Jefferson City — Senate Leader Robert N. Mayer, R-Dexter, recently added new audio links to his multimedia page, which is located on his Missouri Senate website. This page features audio and video links (both streaming and broadcast quality — when available) for visitors to listen to and watch Sen. Mayer address issues that are important to him and the citizens of the 25th Senatorial District.
The new audio links include Sen. Mayer discussing progress made during special session. The Missouri Senate will return for a technical session on Monday, Sept. 26, at 10:30 a.m.
Senator Mayer will continue to add audio and video clips throughout the year. You can download his podcast and listen to it by going to Sen. Mayer’s multimedia page: http://www.senate.mo.gov/media/11info/mayer/Multimedia.htm.
23 September 2011
Hoskins: Beautiful Weather As Session Lingers
The weather has been absolutely beautiful; making for very pleasant travel within the 121st district and to our State’s Capitol.
It is good to finally see the water level receding over the past few weeks. Previously flooded roadways are currently being repaired by MoDOT in preparation of safe travel and soon travel will be back to normal across the state.
Today’s trip to the Capitol has seen the previous week’s efforts rewarded with consensus under the dome on important jobs legislation.
SCS SB 1 was debated on the floor, third read, and passed, by a vote of 139 to 2. This bill modifies provisions relating to communications between school district employees and students by repealing the prohibition on a teacher using an internet site to exclusively communicate with a current or former student.
SS SCS SB 7 passed the Missouri House by a vote of 94 to 48. This is the Missouri Science and Innovation Reinvestment Act (MOSIRA) I am sure you have all heard about. To give you a better understanding of what this bill does, it takes a picture, if you will, of the current Science and Innovation Industry in Missouri (ie. number of jobs, state tax revenue generated from those jobs, etc.). This creates the base figures upon which subsequent years figures are compared. If next year the industry generates more state tax revenue than the base figures, those additional tax revenues are reinvested into the industry to create jobs. This has a multiplying effect on the industry and on jobs for Missourians. The more jobs the industry produces, the greater the tax revenue generated to be used to create more jobs.
I was very pleased to see last Wednesday’s Eggs & Issues received such a large turnout. It was certainly a pleasure sharing information from the Capitol and listening to the comments and concerns of my constituents. Hope to see you all there again.
Next Wednesday, Sept. 28, I plan on stopping by UCM for the 2011 Missouri Business Conference hosted by Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler. I hope to make it in time for the opening remarks.
I consider communication with my constituents a high priority. My weekly Monday morning chat at 8:45 a.m. with Woody at KOKO Radio on AM 1450 is one of the best ways I’ve found for you to literally “hear” from me. During session or interim, tune in every Monday morning at 8:45 to hear the latest concerning District 121.
Please share this report with anyone you feel would be interested in this information. It is genuinely a privilege to serve as your state representative.
It is good to finally see the water level receding over the past few weeks. Previously flooded roadways are currently being repaired by MoDOT in preparation of safe travel and soon travel will be back to normal across the state.
Today’s trip to the Capitol has seen the previous week’s efforts rewarded with consensus under the dome on important jobs legislation.
House of Representatives Activity
SCS SB 1 was debated on the floor, third read, and passed, by a vote of 139 to 2. This bill modifies provisions relating to communications between school district employees and students by repealing the prohibition on a teacher using an internet site to exclusively communicate with a current or former student.
SS SCS SB 7 passed the Missouri House by a vote of 94 to 48. This is the Missouri Science and Innovation Reinvestment Act (MOSIRA) I am sure you have all heard about. To give you a better understanding of what this bill does, it takes a picture, if you will, of the current Science and Innovation Industry in Missouri (ie. number of jobs, state tax revenue generated from those jobs, etc.). This creates the base figures upon which subsequent years figures are compared. If next year the industry generates more state tax revenue than the base figures, those additional tax revenues are reinvested into the industry to create jobs. This has a multiplying effect on the industry and on jobs for Missourians. The more jobs the industry produces, the greater the tax revenue generated to be used to create more jobs.
District News
I was very pleased to see last Wednesday’s Eggs & Issues received such a large turnout. It was certainly a pleasure sharing information from the Capitol and listening to the comments and concerns of my constituents. Hope to see you all there again.
Next Wednesday, Sept. 28, I plan on stopping by UCM for the 2011 Missouri Business Conference hosted by Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler. I hope to make it in time for the opening remarks.
Ways to Keep in Contact
I consider communication with my constituents a high priority. My weekly Monday morning chat at 8:45 a.m. with Woody at KOKO Radio on AM 1450 is one of the best ways I’ve found for you to literally “hear” from me. During session or interim, tune in every Monday morning at 8:45 to hear the latest concerning District 121.
Please share this report with anyone you feel would be interested in this information. It is genuinely a privilege to serve as your state representative.
