Kelley: Addressing Voter Fraud, IRS E-File Information

Barton County 4H braved the cold to tour the old Missouri Penitentiary

The Old Man known as Winter stole stealthily back into the Heartland this week, blowing cold northern winds across otherwise crisp sunny skies. By week’s end, grey horizons marched through mid-Missouri as action beneath the Capitol Dome began a slow, steady simmer with Floor Action intensifying and looming Budget Battles threatening the uneasy peace…

“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

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. 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 year’s 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, It simply places Missouri law in compliance with the statutes and case law 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.

Until my next update, I am, and remain, in your service.