Keaveny: Unemployment Benefits Extension Bill, "Right to Work" Labor Rally, Puppies for Parole

Unemployment Benefits Extension Bill Signed by the Governor

On April 13, House Bill 163, which changes laws regarding unemployment compensation in order to receive federal funds, was signed and approved by the governor. Unemployed citizens whose employment benefits are nearing the 79-week cut-off date will have their benefits extended to 99 weeks.

The advancement of this bill was possible because of a compromise to try to identify and eliminate the appropriations of $250 million of federal stimulus spending projects in Missouri. An amendment added to the bill reduces Missouri’s state share of initial unemployment benefits from 26 weeks to 20 weeks.

I'm relieved that lawmakers were able to come to a compromise regarding this bill, though I strongly disagree with blocking millions of dollars in federal funds. An emergency clause was included in the bill, which puts the legislation into immediate effect upon the governor's signature. Missouri families will now have the aide they need to provide for their families while searching for work.

Weatherization Assistance Provided by Urban League

Urban League has worked to better the St. Louis community for more than 90 years.

The Weatherization Assistance Program, available through the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, Inc., provides residential improvements for low-income residents. The organization is also weatherizing homeless shelters in St. Louis.

Urban League received $17.6 million of ARRA (American Recovery and Reinvestment Act) funds for weatherization, and the program has been very successful. Urban League has weatherized 1,200 units, 800 units are in the process of completion, and 3,000 units are expected to be finished by March 2012. The organization has spent $11.1 million, leaving only $6.5 million for the next 12 months.



The organization is using Gibson furnaces (made in Missouri) for projects, and using two-part insulating foam from a local company. The program's funding alone is directly supporting more than 100 jobs (in-house and with contractors) — this number does not include the jobs Urban League created in the furnace or insulation businesses.

Services offered by the Weatherization Assistance Program may include:

• Wall and ceiling insulation
• Plugging air leaks with caulking
• Installing weather stripping
• Dryer venting
• Glazing and repairing windows and doors
• Performing minor duct repair
• Hot water tank repair
• Furnace repair or replacement
• Central air repair or window unit replacement

For more information about this program, visit www.ulstl.org/weatherization_assistance.aspx, call (314) 615-3636, or visit its location at 3701 Grandel Sq.

Legislative Updates

We are approaching the final day of the First Regular Session of the 96th General Assembly — May 13. Several of my bills have passed in the Missouri Senate and are now making their way through the House.

Senate Bill 23 - This is one of my most important bills — it would allow the City of St. Louis to control the police department for the first time since the Civil War. The measure is awaiting debate on the Senate floor.

The City of St. Louis and the St. Louis Police Officers Association have been working together on compromise legislation that would satisfy both parties. If the bill fails to pass in the Legislature, the fact that these two parties are working together so diligently is a success and will benefit St. Louis residents.

Senate Bill 59 - Already passed in the Missouri Senate, this legislation would modify the Uniform Trust Code. On April 21, it was voted out of the House Judiciary Committee. Approval by the House Rules Committee would send the bill to the full House for debate.

Senate Bill 60 - This bill would modify provisions of law regarding power of attorneys, the Uniform Trust Code, and the Uniform Principal and Income Act. The legislation was voted out of the House Judiciary Committee.

Senate Bill 61 - This measure would require that one of three commissioners appointed in condemnation cases in St. Louis City, St. Louis County, and Jackson County be a real estate broker or appraiser. The bill was passed in the House General Laws Committee, and includes local control provisions. Approval by the House Rules Committee would send the bill to the full House for debate.

Senate Bill 295 - This legislation would initiate payday loan reform, which is very important to my constituents, as payday loan shops are prevalent in the city. Reducing roll-overs is a key provision in eliminating cycles of debt, and my bill reduces the renewals of payday loans from six times to zero.

"Right to Work" Labor Rally in St. Louis

At right: The "Right to Work" protest at Kiener Plaza in St. Louis.