Tim Jones: Special Session Majority Minute: Senate Bills In House Committees
Storm clouds, fall storm and heavily laden gray skies ominously shrouded the Capitol this week as we returned for our third week of Special Session. Missourians anxiously look to their public servant leaders to keep Missouri competitive with other States and to encourage businesses and employers to come to Missouri and to grow in Missouri so that we can be “open for business” and provide a positive environment for jobs. As you may recall from the previous Majority Minute regarding the 2011 Extraordinary Special Session, on Monday, August 22nd, Governor Nixon issued a call for a Special Session to address certain specific issues which had great support from both Chambers during the Regular Session but on which the Chambers ultimately ran out of time in which to reach a compromise final position. You can find the full text of the Governor’s call at the following link: http://governor.mo.gov/orders/2011/2011specialsession.html. Today the Missouri House engaged in floor debate on SBs 1 and 7 which were voted out of the Rules Committee late yesterday.
Senate Bill 1 requires each school district to put in place a written policy concerning employee-student communication. The policy will have to be in place by March 1, 2012 and must pertain to the use of electronic media and other mechanisms to prevent improper communications between school district staff members and students. In addition, the bill repeals a provision that would have prohibited teachers from creating and using a work-related Internet site unless it is also available to school administrators and the child’s parent or guardian. SB 1 allows teachers to establish and maintain a work- and non-work related Internet site to have exclusive access with a current or former student. The bill now goes to the Governor for his signature.
MOSIRA is a pro-growth, pro jobs bill with NO fiscal note (completely subject to appropriations based solely on net gains!) that will keep Missouri extremely competitive in the fast growing 21st century field of Bio-Tech & Bio-Science. In addition, for those Missourians who are pro-life, the bill contains extremely stringent pro-life protections relating to prohibitions on public funding of stem cell research. Good news for all Missourians!
As we continue to work through this Special Session, I will keep you apprised of all developments relating to the Governor’s recent policy failures and on his Department of Economic Development’s troubling issues with the Mamtek debacle in Moberly. Missouri have cast the passage of any additional economic development bills in question but we remain committed to working with the Senate should they wish to strive for additional legislation to help put Missourians back to work. Should you have any questions regarding any of the matters on which we are working, please do not hesitate to contact our office at any time.
Until our next update, I am, and remain, in your service,
SB 1—Sponsored by Senator Jane Cunningham modifies provisions relating to communications between school district employees and students.
The House gave overwhelming approval today by a vote of 139 to 2 to legislation that has commonly been referred to as the “Facebook Fix.” The fix is necessary because of an unintended consequence that resulted from a bill passed during the regular session to protect students from inappropriate conduct by unscrupulous teachers. Our goal was to make certain that communications through social media such as Facebook and Twitter are viewable by parents at all times. Instead, the language in the bill caused concerns that it would limit the ability of our many good teachers to use these tools to communicate school-related matters with their students.Senate Bill 1 requires each school district to put in place a written policy concerning employee-student communication. The policy will have to be in place by March 1, 2012 and must pertain to the use of electronic media and other mechanisms to prevent improper communications between school district staff members and students. In addition, the bill repeals a provision that would have prohibited teachers from creating and using a work-related Internet site unless it is also available to school administrators and the child’s parent or guardian. SB 1 allows teachers to establish and maintain a work- and non-work related Internet site to have exclusive access with a current or former student. The bill now goes to the Governor for his signature.
SB 7—Sponsored by Senator Robert Mayer would establish the Missouri Science and Innovation Reinvestment Act.
The House also approved SB 7 by a vote of 94 to 48, which would create the Missouri Science and Reinvestment Act (MOSIRA). In essence, MOSIRA is a seed program designed to kick start Missouri’s next generation of hi-tech jobs. The goal is to make our state a national leader in life sciences and technology and to help retain and grow science and technology companies in Missouri. The bill also would allow us to develop our high-tech workforce – something that will create good-paying jobs for Missouri residents and give a significant boost to our economy. One of the great things about MOSIRA is the funding method it would utilize. It would not create any new taxes nor would it seek budget money currently being directed to Missouri general revenues. Rather, after a set base year, it would capture part of the increase in gross receipts from state income taxes generated by employees working within designated science and innovation fields. Money generated would then go into a fund that would continue to do outreach to attract more high-tech jobs. This is a revenue neutral bill with solid taxpayer protections. We encourage the Senate to now sign this bill that they already passed so that it can go to the Governor for his signature.MOSIRA is a pro-growth, pro jobs bill with NO fiscal note (completely subject to appropriations based solely on net gains!) that will keep Missouri extremely competitive in the fast growing 21st century field of Bio-Tech & Bio-Science. In addition, for those Missourians who are pro-life, the bill contains extremely stringent pro-life protections relating to prohibitions on public funding of stem cell research. Good news for all Missourians!
A Glimpse into the Next Few Weeks
As we continue to work through this Special Session, I will keep you apprised of all developments relating to the Governor’s recent policy failures and on his Department of Economic Development’s troubling issues with the Mamtek debacle in Moberly. Missouri have cast the passage of any additional economic development bills in question but we remain committed to working with the Senate should they wish to strive for additional legislation to help put Missourians back to work. Should you have any questions regarding any of the matters on which we are working, please do not hesitate to contact our office at any time.
