Engler: Redistricting to Change Representation in Jefferson County

Normally, in a legislative session, the only task we must complete is the budget. This year the Senate and House is also in charge of congressional redistricting. Early in the week, the Senate Select Committee on Redistricting approved legislation laying out a new congressional map. This map can now be discussed on the floor of the Senate, and I am sure there will be plenty of debate on many of the proposed changes to the state’s congressional districts.

Census results found that Missouri’s population has grown by 7 percent during the past 10 years, but this increase is not enough to prevent the state from losing a congressional district. The task of redrawing the state’s district lines to go from 9 districts to 8 is particularly tough—we haven’t had to significantly change the map since the last time Missouri lost a congressional seat 30 years ago.

The proposed map contains several major changes to the state’s congressional districts throughout the state. Most notably for us, the plan would split Jefferson County between three congressional districts with the southern part of the county becoming a part of the 8^th Congressional District, currently represented by Representative Jo Ann Emerson. To see the Senate’s proposed congressional map, please click here.

Redistricting for the state House and Senate districts is accomplished by Apportionment Commission appointed by the governor. These commissions began meeting this week and set the dates and locations for public hearings. The commissions have until August 18 to complete work on tentative plans to reapportion the House and Senate districts.

Another issue that was discussed on the floor this week was Missouri’s provider tax. This is a tax on hospitals and nursing homes that these groups actually requested the state impose because it allows these facilities to take in more federal Medicaid money. Senate Bill 322 removes the expiration date and extends these taxes. The bill is being delayed, however, putting these funds in jeopardy for the facilities that need them. The taxes are scheduled to expire on Sept. 30, 2011.

This week, I was pleased to work on legislation, Senate Bill 117, that addresses an issue in Iron County. Several years ago, the citizens in the area voted and approved the establishment of a county hospital. However, for about a year and a half, the hospital did not receive Medicaid reimbursements which added up to a substantial amount. While the county now has a much better return on the hospital, they are still in debt. The hospital board believes they need to bring this issue to the voters and ask that a sales tax be approved to pay down the debt. This is essential to the viability of the county and the hospital. I support letting this issue go to the people for a vote. The bill was approved by the Senate, sending it to the House for similar consideration.