Schupp: Veto Override Redefines State, Missouri Rx Saved,

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

As we approached the May 6 deadline, the House passed the budget compromise brokered with the Senate.

In news with national ramifications, House Democrats were not able to unite and sustain the Governor's veto of a congressional district map that is drawn with six Republican and two Democratic seats.

Students, mostly fourth graders, have filled the Capitol halls with their inquisitive minds and wide eyes: taking in all the magnificent artwork, architecture and history.

Please join Mark and me in congratulating our son, Brandon, on his upcoming graduation from Emory's Goizueta Business School. Graduation is Monday, May 9, and Mark and I are now enjoying time with Brandon in Atlanta to celebrate his achievement!

The legislative session comes to an end on Friday, May 13. Thank you for this opportunity to serve.

Truly,
Jill Schupp

Redefining Missouri: An Historic Vote

Evey ten years after the census numbers are counted, political district boundaries are redrawn to reflect equal numbers of residents within equivalent political offices. Due to a loss of population in Missouri, our redrawn map [HB193] will include eight congressional districts rather than the nine we have had during the past decade.

Last week, Democrats in the House called on Governor Jay Nixon to veto the congressional redistricting map passed by the legislature, hopeful that a re-drawn new map would better reflect the political landscape of the state.

The Governor did veto the map that drew six safely republican seats and two safely democratic seats in a state largely considered to be closer to 50/50.

On May 4, the Missouri House cast an historic vote. All Republicans voted against the veto, therefore, only four Democrats were needed to make up the 109 votes required to override the veto.

Four Democrats voted to override, leaving the Democrats with only two congressional seats for the next decade. It was a discouraging day for Democrats, who were not united behind a change that will have long term ramifications for the state and the nation.

Had the veto been sustained by the legislature, the courts would make the decision about how to draw the congressional districts.

My disappointment stems from the fact that the creation of these six/two non-competitive districts is not good for our community, for the citizens of the state, and for Missouri's future.

I remain committed to supporting legislative districts that foster a competitive political environment and reflect the interests, involvement and values of the Missourians who live there.

State Budget Update

Accolades from budget committee members on both sides of the aisle went to Budget Chair Ryan Silvey (KC) and Vice Chair Sara Lampe (Springfield) for an inclusive and open process. They are to both be commended for putting problem solving above politics.

The budget reasonably allocated the money available to us at this time, and yet it falls short of the funding levels necessary to maintain services that are valued by so many Missourians. Without a balanced approach that includes consideration of revenue opportunities, balancing the budget becomes an exercise with false choices.

While some contend that K-12 education was not affected, we have continued cuts in transportation and have not fully funded the school foundation formula (the method used to distribute state education dollars). In 2012, we will have fewer resources for all of our schools than was intended when this formula was redesigned six years ago.

Missouri is ranked 49^th of the 50 states in funding for higher education. In 2012, we will have less money for the operating budgets in colleges and universities across the state.

Health and mental health services, whether for children, families, or the elderly, are invaluable to many in our community. In 2012, we will see less money for public health programs.

Some good news: In-home care funds have been authorized. MO Rx has been funded through this budget. NORC has received its requested funding, affecting 2000 people in our community.

Tough decisions have been necessary in these tough times. As we look ahead, it is equally important to make decisions that will prove to be fiscally responsible after this recession. Missouri's General Assembly must take steps to rebuild the state's financial foundation,

Job creation continues to be a top priority. Standing strong for educational opportunities will help develop tomorrow's workforce and the entrepreneurs who will create job opportunities in the next decades of this Millennium.

A Priority Prescription: Missouri Rx

A priority for House Democrats in the final days of budget negotiations was extending the Missouri Rx prescription drug program for senior citizens and the disabled.

More than 200,000 Missourians benefit from the extension of Missouri Rx.

We allocated $19.6 million to fund the program for a full year, compared to the Senate's $5.78 million that would only last until its 2011 expiration.

Fortunately, the House position on Missouri Rx was protected by the Budget Conference Committee, and legislation extending this program will be sent to the desk of Governor Nixon by the end of the 2011 legislation session.

Showing Students Their Show-Me State Capitol

Spoede Elementary - May 5

One hundred students from Spoede Elementary visited the Capitol on May 5. With 4th Grade teachers Jan Caimi, Tracy Ward, Isaac Bjerk and Amy Rich, and accompanied by 50 parents, these students got the chance to observe the House of Representatives in action, marvel at the Thomas Hart Benton mural they have been studying in art class, and take a look inside the library at the Missouri Supreme Court. It is always a pleasure to introduce a new group of students to the Capitol of our great state.

Bellerive Elementary - April 26

Last week we welcomed 75 students and 22 parents and teachers from Bellerive Elementary School. Here is the photo of these bright young students, led by teacher Julie Otey.

Voter ID Advances

The House of Representatives has approved a pair of measures that would require Missouri voters to produce government-issued photo identification before voting. House Democrats have unanimously opposed this effort, as it stands to disenfranchise tens of thousands of Missouri voters.

"Voter ID" legislation would target senior citizens, legal immigrants, and youth, making it difficult for these diverse groups to be involved in the political process. The legislation in question, SJR 2, would ask Missouri voters to grant the General Assembly the authority to require voter ID. Senate Bill 3, which takes effect if SJR 2 is ratified, will be sent to Governor Nixon to be signed into law or vetoed.

Nixon Vetoes Senate Bill 188

Governor Nixon on April 29 vetoed legislation that would have dramatically weakened Missouri's anti-discrimination laws. Senate Bill 188, which was aimed at the Missouri Human Rights Act, would have made it more difficult for victims to bring and prove workplace discrimination lawsuits and would limit damage awards in cases that are proved.

In his veto message, Nixon said SB 188 "represents a significant retreat from the basic principles of fairness embodied in the Missouri Human Rights Act and erects unacceptable impediments to those victimized by discrimination."

Weakening state laws against workplace discrimination was a top legislative priority for Missouri's leading business groups; supporters of the bill claimed it would make Missouri more "business friendly." As of May 5, the General Assembly had made no effort to override Nixon's veto.

Davis: Redistricting Override To Shape Next Generation Of Missourians

At left: My intern from MSSU Tristan Routledge and his family. Tristan was such a help all year. I will miss him next session.

“Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not.” Dr. Seuss

It was a historic week at the capitol. Only 8 times in our state’s history has the general assembly over rode a gubernatorial veto. It was great to be part of something that will shape the future of Missouri for the next generation. It was an important vote that protected the people of our great state.

What happened this week

Passage of Vetoed House Bills

Although the following bill was vetoed by the Governor on May 2, 2011, the Missouri House and Senate voted, in a bipartisan fashion, to override the Governor’s veto on May 4, 2011.

CCS SS HCS HB 193, Missouri’s Congressional redistricting bill was passed by a majority veto override vote in the House and the Senate and was delivered to the Secretary of State. The representative will of the people drew and passed the new Congressional Districts map and then overrode the Governor’s veto. The courts will not draw the district lines, the elected representatives of the people have done so, as is our constitutional duty.

Third Reading & Final House Passage

The following bills were given final approval by the House and sent to the Senate for further consideration. For more information regarding any specific bill, please visit www.house.mo.gov

HCS#2 SJR 2, sponsored by Rep. Stanley Cox (R-118), has been third read and finally passed in the House. This resolution proposes amending the Missouri Constitution to require a person to provide valid, government issued, photo identification, in order to vote in Missouri. Our history is full of Americans who spent their entire lives trying to gain this very basic and precious right. The fight to gain voting rights continued for many years. I want to be the first to tell you, this fight is over. You may not have heard it yet, but yes, it is true, all Americans aged 18 or over are allowed to cast ONE ballot in each election. So now that this fight is over, it is time to make sure we guarantee the integrity of the voting system by making sure this precious right is not abused.

HCS SS#2 SCS SB 8, would provide protection against co-employee liability lawsuits in cases involving workers’ compensation. This bill passed with a House Committee Substitute and was sent back to the Senate. Currently, the Senate has refused to concur and has requested a conference to address their concerns.

HCS SS SCS SB 58, sponsored by Rep. Charlie Denison (R-135), was third read and finally passed. This bill addresses a variety of issues related to transportation.

HCS SS SB 135, which I am in full support and sponsored in the House, would modify provisions pertaining to the storage and dispensing of motor fuel and extends the expiration date for the environmental laws relating to dry-cleaning facilities to August 28, 2017.

HCS#2 SB 3 is another bill related to elections and the requirements for advanced voting and the providing of photo identification.

