Torpey: Tour Of Boulevard Brewery, Chief Justice Price Speaks

A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to visit with the owners of Boulevard Brewing Company in Kansas City, Missouri. As a Small Business owner, I understand the importance that small businesses play in our economy and community, and Boulevard Brewing is one company that I have definitely come to respect.

During my tour and discussion with them, I learned that recycling plays a huge role in the beverage industry. I also learned that Boulevard, as well as other small businesses in our area, are currently working with Ripple Glass, a local glass recycling company that is making it easier for our community to recycle old beverage and food containers. Ripple Glass containers are found throughout the area, the glass is processed locally, and the renovated material is used in creating installation and the making of new bottles. You can find a local drop off by clicking HERE, by calling 816-221-GLASS (4527), or by purchasing your own container at area Price Chopper stores for $4.99 each.

While all of us may not be passionate about recycling, it is important to be passionate about our community and small businesses that are doing all they can to make our community a better place. I applaud both Boulevard Brewing and Ripple Glass for being two organizations who are bettering our community one bottle at a time.

Learn more by visiting: www.rippleglasskc.com and http://www.boulevard.com/index.php?bypass=1 (21 years of age and older, please).

2011 Legislative Session continues

Ray Price, Chief Justice of the Missouri Supreme Court, spoke to the Senate and House in a joint session of the legislature on Wednesday for the annual State of the Judiciary Address. He claimed that the state is throwing too many non-violent offenders into prison. He called prison "the most expensive and least effective strategy for a significant number of nonviolent offenders." He also stated that drug courts are an example of tough, effective, local alternatives to prisons that can break the cycle of addiction and then break the cycle of crime.

House Bill 162 passed this week (Tuesday). This bill addresses the precedent set by the Franklin v. CertainTeed Corp. court ruling which moved occupational disease claims from the worker's compensation system (where they have been for over 80 years) into the courts. In response to the business community's "Fix the Six" agenda, HB 162 reverses that court ruling. This legislation will permit appropriate compensatory damages to once again be determined by the worker's compensation system. The result will be a reduction in the cost of liability insurance for small businesses and less of a burden on our court system, and will save taxpayer money.

The House Committee Substitute for House Bill 46 also passed the House this week (Wednesday) by an overwhelming majority of 149 to 9. This bill eliminates the ability of governments and municipalities to unnecessarily mandate fire sprinkler installation on one or two-family dwellings or townhouses. The builders of the dwellings must still offer to any purchaser the option, at the purchaser's cost, to install or equip fire sprinklers in the buildings. This provides the homeowner the freedom to choose what is best for their family and their family's finances without an unwarranted government mandate. The two bills above were third read and passed on Thursday.

Committees

On Wednesday, I was presented with the opportunity to chair Small Business Committee, for which I usually serve as Vice Chair. We discussed two bills during this committee meeting: House Bills 86 and 211.

House Bill 86, sponsored by Representative Mike McGhee, deals with Landlord-Tenant Actions. If passed, it authorizes corporations or unincorporated associations to be represented in small claims court by their president or vice-president for any claim of $500 or less. Without this bill, and currently, any landlord organized as a corporation that owns and manages rental property cannot bring actions to remove a tenant without being represented as an attorney.

House Bill 211, sponsored by Representative Andrew Koenig, deals with Lead Abatement Rules and Regulations. If passed, it prohibits the Department of Health and Senior Services from enforcing or enacting a rule or regulation relating to lead abatement that is stricter than those required by federal law.

Please do not forget to RSVP for our first annual 52nd District Day here in Jefferson City before Wednesday, March 31st. At this point in time, we are asking you to provide your own transportation to and from the Capitol, but my legislative aide is currently working to see if we are able to get a discount on train tickets to bring you from Independence or Lee's Summit to Jefferson City. Please contact us if you have any questions!