Korman: Steam Train Excursion, Interim Committee on Disaster Recovery

The other day, I traveled along with my mother from Jefferson City to Washington, MO. on the Union Pacific Little Rock Express Steam Excursion. We were able to view the southernmost part of the 99^th district along a swelling Missouri River, while riding in a passenger railcar being pulled by a steam locomotive. I think the excursion helped bring awareness to the importance of Railways for both passenger and freight for Missouri and our country; even though the number of rail corridors has reduced in our area over the last one hundred years.

With the end of Session and beginning of summer my responsibilities as Representative transitioned from legislative priorities to constituent issues and communications with citizens of the District. I have visited, presented or discussed issues to a number of groups already with a calendar filling up for the summer. Some of these include the Warrenton County Rotary Club, Marthasville Elementary, Montgomery 4-H Club, VFW Post 4436, MoDOT, 4^th Degree Knights of Columbus, Warren Co. R-3 Retirees, radio and newspaper interviews, as well as a Town Hall meeting with 26^th District Senator Brian Nieves with many concerned citizens.

Wednesday I traveled down to Joplin, MO and met up with many of my House colleagues to help with cleanup. Our efforts put a very small dent into what is needed in the town. If you, your church or a service organization is considering going down to help, I would recommend going as soon as possible with as many people as possible. The need is definitely there. If you need help coordinating a cleanup effort feel free to contact the 99^th District office and we can forward you to an appropriate contact.

The Speaker of the House, Steve Tilley, recently appointed a special committee, Interim Committee on Disaster Recovery, to deal with natural disasters both in Southeast Missouri for floods and Joplin for tornadoes. While I was not named a member of this committee, I will try to follow it this summer; especially with the risk of flooding along the Missouri River.

Lichtenegger: Helping Joplin's Recovery, Jackson Senior Center

Yesterday I was in Joplin working side by side with colleagues to assist in the clean-up efforts. There is more debris in Joplin from this tornado than ground zero, 9-11 at The World Trade Center Towers! Furthermore I have done many dental mission trips to third world countries, but I have never seen this kind of destruction! The resilient nature of Missourians continues to amaze me. Whether it is a snow or ice storms, floods or tornados, we pick up our fellow man and start working to make things better. The people of Joplin truly appreciate all of your gifts and prayers. My desire is that what ever help we offer today will go along way in re-establishing many families’ households to at least a minimum normalcy. You can continue to Rebuild Joplin; this link is a reliable source to do just that.

There is plenty of legislative work to be done during the interim period (the months between legislative sessions). One of the interim projects is to form work groups. During these informative work group sessions, we meet with state agencies to learn more about the functions and budgets under which they operate. This information is valuable with respect to beginning the 2012 session with pertinent facts and knowledge that will assist us in making effective and informed legislative decisions. The photo to the right is one such meeting. That’s Rep. Tom Flanigan, Committee Chairman of the Appropriations- Health, Mental Health and Social Services, in the foreground.

Constituent Corner

If you’ve not visited the Jackson Senior Center, 2690 Traveler’s Way, you’re in for a pleasant surprise. When you first enter the building you are greeted by volunteers whose warm welcome makes you smile. And it won’t be long before your nose tells you something luscious is baking in the kitchen. Check out their website category Meals & Calendar and you’ll know just what’s cookin’! Of course you’ll want to stay to help deliver those dozens of meals.

While you’re waiting for lunch make sure you notice the many workers preparing mail and other functions necessary to keep it the viable, community asset that it is.

Preparing and delivering meals is just one of many activities; you can stretch and strengthen your body in the exercise classes, sharpen those brain cells while playing cards and other games and enjoy social dances with nostalgic music!

Speaking of dances don’t miss the Jackson Senior Center’s June Bug Dinner & Dance, Saturday, June 25, 5 to 8 p.m. Admission is $7.50 for this event. For more information call the center: 243-4241.

Additional websites that offer information and / or services to seniors: Dept. Health & Senior Services, Missouri Agency on Aging, SEMO Area Agency on Aging.

You may need or want information regarding the state of Missouri’s plan to address the needs of Alzheimer patients and their families. House Bill 272 (2009) required MO Dept. of Health & Senior Services to form an Alzheimer State Plan Task Force which resulted in a November 2010 report submitted to Governor Nixon. You can find other health reports and information by linking here: Missouri Health Reports. (DHSS is currently working to get the Nov. 2010 Alzheimer report on the website.) If you would like a copy, call my office 573-751-6662.

