Missives From Missouri: 1/22/12

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28 January 2012

Newman: Voter Supression Efforts Continue

And what a week…as the session gears up to full speed, bills seem to be moving faster than ever. We are recycling many of the issues we saw in 2011 and will soon debate them on the floor: Voter photo ID, English Only Drivers Licenses, Workplace Discrimination Rollbacks, etc. Stay tuned.

VOTER SUPPRESSION EFFORTS CONTINUE

Tuesday at 7:30 am bright and early my House Elections committee heard HB1104, the recycled photo ID bill that has been filed every year since 2006. The sponsor, Rep. Schoeller (R-Springfield), admitted that Missouri “most folks” have a drivers license – which would be required for all voters to provide if this bill becomes law.

I pointed out in questioning him for almost an hour that the Missouri State Constitution applies to ALL folks in our state, not just “most”. The MO Supreme Court ruled in 2006 that voter ID requirements were “unconstitutional”.

Many of the voters, elderly, disabled, working poor and more, who would be disenfranchised under HB1104 have been long time active voters. The 2012 fiscal note of HB1104 estimates over 300,000 current voters could be affected.

Rep. Schoeller also said anyone born prior to 1941 or having a religious objection would be allowed to cast a provisional ballot. I pointed out that via statute, provisional ballots are only available in elections with federal and statewide candidates, eliminating all local, municipal and special elections.

And---most provisional ballots are not counted. In the 2008 general election, nearly 7,000 provisional ballots were cast in Missouri but only 1700 were counted.

I asked Rep. Schoeller when the last time any voter impersonation fraud was documented and prosecuted in Missouri. The answer? 1936.

Yes you read that correctly – 76 years ago during the Pendergast era when gangsters controlled public offices in Kansas City and Jefferson City through voter intimidation and corruption of the ballot box.

Is suspecting hypothetical voter fraud in MO justified in disenfranchising 10,000 Missourians? 100,000 Missourians? Is hypothetical voter fraud justified in telling Joy Lieberman, an 80 year old grandmother, University City school board member for 26 years and a voter since 1952 that she can no longer vote under voter ID proposals? I say most emphatically, no.

HB1104 passed out of committee Tuesday by a partisan vote of 7-3 and goes to the House Rules Committee for approval prior to being placed on the House floor calendar. The Rules Committee is chaired by Rep. John Diehl, the previous voter ID bill sponsor.

I thank those who passionately testified against HB1104 including Ron Berry, MO Secretary of State’s office; Denise Lieberman, senior attorney with the national Advancement Project; Jeremy LaFaver, ACLU of Eastern Missouri; Farilyn Hale of the STL chapter of National Council of Jewish Women and Norma Collins of Missouri AARP. No one testified in favor of voter ID.

Video of the House hearing here:

Media

Voter ID Bill Clears House Committee - KC Star

Why New Photo ID Laws Mean Some Won't Vote - NPR

REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS RESOLUTION ----PART OF COLLECTIVE ACTION IN 15 STATES

As chair of the Progressive Caucus, this week I filed House Concurrent Resolution #24 to designate the week of January 22-29, 2012 as “Reproductive Rights Awareness Week.” The announcement coincides with the 39th anniversary of the U. S. Supreme Court’s Roe v. Wade decision. HCR24 includes 29 co-sponsors.

From my press release: "The consistent legislative effort to restrict access to legal medical reproductive choices, including birth control, is negatively impacting the health and welfare of women throughout the country,” stated Rep. Newman, chair of the House Progressive Caucus. “This resolution was developed by women to bring education, awareness and action to protect women's health and safety and to ensure reproductive rights under federal law.”

Along with Missouri, the Reproductive Rights Resolution is being introduced in 14 other states including Wisconsin, Florida, Illinois, Kansas, Arizona, Hawaii, South Dakota, North Dakota, Alaska, Michigan, Washington, Utah, New York and Ohio.

State Representative Newman is one of 18 legislators from throughout the U.S. who participated in the July 15-17 2011 Strategic Action Convening on Reproductive Rights and Justice sponsored by the Center for Women's Studies. The group of female lawmakers pledged to introduce a resolution in their 15 states designating a week in January for awareness of reproductive rights. They hope the resolutions will provide a rallying cry to pro-choice advocates nationwide.

MY BILLS SUPPORTED BY MISSOURI COALITION AGAINST DOMESTIC & SEXUAL VIOLENCE

(all filed last week and not yet assigned a committee)

Domestic Violence Weapons Prohibitions House Bill 1437 - to allow law enforcement officers to confiscate weapons at the scene of a domestic violence call and to enact in Missouri law the provisions of federal law that prohibit convicted domestic violence offenders and respondents to full Orders of Protection from possessing firearms and ammunition. I have worked since 2003 to advance this in the MO legislature.