HCS SCS SB 163 deals with the changes in composition of the MU Board of Curators due to the loss of a Congressional district. This bill is the same as HB 174.

HCS SB 173 passed the House with a committee substitute and was sent back to the Senate. The Senate has refused to concur and has called for either a conference to address their concerns, or for the house to recede from its position. As it is, this bill would require the Joint Committee on Missouri's Promise to develop long-term strategies and plans for developing a modern infrastructure and transportation system.

HCS SCS SB 219 deals with the fees that can be charged by owners of ATM’s for out of country account transactions.

HCS SB 282 has a number of effects related to elections and public contracts. In particular, it moves the presidential primary from February to March.

Truly Agreed To and Finally Passed

This legislation has been passed by both the House and the Senate and is now headed to the Governor’s desk for consideration. For more information regarding any specific piece of legislation, please visit www.house.mo.gov.

SS SB 101 states that contractors, who perform roof or other residential exterior work, will not be allowed to offer monetary payment of a homeowner's insurance deductible as incentive to hire the contractor.

SS SB 55 classifies sawmills and planing mills as agricultural and horticultural property instead of commercial property for the purpose of relieving excessive taxation on the industry.

SS SB 306, SB 83, SB 165, were also truly agreed to and finally passed.

Congressional Redistricting Update

The historic vote over ride vote this week. You could hear a pin drop!

Most importantly this week, the House and the Senate finally agreed to a final compromise map to complete the constitutional duty of the State Legislature in drafting eight new Congressional Districts for our State. As many of you are aware, it is the duty of the General Assembly to complete the task of Congressional Redistricting, every ten years, following the national census. After weeks of stalemate and tense negotiations, a valuable compromise was finally reached as both Chambers passed a final proposed map with overwhelming majorities of support. This bill was vetoed by the Governor. Since the Governor decided not to heed the work of the Legislature, in order to prevent this issue from going to the Courts and being decided by unelected judges, the House and Senate voted to override the Governor’s veto. This is a serious matter that affects every single person in the State, hundreds of hours went into the process and the final product is a fair, compact, contiguous map that is good for all of the citizens of our State.

Budget Update

I am extremely proud of the 96^th General Assembly and the work we accomplished in passing a balanced budget. The fiscal year 2012 budget heavily funds our state’s most important priorities without increasing the tax burden on our already economically strapped citizens. This required an enormous bipartisan effort and was a huge accomplishment. The most impressive aspect about the development of the 2012 budget was our ability to hold the funding for K-12 at 2011 levels while increasing transportation funding for school districts. As impressive as our work on the budget has been, an even more impressive effort will be required to prepare our state for future budget shortfalls as the struggle to recover from our nation’s recession continues. In Missouri, smart, conservative budgeting has proven to provide the type of stability necessary, not only to survive this economic recession, but to actually see some growth in revenue. Continuing this economic policy in the future will place Missouri in an enviable economic environment of growth.

Big Government Get Off My Back

Last week the House truly agreed to and finally passed SS SCS HCS HB 45. This bill changes the laws regarding the Big Government Get Off My Back Act and provides additional incentives for responsible businesses that provide health benefits to those new, full-time employees. In particular, a $10,000 tax incentive for each new full-time job created or a $20,000 incentive for each new full-time job created when the business offers health insurance and pays at least 50% of the premiums of all full-time employees. The bill also seeks to limit and reduce the amount of regulations that Government forces onto small businesses that simply cause them to spend time doing paperwork instead of growing their enterprise. This bill is a positive step in the direction of strengthening Missouri small businesses.

This is the last week of session. I look forward to meeting with you all during the interim and discussing ways to protect Missourians. If you have an event you would like for me to attend, please feel free to give me a call, I would love to come.

Neth: Penultimate Week Of Session Summons Refresher Course

According to the Missouri Constitution, the state budget must be agreed upon and passed no later than the first Friday following the first Monday of the month of May. This year, we worked diligently to forge a compromise on the budget so we were not stressing out in the final hours of the Constitutional deadline. As of Wednesday afternoon, it looked like we may be crunched for time, but negotiations between the Senate and House went well that evening and we reached an acceptable agreement that we passed on Thursday. The total budget is about $23 Billion. Overall, the numbers were kept flat from the prior year. I plan on writing a more detailed summary of the budget next week.

The biggest news of the week was a historic veto override. The Governor vetoed the congressional redistricting map on Saturday. We went into session Wednesday morning with all hands on deck. The debate was short, the vote quick. We were able to get the 109 votes in the House to override, which consisted of all 105 Republicans and 4 Democrats. I want to convey to you, whatever your political stripes, how my respect goes out to those four Democrats. The pressure they were under from their own party was overwhelming and I would not want to be in their shoes.

It should also be noted that in the history of Missouri there have been only about 10 other Veto overrides. So the fact that we were able to pull it off is something that I will always remember and be honored to have been a part of.

We are headed into the last week of session which will last a full five days. I'm not sure exactly what we will end up working on as there will be limited time for debate. I'm sure it will be exciting no matter what.

Happy Mother's Day and Happy Spring!
Myron

SAVE THE DATE!!!

Town Hall Meeting - Legislative Wrap Up
June 2, 7:30-8:45 pm
Liberty Community Center - Red Room

I will be hosting a Town Hall Meeting where I will discuss the 2011 legislative session. You will have the opportunity to give me feedback, ask questions, and voice your concerns. I hope you will be able to make it and look forward to seeing you there.

Visitors to the Capitol

I had some special guests at the Capitol on Monday. The Giddings family won a charity auction for a special tour of the Capitol and Jefferson City at an event at Lewis & Clark Elementary. In addition to the Capitol tour, they went to the Governor's Mansion (where they met the Governor's wife), they were given a private tour of the Missouri Supreme Court, and then they went on a privileged trek to the top of the Capitol Dome. It was great being able to host them and being able to show them some of their state government.

Legislative Jargon

I threw out a question about some of the jargon we use in the General Assembly. I asked for anyone to tell me that the following stood for: CCS SS SCS HCS HB 193. One person replied with an answer. The answer is: Conference Committee Substitute for Senate Substitute for Senate Committee Substitute for House Committee Substitute for House Bill 193. To translate a little bit it means it originated as a House Bill, there was a substitute bill offered in the House committee and passed in the House, then the Senate Committee offered a substitute to the Senate which in turn did a substitute of its own then the whole bill went to a Conference Committee which came up with a version that was then passed by both chambers. Like I have said before, legislation gets a lot of eyes on it before it gets to the Governors desk. There are a lot of steps a bill must go through to become a law. If you remember school house rock, they did a skit that described the process for the federal government. If you are feeling nostalgic you can watch the school house rock video on youtube by clicking below.


Schoolhouse Rock- How a Bill Becomes a Law

Community Calendar

May 7 - Liberty Historic Walking Tour: Three Downtown Churches

May 7 - Farmers Market: Opening Day!

May 9 - City Council Meeting

June 2 - Town Hall Meeting With Myron Neth at the Liberty Community Center - Red Room at 7:30 pm.

June 4 - Downtown Liberty Arts Festival

Visit the Jesse James Bank Museum Monday - Saturday 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Survey Results

As those of you in District 34 know, I sent out a survey in January. I wrote an article that appeared in the Liberty Tribune a few weeks ago regarding those results. Click here to see the article.

It is an honor and privilege to serve the people of the 34th District and the State of Missouri. Let me know how I can better represent you.

For a better Missouri,
Myron

Korman: Veto Override, Friend Visits Top Of Capitol

We had a very busy and historic week at the Capitol. With only a week left in Regular Session the hustle and bustle of the Capitol is in full swing.

This week we passed a conservative and balanced budget for Missouri. With the trend of less federal money coming to Missouri we will need to keep our state spending in check for years to come.

Wednesday was a historic day with a veto override for redistricting. The redistricting challenge of going from nine to eight congressional districts received bi-partisan support to keep it from going to the courts. This saved valuable time and money for our state and court system. View map here: http://house.mo.gov/largemap.aspx?map=3. I had the lucky opportunity to be present when the Speaker of the House signed the veto override.

We finally got to start some debate on the future for Missouri’s Energy Policy on the House Floor. We debated both nuclear site permitting and renewable energy. Both issues are very important to Missouri’s residential, commercial, agriculture and industrial ratepayers. I hope we can finish the debate and move something forward in the last few days of session.

I normally don’t name individuals or give details of visitors but this week my friend, Kenny Kronk came to visit for the entire day as well as he climbed more than 200 steps to see the top of the Capitol!