Until our next update, I am, and remain, in your service,
Engler: Special Session Costing Missouri Taxpayers
With the special session dragging on in its third week, I want to apologize. As your elected representatives, you should be able to expect us to move efficiently to pass legislation. I’m honored to serve the citizens of Missouri, but these last three weeks have demonstrated a level of government incompetence of which I’m not proud to be apart.
This special session was called with the goal of passing legislation to create jobs and trim our strained budget through tax credit reform. These are important, vital issues we must address.
In reality, though, a special session should never have been called unless there was complete confidence the legislation had a chance of passing. Instead, we have a session in deadlock, while the taxpayers foot the bill of nearly $25,000 a day for having us in Jefferson City. This is not money we can afford to spend, especially as our state continues to face a budget crisis.
The budget is the very reason the Senate is standing firm on its stance that tax credits must be capped, and in some instances, allowed to sunset, specifically the Low-Income Housing and Historic Preservation tax credit programs. When a sunset comes up, we can then review the tax credit and make sure it was effective.
Used reasonably with responsible oversight, tax credits can be a valuable tool for economic development. They should not, however, become government giveaways that return little of our investment, not when we have to make tough cuts to our budget in important areas like education and transportation.
In 1999, the state spent roughly $142 million on tax credits. This year, we spent $545 million. Next year, it’s estimated we’ll spend $639 million. We continue to issue these tax credits, more and more every year, and we’re losing money on them.
Over the last 10 years, Missouri has given away more than $1 billion in Historic Preservation tax credits. In 2011 alone, we spent $107 million. Maybe this could be justified if we were getting a solid return on our investment. Instead, for every dollar we spend on Historic Preservation tax credits, Missouri’s return was 21 cents, according to the Joint Committee on Tax Policy. And we rank No. 1 in the nation for giving these out.
Low-Income Housing tax credits are an even worse venture. Missouri gave $156 million in tax credits to developers for affordable housing, making us the second state in the nation for issuing the largest amount of Low-Income Housing tax credits. And yet these credits rarely reduce the tax liability of the developer. Often, they’re sold for cash to finance the units. Of every dollar we give to a developer to build low-income housing, 35 cents goes to development costs, and the remaining 65 cents goes to investors.
Worse, these tax credits are streamed to developers over 10 years, meaning if a developer receives $1 million in Low-Income Housing tax credits this year, we’re still obligated to pay an additional $1 million a year for the next nine years.
Currently, Missouri taxpayers are on the hook for more than $1.3 billion in not-yet redeemed Low-Income Housing tax credits and almost another $1 billion in other tax credits. And when the numbers come back, we get 11 cents for every dollar we spend on them.
If these tax credit programs were such great deals, other states would be adopting them, but Missouri remains at the top of the list for these giveaways. As we continue to struggle with a budget facing incredible short-falls, it is ridiculous to let these tax credit programs continue indefinitely unchecked. This is why the Senate’s legislation filed during the special session will reduce the amount of funding going to these tax credits, which could save Missouri taxpayers $947 million over the next 15 years. Every dollar in tax credits is a dollar away from other state funded programs such as education.
It is my hope that through compromise the House, Senate, and governor can reach an agreement to pass legislation that is fiscally responsible and will create jobs. If we can’t, these last three weeks have been pointless, and I am, as well as you should be, extremely disappointed in the lack of support for this legislation that will save tax payer dollars, reform an outdated program, and create much-needed jobs and economic development throughout the state.
Very rarely has the state been as inefficient as the federal government, but in this instance, we deserve the criticism. And I apologize.
This special session was called with the goal of passing legislation to create jobs and trim our strained budget through tax credit reform. These are important, vital issues we must address.
In reality, though, a special session should never have been called unless there was complete confidence the legislation had a chance of passing. Instead, we have a session in deadlock, while the taxpayers foot the bill of nearly $25,000 a day for having us in Jefferson City. This is not money we can afford to spend, especially as our state continues to face a budget crisis.
The budget is the very reason the Senate is standing firm on its stance that tax credits must be capped, and in some instances, allowed to sunset, specifically the Low-Income Housing and Historic Preservation tax credit programs. When a sunset comes up, we can then review the tax credit and make sure it was effective.
Used reasonably with responsible oversight, tax credits can be a valuable tool for economic development. They should not, however, become government giveaways that return little of our investment, not when we have to make tough cuts to our budget in important areas like education and transportation.
In 1999, the state spent roughly $142 million on tax credits. This year, we spent $545 million. Next year, it’s estimated we’ll spend $639 million. We continue to issue these tax credits, more and more every year, and we’re losing money on them.
Over the last 10 years, Missouri has given away more than $1 billion in Historic Preservation tax credits. In 2011 alone, we spent $107 million. Maybe this could be justified if we were getting a solid return on our investment. Instead, for every dollar we spend on Historic Preservation tax credits, Missouri’s return was 21 cents, according to the Joint Committee on Tax Policy. And we rank No. 1 in the nation for giving these out.