Compassionate Care for Rape Victims House Bill 1439 - would establish new requirements for health care responses to rape victims and access to contraception, would change the laws regarding sex education in schools and require a state women's health care program. Similar legislation has been supported by MCADSV in past sessions but none of the bills ever proceeded beyond the committee level.

Pharmacies required to fill valid prescription for emergency contraception House Bill 1440 - to require pharmacies to fill a valid and lawful prescription for any federal Food and Drug Administration-approved drug or device to prevent pregnancy, including emergency contraceptives, without delay.

WITH ELLIE GLENN, LIASON TO DEPT OF HEALTH AND SENIOR SERVICES

Not a usual occurrence, we discovered in one of our frequent meetings in my office, that we had dressed exactly alike Tuesday. That alone warranted a photo op!

GUN CROSSHAIR STICKERS TARGET SIX STATE LAWMAKERS

The Missouri Capitol Police and State Highway Patrol are investigating a potential threat against six state lawmakers after stickers resembling gun crosshairs were placed on the nameplates outside of the lawmakers’ offices on Jan. 24. After two of the lawmakers removed the stickers, they were later replaced with larger gun sight stickers.

The targeted lawmakers included all four Democratic women in the Senate – Jolie Justus and Kiki Curls of Kansas City, Robin Wright-Jones of St. Louis and Maria Chappelle-Nadal of University City. The others with gun stickers found on their nameplates were House Minority Leader Victor Callahan, D-Kansas City, and state Rep. Scott Dieckhaus, R-Washington. Although the stickers may have been intended as a prank, House and Senate administrators are treating the incident seriously.

LAWSUIT CHALLENGES NEW HOUSE REDISTRICTING PLAN

A bipartisan group of plaintiffs are asking the courts to declare unconstitutional a new plan redrawing the boundaries of the state’s 163 districts in the House of the Representatives. The plaintiffs contend the redistricting plan violates the Missouri Constitution’s requirement that districts be contiguous since six of the new districts cross major rivers yet have no bridge crossings, making it impossible to get directly from one part of the district to the other, except by boat. They also argue the redistricting plan fails to meet constitutional standards that districts be as compact “as may be” and as equal in population “as possible.”

The case was filed as an original action with the Supreme Court on Jan. 23, but the court on Jan. 26 redirected the case to a lower court for a determination of factual issues. The Supreme Court on different grounds recently invalidated the new redistricting plan for the state’s 34 Senate districts. Both the House and Senate redistricting plans were drafted by a panel of six judges of the Missouri Court of Appeals. The Supreme Court also has given a lower court until Feb. 3 to reconsider the validity of Missouri’s eight new congressional districts, which the Republican controlled General Assembly enacted last spring over of gubernatorial veto.

All three new redistricting plans were scheduled to be used for the 2012 election cycle. Time is of the essence in resolving the various redistricting challenges since candidate filing for the Aug. 7 party primaries is set to begin on Feb. 28. It remains uncertain as to what will happen if valid districts for the affected offices aren’t in place by that time.

Torpey: More Problems With Redistricting Maps

As we wrap up the third full week of session, it is clear to me that my peers and I are committed to getting things accomplished early on. Although floor debate is typically at a minimum this time of year, we have heard a few bills this week and begun to debate them as they move through the legislative process. Due to limited debate late in the week, we decided to hold Technical Session on Thursday, meaning we did not need to be in Jefferson City, in order to save tax payer money. As session continues, I have the feeling that slow floor debate will keep us out of the building on Thursdays (until the budget bills come to the floor) to save tax payers as much as we can this year. And although we may not have too much going on in the chamber, committees are meeting at rapid rates in order to weed through legislation to get the most promising bills to the House floor.

I also want to mention that my office is lucky enough to have two part-time interns this year. Matthew Lakamp, of St. Louis, is a junior studying Political Science at the University of Missouri and will be joining us on Mondays and Wednesdays; Natascha Lord, of Waynesville, is a junior studying International Business and German at Missouri Southern State University and will be joining us on Tuesdays and Thursdays. I am truly blessed to have these bright students in our office, helping me to better serve constituents of the 52^nd District.

27 January 2012

Hoskins: Two Bills Clear House, Third Would Encourage Business

As the Second Regular Session of the 96^th General Assembly starts to warm up, blistering cold weather is not enough to put the fire out in the House of Representatives. As important issues begin to take shape, I am very excited to start making our government more efficient and effective, because the citizens of Johnson County deserve nothing less than a State government truly working for them. As always, I am deeply honored to be serving you here at the Capitol.

When you look to our neighboring states, see increases in tax rates further burdening their citizens, and watch as their lending rates increase due to their credit rating downgrades, I want you to know your leadership here in Missouri has a different plan. Our plan includes holding the line on spending, balancing our budget, no tax increases, working together in a bipartisan fashion to pass legislation making the business climate in Missouri friendly to job creation and growth, and living within our means. In last week’s Capitol Report I had mentioned these priorities; referred to as the “Blueprint for Missouri.” I am happy to report; the General Assembly has taken steps this week to help insure the fulfillment of these goals through the passage of HB 1135 & HB 1140.

