Torpey: Ennovation Center, Focus on Two Bills

A Special Note

Pictured at left: John Pinch-Deputy City Manager, Tom Lesnak-President of Independence Economic Development, Jodi Krantz-Vice President of Independence Economic Development, and R. David Edwards-Project Developer and Principal at CEAH Realtors

Last Friday I had the pleasure of visiting the Independence Regional Ennovation Center, located in the former Independence Regional Medical Center. The Ennovation Center is a mixed use business incubator which focuses on three core areas for the development of new businesses: bio-technology, culinary arts, and business and technology. This small business incubator is unlike any other found in our state. Not only does it have the largest kitchen of any incubator in the United States, it also provides the necessary facilities and support services to assist successful startup businesses in an environment that encourages collaboration with other small business entrepreneurs in the enormous building. This incubator is also the only in the state that is not run through a university. This gives our hometown incubator many special advantages.

During my time at the Ennovation Center, I was blessed enough to see a small business in action! I met Ms. Debbie Kraft [at right], owner of Cooking Connections. Debbie not only caters for events such as weddings and family reunions, but she is also dedicated to helping others find the cook within by creating new recipes and cookbooks, and introducing clients to new culinary feats. I wish Debbie the best of luck; I know her business is already on the fast track toward success! To learn more about Debbie, or Cooking Connections, visit her website.

The IREC is not only designed to simply rent you space for your business to locate, but to provide you with the resources and services that you need to make your small business a success, such as secretarial services, financing assistance, support networks, and so on. I encourage you to learn more about the IREC by visiting their website. If you have an idea for a small business, the IREC is the place to go. Contact any one of their knowledgeable employees to learn how to get your business off of the ground.

2011 Legislative Session continues

The House heard a lot of legislation this week, but we focused a bulk of our time on two bills.

HB 167, sponsored by Rep. Jerry Nolte, would require Missouri driver's license examinations to only be administered in English. This bill was 3rd read and passed by a 102-56 vote.

HB 213, sponsored by Rep. Tim Jones, specifies that no abortion of a viable unborn child can be performed or induced except in certain specified situations. This bill tightens the laws on late-term abortions. This bill was left on the calendar to be discussed further next week.

Committees

Fiscal Review met this week to discuss two bills that were referred to the committee. First, we heard the fiscal note on House Bill 266, sponsored by Rep. Jason Smith, which changes the laws regarding weight limitations for vehicles hauling livestock or agricultural products on state highways. This bill passed out of committee with an 8-3 vote. Second, we heard the fiscal note for House Joint Resolution 2, sponsored by Rep. Mike McGhee, which proposes a constitutional amendment guaranteeing a citizen's right to pray and worship on public property and reaffirming a citizen's right to choose any or no religion. This bill passed out of committee with an 11-0 vote.

Word of the Week

Often, the General Assembly passes legislation that we refer to as House (or Senate) Concurrent Resolutions and House (or Senate) Joint Resolutions. In the general sense of the term, resolution refers to a settlement, or when an issue is resolved. Our use of the term in the legislature does not vary much from that: an opinion expressed by one or both houses.

A joint resolution is passed by the General Assembly, and becomes legally binding when signed by the Governor, unless he chooses to not sign, or veto. A joint resolution has the effect of a law and is often used instead of a bill when the purpose is of a temporary nature, of an issue pertaining to the federal government, to establish a commission, or express an opinion.

A concurrent resolution is also passed by both houses in the General Assembly to express the policy or opinions of the Legislature. HCR's are often used to petition the legislature to take certain actions, to establish commissions, to adopt joint rules, or to propose amendments to the State Constitution. Unlike joint resolutions, concurrent resolutions require no action by the Governor.

In Other News

On Thursday, March 24th, Senator Will Kraus and I will be holding an open Legislative Forum for our constituents of the 52nd House District and the 8th Senatorial District. The event will be held at the Midwest Genealogy Center (3440 S. Lee's Summit Road, Independence, MO 64055) from 7 to 9 pm. We very much look forward to speaking with you and answering your questions. Please feel free to contact our office if you have any questions about this event. If you would like to learn more about the Genealogy Center, visit the website by clicking HERE.

Also, do not forget to RSVP for the first annual 52nd District Day, on April 19th, by calling or emailing our office. I look forward to hosting my constituents here in the Missouri House of Representatives.