Berry: Help Needed…

Sandbaggers are needed for Parkville

Volunteers must be at least 16 years old and bring a photo ID. Volunteers should check in at the American Legion located at 11 Main Street. Volunteers are requested to being gloves, work boots, hat, sunscreen and bug spray for their personal use. For more information go to www.parkvillemo.com.

Rebuilding Joplin for the Future

A Bright Futures team from Joplin has launched a website called RebuildJoplin.org. This website is a comprehensive resource for people affected by the storm AND for those who wish to help. If you are able to help, please consider going to the website and get connected with verified agencies. Also, please help us spread the word that RebuildJoplin.org is the primary website for sending help to Joplin. It is by Joplin, for Joplin. These agencies and resources are screened and verified. RebuildJoplin.org is endorsed by the City of Joplin, Joplin Schools, Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way 2-1-1. RebuildJoplin.org, an initiative launched by Bright Futures, will adjust to the changing needs of community relief efforts. Joplin Schools created Bright Futures as a grass roots, community based program that creates partnerships and utilizes community resources for the common goal of helping our kids and strengthening our families and community. In the wake of the destruction, Bright Futures is adapting a successful program to meet the needs of those impacted by the tornado. Together we can rebuild Joplin. A local contact person with Rebuildjoplin.org is Garen McMillian 417-483-5136. We are all so proud of the courageous people of the great State of Missouri for pulling together and demonstrating what is best about our nature as human beings! May God bless and remember the Joplin residents in your prayers…

“Courage is the most important of all virtues, because without courage you cannot practice any other virtue consistently. You can practice any virtue erratically, but nothing consistently without courage.” – Maya Angelou

Accomplishments of the 2011 Legislative Session

Following are just a few of the many Republican-led accomplishments of the 2011 Legislative Session:

• Balancing the budget without a tax increase: This budget, which makes educating Missouri’s children a priority, slashed budgets for state departments and elected officials, reduced the salaries of high-level public employees and eliminated funding for unnecessary employees such as the Governor’s personal chef.
  
• Strengthening the business climate: The General Assembly cut taxes, reduced costs and increased regulatory certainty for Missouri’s job creators so they can invest and thrive.
  
• Securing our elections: We passed legislation to secure our elections by allowing Missourians to vote on a constitutional amendment requiring photo identification for voters. One of our most sacred fundamental rights deserves this level of protection.
  
• Protecting life by ending late-term abortions: By an overwhelming, veto-proof majority, the General Assembly passed legislation banning elective late-term abortions. I am very pleased to report that I was the chief sponsor of this bill.
  
• Second Amendment Rights: The General Assembly lowered the age necessary to obtain a concealed carry permit from 23-21. Prior to this legislation, Missouri’s age limit was one of the highest in the nation. We continue to work hard to protect your Second Amendment rights.
  

These legislative initiatives have been sent to Governor Nixon and await his approval and signature in order to become effective.

Unclaimed Property

I have a list of persons who have unclaimed property with the state. This could be utility deposits or safe deposit boxes that were left unclaimed. There are over 3200 unclaimed pieces of property in my district. Take time to go to this website http://www.treasurer.mo.gov/ and check your name and other relatives living and deceased. If you need my assistance, I am available.

As always if you have any questions or concerns feel free to contact my office at (573) 751 – 2238 or by email at TJ{dot}Berry{at}house{dot}mo{dot}gov.

Kraus: End of Session Wrap-Up

One of the first things you learn in any legislative body is that there is more than one way to pass needed legislation. Proposed legislation can often be amended to another bill, or it can be combined with other bills through the committee process. This year, seven of the bills I introduced are on their way to the governor in various ways:

1. SB 74 created drug screening for TANF applicants and recipients, based upon reasonable cause. It also required entry into a drug treatment program for those testing positive. Similar legislation (HB 73) passed both chambers late in session.
   
2. SB 112 protected third-party reporters of child abuse from lawsuits. Similar language to what I introduced passed in SB 54. The new legislation would apply to any person who is not a school district employee. If signed by the governor, any such individual who reports child abuse by a school employee to another employee of the school district will have immunity from any liability as a result of the report, provided the person makes the report in good faith.
   