Please feel free to stop by or contact your 99^th District office at:

201 W Capitol Ave., Office 114C
Jefferson City, MO 65101
573-751-2689
Bart{dot}Korman{at}house{dot}mo{dot}gov

Torpey: Hope House, Record-Setting Week In General Assembly

A Special Note

Last Thursday, we were pleased to have 4th graders from Sycamore Hills Elementary in the capitol with us! We are definitely looking forward to next session/next year, when a whole new group of 4th graders from Independence are able to come visit the capitol.

Last Friday, my Legislative Aide attended the Grand Opening of the new Hope House campus in Independence. Even though we have talked about Hope House before, I think it is an amazing organization led by people who truly care about battered women across our part of the state. The workers and volunteers at Hope House continually dedicate their time and money to increasing awareness of domestic violence, and they deserve a huge thank you for their efforts and congratulations on the new campus!! If you or someone you know are a victim of domestic violence, PLEASE contact Hope House through their website or by calling 816-461-4673. I very much look forward to working with Hope House in the future.

At right: Hope House Board and CEO Mary Anne Metheny unveiling the new Therapy Building.

2011 Legislative Session continues

This week in the Missouri House was one for the record books! I am sure many of you have heard about our over-ride of Governor Nixon's veto on the new Congressional District Map. All House Republicans (105 people), along with 4 Democrats, joined together to pass a map that we truly believe is the best for our state. You can view the new map (via Google maps) here; to see which Congressional District you will now reside in, simply type your address in the search bar on the bottom right of the map.

Passed through the House this week

• SJR 2, sponsored by Senator Stouffer, allows enabling legislation for advance voting and photographic identification for voting. In the 2005 legislative session Missouri passed into law the requirement that individuals present photographic identification when they vote in person. This was in response to the public perception that something odd had happened in St. Louis during the 2004 presidential election and that in several counties - there were more individuals on the registered voting lists than people who actually lived there. At the next statewide election, you will have the opportunity to vote on SJR 2. This is an amendment to our state constitution that would allow early voting, and also would grant the legislature the power to specifically require voters to present photographic identification at the polls. This bill passed the House with a vote of 102-55, myself voting in favor.
• HB 1-13: Budget, sponsored by Rep. Ryan Silvey, addresses all of the bills dealing with our state's budget. While Washington D.C. continues to with our national financial dilemma, the Missouri House this year was able to take a common-sense, family style approach to budgeting - only spending the money that we actually have.

This session has been unique - with our current economic climate, it was challenging to craft a budget that would meet the state's needs. Not only were we able to pass a budget without new job-killing taxes, but we were able to craft a plan in line with our session-long goal of creating new jobs for Missourians.

I am proud to announce that even though our State's revenue picture continues to be grim, we were able to hold the line on our foundation formula education funding! Our local school districts will continue to be funded according to the formula. Last year we were forced to make some cuts to school bus transportation funds. This year, we were able to put some of that money back in the budget, helping our schools deal with the rising price of gasoline.

Higher Education is a different story, though the original budget recommended a 7% overall cut to funding, in our latest budget we were able to increase our original amount by $13,000,000. This increase from our original number for the year should help our universities continue to operate at a high level despite the poor economic conditions in our state.

Our budget also contains incentives to help small-businesses develop, grow, and hopefully hire new workers in our state. This session we have tried to do everything in our power to help turn around this economy, and this approach is also reflected in the budget that we passed.

Additionally, we were able to preserve Missouri Rx. This is a program that helps thousands of Missouri seniors with their prescription medications. It was tough, we had to find money that was previously used in other parts of the budget, but with a little creativity and ingenuity, we were able to cobble together funds from different areas to ensure that our prescription drug benefits would remain.

Committees

Fiscal Review met a few times this week to hold executive session.

• HCS HB 732, sponsored by Rep. Brandom, establishes the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program Act and changes the laws regarding professions and businesses regulated by the Division of Professional Registration. This bill passed out of committee with a vote of 9-0.
• SCS SB 323, sponsored by Senator Schaefer, requires the State Auditor to conduct a one-time comparative audit of 5 to 10 of the largest state agencies by August 28, 2013. This bill passed out of committee with a vote of 7-2, myself voting in favor.
• HCS SCS SB 29, sponsored by Senator Brown, modifies the authority of the Board of Pharmacy with regard to certain drugs used in veterinary medicine and modifies various provisions of law under the title licensing of certain professions. This bill passed out of committee with a vote of 8-0.
• HCS HB 504, 505, & 874, sponsored by Rep. Silvey, changes the laws regarding domestic violence and orders of protection, enacting various legislative recommendations by the Attorney General's Task Force on Domestic Violence. This bill passed out of committee with a vote of 9-0.
• HCS SB 207, sponsored by Senator Lager, modifies provisions pertaining to energy and property taxation. This bill passed out of committee with a vote of 8-0.
• HCS SS SB 226, sponsored by Senator Engler, modifies provisions relating to ambulance and fire protection districts. This bill passed out of committee with a vote of 7-1, myself voting against the bill.
• HCS SCS SB 270, sponsored by Senator Kraus, modifies the dates available for public elections. This bill passed out of committee with a vote of 6-2, myself voting in favor.
• HCS SB 284, sponsored by Senator Wasson, modifies the disciplinary authority of the Board of Pharmacy, defines the term legend drug for the purpose of certain pharmacy statutes, and grants exemption from sales tax for certain medical equipment and drugs. This bill passed out of committee with a vote of 8-0.
• SS No. 2 SCS SB 320, sponsored by Senator Lamping, modifies provisions relating to domestic violence. This bill passed out of committee with a vote of 8-0.
• HCS SB 322, sponsored by Senator Schaefer, extends the sunsets from September 30, 2011 to September 30, 2016, for the Ground Ambulance, Nursing Facility, Medicaid Managed Care Organization, Pharmacy, and Intermediate Care Facility for the Mentally Retarded Reimbursement Allowance Taxes. The sunset for the Hospital reimbursement allowance is extended from September 30, 2011, to September 30, 2013. This bill passed out of committee with a vote of 8-1, myself voting in favor.
• SCS SB 356, sponsored by Senator Munzlinger, modifies provisions pertaining to agriculture. This bill passed out of committee with a vote of 10-2, myself voting in favor.
• HCS SB 60, sponsored by Senator Keaveny, enacts various provisions under the title relating to judicial procedures. This bill passed out of committee with a vote of 11-1, myself voting in favor.
• HCS No. 2 SCS SB 162, sponsored by Senator Munzlinger, creates the Farm-to-Table Advisory Board, which shall be made up of at least the following 18 people: 9 people appointed to represent growers, food distributors, and state institutions; a representative of the American Heart Association; and 1 representative from each of the following state entities: the University of Missouri Extension Service, the Office of Administration, and the Departments of Agriculture, Corrections, Elementary and Secondary Education, Economic Development, Health and Senior Services, and Mental Health. The representative of the American Heart Association will be the chairperson and the board must meet at least twice, but may meet more often as needed. This bill passed out of committee with a vote of 12-0.
• SS SCS SB 65, sponsored by Senator Mayer, modifies provisions relating to abortion with respect to viability. This bill passed out of committee with a vote of 8-4, myself voting in favor.

For more information on these bills, or any that have been filed in the Missouri House of Representatives, please visit the House Bill information page by clicking here.

Speaking with Majority Caucus Chair, Shelley Keeney, and Downsizing State Government Chair, Cole McNary.

Word of the Week

Adjournment Sine Die: On May 13th, we will adjourn Sine Die, which means the final termination of a regular or special legislative session. We will be meeting again in mid-September for Veto Session.

In Other News

Some Missouri communities are battling rising floodwaters and preparing for imminent flooding while others are beginning their recovery. The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has a natural disaster resource webpage that provides residents of flood-stricken communities with important information on preparing for and recovering from flooding. The department has updated its Natural Disaster Resources webpage - dnr.mo.gov/disaster.htm - to provide community leaders, emergency responders and other individuals with fact sheets to aid in both the preparation for and recovery from recent floods.

Serving you as always,
Noel Torpey

Stouffer: Input Needed on Local Pipeline Project

The State Department is soliciting public comment on its recently released “Keystone XL Pipeline Supplemental Draft Environmental Impact Statement” (SDEIS) that requires comments by June 6, 2011.

This pipeline project will create local jobs and increase revenues to federal, state and local governments. It is also important to our national security.

