Lichenegger: The Grand Paper Toss

With the traditional Grand Paper Toss the 2011 legislative session finally is over. I wish there had been more legislation passed to boost Missouri’s economy, particularly during a time where employment growth is next to nil and some state residents –especially in Southeast Missouri- have lost their homes and farmland to flooding- so much more could have been done to promote the fiscal well-being of our state.

On a brighter note, religious freedom gained ground in the passage of HJR 2. This legislation proposes a constitutional amendment guaranteeing a citizen's right to pray and worship on public property. The bill’s sponsor, Representative Mike McGhee, worked for five years to see this religious liberty bill become a reality. Personal religious freedoms will be strengthened once the voters approve it as an amendment to the Missouri Constitution in the November 2012 general election. However, Governor Nixon could decide instead to place the measure on the August primary election ballot.

“One of my proudest accomplishments this year was the passing of House Joint Resolution 2.” McGhee said. “The Senate has long been the stopping grounds for the prayer bill. However, in an amazing turn of events, this was the first year that the Missouri Senate passed the bill unanimously with a vote of 34-0!”

The official ballot title of the amendment proposed will be as follows:
"Shall the Missouri Constitution be amended to ensure: That the right of Missouri citizens to express their religious beliefs shall not be infringed; that school children have the right to pray and acknowledge God voluntarily in their schools; and that all public schools shall display the Bill of Rights of the United States Constitution.".

“Students would be assured the right to pray and acknowledge God on a voluntary basis in public schools so long as their religious expression is not disruptive and conforms to the parameters placed on any other free speech in similar circumstances,” Representative McGhee asserts. “Students would also be guaranteed the right to share their religious beliefs in written or oral school assignments free from any recrimination based on the religious content of their work.”

Last night, May 18, I attended the evening MODOT meeting held at the Perryville Park Center. This was an informative meeting, and I think they are making some wise, well-thought-out decisions. It is always hard to loose things in your districts. My district is closing one maintenance shed in Perry County, which I'm not happy about but, if we are truly serious about spending less money, then hard choices have to be made. MODOT is scaling down state-wide from 10 to 7 districts. This will mean significant changes will occur. MODOT is also making changes in Jefferson City. This is a good sign particularly since as citizens we need to know that the MODOT officials making these changes are not staffing state jobs at the expense of local ones. I also want my constituents to know that no jobs in the area of local maintenance personnel will be lost.

Speaking of MODOT, link here to find surplus items for sale: MODOT Surplus Auctions
And for nation-wide items scope out this site, Gov Deals, where you can find all sorts of equipment and items for sale from governmental entities!

STATE –WIDE NEWS

A major change in a specific Medicaid service for those seniors and adults with disabilities is scheduled to take place May 19. The change applies to those who are Medicaid beneficiaries that need and choose services of the Home and Community Based Services Program (HCBS) as an alternative to facility placement. Some examples of these services include assistance with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, housekeeping, etc. The DSDS which functions within the Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) has contracted with SynCare, LLC to assume some responsibilities for the HCBS Program.

If you are a Medicaid recipient of the above mentioned specific services (HCBS), you may have already received a letter in the mail from the Division of Senior and Disability Services (DSDS) regarding this change.

Constituent Corner

I wish to express my heartiest congratulations to all the Saxony Lutheran, Jackson, Oak Ridge and Perryville High School grads. May all your hard work and aspirations produce for you a “dream-come-true” future filled with excitement and success.

Three ways to contact me:

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