Hoskins: Update From Special Session

It has been a month, or so, since my last Capitol Report and, as most of you are aware, the House and Senate have started Special Session. I thought I would send you this update to let you know what is going on here at your State Capitol.

Special Session

The main purpose of our return to the Capitol for special session is to continue to address the issues of jobs and economic development. Currently the legislation addressing these issues is being debated in the Senate. Consequently, the House calendar may adjust dependent upon how quickly legislation moves through the Senate.

Since the House of Representatives is in session waiting on the progress from the Senate and the jobs/economic development bill, we have taken the opportunity to address legislation which had support in the regular 2011 Session, but, did not have enough time to reach full completion. Also needed are steps to help deal with the disaster relief effort in Joplin and other areas of the State impacted by natural disasters.

Here is a listing of the bills we debated in the House last week. All seven of these bills overwhelmingly passed out of the House with bipartisan support and are awaiting action in the Senate.

HB 8 deals with the issue of tax increment financing and the Missouri supplemental disaster recovery fund.
HB 6 appropriates money for the purpose of matching Federal Emergency Management Agency expenditures due to natural disasters in the state of Missouri in 2011 for the period ending June 30, 2012.
HB 1 would allow the City of St. Louis to establish and maintain a municipal police force completely under the city's authority.
HB 2 would change the laws regarding the collection of moneys owed to the state.
HCS HB 3 would change the laws regarding presidential elections.
HCS HB 5 would change the laws regarding the assessment of commercial real property destroyed by a natural disaster.
And Last, but certainly not least, HB 7 which establishes the Joint Committee on Disaster Funding.
For further information on this legislation, go to www.house.mo.gov.

This week’s schedule will consist of having a special “technical” session on Tuesday and Veto Session on Wednesday. Our schedule for session on Thursday and Friday is dependent upon actions taken by the Senate.

While I have your attention, this would be a good time to tell you that Vice-Chair of the Interim Committee on Passenger Rail has been added to the list of my duties here as your State Representative. The purpose of the committee is to study the cost, funding, and other concerns of service associated with Amtrak passenger rail. I am honored that Speaker of the House, Steven Tilley, appointed me as Vice-Chairman of this committee. Amtrak is an important part of Missouri and Warrensburg.

Ways to Keep in Contact

I consider communication with my constituents a high priority. My weekly Monday morning chat at 8:45 a.m. with Woody at KOKO Radio on AM 1450 is one of the best ways I’ve found for you to literally “hear” from me. During session or interim, tune in every Monday morning at 8:45 to hear the latest concerning District 121.

Please share this report with anyone you feel would be interested in this information. It is genuinely a privilege to serve as your state representative.