January 25, 2012 – Wednesday

HB 1135, sponsored by Rep. Jason Smith (R-150), was Third Read and Passed by a vote of 102 to 57. This bill received no opposition in committee and proponents say the bill gives the Secretary of State the authority to make technical changes to rules. HB 1135 will identify those rules which have become obsolete or overly burdensome and remove them, update them, or take other action that is necessary. I fully support this measure because it forces government transparency and accountability to you; the tax-payer. Currently, state agency/departmental rules stay on the books indefinitely; even though they may be outdated and obsolete. HB 1135 creates sunsets after 10 years which forces the rules through a public comment process. This creates the transparency and accountability necessary for you, as an active citizenry, to monitor the actions, improve the efficiency, and improve the efficacy, of your state government. Improving the efficiency of state government is the right direction, raising your taxes to continue feeding an inefficient and bloated state government, as our neighboring states have done, is the wrong direction.

HB 1135 is currently waiting to be First Read in the Missouri Senate.

HB 1140, also sponsored by Rep. Jason Smith (R-150), was Third Read and Passed by a vote of 113 to 42. This bill also received no opposition in committee and proponents say the bill expands the Missouri Accountability Portal to include school district and county government information; which increases transparency in government. HB 1140 holds local governments accountable by making local information accessible to every taxpayer. I also fully support this measure because an informed citizenry is the best way to monitor government growth and prevent it from becoming too large and unmanageable. By requiring counties and schools to submit their debts and holdings to the Office of Administration for posting on the Missouri Accountability Portal, it will be easy for taxpayers to track how their state and local tax dollars are being spent.

HB 1140 is currently waiting to be First Read in the Missouri Senate.

Other Key Legislation

The House Committee on Workforce Development and Workforce Safety reviewed information from its public hearing on HB 1219, which occurred on January 17^th, 2012. HB 1219 would change the laws regarding unlawful employment practices as they relate to the Missouri Human Rights Act and establish the Whistleblower Protection Act. This proposed legislation would change the state law which indicates discrimination must be a “motivating factor” rather than a “contributing factor” in wrongful termination suits. The purpose of the legislation is to make Missouri’s business climate friendlier and encourage businesses to relocate in Missouri; providing more jobs for Missourians.

Supporters of the bill say it protects employers by making Missouri law mirror the federal Civil Rights Law. Employers would no longer be liable for the actions of an employee and a graduated scale of damages, based upon the number of employees, would be established; providing uniformity in awarding damages. Also, by reinstating the Summary Judgment Standards, this bill would assist the courts in handling their cases more quickly and efficiently.

This legislation is receiving support from a wide variety of organizations; from hospitals, grocery stores, and restaurants, to school administrators, community colleges, and building contractors.

Feel free to contact my office in support of, or opposition to, any legislation being heard by your Missouri House of Representatives. I am here representing you and place great value in your opinion. You are also always welcome to stop by my office here in your State Capitol. Let your voice be heard.

Free Federal Tax Opportunity

If you make $57,000 or less you can go to http://www.irs.gov/efile/ and have your Federal returns done free through a partnership of various tax software producers and the Internal Revenue Service.

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.

Visiting the Capitol

Anytime you find yourself near our Missouri State Capitol (201 West Capitol Avenue, Jefferson City, MO 65101) please feel free to pay a visit. Our state boasts one of the most beautiful Capitol buildings in the nation and you are always welcome.

Engler: Expanding Missouri's Automotive Supply Industry and Protecting the Elderly

This week we debated two high-profile bills on the Senate floor, Senate Bill 464, which prohibits the state from establishing health insurance exchanges unless specific requirements are met, and Senate Bill 592, which revises the law relating to the Missouri Human Rights Act and employment discrimination. Both of these are very controversial bills; we had our first filibuster while debating SB 592.

Typically, contentious legislation is considered later on in the session, but apparently not this year. It’s too early in the legislative session to move the previous question, a rarely used procedure to end a filibuster by bringing a measure to a vote, so I predict it’ll be difficult getting both of these bills through the chambers without major compromise. Needless to say, much work is left to be done.

I introduced Senate Bill 691 this week, which would provide economic incentives to help automotive suppliers expand and bring new companies to Missouri. The American automotive industry has made a huge comeback in recent years, including automotive suppliers. These businesses are a driving force behind our state’s economy. Auto supply companies like TG Missouri Corporation and Siegel-Robert, Inc. employ hundreds of people. We have an incredible opportunity to help them expand and bring more suppliers to our state, creating new, quality jobs for Missourians.

The bill has drawn bipartisan support and is co-sponsored by Senate Minority Floor Leader Victor Callahan. I’ll be working hard with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to see this bill to the finish line.