Low-Income Housing tax credits are an even worse venture. Missouri gave $156 million in tax credits to developers for affordable housing, making us the second state in the nation for issuing the largest amount of Low-Income Housing tax credits. And yet these credits rarely reduce the tax liability of the developer. Often, they’re sold for cash to finance the units. Of every dollar we give to a developer to build low-income housing, 35 cents goes to development costs, and the remaining 65 cents goes to investors.
Worse, these tax credits are streamed to developers over 10 years, meaning if a developer receives $1 million in Low-Income Housing tax credits this year, we’re still obligated to pay an additional $1 million a year for the next nine years.
Currently, Missouri taxpayers are on the hook for more than $1.3 billion in not-yet redeemed Low-Income Housing tax credits and almost another $1 billion in other tax credits. And when the numbers come back, we get 11 cents for every dollar we spend on them.
If these tax credit programs were such great deals, other states would be adopting them, but Missouri remains at the top of the list for these giveaways. As we continue to struggle with a budget facing incredible short-falls, it is ridiculous to let these tax credit programs continue indefinitely unchecked. This is why the Senate’s legislation filed during the special session will reduce the amount of funding going to these tax credits, which could save Missouri taxpayers $947 million over the next 15 years. Every dollar in tax credits is a dollar away from other state funded programs such as education.
It is my hope that through compromise the House, Senate, and governor can reach an agreement to pass legislation that is fiscally responsible and will create jobs. If we can’t, these last three weeks have been pointless, and I am, as well as you should be, extremely disappointed in the lack of support for this legislation that will save tax payer dollars, reform an outdated program, and create much-needed jobs and economic development throughout the state.
Very rarely has the state been as inefficient as the federal government, but in this instance, we deserve the criticism. And I apologize.
22 September 2011
Mayer: Audio and Video On Jobs, Tax Credit Reform Bill
Jefferson City — Senate Leader Robert N. Mayer, R-Dexter, recently added new audio and video links to his multimedia page, which is located on his Missouri Senate website. This page features audio and video links (both streaming and broadcast quality — when available) for visitors to listen to and watch Sen. Mayer address issues that are important to him and the citizens of the 25th Senatorial District.
The new audio and video links include Sen. Mayer and Majority Floor Leader Sen. Tom Dempsey, R-St. Charles, outlining a compromise on the large jobs and tax credit reform bill (SB 8) the Missouri Senate advanced to the House of Representatives last week.
The audio and video clips are from a news conference held Thursday (9-22) afternoon.
Senator Mayer will continue to add audio and video clips throughout the year. You can view the new clips by going to Sen. Mayer’s multimedia page: http://www.senate.mo.gov/media/11info/mayer/Multimedia.htm.
The new audio and video links include Sen. Mayer and Majority Floor Leader Sen. Tom Dempsey, R-St. Charles, outlining a compromise on the large jobs and tax credit reform bill (SB 8) the Missouri Senate advanced to the House of Representatives last week.
The audio and video clips are from a news conference held Thursday (9-22) afternoon.
Senator Mayer will continue to add audio and video clips throughout the year. You can view the new clips by going to Sen. Mayer’s multimedia page: http://www.senate.mo.gov/media/11info/mayer/Multimedia.htm.
Kraus: Special Session In Flux
As you may have gathered from watching the news or reading the paper, the jobs and economic development package – key legislation in the legislature’s special session efforts – has been and continues to be an uncertain target. The Senate sent a version of the bill to the House last week. Speculation indicates that the House has been considering a bill that does not include seven-year sunsets on the two largest tax credits, low-income housing and historic preservation, which would be unacceptable to the Senate. A sunset provision does not necessarily kill a credit; it allows the General Assembly to review the credit and determine if it is still a benefit to the state, as well as cost-effective for the taxpayers. Therefore, members of the Senate, including myself, feel strongly that the sunset provisions must remain part of any bill that is passed. The House expects to debate its compromise bill on the House floor on Friday morning.
Because of the likelihood that things could change very quickly, I’ll bring you more information in next week’s report, when we hope to have a final outcome.
Don’t forget! On Thursday, Sept. 29, Rep. Jeannie Lauer, R-Blue Springs, and I will be hosting a town hall meeting in Blue Springs from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Blue Springs Country Club on 1600 NW Circle Drive.
The focus of the town hall will be to provide information on the legislative special session and veto session and to discuss the emphasis for the upcoming 2012 regular session. In addition, Blue Springs Councilmen Dale Carter, Jeff Quibell, Chris Lievsay and Kent Edmondson will be in attendance to discuss local issues.
These town hall meetings are important to me because they give me the opportunity to interact on a personal level with the constituents of the 8th Senatorial District. It is a vital way to keep members of the local community up-to-date on activities within the Capitol and upcoming issues and events. I look forward to speaking with concerned citizens and addressing any questions they might have.