3. SB 180, which designates special days for bicycle and pedestrian events, was passed and sent to the governor for his signature. This act names the month of October as "Walk & Bike to School Month," the first Wednesday of October as "Walk and Bike to School Day," the month of May as "Missouri Bicycle Month," the third Friday in May as "Bike to Work Day," and the week of “Bike to Work Day” as "Bike to Work Week."
   
4. SB 270 removed two election dates. For taxpayers, it costs money to hold a local election on days other than when a primary or general election is already being held. Currently there are five election days in a given year: February, April, June, August, and November. SB 282, which I amended, removed June as an election date and is headed to the governor.
   
5. SB 271 modified two Kansas City Police Department pension funds. The House version, HB 183, passed and the language was also included in a larger pension bill, HB 282, which also passed.
   
6. SB 399 modified laws related to rental services, making it a crime when rented property is returned but not paid for. It was included in HB 111, which passed in the final hour of session.
   
7. SB 400 modified laws related to sexual contact with a student. It also passed in HB 111. This act adds elected and appointed officials of the public school district to the types of people who may not have sexual contact with a student, and broadens the crime to include acts committed outside of school property.
   

To read the exact language of legislation that I sponsored, please visit my Senate website at www.senate.mo.gov/kraus.

This session, the Legislature passed three bills to spur economic development and job creation in the state.

1. Corporate Franchise Tax: To meet the goal of enabling employers to invest in working families rather than government growth, SB 19 phases out the corporate franchise tax.
   
2. Unemployment Taxes: The Legislature passed a compromise bill, HB163, which extended unemployment benefits from 79 to 99 weeks. As part of that bill, we also included a reduction in Missouri’s share of initial unemployment benefits from 26 to 20 weeks. This saves Missouri businesses more than $100 million a year.
   
3. Help for Small Businesses: For tax years 2011 through 2014, HB 45 authorizes an income tax deduction for a small business for each full-time job created with an annual salary of at least the county average wage. In addition, the definition of a small business was revised to include businesses with fewer than 50 employees instead of the current 25.
   

Missouri’s 2012 Budget

This year, Missouri had less General Revenue to work with – about $676 million less than 2010 – to craft next year’s budget. Fortunately, we were able to pass a budget on time without raising taxes. Thirteen budget bills, totaling $23.2 billion, were approved for the next fiscal year starting July 1. I voted against most of the budget bills because we are using close to $400 million in one-time federal funds that will not be available next year. Using one-time money for on-going budget items is irresponsible.

This year, education remained a top budget priority for the Senate. Even though we had less money to spend, funding for our public schools remained flat compared to Fiscal Year 2011.

The graphic below shows how each taxpayer dollar is distributed to various state government functions. It includes all funds spent by the state, including federal funds. I think it is a very educational graphic.

District Activities

This Saturday, June 11, I will be travelling along with a number of District 8 residents to Joplin to help in the relief effort. A number of people responded to the article in last week’s report, and I appreciate all words of encouragement and offers to help. I feel so honored to represent such a great district.

Nance: “Be guided accordingly”

This quote was always at the end of any notice sent out by my employer of ten years- The Great Atlantic and Pacific Tea Company.

Partnership for Children, a non-profit group dedicated to improving the lives of children and youth in the greater Kansas City area recently honored me for my continued efforts on behalf of Missouri's children. Jeremy Lafaver, presented the award on June 1^st. Also receiving an award was Representative Mike Talboy of Kansas City. The end of session report will be mailed in the next couple of weeks.

MoDOT has put off indefinitely the repair of the highway bridges on highway 10 to Hardin because of the potential flooding from the Missouri River. Much of that problem is because of the Corps of Engineers release of water from Gavin’s Point Dam in the states of Nebraska and South Dakota.

The fundraising event at the Orrick Community Center helped raise over $1,500. I want to thank the ladies that prepared the desserts and helped serve. I would also like to thank Richmond Masonic Lodge #57 for the fish fry. I appreciate their community service and support. Most importantly, I thank those who attended and contributed to a great cause.

I received word that Mosby has a new radar gun.

“Be guided accordingly”.