I also introduced Senate Bill 689, which would modify provisions relating to crimes against the elderly and disabled. We have a duty as a society to protect our most vulnerable members, not only from physical and mental abuse, but also from financial exploitation. Senate Bill 689 would add undue influence—using authority over an elderly or disabled person to take unfair advantage of that person—to the types of acts that constitute the crime of financial exploitation. This is an important bill that will increase protections for elderly and disabled people across the state.

There was an ugly incident in the Capitol this week involving an unknown person putting stickers of gun sights on the name plates of some Democratic senators and one Republican House member. My Senate colleagues and I immediately condemned this disgusting act. No one should be subject to vague threats. The Capitol is a place of civilized debate, not scare tactics, and incidents like this are unacceptable. The Capitol Police and the Missouri State Highway Patrol are working to find the perpetrator. I hope the individual responsible for this horrible act is punished appropriately.

I was proud to sponsor Charles R. Giessing of Farmington during his gubernatorial appointment to the Board of Private Investigator and Private Fire Investigator Examiners. This board handles the licensing of prospective and current private investigators, among other duties. The Senate gave its confirmation to Charlie on Jan. 25, and I’m confident he’ll do a fantastic job representing southeast Missouri on the board.

If you know anyone who would like to receive these updates electronically, please send me an e-mail.

Korman: Technical Session Thursday Allows More Time To Visit Constituents

The Missouri House of Representatives chose not to hold a session on Thursday because very few bills have made it through the committee process and, therefore, are not ready for debate by the full House. This action saved taxpayer dollars and gave me the opportunity to make some visits in the District.

I enjoyed visiting with staff of a local nursing home, a couple of small businesses and with the staff and employees of the Sheltered Workshop of Warrenton. The Workshop is committed to quality work that includes assembling, packaging, and shrink wrapping to list a few of their jobs. They are a not-for-profit organization employing adults with disabilities. There motto is “Providing Distinguished Employment For Persons With Disabilities”. To see more about the service they provide go to their website at: http://warrencountyshelteredworkshop.org/.

Also, this week on Thursday I asked Representative Rick Stream, Vice Chairman of the Budget Committee to explain the budget to the Warren County Rotary Club. His presentation was well received.

I believe the taxpayers of Missouri work hard for their money, and the last thing they want their government to do during these tough economic times is waste their hard-earned tax dollars. For this reason, we have made protecting taxpayers one of the four pillars of our Blueprint for Missouri.

The Missouri House moved forward two bills, House Bill (HB) 1140 and House Bill (HB) 1135, which protect taxpayers. HB 1140 requires the Office of Administration to maintain public school and municipal and county government accountability information on the Missouri Accountability Portal - http://www.house.mo.gov/billtracking/bills121/billpdf/perf/HB1140P.PDF.

HB 1135 requires the termination of all administrative rules based on the time of promulgation and allows an agency to re-promulgate a rule that is set to terminate-http://www.house.mo.gov/billtracking/bills121/billpdf/perf/HB1135P.PDF.

An ongoing issue is I-70 being converted into a toll road. My office is receiving calls and emails on this issue. This is most welcomed as it allows me to know the thoughts of my constituents. I would also encourage you to contact the Missouri Department of Transportation and your State Senator on this issue.

I am happy to be here serving the constituents of Montgomery and Warren counties. Please feel free to stop by or contact your 99^th District office at:

201 West Capitol Avenue
Room 114C
Jefferson City, MO 65101
573-751-2689
Bart{dot}Korman{at}house{dot}mo{dot}gov

Mayer: Video on Creating Economic Development, Balancing The Budget

Jefferson City — Senate Leader Robert N. Mayer, R-Dexter, recently added a new video link 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 25^th Senatorial District.

The new link include a video news release of Sen. Mayer discussing three pieces of legislation designed to help create economic development in the state and the Senate’s plan to balance the state budget.

Senator Mayer will continue to add audio and video clips throughout the year. You can download the video and watch by going to Sen. Mayer’s multimedia page: http://www.senate.mo.gov/media/12info/mayer/Multimedia.html.

Dugger: Voter ID Bill Protects People From External, Internal Threats

“A wise and frugal government, which shall restrain men from injuring one another, which shall leave them otherwise free to regulate their own pursuits of industry and improvement, and shall not take from the mouth of labor the bread it has earned. This is the sum of good government, and this is necessary to close the circle of our felicity.” —Thomas Jefferson

Our founding fathers envisioned a government which worked for the people, not against them. Needless to say, they would probably not be too satisfied with the mess that is Washington, D.C. As the Washington insiders and career politicians continue to lose touch with what the people really want; I like to think that here in Jefferson City, we are keeping the founding fathers’ vision alive. Just this week, the Missouri House passed several measures that ensure that our state government is a service to the people not a restraint on their individual liberties.