A series of webinars will brief local residents, veterans and labor on the importance of the Keystone pipeline project. The webinars will provide attendees with an understanding of the importance Keystone XL pipeline in an effort gain their support and submit a public comment. I have provided links to the webinars below.

Currently, the State Department has released a Supplemental Draft Environmental Impact Statement (SDEIS) that requires public comment by June 6, 2011. If comments are not submitted in favor of this pipeline, the project may not move forward in a timely fashion - if at all.

The webinar, which is 30 minutes in length, will demystify the complexities behind the pipeline issue:

• Review the economic reasons why the U.S. should allow the Keystone XL Pipeline project to move forward
• Highlight key points about the State Department's SDEIS
• Address environmental concerns behind pipeline
• Explain how the public can submit comments to support the Keystone XL Pipeline development

The Webinars will run from 1:00 – 1:30 PM on the following dates -

To register, click the session you want to attend:

For local residents: Tuesday, May 10 or Tuesday, May 17

For labor: Thursday, May 12 or Thursday, May 19

For veterans: Wednesday, May 11 or Wednesday, May 18

Rupp: Lawmakers Send $23.2 Billion State Operating Budget to the Governor

Education is Priority with Increases for K-12 Busing, Higher Education

Approving funding to run critical functions of state government without a tax increase, the Missouri General Assembly sent to the Governor thirteen budget bills totaling $23.2 billion for the fiscal year beginning July 1. The bills include a $13.5 million net reduction in spending from the budget proposed by Gov. Jay Nixon in January. The Senate also prioritized education with increases for K-12 busing and the budget for higher education colleges and universities.

Lawmakers’ actions lessen a 7 percent cut to higher education by adopting a $12 million increase for Missouri’s two and four-year colleges and universities and another increase of $10 million for Missouri’s K-12 transportation line item.

By lessening that 7 percent cut to only 5.45 percent, we allow our colleges and universities to find and pass on real savings to out-of-pocket expenses students would have incurred. By also working to help shore up funding for K-12 transportation, we help prevent local schools from having to raid funding for our classrooms or other dollars directed to education.

Of the $12 million increase for higher education, a funding formula determines $10.1 million would go to four-year universities, $1.85 million would go to two-year colleges, with the remaining $65,359 to go to Linn State Technical College. The $10 million increase for K-12 busing restores part of the governor’s reduction, bringing the total funding for public school transportation to nearly $110 million.

The Legislature also voted to maintain the school funding formula at its current level, also voting last month to accept an additional $189 million in federal funding to go toward K-12 funding in FY2012.

Education is a top priority for me and the Missouri Senate. We protected our students in our K-12 classrooms, but prioritized education by finding even more funding - where the governor could not - for school transportation and our students attending Missouri’s community colleges and universities.

I am very pleased that the budget also included an increase of $8 million over the Governor’s recommendation in funding for in-home care providers and full funding to continue Missouri’s Senior Rx Program should legislation extending its sunset also pass the Legislature.

The constitutional deadline to complete the budget was Friday, May 6, at 6 p.m. The governor must accept, veto or line-item veto the bills by the start of the state’s Fiscal Year 2012, which begins July 1.

As always, if you have any inquiries regarding this issue or any other matter within state government, please visit my website at www.senate.mo.gov/rupp. Here, you can also subscribe to my RSS feed on the main page of my website; it will keep you up to date on all my columns, press releases, and multimedia postings. Always feel free to e-mail me or call my office toll-free at (866) 271-2844.

Dempsey: General Assembly Sends $23 Billion Budget on to the Governor

On Thursday, the Missouri House and Senate took up and passed a $23 billion operating budget that negotiators had hammered out the day before. This final version of the budget upholds our priorities of funding K-12 and higher education and was completed without raising taxes on hardworking Missourians.

Though there were many highlights in this year’s budget, space only permits me to discuss a few. Our actions on the 2012 budget helped lessen a cut to higher education proposed by the governor. Although we worked with the same revenue estimates as the governor, we were able to identify $22 million in restorations to K-12 and higher education. This $22 million includes $12 million for Missouri’s two- and four-year colleges and universities and $10 million for Missouri’s K-12 transportation needs, such as the cost of bussing students to and from schools.

These actions will help to mitigate the steep tuition increases many Missouri families and students were facing. Having found extra money for our colleges and universities, we expect them to pass on these dollars to the students they exist to serve.

The Legislature also voted to maintain the school funding formula at its current level. In historically bleak economic times that have seen state revenues shrink dramatically over the past few years, holding the line of education is itself a victory.

On another note, the budget we passed contained funding to continue Missouri’s Senior Rx Program. This program helps to provide reduced-cost prescription drugs to many of Missouri’s seniors. The money ($19.6 million) will now be available for the upcoming fiscal year should legislation extending the program’s automatic sunset also pass the Legislature.

The constitutional deadline to complete the budget was Friday, May 6, at 6 p.m. The bills making up the budget now move on to the governor. He must accept or veto all or portions of the bills by the start of the state’s Fiscal Year 2012, which begins July 1. If he vetoes any portion of a budget bill, the Legislature will reconvene in September in a constitutionally mandated session to consider overriding such vetoes.

I always appreciate hearing from you. If you have any questions about this issue or any legislation pending before the Missouri Senate, please do not hesitate to contact my office.

Engler: Legislature Approves the Budget, Overrides Veto on Redistricting Map

The Senate and House completed work on the operating budget for Fiscal Year 2012 this week. The $23 billion operating budget was approved by both chambers before the constitutional deadline at 6 p.m. on Friday. This year was a difficult year for the budget, but we were ultimately able to craft a spending plan that keeps us living within our means while providing for important programs and services.

The budget for the 2012 fiscal year goes into effect on July 1, 2011. In recent years, Missouri’s revenues have been low, and while we are seeing signs of recovery, spending reductions were necessary. Constitutionally, Missouri cannot spend more than we take in, so a balanced budget is crucial.

One of the key points of the Senate’s version of the budget was increases over the governor’s recommendations in funding for K-12 education transportation and public colleges and universities. The compromised version of the budget approved by the House and Senate includes these changes with a$10 million increase for K-12 transportation and a $12 million increase for higher education, compared to the governor’s recommendations.

Additional highlights from the FY 2012 budget include:

• An $8 million increase for in-home care providers over the governor's budget recommendations.
• Full funding for the Missouri RX program of $19.6 million (legislation extending the sunset of the program still needs to pass the Legislature.)
• Funding for K-12 classrooms at the same level as last year.

The Legislature successfully overrode the governor’s veto of House Bill 193, the congressional redistricting map, this week. Since the veto override calls for a two-thirds majority vote, it is more difficult than passing legislation, which requires a simple majority vote. The last time the Legislature successfully accomplished a veto override was in 2003 when legislators voted to overturn three vetoes relating to concealed carry, lawsuits against gun manufacturers, and abortion.

This week’s veto override was also unique because it was done during the regular session, rather than during the annual veto session. This was possible because the governor vetoed the legislation before the final week of the session, which allowed the House and Senate to act to override the veto. The last time this was done was in 1980, when the Legislature overrode then-Gov. Teasdale’s veto on funding for the Truman State Office Building.

The Legislature’s override of the veto on HB 193 puts the map into effect. To view the map, click here.

We spent the night at the Capitol this week during an all-night filibuster by four senators. The group wanted to reject federal funding in a re-appropriations bill (money that was appropriated in a previous year, but not completely spent during that year). [HB18] This is the same group that worked to hold up the unemployment benefits extension earlier this session. While we are all frustrated with overspending on the federal level, rejecting funds that we have essentially already spent is not the way to send a message to Washington. Not utilizing these funds would do nothing for our federal debt, and would most likely end up benefitting another state. At around 6 a.m., after more than 12 hours, the filibuster ended and there was little to show for their efforts. Ultimately I felt it was a waste of time for the members of the Senate and the Legislature as a whole.

Tilley: On Flooding and Budgets

Southeast Missouri Flooding

Nationwide, dramatic rainfalls have gorged the Missouri-Mississippi-Ohio River system with historic levels of water. In Cairo Illinois, where the Ohio River meets the Mississippi, local authorities are recording the highest river levels they’ve ever observed, cresting at over 60 feet.

As a result, the Army Corps of Engineers, based out of Memphis, TN, has decided to implement a “floodway plan” that has not been used since 1937 – the last time the river reached almost 60 feet in Cairo.