Last March, I attended a rally at Kiener Plaza to protest the "Right to Work" bill. I do not support Missouri becoming a "Right to Work" state — I support our state's unions.

The "Right to Work" legislation, if passed, would hit the Missouri middle class and ban closed-union shops. Missourians are concerned that wages and benefits are lower in current "Right to Work" states. Missouri citizens also emphasized that unions invest in safety training for construction workers.

Nearly 4,300 people were present at the rally, and I was pleased to see such a good turnout. These workers want their jobs and rights protected. I will continue to work against Missouri becoming a "Right to Work" state, and will continue to support our unions.

Another piece of legislation that is dangerous to unions is known as the “Paycheck Deception Bill.” This legislation is an unscrupulous measure aimed at dismantling support of labor unions within our society. I voted "no" on the bill in the Senate.

Senator Keaveny's Audio Clips

Please visit the links below to listen to Sen. Keaveny discuss his legislative priorities.

• Senate Bill 294, now combined with Senate Bill 291, addresses dropout recovery charter schools. (Audio)
• Senate Bill 138 would create the "Nonhuman Primate Act." (Audio)
• Senate Bill 124 would require children to attend school by age 5. (Audio)
• Senate Bill 23 would give local control of the St. Louis Police Department back to the City of St. Louis, and Senate Bill 24 would increase fines for not wearing a seat belt. (Audio)
• Local control for the St. Louis Police Department. (Audio)

Puppies for Parole: Giving Dogs and Inmates Companionship

At left: Faith, a 1-year-old Border Collie, is Puppies for Parole's 250th adoption.

The Missouri Department of Corrections celebrated the 250th adoption in its Puppies for Parole program. This program is possible thanks to the Department of Corrections' partnership with Missouri animal shelters. Rescue dogs are paired with offenders at prisons, who train and rehabilitate the dogs so they can have the chance to be adopted into loving homes. Inmates must have references from official prison employees, such as guards, to participate in the program.

Dogs must complete a two-month training process, at which they learn verbal commands and general obedience. At the end of training, the dogs must pass a "Canine Good Citizenship Test."

Puppies for Parole is now present in 13 institutions across the state, and not only saves the lives of dogs needing good homes, but also improves the lives of inmates. Inmates learn skills, tackle responsibilities, and the program helps them maintain good behavior.

For more information about Puppies for Parole, please visit the Department of Corrections' website for Puppies for Parole at http://doc.mo.gov/division/dai/puppies.php.

Gubernatorial Appointment

Last month, I was proud to sponsor the gubernatorial appointment of Andrew Schwartz, who was recommended to serve as a member of the St. Louis City Board of Election Commissioners.

The Board of Election Commissioners for the City of St. Louis conducts municipal, state, and federal elections within the jurisdictional limits of the City of St. Louis. The goals of the board are to administer the conduct of all public elections within the City of St. Louis in a fair and honest manner.

Mr. Schwartz has been nominated by the governor to serve a term lasting from Feb. 11, 2011, to Jan. 10, 2013.

Farewell to Our Hard-Working Intern

At left, From left to right: Wilma Rowden, Michael Sipes, Sen. Keaveny, and Stacy Morse.

Now that session is drawing to a close, I would like to take this opportunity to thank my intern, Michael Sipes. Michael is working toward a Bachelor of Arts in History and Classics at the University of Missouri, and is vice-president of Delta Alpha Pi, an international honor society for students with disabilities.

Michael has worked very hard throughout his internship, and I know he has a promising future ahead of him.

St. Louis Agency on Training and Employment

The SLATE Missouri Career Centers provide training and job placement services to the St. Louis City's adult workforce.

The St. Louis Agency on Training and Employment, or SLATE, is an organization in St. Louis that prepares citizens for success in the job market. The SLATE Missouri Career Centers offer many services at no cost. These services include:

• Resume preparation
• Interviewing skills
• Job search strategies
• Computer skills and software training
• And more!

For more information regarding SLATE, please visit www.stlworks.com, call
(314) 589-8000, or visit its location at 1520 Market, on the 3rd floor.