Allen: District Notice concerning "The Turner Fix"

Greetings,

I am sending you the following district notice on behalf of Representative Sue Allen.

In response to the many e-mails received from the St. Louis region about the Turner vs. Clayton School District decision and its impact on county schools, Senator Jane Cunningham and area officials will host a public Town Hall meeting on what has been termed "The Turner Fix." The meeting will provide information on the impact of this court case, discuss potential court and legislative solutions, answer your questions, and hear your ideas.

The meeting is scheduled for June 16^th at 7pm at the Chesterfield City Hall Council Chambers located at 690 Chesterfield Pkwy. W. - Chesterfield, MO 63017

Sue will be out of town that week and will not be able to attend, but she will send a representative or staff member on her behalf. If you cannot make this meeting and would like to share your thoughts, feel free to contact our office anytime.

Best,
Matt Schumann
Legislator Assistant to Rep. Sue Allen
Majority Caucus Secretary
District 92

Korman: Town Hall Meeting

You are invited to an end of session town hall meeting with Rep. Bart Korman
and Sen. Brian Nieves

Thursday, June 9, 7 p.m.

Holiday Inn Express
1008 N. Hwy 47
Warrenton, MO 63383

Rep. Korman and Sen. Nieves will bring you an end of session report regarding the 96^th General Assembly and take your questions.

Tilley: Creation of Interim Committee on Disaster Recovery

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Missouri House Speaker Steven Tilley, R-Perryville, announced the creation of the House Interim Committee on Disaster Recovery in response to several recent natural disasters.

“With the flooding in southeast Missouri and the massive tornado that hit Joplin, the tornado in St. Louis and flooding in Southeast Missouri we need to know where we stand and what needs to be done to get Missourians back on their feet,” Speaker Tilley said. “This committee will be tasked with creating a plan and seeing what we in the legislature can do to help.”

The mission of the committee will be to assess whether a special legislative session is necessary to address the needs of Joplin and communities in Southeast Missouri. The committee must report its findings to Speaker Tilley by July 31. In addition, the committee will provide a report to the General Assembly by December 31 detailing long-term recovery strategies and how the state can be better prepared for future natural disasters.

Speaker Tilley has appointed Rep. Shane Schoeller, R-Willard, to serve as chairman of the committee. “I am honored to be chosen to chair the Committee on Disaster Recovery as we look into the impacts of disasters on Missourians and how to best help them move towards a brighter future sooner rather than later,” Schoeller said.

“While we do our best to have plans in place for the moments when tragedy strikes, the devastation in Joplin is one such event that could not have been foreseen in its impact and overall enormity,” said Schoeller. “As we begin to help rebuild this community we need to look thoroughly into the effects this tragedy will have on the families, businesses, faith and civic organizations who call Joplin home. We also must ensure the state has a plan in place to help rather than hinder the process for any Missouri community that is trying to rebuild after suffering the effects of a natural disaster.”

Denison: Health Care Transparency, Student Protection Act, Rebuild Joplin

“Reputation is what men and women think of us; character is what God and angels know of us.” – Thomas Paine

Health Care Transparency (SB 62)

One piece of legislation we passed this session that I have not mentioned in past Capitol Reports will promote health care transparency, which enables consumers to compare the price of health care services. The legislation ensures health insurance companies and providers will make information available for policyholders regarding the out-of-pocket expenses related to surgeries, tests, exams, prescriptions and other health care procedures they require. Using a tool as simple as the Internet, health insurance companies will provide an estimated cost to help consumers determine deductible, co-payment, and co-insurance amounts that would need to be paid out-of-pocket within a person’s health care plan. Missouri’s insured consumers will be allowed to view information regarding health care costs starting in January, 2014.

The idea behind this legislation is to use free market solutions to help lower health care costs. Consumers will be able to take control of their health care decisions thanks to the information that will be provided as a result of this bill. I firmly believe all Missourians should have access to the critical information that will better allow them to find a plan that fits their financial needs and the needs of their family. Ultimately, transparency will allow people to make better health care choices and financial decisions.

