Korman: Constituent Surveys Due April 23

I am encouraging area residents to complete and return a legislative survey mailed earlier this month. We mailed the 19-question survey to more than 6,000 households. This survey is another opportunity for residents of the district to participate in our state government. The survey contains questions on topics including Education, Labor, State Government, Transportation, Economy and Jobs. This marks the first survey I have sent since being elected. If you haven’t done so already, please return your survey to my office by April 23, 2011. If you would like a survey mailed to you please contact our office.

As session continues to heat up before the final stretch, the Missouri House continues to pass new job-creating reforms. We want to avoid the last-minute, late-night confusion we often hear about in Washington D.C. by getting job creation priorities done early.

This week we truly agreed and finally passed SCS SB 188, sponsored by Senator Brad Lager (R-12), The Missouri Human Rights Act (”MHRA”) is our state’s version of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act – it punishes employers for discriminating against employees in protected classes, including race, sex, national origin, age, or religion.

Our bill would amend the MHRA so that it is interpreted like Federal laws to avoid confusion. This will make it easier for our businesses to be in compliance and make sure they are not breaking the law.

HCS HB 840, sponsored by Rep. Caleb Jones (R-117), was third read and passed by a vote of 142 to 14. This bill establishes the Aerotropolis Trade Incentive and Tax Credit Act to encourage foreign trade by authorizing the St. Louis City Mayor or the executive officer of certain counties to designate a gateway zone. This will help increase international business trade by encouraging the establishment of a hub for international trade routes at the Lambert-St. Louis International Airport. This can only positively impact the economy and create needed jobs for Missourians especially in our area.

Our visitors this week included constituents to bring issues such as tax reform, education and agriculture to our attention as well as Collegiate Farm Bureau. We strive to give each visit and call the deserved time so please feel free to stop by or contact your 99^th District office at:

201 W Capitol Ave., Office 114C
Jefferson City, MO 65101
573-751-2689
Bart{dot}Korman{at}house{dot}mo{dot}gov

Working for The People,
Bart Korman