I hope to see you there!
On Tuesday, Sept. 27, an open house will be held to discuss potential transit options along the I-70 and the Rock Island corridors. It will be held at the Ennovation Center, 201 N. Forest, Independence from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., with presentations at 4:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.. The meeting is hosted by the Jackson County Commuter Corridors Alternatives Analysis Project Partnership Team. For more information, please access the project website at: www.kcsmartmoves.org/projects/jacksoncounty.aspx.
Because of the likelihood that things could change very quickly, I’ll bring you more information in next week’s report, when we hope to have a final outcome.
Town Hall Meeting
Don’t forget! On Thursday, Sept. 29, Rep. Jeannie Lauer, R-Blue Springs, and I will be hosting a town hall meeting in Blue Springs from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Blue Springs Country Club on 1600 NW Circle Drive.
The focus of the town hall will be to provide information on the legislative special session and veto session and to discuss the emphasis for the upcoming 2012 regular session. In addition, Blue Springs Councilmen Dale Carter, Jeff Quibell, Chris Lievsay and Kent Edmondson will be in attendance to discuss local issues.
These town hall meetings are important to me because they give me the opportunity to interact on a personal level with the constituents of the 8th Senatorial District. It is a vital way to keep members of the local community up-to-date on activities within the Capitol and upcoming issues and events. I look forward to speaking with concerned citizens and addressing any questions they might have.
I hope to see you there!
Jackson County Commuter Alternatives
On Tuesday, Sept. 27, an open house will be held to discuss potential transit options along the I-70 and the Rock Island corridors. It will be held at the Ennovation Center, 201 N. Forest, Independence from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., with presentations at 4:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.. The meeting is hosted by the Jackson County Commuter Corridors Alternatives Analysis Project Partnership Team. For more information, please access the project website at: www.kcsmartmoves.org/projects/jacksoncounty.aspx.
Lichtenegger: EcoDevo Measure Update, Listeria Outbreak, 9/11 Memorial
Some of you have been watching the daily news to track what is being accomplished during the special session. The following House announcement recently was released: Missouri House leaders have announced an important step in moving forward a landmark jobs bill [SB8] that is the centerpiece of the current special session. After working with Governor Jay Nixon, Representative John J. Diehl, Jr. (R-Town and Country) and House Economic Development Committee Chair Anne Zerr (R-St. Charles) have crafted a compromise proposal that would dramatically overhaul Missouri’s job creation tools while creating significant taxpayer protections. The proposal includes priorities from the House, the Senate and the governor.
The House Economic Development Committee is scheduled to meet Thursday at 2:00 p.m. and the Rules Committee, chaired by Representative Diehl, is scheduled to meet on Thursday at 5:00 p.m. Floor debate is scheduled for Friday.
With respect to our state’s economic situation, I also would like all my constituents to know that I am working very hard to conserve as much state funds as possible through my office and any other venue in which I take part. Below is a few examples of what I personally have done, or will do, and what the House of Representatives has done to conserve and / or reduce state expenditures.
A total of five Listeria cases in Missouri have been referred to the CDC for testing because they were identified during the period associated with the recalled cantaloupe. Two cases originally had been suspect and later confirmed as one. Of the remaining three Listeria cases, two have been identified by the CDC as not of the strain associated with the recalled cantaloupe, while the remaining one case is still being tested by the CDC.
The (whole) cantaloupes in question were shipped nationwide between July 29 and Sept. 10, 2011. The (whole) cantaloupes have a green and white sticker that reads: Product of USA- Frontera Produce-Colorado Fresh-Rocky Ford-Cantaloupe, or a gray, yellow, and green sticker that reads: Jensen Farms-Sweet Rocky Fords. If the whole cantaloupe is unlabeled, please contact your retail store for sourcing information. Consumers who may have one of these cantaloupes should throw it away.
I was honored to be invited to address the audience at the September 11 memorial service which took place at the Brookside Memorial Park. The event, sponsored by the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), reflected the solemn respect due those that gave their lives for freedom. Below are a few photos taken at the service.
The Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission announced a contract award for bridge rehabilitation on the southbound Interstate 55 bridge over the diversion channel in Cape Girardeau County. The bridge is located north of Route AB near Scott City. Weather permitting; work could begin as early as mid-October 2011. As construction is underway, the bridge will remain open with two-lane traffic throughout the day. If a lane reduction is required, work will be performed from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. Delays should be minimal, but up to 15-minute delays are possible. Completion is anticipated by fall 2012.
For more information, please contact Project Manager Eric Krapf at (573) 472-5261, Assistant to the Resident Engineer Darius Dowdy at (573) 243-0899 or MoDOT's Customer Service Center toll-free at 1-888-ASK-MODOT (1-888-275-6636).
The House Economic Development Committee is scheduled to meet Thursday at 2:00 p.m. and the Rules Committee, chaired by Representative Diehl, is scheduled to meet on Thursday at 5:00 p.m. Floor debate is scheduled for Friday.