This plan involved blowing up the Bird’s Point Levee in Southeast Missouri – unleashing the full power of the Mississippi River on some of our state’s most fertile farm land. The explosions to blow the levee were massive and rattled the windows for miles.

Mother Nature unleashed from her man-made restraints is an awesome force. Homes are underwater, fields are washed out, tractors are destroyed, grain is rotting in ruined silos, and individuals who failed to evacuate are being located by the brave men and women of the Missouri National Guard.

The decision to flood approximately 130,000 acres of Missouri farmland was made by the Army Corps of Engineers in an effort to save the town of Cairo, Illinois because it was believed saving the town instead of the farmland would result in less collateral damage. For some perspective on where Cairo is located, you can click here.

I know many of you remember the terrible flooding of 1993. When Missourians endured this tragedy, many of our historic river towns were lost forever. The people who lived there were forced to move, leaving behind rich family traditions and their river lifestyles.

The area in Missouri that was flooded is roughly half the geographic size of Mississippi County – there was hundreds of farmers living in the “floodway” and their homes and way of life have been lost for an as yet undetermined period of time. When the damage toll comes in it may be in billions of dollars.

In this time of need, I hope that we will all keep those who are suffering, both in Cairo and in Missouri, in our thoughts and prayers. Temporary shelters have been set up for the affected areas, and I’m sure they are accepting volunteer help and donations, should you be so inclined.

Natural disasters are horrible events. Coupled with the tornadoes of late, this flood comes at an awkward time – but I know we are all strong enough to endure.

State Budget

While Washington D.C. continues to with our national financial dilemma, the Missouri House this year was able to take a common-sense, family style approach to budgeting – only spending the money that we actually have.

It’s irresponsible to budget on the backs of our children, and we would never allow that to happen in our State. Thus, we did everything we could to fund the vital needs of our state without raising taxes.

This session has been unique – with our current economic climate, it was challenging to craft a budget that would meet the state’s needs. Not only were we able to pass a budget without new job-killing taxes, but we were able to craft a plan in line with our session-long goal of creating new jobs for Missourians.

I am proud to announce that even though our State’s revenue picture continues to be grim, we were able to hold the line on our foundation formula education funding. Our local school districts will continue to be funded according to the formula.

Last year we were forced to make some cuts to school bus transportation funds. This year, we were able to put some of that money back in the budget, helping our schools deal with the rising price of gasoline.

Higher Education is a different story, though the original budget recommended a 7% overall cut to funding, in our latest budget we were able to increase our original amount by $13,000,000. This increase from our original number for the year should help our universities continue to operate at a high level despite the poor economic conditions in our state.

Our budget also contains incentives to help small-businesses develop, grow, and hopefully hire new workers in our state. This session we have tried to do everything in our power to help turn around this economy, and this approach is also reflected in the budget that we passed.

Additionally, we were able to preserve Missouri Rx. This is a program that helps thousands of Missouri seniors with their prescription medications. It was tough, we had to find money that was previously used in other parts of the budget, but with a little creativity and ingenuity, we were able to cobble together funds from different areas to ensure that our prescription drug benefits would remain.

The state budget is roughly $23 billion and there are many other programs that lost or gained funding, the above are just some of the highlights.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve here in the House of Representatives. As always, I welcome your comments. You may reach me at 573-751-1488, send your e-mails to steven{dot}tilley{at}house{dot}mo{dot}gov or write to me at the Missouri House of Representatives, State Capitol, Room 308, Jefferson City, MO 65101.

If you know of anyone who would like to receive my Capitol Reports electronically, please contact me with their e-mail address.

Burlison: Congressional Maps & Budgeting

The 2011 legislative session is winding down and this past week has been the most momentous so far. While we have worked hard on amending and passing many bills that have piled up from both the House and Senate, the two most important have been the budget for the upcoming year and reapportionment of congressional districts.

After lengthy negotiations, the House and Senate finally agreed on a map for redistricting over a week ago and sent that proposal to the governor for his signature. The governor replied to all of our hard work and negotiations with a veto. By getting approval of 2/3 of both the House and Senate, though, we were able to override the governor's veto and the new congressional districts are now law. You can see the map in detail at http://house.mo.gov/largemap.aspx?map=3.

The override of the governor's veto was a historic occasion and you could feel the suspense in the House chamber as the vote took place. This is the first time the legislature has overridden a gubernatorial veto since 2003 and there have been fewer than ten veto overrides since the Constitution first required a 2/3 majority in the 1800s.

At right: Eric discussing a bill with Rep. Zerr on the House floor.

After passing the map into law, we finished this week by passing a $23 billion balanced budget for Missouri's next fiscal year. With the slow economy and having less tax revenue to work with, we had to make some tough decisions, but unlike the federal government we here in Missouri are not taking on more debt. We are also making sure not to raise taxes on Missourians.

With the two largest focuses of this legislative session finally passed, we'll spend the final week finishing work on many other bills to send to the governor that will hopefully make Missouri a better place to live and work.

If you ever have any questions or issues you believe need addressed or want to comment on a bill we're working on, please contact my office by email at eric{dot}burlison{at}house{dot}mo{dot}gov or at 573-751-0136. You may also call 417-597-3635 that forwards to my Jeff City office to avoid long distance charges.

Denison: Budget Approved, Redistricting Veto Overridden, Voter ID

“The person we all love and appreciate is the one who’s coming in the door when everybody else is going out.” – Mason Canon

Budget Approved (HBs 1 – 13)

This week marked the second to last week of the legislative session and the deadline to have the state operating budget finished. For the last few years the legislature has wrapped up budget work well ahead of the 6 p.m. Friday deadline. However, this year it appeared things may go down to the wire as the House and Senate entered into some tough negotiations to sort out a few key differences in the budget bills. Fortunately, budget negotiators were able to work out a compromise a full day ahead of the deadline. The end result is a state operating budget that does the most we can with the limited resources that are available.

In the final version of the $23.2 billion budget, the House and Senate agreed to increases to key funding areas such as higher education, school busing and prescription drug coverage for seniors. The bills we approved will provide an additional $12 million in funding to our colleges and universities. That funding boost reduces the cut of 7 percent proposed by the governor down to a cut of only 5.45 percent. We’re optimistic the additional funding will help reduce costs for many students who pursue the goal of a college degree. The final budget also appropriates an additional $10 million over the original budget plan to busing assistance for our state’s public schools. Unfortunately, even with the additional dollars, the overall funding level for school transportation is down from previous years. Hopefully our economy will continue to turn around and we will again be able to fund our schools at the level we would like in the future.

Another area of the budget that received an intense amount of scrutiny during budget negotiations is the Missouri Rx program. The program helps thousands of seniors and disabled Missourians pay for the costs of the prescription medicines they need. The highly successful program is set to end later this year. The House has committed to extending the program but the Senate has proposed eliminating it. During budget negotiations, House budget makers fought fiercely to preserve the program. The final budget bills contain full funding for the program for the next fiscal year. The final budget plan also reverses cuts to the state's reimbursement rates to in-home care providers for low-income disabled residents covered by the state's Medicaid program. Both changes are good news for some of our most vulnerable citizens who need and deserve our assistance.

The final budget bills approved by the House and Senate also contain cuts to many of our government officials. Statewide elected officials will take a cut of 2.5 percent to their budgets. For the governor’s office, his travel budget is reduced to $200,000. In addition, we cut funding for the governor’s executive chef. During a time when, just like so many Missouri families, we are struggling to make ends meet, we can’t afford any extravagances. The budget we passed this year reflects a commitment to the core needs of the people of our state and spends the tax dollars of Missourians in the most responsible way possible.

Congressional Redistricting Plan Finalized (HB 193)

Throughout the session I have kept you updated on the effort to draw the boundaries for Missouri’s new congressional districts. While the process had its twists and turns, this week it was resolved in historic fashion. In my last report I mentioned how the House and Senate finally came to an agreement on a map and sent it to the governor’s desk. I mentioned there was a chance the governor would veto the map and he did just that shortly after receiving the bill.

Because we feel the map we approved fairly represents all Missourians, we considered a motion on Wednesday to override the veto. In the House it takes 109 votes to override a veto. As the Republican caucus currently has 105 members, that meant 4 Democrats would have to vote against the governor from their own party in order for the override to be successful. While some thought it wouldn’t happen, the veto override attempt received the approval of 2 Democrats from Kansas City and 2 more from St. Louis who felt the map adequately represented their areas. The Senate then quickly followed suit by also approving a veto override. With that, the bill now becomes law and the map will take effect in time to ensure proper filing in February 2012 for congressional district candidates.