Without an informed citizenry it is hard to keep government in check. On Wednesday, the House passed House Bill 1140 which would require counties and schools to submit their debts and holdings to the Office of Administration for posting on the Missouri Accountability Portal. Currently, information about state spending is available online. Extending the requirement gives the Missouri taxpayer the ability to track how both their state and local tax dollars are being spent and thus make sure that their state and local governments are functioning efficiently.

Not only should government be accountable to the people it works for, but it is also there to protect the people from external and internal threats. To this end, the House Committee on Elections passed House Bill 1104 out of committee. HB 1104 requires a voter to provide photo identification at the polls on election day. The goal of the bill is to protect the integrity of the election process, not to restrict people from voting. In fact, there are provisions in the bill that would help those segments of the populace who might not have or be able to afford an ID to obtain a proper form of ID or provisional ballot. Thus, allowing everyone to partake in the democratic process while safeguarding against voter fraud.

As we work to protect the people of Missouri, it is important that our state government not impede on the ability of its citizenry to live free and prosper. Next week, the House Committee on Agriculture Policy will hear testimony on House Bill 1324, which affirms the right of Missouri citizens to raise livestock in a humane manner without the state imposing an undue burden on their owners. With these precautions we can provide a state government that is answerable to the people it represents rather than being a chaotic mess.

For more information about the pieces of legislation mentioned above or about any others that have been introduced, please visit the House of Representatives website, www.house.mo.gov. As always, it is an honor to serve you in the Missouri House of Representatives.

Lichtenegger: Frugality Increases In House

The leaders of the House of Representative continue to look for ways to address the state’s budget short fall and save Missourians money. This week they announced Thursday to be a technical House session only. This will save the state thousands of dollars this week because House members’ per-diem will be reduced by one day. This technical session should not significantly affect the legislative process this early in session because most bills currently are in the committee / public hearing phase. As the 2012 session progresses and the House Calendar fills with debatable bills the Monday through Thursday schedule will most likely be kept. We continue to believe that if we as legislators are asking our fellow citizens to tighten their belts, we should do no less.

I and my office continue to exercise frugality in all our resources. Thus far this fiscal year I have spent less than one-fourth of my allowable expense account. At the end of the state’s fiscal year, I expect to return to the House-Member-account-funds a significant amount of money. But I’m only one person; we all should look for ways in which we can do-without -at least during these economic tough times.

Wednesday HB 1135 passed the House and was reported to the Senate. This bill is expected to improve transparency by mandating reviews of administrative rules. Government on any level will over time have rules that become outdated or obsolete. Periodic reviews will ensure that all agency rules are efficient and effective.

Currently state agency rules can remain in force indefinitely. House Bill 1135 also requires all administrative rules to sunset after 10 years. The sunset provision will force all rules to submit to a public comment process, giving citizens a voice in how our state departments function. Most taxpayers feel that now, more than ever, all governments – from local municipalities to the federal level- should not only be as lean and efficient, but also transparent and accountable.

Please be informed regarding a correction to last week’s Capitol Report about HB 1140. Last week it passed out of House Rules. This week on Wednesday, January 25, it passed out of the House and was reported to the Senate. My apologies for the error.

Constituent Corner

I want you to be aware of an opportunity for small business owners in Southeast Missouri to participate in a program called Fast Trac® Growth Venture. It is a free, comprehensive 10–session program beginning Wednesday, February 8 at the University of Missouri Cape Girardeau County extension office. For more information call 243-3581, by February 6. Call now; seats are limited. Participants will also receive a free fiscal business analysis of their company. This program has been made possible by a grant from the Delta Regional Authority.

Lampe: Springfield-Branson Area Leaders Make Jeff City Feel Like Home

I never feel more at home in the Capitol than when I am surrounded by the fine community leaders, business owners, and people of Southwest Missouri. Wednesday was the annual Springfield-Branson Salute and trip to Jefferson City. The people of Southwest Missouri breathed life into the building, and it was exciting to see so many friendly faces in the halls and chamber.

The Springfield-Branson Salute also gave us the chance to showcase how wonderful our area is. Springfield is home to the largest accredited school district in the entire state. In a time when economic development and growth is slow, Springfield boasts the fastest-growing metropolitan area. The beauty and culture of Southwest Missouri makes it one of the most appealing tourism areas in the state, and one of the most attractive places to raise a family. It is no wonder that I am proud to be from Springfield. I applaud all of my neighbors and friends for ensuring that our community is a strong and thriving beacon of opportunity.

Elementary and Secondary Education Committee

The House Elementary and Secondary Education Committee met on January 25 to hear HB 1228. The bill expands the authority for charter schools to cover the entire state, expand the list of entities allowed to sponsor charter schools, create a statewide chartering commission and make several changes designed to improve the accountability and transparency of charter sponsors and charter schools. I want to encourage you to read this bill and give me your feedback.

