Both the House and Senate have been attempting to craft a map consisting of eight Missouri congressional districts instead of the current nine. This change is inevitable, as Missouri's population did not grow at the rate of the rest of the nation the past ten years. The House and the Senate have both passed versions of this new map in their respective bodies. However, the maps are not identical, which requires members from the House and members of the Senate to get together and compromise to create one version of the map. This Conference Committee will meet Thursday evening to address the matter. If a compromise is reached at that time, then legislators will be asked to return to the Capitol on Friday to vote on the final map. The Conference Committee has until 11:00 p.m. on Thursday to reach a consensus or decide to continue to debate on the matter next week.
Although I understand the gravity of finalizing a new congressional district map of Missouri, I am disappointed in the manner in which the legislature has acted. Holding technical sessions on Monday and Thursday rather than holding discussion on other legislative matters sends the message that other bills and issues are less important than redistricting. It is our duty to deal with all legislation on the calendar, and we are doing Missourians and ourselves a great disservice by not holding scheduled debate.
Dog Breeders Letter
“To the Governor and Members of the Missouri General Assembly:
“We write to you today to outline an agreement on a pathway forward on a matter of tremendous importance to the state of Missouri: the care and treatment of dogs. This agreement is based on our shared belief that agriculture is the background of Missouri's economy; that responsible, professional dog breeders area vital part of Missouri's agricultural industry; and that the welfare of dogs is of paramount importance.
“When Missourians have to tackle tough issues, we come together to get things done. That is exactly what we have agreed to do on this complex issue. Together, we have worked through the details, found common ground, and forged a Missouri solution.
“Today, we are pleased to submit for your consideration legislation that upholds the intent of Missouri voters concerning the treatment of dogs and incorporates legislative revisions necessary to ensure proper implementation. The agreement we have reached strengthens requirements for the care and treatment of dogs and protects Missouri agriculture.
“Specifically, our legislation, which is attached to this letter:
- Strengthens standards for veterinary care that must be provided to dogs in breeding facilities;
- Strengthens standards concerning living conditions for dogs in breeding facilities, including access to sufficient food and clean water;
- Strengthens standards concerning the amount of space that must be provided for each dog, with sufficient time for the industry to meet this higher standard; and
- Strengthens state enforcement.
“We are mindful of the voters' desire to address this important issue and the legislative efforts to do so, and we applaud all those who have worked to bring people together. Our organizations pledge to work with you to move our agreement through the legislative process swiftly, and we look forward to seeing it signed into law as soon as possible. We also pledge to continue our partnership to advance the care and treatment of dogs and to move Missouri agriculture forward.
“We are proud to be working together on this critical issue for our state. We hope you will join us in these efforts.
“Sincerely,
Kathy Warnick, Human Society of Missouri
Karen Strange, Missouri Federation of Animal Owners
Bob Baker, Missouri Alliances for Animal Legislation
Barbara York, Missouri Pet Breeders Association
Jon Hagler, Director Missouri Department of Agriculture
Don Nikodim, Missouri Farmers Care”
Read the proposed legislation here.
Survey Results
I appreciate the great responses that I have been receiving towards the survey. Your responses have granted me a great amount of insight into the opinons and priorities of those I am honored to serve. Your responses enable me to craft better legislation and support policies that are congenial to you. Some of the findings from my survey are below.
- Should state law require lawmakers to regularly review tax credits?
90.9% Yes
2.7% No
6.4% No Opinion
- Should Missouri regulate the interest rates and fees charged by the payday loan industry?
84.1% Yes
11.7% No
4.2% No Opinion
- Should the legislature reinstate campaign contribution limits?
86.7% yes
9.1% No
4.2% No Opinion
Bill to Tilt Discrimination Laws Against Victims Should Face Veto
When it comes to the Missouri Human Rights Act, the old axiom of "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" is appropriate. Yet, the Republican-controlled Missouri General Assembly has decided to do some tinkering that could actually make it more difficult for victims of unlawful employment discrimination to hold perpetrators accountable.
Supporters of Senate Bill 188, which lawmakers recently passed to rewrite the rules governing discrimination lawsuits, say the bill will "fix" existing law. Well, the fix certainly is in with SB 188 - but these tweaks imperil us all.
The bill changes it so that discrimination claims will be substantially more difficult to prove in court. It changes it so that when victims do prove their allegations, actual damages are capped at artificially low levels and punitive damages are prohibited entirely. It even changes it so that some employers are exempt from being held liable for discriminatory practices.
In short, SB 188 tips the scales of justice so that they tilt firmly against victims of discrimination.
Missourians believe hiring and firing decisions should be based on merit and job performance, not on a person's gender or the color of their skin. With this action, the General Assembly would roll back civil rights in this state to a time when certain people simply need not apply for jobs, regardless of qualifications.
Fortunately, the General Assembly does not have the last word on the matter, which is now in the hands of Governor Jay Nixon. It is my sincere hope that the Governor will do the right thing and promptly veto this bill to send the message that Missouri doesn't tolerate workplace discrimination.
Sara Lampe, D-Springfield, represents the 138th District in the Missouri House of Representatives.
Domestic Violence Legislation
Barbara Brown, the Executive Director for the Child Advocacy Center in Springfield stopped by the Capitol to share information concerning domestic violence policy. I have co-sponsored HCS HB 504, 505, and 874 which aims to update laws regarding domestic violence and incorporate recommendations of Attorney General Koster's Domestic Violence Task Force. Among other changes, this legislation includes stalking and abuse in the definition of domestic violence and requires the Department of Public Safety to establish reimbursement rates for forensic examinations for a victim of sexual offense.
On the Floor this Week
The House has passed HB 1008. This bill allows the Highways and Transportation Commission within the Department of Transportation to enter into a binding highway infrastructure agreement to reimburse or repay any funds advanced by or for the benefit of a county, political subdivision, or private entity to expedite state road construction or improvement.
The House also passed HB 828 this week. This legislation weakens prevailing wage in the state of Missouri.
HB 656 was passed this week. This payday loan reform legislation remains incomplete and will move to the Senate. Debate continues regarding appropriate interest rate caps and renewal requirements.
The House addressed HB 661 regarding debt relief services.
The House addressed HJR 5, concerning the right to hunt, fish, trap, and harvest wildlife. Upon voter approval, this proposed constitutional amendment guarantees a citizen's right to hunt, fish, trap, and harvest wildlife using traditionally approved devices or methods.
SS SCS HCS HB 14 was agreed to and passed after facing changes from the Senate. This legislation appropriates money for supplemental purposes for state departments and offices. Money appropriated from this bill is to be used for the payment of various claims for refunds for people, firms, and corporations.
Please Share Your Ideas
One of my top priorities this session is coming up with ideas to get Missourians back to work. I am interested in hearing ideas from you on how to create jobs to strengthen Missouri's economic base.
As always, thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve you. If you have any concerns or questions, please do not hesitate to contact my office.
Sincerely,
Sara
Visitors to the Capitol
Sister Berta Sailor from Operation Breakthrough visited with Representative Lampe this week.
Representative Lampe had the pleasure of meeting with Teamsters that were at the Capitol this week.
Representative Lampe met with Teamsters President, James Hoffa this week.
Representative Lampe with Kansas City Mayor Elect Sly James.
Springfield Child Advocacy Center Facts
2010 Fast Facts
1136 Children Seen
1082 Forensic Interviews
588 Sexual Assault Forensic Exams
138 Child at Risk Exams
Offense
1657 total reported offenses
73% Sexual Abuse
23% Physical Abuse
5% Neglect
12% Drug Endangered
7% Child Exploitation
Gender
65% Female
35% Male
Ethnicity
92% Caucasian
3% African American
0.3% American Indian/Alaskan Native
0.5% Hispanic
4% Other
Age
35% Age of 6 and under
35% Age 7-12
30% Age 13-18+
Women Legislators
Women legislators were honored this week for their public service. Pictured above are the women of the House of Representatives.
Top 10 by 20
The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has launched Top 10 by 20, a major improvement effort that aims for students achievement in Missouri to rank among the top 10 states by 2020.
Missouri's performance on a broad range of educational measures matches our geography-in the middle. While more students are taking the ACT exam each year, the statewide average score has not risen above 21.6-where it was one decade ago. Missouri's composite score of 2010 graduates ranked 27th nationally. But Missouri is moving in the right direction. Across all grade levels Missouri students are making positive gains in math, communication arts, science and other subject important for success.
To help our students reach the top 10 in academic performance, everyone in Missouri must pull together. To voice your encouragement for the Top 10 by 20 initiative, go here and click on the Show Your Support button.
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