accountability Portal. HB 209 was ordered perfected and printed. HB 209 revises the laws regarding private nuisances when it originates from property used for farming, agriculture, crop, or animal production purposes and when a court must visit an alleged affected property. HB 107, as amended, was ordered perfected and printed. HB 107 would require special elections to fill certain vacancies in the positions of United States Senator, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, State Auditor, and State Treasurer. This would prevent the Governor from picking and choosing whom they want to fill these vacancies. Instead, these elected positions would again be filled by the people. HCR 3, relating to a proposed federal balanced budget amendment, was third read and has been laid over. If this were to be accomplished, it would force the federal government to operate within its means, just like every state in the nation does, and just like you and I must do. We must take these measures to regain strength and trust in the American dollar, and our economy.
FLOOR ACTION: Thursday, February 24, 2011
Today, the House Third Read and gave Final Passage to the afore-mentioned appropriations bills (HCS HB 14 and HB 15) and Third Read and gave Final Passage to the following House Bills with overwhelming majority: HB 139, HB 209, HB 107, and HCS HB 205. HCS HB 205 changes the laws regarding unlawful discriminatory employment practices as they relate to the Missouri Human Rights Law and establishes the Whistleblower Protection Act. This is an excellent piece of legislation I have sponsored for many years. It simply places Missouri law in compliance with the statutes and caselaw under the venerable Federal Civil Rights Act while protecting small businesses from damaging frivolous law suits.
Addressing Voter Fraud
One of the most sacred rights we have as Americans is the right to vote. This is evidenced by the countless citizens whom dedicated their lives to either gain the right to vote or to protect the right for others through service to this great country. That anyone could disrespect this sacred right by committing voter fraud is sickening; yet it happens. We must be able to depend on our government to establish a system of fair and accurate elections. House Joint Resolution 14 and House Bill 329 address the issue of voter fraud by requiring voters to provide photo identification before voting and establishing procedures for early voting. The combination of these two pieces of legislation, sponsored by Rep. Stanley Cox and Rep. John Diehl respectively, addresses the concerns of practicality and discouraging voting by providing exemptions for the elderly, disabled, and poor, providing free voter ID for those unable to pay, and establishes regional voting centers for early voting. This legislation is several years in the making and would reduce illegal voting and increase legal voting. SJR 2 and SB 3 is the sister legislation in the Senate.
Important Tax Information
Taxpayers making $58,000 or less can visit http://www.irs.gov/efile/ to prepare and E-File federal tax returns, for FREE, through a landmark partnership between the IRS and tax software providers.
Michelle Moore Needs Your Help!
Michelle Moore is a great friend and colleague back in the St. Louis region. This week we found out that she is projected to be on the kidney donor wait list for 3 years. Do you know someone who can help? Please visit http://www.atraditionallifelived.com and/or http://twitter.com/Michelle_Moore for more information. IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN BEING TESTED FOR DONATING YOUR KIDNEY TO MICHELLE, PLEASE CALL 314-362-5365 OR 800-633-9906 - OPTION 2 - BEFORE APRIL 25TH.
Visiting the Capitol
At right: With the Glory of Missouri Award Winners from Rockwood Valley Middle School.If you ever find yourself in or around Jefferson City at any time during the year, please feel free to visit us! Stop by the Majority Leader’s Office in Room 302 and we will be happy to meet and greet you!
Personal News & Notes
This past weekend, I attended the Wildhorse Township Republican Club and spoke to the many members gathered there. After the meeting, I assembled what I affectionately call my “Kitchen Kabinet” and we convened at Michelle’s Café for a hearty breakfast and discussed all the big issues of the day. I think we solved the world’s problems in about two hours! Saturday night we had a great time at a family engagement party for one of my second cousins down at the fine St. Louis City establishment known as McGurk’s. On Sunday, my daughter Katie helped me pick up some household provisions at the local Home Depot and then we treated ourselves to some treats at Starbuck’s. It was a very special afternoon spending some quality time with Katie! That evening I had both girls (Katie & Abby!) up on the couch reading book after book to them. Those are the special family times I will always remember. As Session continues to pick up steam and the days become longer and longer, I continue to owe a debt of gratitude to my colleagues at my law firm of Doster Ullom and to Suzanne who rides solo herd on the girls running to this and that event all week long until I return late on Thursdays. And finally, if we can ever be of any assistance to you at your State Capitol, do not hesitate to contact us at: 573.751.0562 or you can reach my primary assistant, Jody at: jody{dot}williams{at}house{dot}mo{dot}gov.
Until our next update, I am, and remain, in your service.
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