The House Elementary and Secondary Education Committee also heard HB 1174. The bill revises the law regarding the timelines and options for State Board intervention when it classifies a district as unaccredited. The bill would allow the State Board to conduct a hearing regarding the status of the district at any time after the district is classified as unaccredited. Current law requires the State Board to intervene when a district has been classified as unaccredited for two full years, and for districts other than St. Louis Public Schools, requires the State Board to lapse the district. Springfield Public Schools Superintendent, Dr. Norm Ridder, testified before the committee on this legislation. He did a wonderful job of providing useful information for the committee.

On the Floor this Week

Two bills were passed on the House Floor. These bills were HB1135, the state administrative rules review, and HB 1140, the Missouri Accountability Portal.

HB 1135: This bill authorizes the Secretary of State to make non-substantive changes to the Code of State Regulations to update the agency's name, address, phone, or website information which are needed because of statutory changes or executive orders. Within 60 days after receipt by an agency of a written petition filed by an individual requesting it to adopt, amend, or repeal a rule, the bill requires the agency to submit a written response to the petitioner and a copy of the response to the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules and the Commissioner of Administration containing its determination, along with a concise summary of the basis for its determination. This bill also outlines when rules should be terminated.

HB 1140: This bill requires the Office of Administration to maintain public school and municipal and county government accountability information on the Missouri Accountability Portal. School districts and public charter schools must annually collect and submit detailed employee compensation data and the district's annual operating budget and bonded indebtedness to the Office of Administration for inclusion.

26 January 2012

Tishaura Jones: Voter ID Bill Passes Committee, Crosshair Stickers On Senators' Doors, Casinos Oppose Fee For Vets' Homes

I hope you enjoy this week's update! We really hit the ground running this year. Bills have been filed, hearings have begun, and debates have continued. I have two new interns and one returning intern this year. They are all bright, full of energy and eager to learn.

If you have any questions, feel free to call my office at (573) 751-6800.

Tishaura

HOUSE COMMITTEE ADVANCES PHOTO VOTER ID BILL

The House Elections Committee on Jan. 24 voted 7-3 in favor of legislation that seeks to require voters to show government-issued photo identification at their polling place in order to cast a ballot. At present, however, the General Assembly lacks the constitutional authority to impose such a requirement. Gov. Jay Nixon, a Democrat, vetoed similar legislation last year and is expected to do so again should the latest version, HB 1104, be sent to his desk.

The Republican-controlled legislature enacted a photo voter ID law in 2006, but the Missouri Supreme Court ruled that lawmakers cannot impose restrictions on voting rights other than those specifically listed in the state constitution. The General Assembly in 2011 approved a proposed constitutional amendment that would authorize the imposition of a photo voter ID requirement, but it doesn’t go on the statewide ballot until November.

Supporters say the photo voter ID requirement would prevent voter fraud, but Missouri has never had a documented case of voter impersonation at the polls – the only type of fraud such a requirement could prevent. Opponents assert that photo voter ID is just a thinly disguised effort to disenfranchise poor, disabled and elderly voters, since they are the least likely to have a photo ID and tend to vote for Democrats. The Missouri Secretary of State’s Office estimates that about 250,000 registered Missouri voters don’t have a government-issued photo ID.

GUN CROSSHAIR STICKERS TARGET SIX STATE LAWMAKERS

The Missouri Capitol Police and State Highway Patrol are investigating a potential threat against six state lawmakers after stickers resembling gun crosshairs were placed on the nameplates outside of the lawmakers’ offices on Jan. 24. After two of the lawmakers removed the stickers, they were later replaced with larger gun sight stickers.

The targeted lawmakers included all four Democratic women in the Senate – Jolie Justus and Kiki Curls of Kansas City, Robin Wright-Jones of St. Louis and Maria Chappelle-Nadal of University City. The others with gun stickers found on their nameplates were House Minority Leader Victor Callahan, D-Kansas City, and state Rep. Scott Dieckhaus, R-Washington.

Senators of both parties denounced the potential threats during open session the afternoon of the incident and vowed punishment for those responsible. Although the stickers may have been intended as a prank, House and Senate administrators are treating the incident seriously.

LAWSUIT CHALLENGES NEW HOUSE REDISTRICTING PLAN

GAMBLING INDUSTRY OPPOSES FEE HIKE FOR VETERANS

A lobbyist for Missouri’s casinos told the House Veterans Committee on Jan. 24 that the industry will oppose bipartisan legislation to increase casino entrance fees by a $1 per person and earmark the estimated $50 million a year in new revenue for the state’s veterans homes. Gov. Jay Nixon recently proposed the fee hike to shore up the Veterans Trust Fund, which is on the verge of being used up by mid 2013.

The current casino entrance fee, which is paid by casino operators, is $2, with half going to the state and half going to the local community in which the casino is located. All of the state’s share used to be earmarked for veterans programs until the late 1990s, when most of it was redirected toward early childhood education programs. Over time, the $6.5 million a year from the existing fee that still goes into the Veterans Trust Fund has proven insufficient to keep up with the costs of veterans services.

