Newman: Time Flies When You're Doing House Business…

We've completed 41 days - and have more to go before final adjournment on May 13th. I'm not proud of the legislation to date that we have sent over to the Senate for their consideration.

Where are the "jobs" bills that we were promised by the Speaker of the House? Where are the bills which will truly benefit people in Missouri?

Our energy so far on the House floor has been spent on:

• Decreasing the minimum wage - ignoring the vote of the people in 2006 [HB61]
• Requiring drug testing for poor single mothers [HB73]
• Telling the MO Highway Patrol that they must give drivers license tests in English only [HB167]
• Make it harder for workers to prove discrimination on the job [HB205]
• Telling the federal government that they must balance their budget [HCR3]
• A voter approved constitutional amendment to reaffirm the right to pray in public [HJR2]
• Government intrusion in private tragic pregnancy situations [HB213]
• An omnibus firearm bill - making it easier to carry secret guns in the capitol [HB294]

But wait - there's more on the way:

• Ignoring the 2010 vote of the people again - gutting puppy mill protections. [HB131]
• Ignoring the 2006 MO Supreme Court ruling - disenfranchising people from voting [HJR14]
• Union busting bills - including attacks on teacher pay and tenure [SB1, HB628]
• Eliminating the non-partisan court plan - making judges part of the political process

I am standing up and speaking LOUD on the House floor as the Progressive Caucus chair.

Because of my commitment to justice and equality, I have taken the lead in the House to fight voter photo ID bills – which would make it difficult and/or impossible for seniors, disabled and students to vote. Our democracy depends on free and fair elections and I have vowed to protect our basic voting rights, not just for those who can afford it, but for everyone.

The Legislature is adjourned for Spring Break until March 28. Please stay tuned.

Stacey

WE SEND GET WELL WISHES TO OUR COLLEAGUE

This past Tuesday during afternoon session, my friend, Rep. Sylvester Taylor (D - St. Louis) was stricken suddenly with heart pains. House members who happen to also be medically trained reacted quickly and he was taken to St. Mary's Hospital near the Capitol. After a rigorous series of tests, Rep. Taylor was diagnosed with diabetes. He spoke to us on the floor briefly Thursday morning with his wife nearby and made an eloquent plea for us to take care of our health the men especially. We hope he gets well soon and look forward to his return after the spring break.

SEAN'S BILL - A DOG BILL WHICH TRULY HELPS PEOPLE

At left: G.I. Joe with Angela Peacock, Matt & Sean LaRochelle with Cady, myself and Sandra Chambers, with Shyannie in the Capitol.

Last week my bill, HB513 - Sean's Bill, had a hearing in the newly created Special Standing Committee on Disability Services. The best part - three service dogs, along with their owners, made the long journey to Jefferson City to testify. Sean's Bill, named for my constituent Sean Larochelle, of Brentwood, adds mental disabilities - also referred to as "invisible" disabilities - to the current state statute. The bill also expands the definition of a service dog team to include a child and an adult handler.

Sean's father, Matt Larochelle, contacted me last year to help add protections for children with autism, particularly those who are non-verbal as is Sean, and need constant access to their service dogs for their personal safety. We discovered amazingly that Sean wasn't the only one who would benefit.

Angela Peacock, an Army veteran from St. Charles, also came to the Capitol to testify with her service dog, G.I. Joe. Peacock was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, panic disorder with agoraphobia and major depression and . relies on her dog for support in managing her disabilities.

Sean and friends had excellent media coverage.

It's rewarding to be helpful with a simple, no cost tweak of the current law. Sean's Bill is ready to hit the House floor at any time - please keep your fingers crossed that it will pass and land on the Governor's desk for signing.

CELEBRATING WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH WITH MODOT

Wednesday morning I was invited to be the keynote speaker of the annual Women's History Month celebration in Jefferson City for employees of the Missouri Department of Transportation. Sponsored by the Equal Opportunity and Diversity Division, I was thrilled to join with hardworking MODot women from throughout the state including a few interested men.

I applaud Rudy Nickens, MODot Director of Equal Opportunity and Diversity, for his fabulous work in creating programs to teach, encourage and inspire state employees. I was inspired by them!

LET THEM EAT PANCAKES!

Sometimes we are asked to do unusual non-legislative activities. Last week we legislators were invited to flip pancakes in the third floor rotunda on behalf of the Missouri Tourism Commission. Of course, this photo doesn't reflect the pancakes that I dropped. The best part was eating a hearty pancake breakfast before we headed back to the House floor.