With respect to our state’s economic situation, I also would like all my constituents to know that I am working very hard to conserve as much state funds as possible through my office and any other venue in which I take part. Below is a few examples of what I personally have done, or will do, and what the House of Representatives has done to conserve and / or reduce state expenditures.
- This interim I distributed an educational booklet to every fourth grade teacher and their students in my district (fourth graders study state history). This 43-page booklet is usually given to the student to take home. I’ve asked teachers to save all the booklets for future use instead of sending them home with the students.
- I am publishing the District 157 Directory bi-annually instead of annually. This spreads out to a savings of more than $1,000 per year, and if all 163 House members do the same it will save more than $163,000 every year!
- I am not sending out constituent birthday greetings which should save more than $200/ month in postage.
- My assistant and I conserve paper and other office products, using only the very essential supplies needed to operate the office.
- This past year the MO House of Representatives ceased providing hard copies of the House Calendar, House Journal and Bill Summaries. This alone should save several tons of paper and cases of ink toner and therefore tens of thousands of dollars.
- The House Appropriations Committee has drastically cut reimbursements for certain travel & lodging expenses related to legislative duties.
- I hand-deliver as many constituent mailings, resolutions and communications as possible to save postage and shipping charges.
STATE-WIDE ALERT!
The federal Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention notified the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services that one confirmed case of Listeria in southwest Missouri is associated with the national recall of cantaloupe produced by Jensen Farms, of Holly, CO. State and local health officials across Missouri continue to search for additional contaminated cantaloupe still for sale, but at this point have not found any of the contaminated product still on the shelves.A total of five Listeria cases in Missouri have been referred to the CDC for testing because they were identified during the period associated with the recalled cantaloupe. Two cases originally had been suspect and later confirmed as one. Of the remaining three Listeria cases, two have been identified by the CDC as not of the strain associated with the recalled cantaloupe, while the remaining one case is still being tested by the CDC.
The (whole) cantaloupes in question were shipped nationwide between July 29 and Sept. 10, 2011. The (whole) cantaloupes have a green and white sticker that reads: Product of USA- Frontera Produce-Colorado Fresh-Rocky Ford-Cantaloupe, or a gray, yellow, and green sticker that reads: Jensen Farms-Sweet Rocky Fords. If the whole cantaloupe is unlabeled, please contact your retail store for sourcing information. Consumers who may have one of these cantaloupes should throw it away.
Constituent Corner
My hat’s off to Cape Girardeau County Commissioners and leaders for applying to and succeeding in securing a means to create permanent jobs through the Department of Economic Development’s Enhanced Enterprise Zone Program. The eligibility criteria is described as a discretionary program offering state tax credits, accompanied by local real property tax abatement, to Enhanced Business Enterprises. Tax credits may be provided each year for up to five tax years after the project commences operations.I was honored to be invited to address the audience at the September 11 memorial service which took place at the Brookside Memorial Park. The event, sponsored by the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), reflected the solemn respect due those that gave their lives for freedom. Below are a few photos taken at the service.
 The event was well attended. |  Group photo of the Daughters if the American Revolution. |
 Speaking in front of the memorial. |  Special designated 9/11 flag presented by Shirley Young, DAR Chapter Regent, to Jackson Mayor Barbara Lohr. |
For more information, please contact Project Manager Eric Krapf at (573) 472-5261, Assistant to the Resident Engineer Darius Dowdy at (573) 243-0899 or MoDOT's Customer Service Center toll-free at 1-888-ASK-MODOT (1-888-275-6636).
21 September 2011
Carter: Small Business Town Hall Meeting
Dear Small Business Owners in the 61st District:
I hope to see you there!
Sincerely,
Chris Carter
Missouri House of Representatives
I hope to see you there!
Sincerely,
Chris Carter
Missouri House of Representatives
20 September 2011
Korman: Disaster Declaration to help Farmers
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), U. S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack announced on Friday, September 16, 2011 that both Montgomery and Warren Counties have been declared natural disaster areas due to heavy rain and flooding since May 1st.
The declaration paves the way for farmers in those counties to seek financial assistance from the USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) for their losses to the severe weather.
Farmers in these counties who qualify would receive FSA emergency loans or assistance from the federal Supplemental Revenue Assistance Payments Program. Affected farmers would apply to the FSA, which considers each application individually on its own merits.
Your contacts in Montgomery County:
Priscilla Eggering, County Executive Director
FSA Service Center Office
Montgomery County Farm Service Agency
1013 South Sturgeon St.
Montgomery City, MO 63361-2700
Phone: (573) 564-2262
Or
Mark A. Mudd
Farm Loan Manager
(573) 592-1400 extension 108
Your contacts in Warren County:
Ryan Eddy, County Executive Director
Warren County Farm Service Agency
635 W. Booneslick Rd.
Warrenton, MO 63383
(636) 456-3433
Or
Mark A Mudd
Farm Loan Manager
(573) 593-1400 extension 108
The declaration paves the way for farmers in those counties to seek financial assistance from the USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) for their losses to the severe weather.
Farmers in these counties who qualify would receive FSA emergency loans or assistance from the federal Supplemental Revenue Assistance Payments Program. Affected farmers would apply to the FSA, which considers each application individually on its own merits.
Your contacts in Montgomery County:
Priscilla Eggering, County Executive Director
FSA Service Center Office
Montgomery County Farm Service Agency
1013 South Sturgeon St.
Montgomery City, MO 63361-2700
Phone: (573) 564-2262
Or
Mark A. Mudd
Farm Loan Manager
(573) 592-1400 extension 108
Your contacts in Warren County:
Ryan Eddy, County Executive Director
Warren County Farm Service Agency
635 W. Booneslick Rd.
Warrenton, MO 63383
(636) 456-3433
Or
Mark A Mudd
Farm Loan Manager
(573) 593-1400 extension 108
Kelley: Bills Progress To Reciprocal Chambers
“Veto Session”, which is required by our constitution, began last Wednesday. The session ended quickly with no attempt to override any of the Governor's vetoes.
The Missouri General Assembly returned for a special session to pass a number of important bills, including a major job creation package that will help turn our state’s economy around. With nearly 9 percent of Missourians currently unemployed, it is the kind of innovative solution that our state needs.
In addition to the job creation initiative that the House and Senate have been working on for months, the House pass bills that will return control of the St. Louis Police Department to the City of St. Louis [HB1]; tax relief and funding for disaster affected areas, including Joplin [HB5]; and a change to the date of next year’s presidential primary [HB3].
On Thursday, House committees met and on Friday, the full House debated them on the floor. With overwhelming bipartisan agreement, the House passed bills that will do the following:
Until my next update, I am, and remain, in your service,
The Missouri General Assembly returned for a special session to pass a number of important bills, including a major job creation package that will help turn our state’s economy around. With nearly 9 percent of Missourians currently unemployed, it is the kind of innovative solution that our state needs.
In addition to the job creation initiative that the House and Senate have been working on for months, the House pass bills that will return control of the St. Louis Police Department to the City of St. Louis [HB1]; tax relief and funding for disaster affected areas, including Joplin [HB5]; and a change to the date of next year’s presidential primary [HB3].
On Thursday, House committees met and on Friday, the full House debated them on the floor. With overwhelming bipartisan agreement, the House passed bills that will do the following:
- Move the presidential primary from February to March to ensure compliance with national party rules. The move will ensure that Missouri will not lose delegates and representation at the national conventions next summer.
- End a 150-year policy of state control over the St. Louis Police Department. The bill will ensure more accountability by returning control of the department to elected officials accountable to voters instead of individuals appointed by the governor.
- Tap the Rainy Day Fund to provide funding for areas of the state affected by disasters. Not only will the fund, which was designed for this purpose, provide relief to disaster affected areas, but it will hopefully put an end to the governor’s unconstitutional practice of withholding funds from schools to pay for this recovery. [HB6]
- Provide property tax relief to businesses destroyed by disaster. State law currently requires businesses to pay full property tax even if they are ruined in disasters. The bill will allow those businesses destroyed by the storms to receive a tax reduction for those months that their businesses were destroyed.
Until my next update, I am, and remain, in your service,
Nance: Veto, Special sessions cause absence from Homecoming Parades
“Veto Session”, which is required by our constitution, began last Wednesday. The session ended quickly with no attempt to override any of the Governor's vetoes.
The Missouri General Assembly returned for a special session to pass a number of important bills, including a major job creation package that will help turn our state’s economy around. With nearly 9 percent of Missourians currently unemployed, it is the kind of innovative solution that our state needs.
In addition to the job creation initiative that the House and Senate have been working on for months, the House pass bills that will return control of the St. Louis Police Department to the City of St. Louis [HB1]; tax relief and funding for disaster affected areas, including Joplin [HB5]; and a change to the date of next year’s presidential primary [HB3].
On Thursday, House committees met and on Friday, the full House debated them on the floor. With overwhelming bipartisan agreement, the House passed bills that will do the following:
On Saturday September 10, the Ray County Veterans were honored for their service. The event was held at the Ray County Museum.
I was honored to be the guest speaker for (Troop 4) Pack 309 as the celebrated their 90th Anniversary at the Excelsior Springs Methodist Church. More than one hundred attended the festivity.
The 150th Anniversary of the "Battle of Lexington" was celebrated Saturday and Sunday.
I regret that I will miss Lawson and Hardin Homecoming events, I will be in Jefferson City for Special Session this week.
MERIL and Access II are offering a workshop entitled, “Understanding ADA,” which will address many issues such as accessible parking lots, entrances, rest rooms, kitchens and more. This workshop will be offered on Thursday, September 22 from 9am to 4pm at the Riverside Church, 1014 Riverside Road, St. Joseph. The cost is $35.00 which includes a meal and materials. This workshop will benefit anyone interested in learning more about the ADA especially landlords, contractors, designers, housing managers, and people with disabilities. For more information, please check out the website at www.meril.org or call Carla Rickabaugh at 816.279.8558 or1.800.MERIL4U (1.800.637.4548).