Amy Hestir Student Protection Act (SB 54)

Another bill passed this year will create the “Amy Hestir Student Protection Act” to prevent sexual abuse of children in our schools. The bill is named in honor of Amy Hestir – a Missouri woman who was molested and assaulted by her junior high school teacher while she was in school. While this state is filled with great teachers who have nothing but the best interests of our young people in mind, we do have some teachers who do not belong in the system. Our own Missouri Department of Education uses the term “pass the trash” to describe how bad teachers can move from district to district without their checkered pasts catching up with them. Much of this is possible because school districts are hesitant to share information regarding former employees for fear of lawsuits. The result is that teachers who have engaged in sexual misconduct with students move from one district to another without the new school district being aware of past transgressions.

All of that will change with the Amy Hestir Student Protection Act. Under the bill, school districts in Missouri will be allowed to discuss information about their employees with other school districts. Also, school districts will be liable for damages if they dismiss an employee or allow an employee to resign for reasons of sexual misconduct, and then fail to disclose those reasons in a reference request from another school district. We believe these changes are vital to protect our children from sexual misconduct committed by school employees. With this legislation we are one step closer to keeping bad teachers out of our schools and away from our young people.

Joplin Disaster

As I mentioned in the last Capitol Report, the City of Joplin has established an official Web site connecting needs with resources in the wake of the tornado. The mission of the site is to provide dependable and trusted avenues for those wishing to help those affected by the storm. You can assist by volunteering time, donating needed items or giving money. For anyone who wants to help, I encourage you to visit the site and investigate ways you can donate or volunteer to assist in the rebuilding effort.

This site shows you how. Go to: http://RebuildJoplin.org/

On June 8, 2011, legislators traveled to Joplin to assist in the disaster recovery efforts. I am very grateful to be able to volunteer in this effort, and to lend a helping hand.

Interim Office Hours

Due to cutbacks, and in an effort to save the state money, my office has elected to reduce office hours during interim. Effective June 1, 2011, my office will be staffed 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.

Goodman: Legislative Session Ends

We recently concluded the First Regular Session of the 96^th General Assembly. As usual, we debated and passed many bills in the Missouri Senate, some of which were also passed by the House and sent to the governor for his signature.

As chairman of the Senate Committee on the Judiciary and Civil and Criminal Jurisprudence, I had the opportunity to shape legislative proposals that will have a direct impact on our communities.

One measure sent to the governor was Senate Bill 250, which requires sexual offenders to complete all required treatment, education, and rehabilitation programs before becoming eligible for probation or parole.

We also brought Senate Bill 320 through the Judiciary and Civil and Criminal Jurisprudence Committee. This bill is a comprehensive measure addressing domestic violence and orders of protection. SB320 will provide more clarity and instruction to all involved in the process of providing prompt protection to victims of domestic violence.

Senate Bill 394, a bill I sponsored, came through the Judiciary Committee, as well. I also handled the House companion bill, HB 214. Both of these bills dealt with the issue of human trafficking and modern day slavery. While most of us find it shocking that such legislation is even necessary in Missouri, human trafficking is a serious problem throughout the world. I have been sickened to learn how often it occurs in our home state, particularly in college towns. There is an aggressive subculture in the smut industry whose participants kidnap young people, prey on runaways and the vulnerable, and blackmail or imprison them for prostitution or other forms of involuntary service. Some of these victims are Missouri natives. Others are moved here from other locations in America and beyond. This legislation is among the most sweeping in the nation and should provide law enforcement needed tools to attack this scourge in our state. Both chambers passed the bill and it presently awaits the governor’s signature.

The General Assembly invested much time and effort to balance the FY 2012 budget despite a third straight year of declining revenues. Although difficult decisions were required, legislators worked to protect core priorities, such as education and several programs for seniors.

Other legislation that passed both chambers this session included Senate Bill 19, which places a cap on corporate franchise taxes imposed on Missouri employers. In today’s economy, it is imperative that we ease the burdens on job providers so more of their earnings can be reinvested in payroll, thus creating more jobs in our communities. The governor has already signed this bill.

These measures, as well as many others, have been sent to the governor and have already been signed into law or are awaiting his signature. For a complete list of bills that were passed this session, you may visit www.senate.mo.gov, go to the “Legislation” tab, and click on the “Truly Agreed” link.

Throughout the coming months, I will update you via these newspaper capitol reports and with periodic e-newsletters on a variety of topics your General Assembly addressed this year. If you would like to receive the e-newsletters directly, please email me at the address below. I hope you will find them helpful and informative.

