Canine Cruelty Prevention Act (SB 113 & 95)
At this point in time, just about everyone has heard of Proposition B and the legislature’s plan to fix some of the flaws inherent in the voter-approved amendment. For some this has become an extremely controversial subject as they disagree with the idea of changing any of the provisions contained in Prop. B. But for anyone who takes the time to look at some of the unreasonable requirements contained in the act and the damage they could do to honest and lawful dog breeders, they understand the need to fix this well-intentioned but flawed change to our constitution. These fixes are based on good old common sense.
We passed the Proposition B fix legislation this week and sent it on to the governor for his approval. The bill maintains the heart and soul of the proposition adopted by Missouri voters and even strengthens many of the protections for our canine friends. Some of the changes include requiring more inspections of dog breeding facilities each year; dramatically increasing the amount of veterinarian involvement in decisions made by and about do breeders; and giving the Missouri Department of Agriculture additional authority to go after and shut down unlicensed breeders. The bill also would require breeders to pay fees to help generate funding for the state to hire additional inspectors. Some of the fixes made to the original language include common sense changes like removing the 50-dog limit for breeders and clarifying the penalty provisions so dog breeders aren’t sent to jail for something as simple as a dog knocking food into its water dish.
Some have tried to portray this legislation as a way to undo the will of the voters. I can tell you with certainty there isn’t a single legislator who would support a bill that would cause additional danger for an animal. However, some of the provisions in Proposition B would have done nothing less than force many reputable dog breeders out of business. The bill we passed protects the health and safety of “man’s best friend.” At the same time it allows this important industry, which employs thousands of Missourians, to continue in our state. While some have remained skeptical of the intent behind this bill, I am confident in saying the reforms we passed put the care and health of the dog as the number one priority of any breeding facility.
Preserving the Rights of Farmers and Hunters (HJR 3 and HJR 5)
As the situation with Proposition B has clearly illustrated that groups from outside Missouri will try to influence our public policy, it has become evident that we must be proactive in protecting some of the rights that are an important part of our culture and history as a state. Some of the rights that could be under fire from outside influences in the near future include such basic freedoms such as the right to hunt and fish or the right to raise livestock.
This week we passed two proposed constitutional amendments that would give voters the chance to protect those rights from groups that may want to limit them or even take them away. One of the proposed amendments would affirm the right of persons to raise livestock in a humane manner without the state imposing an undue economic burden on their owners. The amendment would also ensure that any laws imposed on livestock owners would be based on generally accepted scientific principles. The other amendment adopted in the House this week would guarantees a citizen's personal right to hunt, fish, and harvest wildlife using traditional devices or methods. It also would prohibit any law or any rule or regulation from unreasonably restricting these activities. We believe both amendments are important pieces to our effort to protect the freedoms that are such a vital part of who we are as Missourians. If approved by the Senate, voters will have the opportunity to reaffirm those rights at the polls.
Unemployment Extension (HB 163)
Another bill passed this week will provide an additional 20 weeks of unemployment benefits to Missourians who have been unable to find a job in this tough economy. I mentioned this bill in a report during the first weeks of session as the House quickly took this issue up and passed it on to the Senate. The Senate then struggled for more than two months to secure approval for the bill. This week the legislation finally made its way back to the House where it again received overwhelming approval. The bill has already moved to the governor’s desk where it was signed into law.
The bill will provide extended assistance to approximately 10,000 Missourians who have already exhausted all other benefits. These Missourians will begin to receive payments in a matter of days. State officials believe an additional 24,000 Missourians could receive extended benefits by January of next year. One hundred percent of the funding for the extended assistance comes from the federal government. The total funding provided to us by the federal government will amount to approximately $105 million.
We know there are thousands of Missouri families who are struggling to make it through these tough economic times. We hope that by extending these benefits we can give many of them the extra weeks necessary to find a good-paying job that will allow them to get back on their feet.
Payday Loan Reform (HB 656)
Also this week, we approved legislation that institutes reforms for the payday loan industry in Missouri. The main provision of the bill limits how much payday lenders can charge customers. Specifically, it caps the total interest on payday loans at 60 percent of the loan amount. That’s a reduction of 15 percent from the current amount of 75 percent. The bill also would limit the number of times a payday lender can “roll over” a loan to three. Current law allows lenders to roll over a loan up to six times.
I supported these changes because I think they’re a step in the right direction for both consumers and lenders. Many people like to portray payday lenders as villains but we have to understand that they provide a necessary service. Without payday loans there would be no way for Missourians to obtain emergency funds on short notice without a credit application. Because we know they play a necessary role, we wanted our reforms to be reasonable so that they don’t put the payday loan industry out of business. At the same time we want to protect consumers from accruing mountains of debt they will never be able to repay. I believe the bill we approved strikes a good balance for both consumers and lenders.
Window Stickers (HB 291)
Another bill approved in the House this week would allow Missouri drivers to put their vehicle registration stickers inside their windshields instead of on their license plates. The legislation would require the state Department of Revenue to issue the windshield stickers starting next year. Instructions would be included concerning placement of the sticker. Registration stickers for owners of trailers or motorcycles would remain the same.
The primary reason behind the change is to prevent the many thefts of registration stickers we have seen in our state. The change would make Missouri similar to many other states where motorists already are mandated to place stickers inside their windshields. By adopting this law, we can make these stickers less of an easy target for would-be thieves.
Aerotropolis (HB 840)
A piece of legislation we approved this week sounds like something out of science fiction, but it could have a real, positive impact on Missouri’s future. The Aerotropolis bill would help turn Lambert Airport in St. Louis into an international air freight hub. The bill would create a zone where businesses with worldwide commerce that rely on the airport will be eligible to receive tax credits.
While this may sound at first like it would benefit only the St. Louis area, it really has the potential to impact the economy of our entire state. As my colleague who sponsored the bill said on the House floor, imagine being able to load up cattle, drive them to St. Louis and have them in China, where the demand for beef is enormous, the next day. His point is that having an international trade hub in our state will create an incredible increase in demand for all of the products and goods here in Missouri. It’s a plan that could create jobs not only in St. Louis but in every part of our great state.
Tour
On Monday, April 11, 2011, members of the Transportation Committee toured the Jefferson City Correctional Center, License Plate Factory, to observe the process of producing Missouri license plates.
Visitors
Pictured: Representative Denison, 4th Grade Students, Teachers: Mr. Brian Post, Mrs. Courtney Reece, Mrs. Val Halbur
On Wednesday, April 13, 2011, Horace Mann Elementary 4th Grade students visited the Capitol. The students and teachers were introduced on the House Floor by Representative Denison. While in Jefferson City, the students toured the Capitol, the Governor’s Mansion, and the Supreme Court.
I look forward to hearing from you, and if you will be in Jefferson City, please stop by my office. If you ever have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact my office. Best wishes.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment