Lichtenegger: Healthcare Measures Advance, Scholarship Opportunity

The following list represents a few of the most recent House legislative activities:

(Remember when reading the full House bill text only the print in bold font changes current Missouri statutes.)

• HB 193 is the bill that draws the new Congressional district lines. On Wednesday, April 27, House members Truly Agreed and Finally Passed and sent it to Governor Nixon to sign. The following link is to the House website where you can listen to debate and view the final redistricting map: House audio debate & New Congressional District Map.
  
• HB 609, the Show-Me Health Insurance Exchange Act, is a pro-active way in which the State of Missouri can secure its health insurance exchange if Obama’s Federal Health Care is not found to be unconstitutional. If this bill -as currently written- becomes law, no Missourian will be required to purchase their health insurance through the exchange.
  
  The intent of the exchange is to reduce the number of uninsured; provide a transparent marketplace; increase competition in the health insurance market; increase portability of health insurance coverage; reduce health care costs; provide consumer education; and assist individuals with access to programs, tax credits, and cost-sharing reductions.
  
  (Contact my assistant at denia{dot}fields{at}house{dot}mo{dot}gov for additional information on the affects of this bill.)
  
• HB 658 is the bill that requires a physician's prescription to obtain methamphetamine precursor drugs such as pseudoephedrine –found in certain allergy medications. The bill’s provisions are to be known as the Meth Lab Elimination Act. If you currently take an off-the-shelf (OTC) cold or allergy drug, you will not be affected by this legislation. Many constituents are receiving auto-calls that are misleading the public into believing many OTC drugs are included. You can view all House actions on this bill through this link: Legislative Actions on HB 658.
  
• HB 656 is the Payday Loan bill which among other provisions requires a licensed lender to conspicuously post in the lobby of its office in at least 14-point bold type the fee in terms of dollars charged per $100 loaned in addition to the currently required maximum annual percentage rate. It also allows a borrower to enter into an extended payment plan once in any 12-month period. Interest cannot accrue and the amount can be paid in full at any time without penalty. If the borrower fails to pay the amount owed when due, the lender can accelerate the unpaid loan balance. No other payday loan can be entered into until the extended payment plan is paid in full.
  

Constituent Corner

SOUTHEAST MO ROAD CLOSURES

Residents in Southeast Missouri are keenly aware of the flooding. To receive timely updates from MO DOT on road closures call: 1-888-ASK MODOT (243-6636) or link to this MO DOT webpage: MO DOT map.

ATTENTION HIGH SCHOOL JUNIORS AND SENIORS

You have an opportunity to win a $3,000 college scholarship and an all-expenses-paid trip accompanied by their State Representative to The National Foundation for Women Legislators (NFWL) Annual Conference, August 11-15, 2011, at The Marriott in Downtown Des Moines, Iowa. The Bill of Rights Essay Contest for college-bound female high school juniors and seniors is entitled The Impact of the First Amendment on Women Leaders and Social Media. The seven contest winners will each be mentored by, and speak to hundreds of women lawmakers from across the United States.

If you know a high school student who would benefit from this contest please contact my assistant, Denia, at denia{dot}fields{at}house{dot}mo{dot}gov or call 573-751-6662 for an application.

Don’t wait! Entries must be received or postmarked no later than June 3, 2011, after which an NFWL selection committee will judge each essay and determine the seven winners. The judges will primarily weigh the factors of storytelling, understanding of the Bill of Rights, and original insight.

For information about the: NFWL

Three ways to contact me:

• 201 West Capitol Avenue, Room 409B, Jefferson City, MO 65101-6806;
• 573-751-6662; or
• donna.lichtenegger@house.mo.gov