As always, I welcome your ideas, questions and concerns about Missouri government. You may contact me at the State Capitol as follows: (573) 751-2234, jack{dot}goodman{at}senate{dot}mo{dot}gov or by writing to Senator Jack Goodman, Missouri State Capitol, Room 331-A, Jefferson City, MO 65101.

Kelley: Rebuilding Joplin, Visiting The Capitol

Warm, humid, stormy days have led into cool evenings as many of us across the State have been bombarded with a cacophony of sound produced by the “13 year” cicadas. But these bizarre creatures and their “interesting” noise will soon cease as they end their short little circle of life and do not reappear again until the year 2024. The Midwestern summer has descended gently upon us as we have all returned to families, careers and summer chores back home…

Rebuilding Joplin for the Future

A Bright Futures team from Joplin has launched a website called RebuildJoplin.org. This website is a comprehensive resource for people affected by the storm AND for those who wish to help. If you are able to help, please consider going to the website and get connected with verified agencies. Also, please help us spread the word that RebuildJoplin.org is the primary website for sending help to Joplin. It is by Joplin, for Joplin. These agencies and resources are screened and verified. RebuildJoplin.org is endorsed by the City of Joplin, Joplin Schools, Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way 2-1-1. RebuildJoplin.org, an initiative launched by Bright Futures, will adjust to the changing needs of community relief efforts. Joplin Schools created Bright Futures as a grass roots, community based program that creates partnerships and utilizes community resources for the common goal of helping our kids and strengthening our families and community. In the wake of the destruction, Bright Futures is adapting a successful program to meet the needs of those impacted by the tornado. Together we can rebuild Joplin. A local contact person with Rebuildjoplin.org is Garen McMillian 417-483-5136. We are all so proud of the courageous people of the great State of Missouri for pulling together and demonstrating what is best about our nature as human beings! May God bless and remember the Joplin residents in your prayers…

“Courage is the most important of all virtues, because without courage you cannot practice any other virtue consistently. You can practice any virtue erratically, but nothing consistently without courage.” – Maya Angelou

Accomplishments of the 2011 Legislative Session

Following are just a few of the many Republican-led accomplishments of the 2011 Legislative Session:

• Balancing the budget without a tax increase: This budget, which makes educating Missouri’s children a priority, slashed budgets for state departments and elected officials, reduced the salaries of high-level public employees and eliminated funding for unnecessary employees such as the Governor’s personal chef.
  
• Strengthening the business climate: The General Assembly cut taxes, reduced costs and increased regulatory certainty for Missouri’s job creators so they can invest and thrive.
  
• Securing our elections: We passed legislation to secure our elections by allowing Missourians to vote on a constitutional amendment requiring photo identification for voters. One of our most sacred fundamental rights deserves this level of protection.
  
• Drug testing for welfare recipients: This legislation requires applicants and recipients of certain welfare programs to be drug tested. Your tax dollars should go to assist the neediest among us, not to purchase illegal substances that only perpetuate problems and ruin lives. Your Legislature continues to offer not a hand out, but a hand up.
  
• Protecting life by ending late-term abortions: By an overwhelming, veto-proof majority, the General Assembly passed legislation banning elective late-term abortions. I am very pleased to report that I was the chief sponsor of this bill.
  
• Second Amendment Rights: The General Assembly lowered the age necessary to obtain a concealed carry permit from 23-21. Prior to this legislation, Missouri’s age limit was one of the highest in the nation. We continue to work hard to protect your Second Amendment rights.
  

These legislative initiatives have been sent to Governor Nixon and await his approval and signature in order to become effective.

Visiting the Capitol

I welcomed many visitors to the Capitol this year. I always enjoy it when constituents visit, and I want to thank all who made the journey. If you ever find yourself in or around Jefferson City at any time during the year, please feel free to visit us!

Thank you for reading this Interim Report. If you happen to see me in and around the District this summer, please feel free to introduce yourself and say hello! If you know anyone who would be interested in receiving this Interim Capitol Report, please 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.

Finally, if we can ever be of any assistance to you at your State Capitol during the coming months even while we are in the Interim Session, please do not hesitate to contact us at: 573.751.2165 or you can reach my legislative assistant, Tammy, at: tammy{dot}weber{at}house{dot}mo{dot}gov.