The override marks the first time since 2003 that a governor’s veto has been undone by the Missouri General Assembly.

To final map approved by the House and Senate is available at the official Missouri House of Representatives website at the following link: http://house.mo.gov/largemap.aspx?map=3

Voter ID (SJR 2 and SB 3)

Legislation approved this week by the House would require voters to show a photo ID at the polls and allow them to cast ballots before Election Day. The House passed a constitutional amendment to implement both changes as well as a bill that would enact the early voting period and photo ID requirement. If passed by both chambers, the constitutional amendment would go before a vote of the people.

I think both changes would be good for Missouri. We need to make the voting process more accessible and a “no excuse” early voting period would provide an opportunity to vote to many Missourians who may otherwise not cast a ballot. At the same time, we must protect the integrity of the electoral process. We’re required to show a photo ID for so many of the things we do. Why shouldn’t we also provide photographic proof of our identity before we vote? While some have argued that not every Missourian has a photo ID, the bill addresses that issue by requiring the state to provide a form of personal identification at no cost. Requiring photo identification to vote makes sense. It is the simplest way to prevent voter fraud without making the voting process inconvenient for Missouri voters.

I look forward to hearing from you, and if you will be in Jefferson City, please stop by my office. If you ever have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact my office. Best wishes.

Lampe: State Budget Reconciled, Voter ID On Ballot, Omnibus Bills

Greetings!

I commend Budget Chair Representative Silvey (R-Kansas City) for his leadership, excellent thinking, diplomacy, and tenacity in working with the Senate throughout the conference committee proceedings. I appreciate the opportunity to be involved in this process. In the past, the minority party had been excluded from participating, and I am pleased that this was not the attitude taken by this committee. While we did not agree on everything, I want to thank the conference committee members from both sides of the aisle. I also want to thank the appropriations staff. These individuals are highly effective and skilled, and it is through there efforts that this process was as efficient as it was.

As I have stated previously in regard to the House version, this budget is just about the best that it can be under the circumstances. The conference committee proposal reasonably allocates the funds available, but falls well short of providing the services needed by the people of Missouri. This shortfall is result of the state being out of money, a direct consequence of inadequate revenue. We keep doing what we need to do to get through the current year, but we never consider long-term planning. We move from one crisis to the next without creating a solution to an ongoing problem.

As legislators, we need to ask ourselves what we want Missouri to be like for our neighbors and children. During the interim, I plan on focusing on ways to do what is best for Missourians, not just what is best under the circumstances.

Budget

Debate on the $23.5 billion budget between the House and Senate finally came to a close this week. I had the honor of serving on the conference committee that produced the final draft of the FY 2012 state budget. While the committee meetings began with some disagreements between the House Budget Chair Representative Silvey (R-Kansas City) and the Senate Appropriations Chair Senator Schaefer (R-Columbia) , the committee was able to agree upon a final version Wednesday night.

As a whole, the conference committee budget reasonably allocates the available funds, but it still falls short of providing the services needed by the people of Missouri. The committee did decide to keep funding for independent living centers, as proposed by the House. I was also able to keep funding for the UMKC-Missouri State University pharmacy program. The Missouri Rx program also retained its proposed funding that was cut in the Senate version of the budget. Ten million dollars was also allocated for school transportation purposes.

Pharmacy Program News Release

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - During final negotiations on the state budget, state Rep. Lampe, the ranking House Democrat on the negotiating team, secured the inclusion of $2 million for a cooperative pharmacy education between Missouri State University and the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

The Senate had proposed eliminating funding for the program from House Bill 3, the appropriations bill that provides higher education spending in the state budget.

"This is an important budget move to expand opportunities for Missouri State University students," said Lampe, D-Springfield. "I'm pleased we were able to ensure it was included in the final budget."

Under the program, UMKC will offer a pharmacy degree program through the MSU campus.

Voter ID

The House approved legislation [SJR2] that affects the voting rights of Missourians. This measure, which could disenfranchise Missouri voters, was passed mostly along party lines. This measure is a resolution, meaning that it aims to amend the Missouri Constitution. If approved, the General Assembly would be authorized to require voters to show government-issued photo identification prior to casting a vote. In the next general election, this issue will appear on the ballot, and Missouri voters will be asked to vote on this measure.

While most Missourians already have a government-issued photo ID, many individuals do not, especially the poor, elderly, disabled and racial minorities. This legislation could hinder the fundamental right of these individuals to have their voices represented through the electoral process. Obtaining this specific form of identification often requires presenting formal documentation, such as a birth certificate. In many cases, birth records have been lost, destroyed, or are expensive to purchase.

This legislation only asks for photo identification to be presented at the polls. There has not been a single documented case of voter impersonation.

Governor Vetoes

Governor Nixon used his veto power for the first time this session on SB 188. This legislation would have made changes to Missouri's Human Rights Act by making it harder to prove discrimination in the workplace. He cited that the bill would have limited an individual's right to a jury trial and jeopardizes federal funding for the Missouri Human Rights Commission.

Governor Nixon also vetoed HB 209 relating to agricultural nuisances. In his veto message, the Governor said provisions of the bill relating to standing and successive lawsuits would apply to all types of nuisances, as opposed to only applying to crop or animal production nuisances.

Omnibus Bills

As the session comes to an end, omnibus bills are frequently presented. An omnibus bill packages several legislative measures into one bill. Instead of voting on each of these components of the bill, an omnibus bill is subject to a single vote. If a majority of legislators vote in favor of an omnibus bill, all of the measures in that bill are passed, and if a majority of legislators vote against an omnibus bill, all of the measures fail. Examples of current omnibus bills in the House include SB 58, a package of transportation bills that encompasses legislation concerning license plates, memorial highways, and highway weight limits.

On the Floor this Week

As session comes to a close more bills are being passed each week. To read more go here and search for the bill(s) you wish to learn more about.

SB 8 was passed by the House. This bill changes the law to state that occupational diseases are covered under workers' compensation laws. This bill also removes liability for all workplace injuries from co-workers except when a co-worker engage in an act that will intentionally cause or increased the risk of injury.

SB 55 was passed by the House. This bill classifies sawmills and planing mills, as defined in the United States Department of Labor's Standard Industrial Classification Manual, as agricultural and horticultural property instead of commercial property for property taxation purposes.

SB 101 was passed by the House. This bill changes law that pertains to home exterior contractors and insurance holders. In its main provisions it prohibits a contractor from paying a deductible for a homeowner for repairs that would be covered by home owners insurance.

SB 135 was passed this by the House. This bill has become an omnibus bill and changes various laws pertaining to environmental protections.

SB 163 was passed by the House. This bill allows for the University of Missouri Curators and Missouri State University Board of Governors members to have two members from the same congressional district. This change was needed due to the loss in a congressional seat in the State of Missouri.

SB 219 was passed by the House. This bill allows owners of automated teller machines to charge access fees to individuals with bank accounts in foreign countries and also allows gambling boats to accept credit instruments in exchange for tokens.

SB 282 was passed by the House. This bill has become an omnibus bill which modifies numerous laws relating to elections and public contracts.

SB 306 was passed by the House. This bill updates and changes the law as it relates to credit unions. In its main provisions this bill updates the credit union statutes to designate the Department of Insurance, Financial Institutions and Professional Registration as the department overseeing credit unions and designates the Director of Credit Unions as the head of the Division of Credit Unions.

SB 165 was passed by the House. This act extends the expiration date on the Basic Civil Legal Services Fund from December 31, 2012, to December 31, 2018.

The House passed SB 96, an emergency clause that authorizes Governor Nixon to convey state property located in Farmington to St. Francois County and to the Habitat for Humanity of St. Francois County, Inc.

SB 83 was passed by the House as well. This act authorizes the sale of deficiency waiver addendums and guaranteed asset protection products.

The House passed SB 57, which allows a public administrator to request the court to transfer guardianship or conservatorship to another county.

Redistricting Update

Governor Nixon vetoed the redistricting map produced by the General Assembly last week. However, his veto was overridden by a vote in both chambers. In order for Governor Nixon's veto to be overridden, two-thirds of the legislators in both the House and Senate had to be in favor of overturning his decision. For the House, this meant that a minimum of 109 representatives had to be in favor of overriding the veto. The two-thirds requirement was met, as 109 representatives voted to override Governor Nixon's veto of the map. Missouri's Congressional districts will be drawn according to the map completed by the House and Senate last week.

