Brandom: More Accountability for County Governments and Schools

This week in Jefferson City, we have been working hard to keep Missourians as the highest priority. We have successfully passed legislation to requiring more accountability to institutions utilizing taxpayers’ money, as well as continuing to work toward increasing jobs.

To help Missouri citizens understand their state’s expenditures, we have passed a bill [HB139] allowing the public more access to information on how their money is being spent by county governments and school districts. As a part of the House agenda called the “Show Me Solutions Initiative,” we are proud to say we have accomplished more government accountability than ever before.

Because counties and school districts are the two largest groups in Missouri receiving funding from taxes, we are now requiring these groups to disclose balance statements and debt on the Missouri Accountability Portal. In addition, the institutions will have to provide a school calendar, district budget, salaries and school policies. By establishing this initiative, we are hoping to find more ways to save money for the citizens of Missouri.

I encourage you to access this information online at www.mapyourtaxes.mo.gov to keep track of how your tax dollars are being spent.

As representatives of the people, we are aware of and are working toward increasing jobs for Missourians. In these tough economic conditions, we know the importance of rapid job creation and we are focused everyday as a united front to improve these
conditions in the state.

We passed a bill [HB209] this week to protect family owned farmers from “nuisance” lawsuits that might be made concerning the daily functions of the farm. In order to defend daily operations of farms from being threatened, we have placed a cap on damages being recovered if a lawsuit were to take place. Currently, there is no concrete definition of what may be defined as a “nuisance,” so this cap is a first step in putting a limit on these claims.

On a personal note, I would like to thank Kelly Ivy of Kelly Elementary for drawing a beautiful picture that is now hanging on my office wall. She was selected by the Arts Council of Southeast Missouri out of over 150 entries from 14 different schools to have her drawing displayed. The artwork was presented on her behalf by Amy Pool, the executive director of the Arts Council of Southeast Missouri.

As always, please contact me if you have questions on this or any other issue. My toll-free number is 866-834-9219 or you can email me at Ellen{dot}Brandom{at}house{dot}mo{dot}gov


I would like to thank everyone who visited my office this past week. It is always a pleasure to have friends, neighbors, and constituents visit.


Representative Ellen Brandom visiting with Sikeston public school teachers and MSTA members Natalie Kirk, Julie Hodges, Mark D Savage, and Pam Lowe


Sikeston City Manager Doug Friend and Sikeston Director of Economic Development Ed Dust met with Representative Brandom during the Missouri Municipal League day at the Capitol


Amy Pool, the Executive Director for the Arts Council of Southeast Missouri, presenting artwork from Kelly Elementary School student Kelly Ivy to Representative Brandom


Southeast Missouri University Student Government Representatives meeting with Representative Brandom and other area legislators during SEMO University day at the Capitol.