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

Neth: Construction Projects in Your Area

I recently recieved a notice from the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) with a list of Clay County roadway construction projects planned for 2011. Some of these projects are already in progress while others will begin in the next few months. I thought you would appreciate this information when trying to navigate the orange cones on your way to work each day.

MoDOT Major Projects Planned for Clay County 2011

STIP Projects

• Route 169 - New guard cable installation from just north of I-435 to I-29.
• Route 169 - Resurfacing southbound only from Commercial Street in Smithville to I-435 and from Cookingham Road to Barry Road. Scheduled for completion in early summer.
• Route 169 - Test grouting project to repair railroad bin wall just north the
  Broadway Bridge (northbound lanes)
• Route 152 - Resurfacing from Route 1 in Clay County to I-435 in Platte
  County.
• Interstate 35 - Bridge rehabilitation on twin bridges over Lightburne (just
  north of Liberty). Project expected to begin in June.
• Interstate 29 - Resurfacing from Vivion Road to Parvin Road
• Route 210 - Pavement repair and resurfacing from Walker Road to I-435
• Route 210 - Pavement repair and resurfacing from I-435 to Route 291
• Route 210 - Earthen slide repair near I-435 Interchange (Westbound). Completed.
• Interstate 435 - Pavement repair, drainage improvements and resurfacing from I-29 to Route 169 (mostly Platte County).

Economic Recovery Projects

• Route 9: Interchange and capacity improvements at Route 9 and Briarcliff
  Parkway. (2010-2011)

Minor Roads Initiative

• Route N: Resurfacing from Beginning of State Maintenance to Route 210
  south of Excelsior Springs. Completed.
• Route W: Resurfacing from Route 169 to Route C near Smithville. Completed.
• Route EE: Resurfacing from Route Hto Route 210 near Missouri City. Completed.
• Cookingham Drive: Resurfacing under Route 169 between the ramps.

Safe & Sound Bridge Improvement Program (2011 Only)

• Route 92 over First Creek west of Smithville may be completed or may be in process

Lant: National Media Amazed At Our Resilient Spirit

I guess I'm like a lot of people and don't really notice familiar things until someone brings them to your attention. This was illustrated to me last week in a big way! I have lived in this area for 48 years and pretty much thought I knew everything there was to know about my friends and neighbors. I have no idea how many strangers I have met since the storm but suffice it to say, a lot! Over and over again I have heard surprised comments about how people here stick together and work through problems. Comments are made about how we help each other out and don't expect anything in return and are willing to share resources with those who have lost everything. You see, many of the volunteers here have been working in other disaster areas around the country. They are used to people who don't offer to share their homes, provide clothing, cook meals, and pray with those who are less fortunate than they are. Believe it or not folks, I have heard from emergency workers that were at Katrina and saw looters stealing from people who were still trapped in debris! One team of EMT's from Blue Springs stayed overnight with us and expressed amazement that people here were telling them "thank you".

Sometimes it takes a terrible tragedy for us to realize how tough we really are. I haven't heard one story where someone was moaning about what material goods they had lost but I've heard a lot of stories from people who have lost all their worldly goods but are thanking the Lord that their family and neighbors are safe. I think we are living in the best place in the world! NBC, CBS, CNN, FOX, and all the rest have all been amazed at our resilient spirit and willingness to clean up the mess and rebuild Joplin.

We'll get plenty of promises of help from Washington and Jefferson City, and most of them will actually be kept, but if no one helped, we would still get the job done. I have heard from countless legislators all around Missouri and quite a few of them including Speaker Tilley will be here this week to help out and a contingent of Legislative Assistants are also on their way down to volunteer and all help is greatly appreciated. We have a huge job ahead of us, and we must forge ahead even while mourning and attending services for those who lost their lives in the storm. I am certain that it will take a long while for us to completely rebuild, but I am also certain that we will have a better place to live than ever before! It will be newer and prettier, but the people can never be any better than they are right now! There is no way I could be any prouder to say that I live in Southwest Missouri than I am right now. The wonderful, caring people that surround us have always been there but it sometimes takes a wake up call to realize how very blessed we are!

Thank you for allowing me to represent You!

Bill Lant