Korman: Joint Committee Discusses Prospect of Tolled I-70

Mother nature reminded us that we are in winter the last couple of days. However, the discussion in the committee hearing of the Joint Committee on Transportation Oversight will definitely be hot enough to melt the snow next week with how to improve I-70 being discussed.

On Tuesday, January 17 at 1:00 p.m. the Committee will hold a forum to discuss I-70. There will be a time for public testimony. Any citizen may present public testimony either in person or in writing. Our office can send you a copy of the proper witness form for testimony or you may complete it upon entering the hearing. Depending on the amount of public testimony the hearing may be continued until Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. If you would like to express your opinion on improvements that should be made to I-70 then I encourage you to call the Joint Committee on Transportation Oversight Co- Chairman, Representative Charlie Denison, at (573) 751-2210 so that he can include you on the schedule. You may also submit written testimony. Rep. Denison can provide further information about testifying at the hearing. Be sure to provide his office with your name and contact information in case of inclement weather or in the event that the second day of testimony is not required.

Several bills have been heard and passed in committee and will be headed for full debate on the House floor next week including House Bill (HB) 1135 which improves transparency by requiring the review of all administrative rules. Over time, department rules become outdated or obsolete. By requiring these rules to be reviewed periodically, we can ensure that all agency rules are current, efficient and effective.

Under current law, rules can stay on the books of a state agency indefinitely. HB 1135 also requires all administrative rules to sunset after 10 years. By including the sunset provision, all rules will have to venture through the public comment process periodically, giving citizens a say in how our executive departments run.

Missouri’s future will be in the forefront in Jefferson City next week as the Governor presents his “State of the State” and the Chief Justice of the Missouri Supreme Court presents his “ State of the Judiciary” to Missouri lawmakers. I will update you on their reports next week.