Please Share Your Ideas

One of my top priorities this session is coming up with ideas to get Missourians back to work. I am interested in hearing ideas from you on how to create jobs to strengthen Missouri's economic base.

As always, thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve you. If you have any concerns or questions, please do not hesitate to contact my office.

Sincerely,
Sara Lampe

Stouffer: MoDOT Releases Plans to Restructure

For several years, leaders throughout the state have worked to “sound the alarm” that the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) would have a funding crisis starting in 2011. Today, we begin working under that new reality as the organization moves from designing and building new roads to a more maintenance-centered plan.

On Wednesday, May 4, 2011, MoDOT’s Director presented a “Bolder, Five-Year Direction” to the commission overseeing the agency. It will be the first major restructuring of the organization since maintenance shed boundaries were established in the 1930s.

This plan will put smaller government right in our backyards; this will affect every corner of our state and many, many Missouri families. Talk of stewardship is great, but hurts deeply when it comes this close to home. Under this new proposal, MoDOT will reduce 1,200 employees, 135 facilities and more than 740 pieces of equipment.

These changes include the proposed closure of facilities in the following communities in the 21st Senatorial District: Atlanta, Blackwater, Bosworth, Higginsville, Lexington, Macon, Marshall Junction, Millville, New Cambria, Richmond and Sweet Springs.

Missourians realize with this agency’s construction program going from an average of $1.2 billion to about $600 million a year, many sacrifices will have to be made. This will also include a reorganization that will reduce middle-management positions, starting in Jefferson City.

Unfortunately, the current plan will have a significant impact on the area I represent, particularly the District 2 office in Macon. The employees, families and the businesses and the communities they support are very real to me.

I have respectfully asked the commission overseeing the department to reconsider the plan to move District 2 to a region headquartered Hannibal. Unfortunately, a deed restriction at the Hannibal site prohibits the property from ever selling. However, the real market value of the property in Macon should be considered after the department has made significant investments in this facility over the years.

While I agree with the direction of the plan, I hope others will join me in providing suggestions during this public comment period for the final draft.

Tim Jones: Updates On Redistricting, State Budget, Charter Schools

At right: Blevins Elementary of Eureka visits the Capitol on April 20, 2011.

Following tumultuous thundering storms, powerful tornadoes and swirling floods, Spring time weather and gentle sun drenched skies were a welcome reprieve this week as we returned to the Capitol for our final two weeks of Session. Final budget battles loomed as we successfully and finally came together on House/Senate compromises that gave us a balanced Budget with no tax increases and yet allocated 23 billion dollars in a fair and judicious fashion…

“Let us be sure that those who come after will say of us in our time, that in our time we did everything that could be done. We finished the race; we kept them free; we kept the faith” – Ronald Reagan

Passage of Vetoed House Bills

Although the following bill was vetoed by the Governor on May 2, 2011, the Missouri House and Senate voted, in a bipartisan fashion, to override the Governor’s veto on May 4, 2011.

CCS SS HCS HB 193, Missouri’s Congressional redistricting bill was passed by a majority veto override vote in the House and the Senate and was delivered to the Secretary of State. The representative will of the people drew and passed the new Congressional Districts map and then overrode the Governor’s veto. The courts will not draw the district lines, the elected representatives of the people have done so, as is our constitutional duty.

Third Reading & Final House Passage

The following bills were given final approval by the House and sent to the Senate for further consideration. For more information regarding any specific bill, please visit www.house.mo.gov

HCS#2 SJR 2, sponsored by Rep. Stanley Cox (R-118), has been third read and finally passed in the House. This resolution proposes amending the Missouri Constitution to require a person to provide valid, government issued, photo identification, in order to vote in Missouri. Our history is full of Americans who spent their entire lives trying to gain this very basic and precious right. The fight to gain voting rights continued for many years. I want to be the first to tell you, this fight is over. You may not have heard it yet, but yes, it is true, all Americans aged 18 or over are allowed to cast ONE ballot in each election. So now that this fight is over, it is time to make sure we guarantee the integrity of the voting system by making sure this precious right is not abused.

HCS SS#2 SCS SB 8, would provide protection against co-employee liability lawsuits in cases involving workers’ compensation. This bill passed with a House Committee Substitute and was sent back to the Senate. Currently, the Senate has refused to concur and has requested a conference to address their concerns.

HCS SS SCS SB 58, sponsored by Rep. Charlie Denison (R-135), was third read and finally passed. This bill addresses a variety of issues related to transportation.

HCS SS SB 135, which I am in full support and sponsored in the House, would modify provisions pertaining to the storage and dispensing of motor fuel and extends the expiration date for the environmental laws relating to dry-cleaning facilities to August 28, 2017.

HCS#2 SB 3 is another bill related to elections and the requirements for advanced voting and the providing of photo identification.

HCS SCS SB 163 deals with the changes in composition of the MU Board of Curators due to the loss of a Congressional district. This bill is the same as HB 174.

HCS SB 173 passed the House with a committee substitute and was sent back to the Senate. The Senate has refused to concur and has called for either a conference to address their concerns, or for the house to recede from its position. As it is, this bill would require the Joint Committee on Missouri's Promise to develop long-term strategies and plans for developing a modern infrastructure and transportation system.

HCS SCS SB 219 deals with the fees that can be charged by owners of ATM’s for out of country account transactions.

HCS SB 282 has a number of effects related to elections and public contracts. In particular, it moves the presidential primary from February to March.

Truly Agreed To and Finally Passed

This legislation has been passed by both the House and the Senate and is now headed to the Governor’s desk for consideration. For more information regarding any specific piece of legislation, please visit www.house.mo.gov.

SS SB 101 states that contractors, who perform roof or other residential exterior work, will not be allowed to offer monetary payment of a homeowner's insurance deductible as incentive to hire the contractor.

SS SB 55 classifies sawmills and planing mills as agricultural and horticultural property instead of commercial property for the purpose of relieving excessive taxation on the industry.

SS SB 306, SB 83, SB 165, were also truly agreed to and finally passed.

Congressional Redistricting Update

Most importantly this week, the House and the Senate finally agreed to a final compromise map to complete the constitutional duty of the State Legislature in drafting eight new Congressional Districts for our State. As many of you are aware, it is the duty of the General Assembly to complete the task of Congressional Redistricting, every ten years, following the national census. After weeks of stalemate and tense negotiations, a valuable compromise was finally reached as both Chambers passed a final proposed map with overwhelming majorities of support. This bill was vetoed by the Governor. Since the Governor decided not to heed the work of the Legislature, in order to prevent this issue from going to the Courts and being decided by unelected judges, the House and Senate voted to override the Governor’s veto. This is a serious matter that affects every single person in the State, hundreds of hours went into the process and the final product is a fair, compact, contiguous map that is good for all of the citizens of our State.

Budget Update

I am extremely proud of the 96^th General Assembly and the work we accomplished in passing a balanced budget. The fiscal year 2012 budget heavily funds our state’s most important priorities without increasing the tax burden on our already economically strapped citizens. This required an enormous bipartisan effort and was a huge accomplishment. The most impressive aspect about the development of the 2012 budget was our ability to hold the funding for K-12 at 2011 levels while increasing transportation funding for school districts. As impressive as our work on the budget has been, an even more impressive effort will be required to prepare our state for future budget shortfalls as the struggle to recover from our nation’s recession continues. In Missouri, smart, conservative budgeting has proven to provide the type of stability necessary, not only to survive this economic recession, but to actually see some growth in revenue. Continuing this economic policy in the future will place Missouri in an enviable economic environment of growth.

Charter Schools

Public education in America continues to lag behind other nations in the ability to educate our children. This is an extremely alarming situation as it severely impacts our ability to compete on the world stage. Continuing to allow the public school system to fail our children will have dire consequences. Some want to blame this on a lack of funding, however, when you look for a positive correlation between increases in educational funding and efficacy in education, it does not appear to exist. The truth is, the solution to this problem will require a variety of measures. One of these measures was the passage of HB 473 (Charter Schools) out of the House of Representatives last week. This bill establishes the Missouri Charter Public School Commission and regulates the operation of public charter schools in certain districts. The purpose is to provide options to students and help improve school district performance. We have finally moved forward in a positive, proactive, substantive way to truly place parents in charge of their children’s education, to advance serious education reforms and to address the true problems facing public education in a positive way.

