Denison: House Approved Missouri Exports Bill, Medicare Part D Meetings

“Our greatest glory consists not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” –Oliver Goldsmith

In The Capitol

Since September 6^th, the Missouri General Assembly has been in special session with the goal of passing a major jobs bill. With nearly 9 percent of Missourians unemployed, we remain committed to the number one issue for Missourians - jobs. Today, the Missouri House took a major step in moving forward a comprehensive jobs bill that will give Missouri’s economy the boost it needs to get back on track.

After hours of debate on the House floor yesterday, the bill received an overwhelming bipartisan vote. The bill includes innovative tax incentives, reforms to existing programs, and an across the board tax cut for Missouri job creators.

The bill includes many new incentive programs that will help Missouri’s economy compete in the 21^st century. The new incentives will help attract amateur sporting events to the state, encourage the creation of data storage centers, and create the Missouri Export Act, which creates incentives for exporting Missouri products. In addition to these new incentives, the bill provides funding for job training and creates a fund to both retain companies that are considering leaving our state and attract businesses that are looking for a new location.

The bill also will make dramatic changes that will create hundreds of millions in savings and ensure taxpayer protections for many incentive programs. We lowered caps on two of Missouri’s largest programs and eliminated many underutilized and ineffective programs. With the savings created through these reforms, we passed an across the board tax cut for Missouri businesses.

We believe with this across the board tax cut, along with these tax incentives for high-tech jobs, Missouri’s economy will have the tools necessary to overcome the ongoing recession. The bill now goes to the Senate where we are hopeful that Senators will move swiftly to get this bill to the governor’s desk.

In the District

Medicare Part D Enrollment Meetings

A few weeks ago I mentioned this information, and I am providing it again with updated information. CLAIM has been designated by the State of Missouri to assist seniors with Medicare Part D, which is a federal program for prescription drug coverage. Representatives from the CLAIM organization will be available to assist Medicare eligible citizens to enroll in a prescription plan for 2012. Meetings will be held on Thursday, November 17, 2011 from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Friday, November 18, 2011 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Library Center, Conference Rooms A, B, and C, 4653 South Campbell Avenue, Springfield. Walk-ins are welcome, but in order to reduce waiting time, appointments may be scheduled by calling CLAIM at 1-800-390-3330. Please bring your Medicare card and a list of your prescription medication to the meeting.

If you are unable to attend but have questions about prescription drug coverage, you may contact CLAIM for assistance at 1-800-390-3330, and a counselor will assist you with selecting a plan.

The Medicare Part D enrollment period for the 2012 plans is October 15, 2011 - December 7, 2011. Seniors may switch plans without penalty until December 7, 2011.

If this information does not apply to you, but you have family members this does apply to, please pass this important information on to them.

Interim Office Hours

Interim office hours are Tuesday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Normal schedule will resume December 1, 2011. If you need to call me at home, my number is 417-887-3353.

I look forward to hearing from you. If you ever have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact my office. Best wishes.