Anti-Bullying Bill Hearing
Last week, the House Committee on Elementary and Secondary Education heard three anti-bullying bills: my HB 273, HB 460 introduced by Rep. Lampe, and HB 829 introduced by Rep. Weter.
Those testifying in support of my bill were: the St. Louis Junior League, the Wilhelm Family whose daughter has been harshly affected by bullying, and Laura Logsdon whose son tragically took his life in 2000 because of bullying. The outpouring of support and the emotional testimonies were overwhelming.
Following the hearing, I combined the bills into a House Committee Substitute (HCS). HCS 273 & 829 contains all the provisions of my original bill, as well as additional language from HB 829 to help strengthen key areas. It has been a pleasure working with Rep. Weter and the committee to finalize this comprehensive reform. We are currently waiting for a committee vote to move the bill forward.
Strengthening Synthetic Marijuana Laws
HCS HB 641 sponsored by Rep. Ward Franz was passed out of the House last week. This bill would add any synthetic compound acting as cannabinoid receptors to the list of controlled substances.
The most important weapon in the “war on drugs” is education and the battle will be won, or lost, in our homes and communities. I encourage parents to educate their children about the dangers of drug use and be active in your communities with interventional and educational efforts to stop this cycle of drug abuse and dependency.
Redistricting Update
As a result of the 2010 census, Missouri has lost a congressional seat - taking us from 9 to 8. The House Redistricting Committee traveled to each existing congressional district and held hearings to listen to citizen concerns. Below is the link to the Congressional map passed by the House [HB193]. We are currently waiting for a Senate response.
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Trade Hub Incentive Passes House
The House advanced a proposal [HB840] to create a trade hub at Lambert Airport in St. Louis. Our proposal would provide tax incentives to freight haulers who use the airport in international trade. This proposal is essential to create an international marketplace in Missouri and a demand for our products internationally. The creation of this market will bring new jobs and new investment to our state.
If this bill becomes law, the benefits to will be felt throughout St. Louis County and the 92nd District.
MOSIRA
The House also passed another economic incentives bill to bring new high-tech companies to Missouri. HB 468 creates the Missouri Science and Innovation Reinvestment Act, or MOSIRA.
By offering incentives to science and technology corporations to locate in Missouri many new jobs will be created around the state in these competitive fields and in other industries with goods or services that support science and technology corporations.
Glory of Missouri Awards
The 8th Grade Class from St. Joseph Catholic School in Manchester visited
the Capitol on Monday. I was honored to present the Glory of Missouri Awards to students demonstrating the outstanding qualities of knowledge, liberty, equality, law, justice, fraternity, education, progress, honor, truth, virtue, enterprise, charity, and temperance.
As always, it is fun to talk with our young people – the future of Missouri.
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