Big Government Get Off My Back

Last week the House truly agreed to and finally passed SS SCS HCS HB 45. This bill changes the laws regarding the Big Government Get Off My Back Act and provides additional incentives for responsible businesses that provide health benefits to those new, full-time employees. In particular, a $10,000 tax incentive for each new full-time job created or a $20,000 incentive for each new full-time job created when the business offers health insurance and pays at least 50% of the premiums of all full-time employees. The bill also seeks to limit and reduce the amount of regulations that Government forces onto small businesses that simply cause them to spend time doing paperwork instead of growing their enterprise. This bill is a positive step in the direction of strengthening Missouri small businesses.

Michelle Moore Needs Your Help

Michelle Moore is a great friend and colleague back in the St. Louis region. We found out that she is projected to be on the kidney donor wait list for 3 years. Do you know someone who can help? Please visit http://www.atraditionallifelived.com and/or http://twitter.com/Michelle_Moore for more information. IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN BEING TESTED FOR DONATING YOUR KIDNEY TO MICHELLE, PLEASE CALL 314-362-5365 OR 800-633-9906 - OPTION 2 - BEFORE APRIL 25TH.

Visiting the Capitol

I always enjoy it when constituents visit the Capitol and want to thank all who make the journey. If you ever find yourself in or around Jefferson City at any time during the year, please feel free to visit us! Stop by the Majority Leader’s Office in Room 302 and we will be happy to meet and greet you!

Personal News & Notes

If you know anyone who would be interested in receiving this Capitol Report, they can click the “Capitol Report Signup” button on my member home page at www.house.mo.gov and enter the appropriate information to receive the Capitol Report. As the days grow a great deal longer under the Capitol Dome, we want to encourage you to keep up with the flurry of legislative activity.

As the Session moves speedily towards its end, the days do continue to grow longer and are filled with ever increasing tension and stress. As Majority Leader, I am in command of every single piece of Legislation as it moves through the House Floor for consideration and debate and exhaustion is an ever present experience. During these most trying days of Session, I remain ever thankful to my entire Capitol staff, Jody, Tom and Tad, for continuing to deal with me! I also am ever grateful to the folks who continue to patiently await my complete “return home” and who keep everything running smoothly in my absence, Suzanne, Katie and Abby at the homestead, and of course, my great partners and colleagues at my law firm of DosterUllom, LLC. Finally, if we can ever be of any assistance to you at your State Capitol, do not hesitate to contact us at: 573.751.0562 or you can reach my primary assistant, Jody, at: jody{dot}williams{at}house{dot}mo{dot}gov.

Until our next update, I am, and remain, in your service.

Schaefer & Mayer: Lawmakers Send $23.2 Billion State Operating Budget to the Governor

Education is Priority with Increases for K-12 Busing, Higher Education

JEFFERSON CITY - Approving funding to run critical functions of state government without a tax increase, the Missouri General Assembly today sent to the governor 13 budget bills totaling $23.2 billion for the fiscal year beginning July 1. The bills include a $13.5 million net reduction in spending from the budget proposed by Gov. Jay Nixon in January. The Senate also prioritized education with increases for K-12 busing and the budget for higher education colleges and universities.

Senate Appropriations Chairman Kurt Schaefer, R-Columbia, handled the budget bills in the Senate and initiated the chamber’s effort to secure the increases for education after the Senate Appropriations Committee trimmed other sections of the budget.

Lawmakers’ actions lessen a 7 percent cut to higher education by adopting a $12 million increase for Missouri’s two- and four-year colleges and universities and another increase of $10 million for Missouri’s K-12 transportation line item.

“By lessening that 7 percent cut to only 5.45 percent, we allow our colleges and universities to find and pass on real savings to out-of-pocket expenses students would have incurred,” said Schaefer. “By also working to help shore up funding for K-12 transportation, we help prevent local schools from having to raid funding for our classrooms or other dollars directed to education.”

Of the $12 million increase for higher education, a funding formula determines $10.1 million would go to four-year universities, $1.85 million would go to two-year colleges, with the remaining $65,359 to go to Linn State Technical College. The $10 million increase for K-12 busing restores part of the governor’s reduction, bringing the total funding for public school transportation to nearly $110 million.

The Legislature also voted to maintain the school funding formula at its current level, also voting last month to accept an additional $189 million in federal funding to go toward K-12 funding in FY2012.

Senate Leader Robert N. Mayer. R-Dexter, commended Schaefer for his leadership on the budget.

“Education is a top priority in the Senate,” said Mayer. “Sen. Schaefer protected our students in our K-12 classrooms, but prioritized education by finding even more funding - where the governor could not - for school transportation and our students attending Missouri’s community colleges and universities.”

The budget also included an increase of $8 million over the governor’s recommendation in funding for in-home care providers and full funding to continue Missouri’s Senior Rx Program should legislation extending its sunset also pass the Legislature.

The constitutional deadline to complete the budget was Friday, May 6, at 6 p.m. The governor must accept, veto or line-item veto the bills by the start of the state’s Fiscal Year 2012, which begins July 1.

Kraus: Tax Credit Reform and Economic Development

Op. note: House Bill 18 is incorrectly identified in this missive as Senate Bill 18. SB18 would place a cap on corporate taxes.

Late last week, the Senate took up House Bills 116 and 316. As they came to us from the House, they were a simple tax amnesty program. Through committee negotiations and floor debate, they became a couple of the strongest bills this year (and some of the largest!). The legislation now includes economic development and tax credit reform measures. While I don’t agree with everything in the bills, I do think they are the best combination of what we have been offered. House Bills 116 and 316 were passed by the Senate this week and are now in the hands of the House.

For me, the key ingredient was the tax credit reform language. The combined bills established caps on the amount of some credits that could be allowed. They also added sunset provisions to all tax credits, meaning that the credit would expire unless the General Assembly specifically thought it worth re-authorizing. These reforms have been a top priority for me because of the savings they would bring to taxpayers. Because of the specific reforms in these bills, Missouri taxpayers would save $1.6 billion over 15 years if the bills pass the House and are signed by the governor.

A few weeks ago, I wrote about the border war with Kansas over jobs. We need to find funds for job retention, as it is much easier to keep a strong company than to attract a new one. House Bills 116 and 316 now contain $6 million in such job retention funds. If passed, I am confident that the bulk of those funds will be used to support keeping Kansas City area businesses from moving to Kansas. Early in the process, I fought hard to have this language included in the bill. With the help of other Kansas City area senators, we were even able to broaden the program with an amendment on the floor.

I am hopeful that the House will take up and pass the Senate’s changes to HBs 116 and 316, despite reservations about specific parts of the bills. It is a true compromise to benefit both economic development and taxpayers in Missouri.

Redistricting

On Saturday, April 30, the governor vetoed the map of revised congressional districts previously passed out of the General Assembly. On Wednesday, May 4, both the House and Senate voted to override the governor’s veto, which makes the map [HB193] effective for the 2012 elections. As I have written previously, I have reservations with the map. However, to keep the process where it belongs - in the Legislature and out of the courts - I cast a vote to override the governor.

Here is a link to the current map: Congressional District Map.

Next up will be redistricting for Missouri House and Senate seats. Outside panels appointed by the governor draw those maps. They have until September to get a 70 percent agreement of members on each map. These maps often go to the courts because 70 percent is a tough hurdle to meet when the committees are divided evenly on a political basis.

Stimulus Funds

I have also written previously about my opposition to the use of some federal stimulus funds, especially where they fill a hole that will just need to be fixed in next year’s budget. This week, three other senators and I filibustered Senate Bill 18, which contains $580 million in stimulus money. As part of an earlier deal, we had been promised that $250 million would be pulled out of the bill. When the bill reached the floor, that was not the case. We spoke on the floor for 16 hours to make our point that overspending, whether by the state or federal government, is no longer acceptable. Our efforts reduced the bill by $128 million; we fought for and will keep fighting for every dollar.

Keep in mind that our earlier opposition to extending unemployment saved Missouri businesses $108 million per year. All in all, our group of four fiscal conservatives had a big impact.

Welcome Visitors

This has been another busy week for school groups to make their annual trip to the Capitol to learn about state government. Four elementary schools from Lee’s Summit, Pleasant Lea, Hazel Grove, Meadow Lane, and Underwood, brought their fourth grade students down this week. I was glad to have the opportunity to visit with all of them.

Jenna Klausing from Lee’s Summit West High School performed here at the Capitol as part of the Missouri Alliance for Arts Education’s Fine Arts Education Day at the Capitol. I was pleased to meet both her and her mother, Sherry, as well as get a chance to visit again with Ben Martin. Ed and Linda Bergman and Sarah Jane Bever-Chritton also visited the office.