The Missouri General Assembly returned for a special session to pass a number of important bills, including a major job creation package that will help turn our state’s economy around. With nearly 9 percent of Missourians currently unemployed, it is the kind of innovative solution that our state needs.
In addition to the job creation initiative that the House and Senate have been working on for months, the House pass bills that will return control of the St. Louis Police Department to the City of St. Louis [HB1]; tax relief and funding for disaster affected areas, including Joplin [HB5]; and a change to the date of next year’s presidential primary [HB3].
On Thursday, House committees met and on Friday, the full House debated them on the floor. With overwhelming bipartisan agreement, the House passed bills that will do the following:
- Move the presidential primary from February to March to ensure compliance with national party rules. The move will ensure that Missouri will not lose delegates and representation at the national conventions next summer.
- End a 150-year policy of state control over the St. Louis Police Department. The bill will ensure more accountability by returning control of the department to elected officials accountable to voters instead of individuals appointed by the governor.
- Tap the Rainy Day Fund to provide funding for areas of the state affected by disasters. Not only will the fund, which was designed for this purpose, provide relief to disaster affected areas, but it will hopefully put an end to the governor’s unconstitutional practice of withholding funds from schools to pay for this recovery. [HB6]
- Provide property tax relief to businesses destroyed by disaster. State law currently requires businesses to pay full property tax even if they are ruined in disasters. The bill will allow those businesses destroyed by the storms to receive a tax reduction for those months that their businesses were destroyed.
In the District
On Saturday September 10, the Ray County Veterans were honored for their service. The event was held at the Ray County Museum.
I was honored to be the guest speaker for (Troop 4) Pack 309 as the celebrated their 90th Anniversary at the Excelsior Springs Methodist Church. More than one hundred attended the festivity.
The 150th Anniversary of the "Battle of Lexington" was celebrated Saturday and Sunday.
I regret that I will miss Lawson and Hardin Homecoming events, I will be in Jefferson City for Special Session this week.
Information
MERIL and Access II are offering a workshop entitled, “Understanding ADA,” which will address many issues such as accessible parking lots, entrances, rest rooms, kitchens and more. This workshop will be offered on Thursday, September 22 from 9am to 4pm at the Riverside Church, 1014 Riverside Road, St. Joseph. The cost is $35.00 which includes a meal and materials. This workshop will benefit anyone interested in learning more about the ADA especially landlords, contractors, designers, housing managers, and people with disabilities. For more information, please check out the website at www.meril.org or call Carla Rickabaugh at 816.279.8558 or1.800.MERIL4U (1.800.637.4548).
19 September 2011
Stouffer: Legislature Considers Governor’s Vetoes
The Missouri General Assembly’s annual veto session came and went with little controversy. Unlike Washington, D.C., Missouri’s leaders of both parties seem to work well together to help move the state forward.
This year, the annual veto session coincided with a special session called by the governor, which began on Sept. 6, 2011.
The governor vetoed 14 bills this year, six from the Senate and eight from the House. Three of my proposals were up for possible consideration:
I look forward to my continued work with the governor and leaders of both parties in the current special session. We have made some strides on legislation we have been asked to consider and have used the extra time to identify waste, fraud and abuse in the array of tax credits provided by the state.
After this special session is complete, lawmakers will go back to their homes and prepare for the next regular session, which will start in January.
This year, the annual veto session coincided with a special session called by the governor, which began on Sept. 6, 2011.
The governor vetoed 14 bills this year, six from the Senate and eight from the House. Three of my proposals were up for possible consideration:
- Senate Bill 3, requiring voters to provide photo identification at the polls. The Legislature approved the measure as a way to secure elections. The governor felt the mandate put an undue burden on the disabled and elderly, although there were provisions in the bill to address these concerns.
- Senate Bill 118, extending the amount of time long-term care facilities had to install sprinkler systems. The governor saw the sprinkler mandate as a way to prevent devastating fires at these homes. When the original deadline was approved, a state loan program was established to help cover the costs. It was never funded. Unfortunately, this mandate may mean an eviction notice for some Missourians living in facilities that cannot afford to be retrofitted with sprinkler systems.
- House Bill 430, making several changes to the state’s laws regarding transportation and putting $76 million more on Missouri’s roads annually. This bill also repealed an outdated law prohibiting folks from entering into the business of helping others move out of their homes. Believe it or not, the state must approve the current need for such a business to start in a certain area. The governor feared provisions relating to billboards in the same bill did not provide local governments with the authority to regulate outdoor advertising, although protective language for local cities was in the bill.
I look forward to my continued work with the governor and leaders of both parties in the current special session. We have made some strides on legislation we have been asked to consider and have used the extra time to identify waste, fraud and abuse in the array of tax credits provided by the state.
After this special session is complete, lawmakers will go back to their homes and prepare for the next regular session, which will start in January.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