Neth: Normal Week Filled With Committee Meetings

Op. note: House Bill 1036 is incorrectly identified in this missive as House Bill 1035. HB1035 would create a one-time tax credit for the purchase of an American-made storm shelter.

This week had many committee meetings and bills discussed and passed out of committees. On the floor we passed out two bills, one on government accountability and one regarding sunsets on bureaucratic rules. See a more detailed look at committee and floor action below.

The week was pretty mundane, relatively, in that it was pretty normal. That is, nothing too newsworthy or out of the ordinary.

A reminder that we love having visitors at the Capitol and we had quite a few this week. Let us know ahead of time when you might be in Jefferson City and we will work to ensure you have a great visit. There are special things that we can arrange if we have advance notice.

Have a great weekend!
Myron

House Floor Action

(HCS) HB 1140: Requires the Office of Administration to maintain public school and municipal and county government accountability information on the Missouri Accountability Portal. This is with the intention of providing more transparency for all taxpayer dollars in the state. Currently all state expenditures can be found online at the Missouri Accountability Portal. This would require most all public entities in the state to do the same.

HB 1135: Would require all administrative rules to sunset 10 years from being implemented. This would ensure the rules that the bureaucracy enacts are relevant in the future and not just meaningless rules that stay on the books indefinitely.

Committee Action

Elections

HB 1035: Removes the statute requiring a party emblem to be printed on a ballot above party caption.

HB 1059: Redefines when and how votes may qualify to be recounted in close election races.

HB 1104: Creates new safeguards against fraudulent voting on ballots by requiring a form of photo ID to be shown prior to voting, also creating measures for persons w/o voter ID to still vote and have that vote protected.

Elementary and Secondary Education

HB 1174: Redefines laws in relation to school accreditation and allows the State Board of Education to establish an alternative structure for government if needed in a failing school district.

HB 1228: Changes laws in regards to charter schools and their access to the general population.

Emerging Issues in Animal Agriculture

HJR 61: Reaffirms the right for a person to raise livestock in a humane manner without an undue state economic burden.

On TV

Check out my recent appearance on Kansas City Week in Review with Nick Haines on KCPT.

KCPT - Kansas City Week in Review: January 20, 2012

Guests in the Capitol

Reinhard Mabry and Clay Berry (a Liberty resident) from Alphapointe, Association for the Blind.

Randy Hylton, Director of VSI Services in Liberty.

Mike Brewer, Superintendent of Liberty Public Schools and Kyle Palmer, Principal of Lewis and Clark Elementary. They stopped in while in Jefferson City for other state education meetings.

Emily Duncan and her mother, Amy were in the Capitol for Emily to showcase her history projects in relation to National History Day. She was a National winner for some of her research and presentations. They got the opportunity to tour the Capitol and also were able to visit Supreme Court Judge Zel Fischer and get a little tour of the Supreme Court.

Rupp: Ending Discrimination Against Religious Organizations

One of our many valued liberties that we enjoy as American citizens is the right to worship as we please and support the causes of our choice. Religious organizations play a huge role in many Missourians’ lives, and these institutions deserve as much respect as other associations throughout our state. With a goal to eliminate discrimination toward religious groups, such as churches and various charities, and the countless Missourians who participate in and support these services, I’m sponsoring Senate Joint Resolution 47. This joint resolution would allow Missouri voters to decide whether or not to remove a portion of the Missouri Constitution that prohibits the distribution of public funds to religious organizations.

The portion of our constitution in which I am referring, known as the “Blaine Amendment,” states that the General Assembly, various townships, and municipal corporations cannot make an appropriation or pay from any public fund to aid an organization controlled by a religious creed, including learning institutions. My joint resolution would, if approved by the voters, amend the Missouri Constitution to state that the General Assembly and any Missouri township cannot deny religious organizations general state benefits for any education program, funding, or other support, as long as the benefits comply with the requirements of the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

I no longer want to see discrimination against religious organizations and those who support their mission. In our great country, we have the right and freedom to support the associations of our choice, and those organizations should receive the same constitutional benefits that any other organization would receive. Missouri is one of the most restricted states in the country regarding this matter — other states are allowed to distribute funds to a variety of organizations in a constitutional manner. The joint resolution doesn’t step upon the separation of church and state — it would simply guarantee the same constitutional rights of all eligible associations.

The initiative, if approved by the General Assembly, will appear on the ballot this November for the voters’ approval. If you have any questions regarding this initiative, please don’t hesitate to contact me. It is always my pleasure to speak with you.

Denison: House Shortens Week, Passes Bill Requiring Review Of Government Regulations

“Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself. - Leo Tolstoy

House Holds Short Week to Save Taxpayer Dollars

The House shortened its work on the floor this week in an effort to save taxpayer dollars. Normally, we hold legislative sessions Monday through Thursday. However, with most of our work currently being done in committee, we made the decisions to not hold a full session of the House on Thursday. That decision means the state will not have to pay the 163 members of the House their daily expense allotments. The action resulted in thousands of dollars in savings and is one I think is a smart decision during these tough budget times. Despite Thursday’s lack of floor action, my colleagues and I continued to work in committee and to attend to our duties as state legislators. We will be back on the floor in the coming weeks as more bills make their way to the House Chamber.

Missouri House Approves Bill to Institute Periodic Review of Government Rules and Regulations (HB 1135)

The approximately 6,300 rules of Missouri’s state agencies would be reviewed on a regular basis under a bill we passed this week. The goal of the legislation is to make certain the regulations followed by agencies from the Department of Agriculture to the Department of Social Services make sense and aren’t overly burdensome for Missourians. The bill would require agencies to take a closer look at their rules on a regular basis and cause existing rules to expire unless the agency acts to renew them. Rules that are too restrictive, overly burdensome or simply obsolete will be eliminated or revised. With this we believe we can clear up some of the red tape that is too often found in government agencies and make the experience of dealing with our various state departments much easier for all Missourians.

County Debt Disclosure Bill Receives House Approval (HB 1140)

Also this week, the House approved a bill that would require municipal and county governments and public schools to provide details of their financial obligations on the Missouri Accountability Portal website. These entities would provide everything from budget information to employee compensation data to details on bonded indebtedness. With this we believe taxpayers will have a much clearer picture of how their local governments and schools are handling their money. It’s something we have done for years now on the state level with great success. It’s a matter of transparency and accountability and something I feel is a good idea for all levels of government. Feel free to take a look at the current accountability portal at www.mapyourtaxes.mo.gov.

Voter Identification Bill Receives Committee Approval (HB 1104)

The House Elections Committee approved a bill that would require Missourians to show a photo ID when they vote. The bill is similar to one passed last year by the General Assembly that was ultimately vetoed by the governor. We will try again this year to pass a bill I believe is necessary to protect the elections process from potential fraud. It’s a simple concept but one that my colleagues and I believe would be extremely effective to ensure all voters are who they say they are. Critics have said a photo ID requirement would disenfranchise some voters who don’t have identification. One of the provisions of the bill addresses this concern by requiring the state to provide photo identification to those who don’t have it. The bill also exempts older Missourians who were born before Jan. 1, 1941 from the requirement. With these provisions I believe we have a bill that protects the voting process while also ensuring each and every Missourian of voting age will be able to cast their votes at the polling place.

Visitors

On Wednesday, January 25^th, the Springfield House delegation was visited by community leaders from the Springfield area. I was so pleased to visit with the leaders from the Springfield area, and to discuss legislative priorities for our area. Those at the Capitol were: Jim Anderson, Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce; Greg Burris, City Manager, City of Springfield; Bob Stephens, Mayor Pro Tem, City of Springfield; Jim Viebrock, Presiding Commissioner, Greene County; Clif Smart, Interim President, Missouri State University; Scott Miller, General Manager, City Utilities of Springfield; Dr. Hal Higdon, President, Ozarks Technical Community College; Dr. Norm Ridder, Superintendent, Springfield Public Schools; John Wilson, 2012 Chairman, Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce; Jerry Harrison, Immediate Past President, Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce and Partner, Harmison and Pearman Law Firm; and other staff, Sandy Howard, Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce; Scott Marrs, Governmental Services Group.

Meeting in Speaker Pro Tem Shane Schoeller’s Office

Community Leaders from Springfield and Springfield House Delegation

Lt. Governor’s Senior Service Award

Lieutenant Governor Peter Kinder is accepting nominations for this year’s Lt. Governor Senior Service Award. This is an opportunity to nominate a senior whose service and dedication to the Springfield community has made a positive difference. If you know a deserving individual at least 60 years of age and who volunteers a minimum of 25 hours per year, please contact my office.

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.

Kelley: Taxpayers Shafted By Culture Of Entitlements

Earlier this month Governor Nixon released his budget for the coming fiscal year. As expected, because of the struggling economy, there were areas where spending will be reduced from last year. Even so, it is likely that the state budget will again exceed $20 million. Despite this large amount of taxpayer dollars, the hand wringing has already begun. Recipients of taxpayer dollars are already crying foul and making dire predictions of the sky falling.

An editorial in one of the state’s largest newspapers was a perfect example of how the culture of entitlements has imbedded itself into our society. The editorial opined the state budget this year was a matter of who would get shafted and by how much. The taxpayers of this state should be outraged. If anyone has the right to say they have been shafted, it is them.

By its very name, taxpayer monies are distributed through the appropriations process. Make no mistake about it, every single dollar appropriated to a recipient came from a taxpayer. Whether the money comes from Missouri’s General Revenue fund or the Federal Government, it came from the pocket of a taxpayer. Now, instead of recognizing this and appreciating the fact someone worked hard for that money, recipients of the money complain if they don’t get as much as they think they should have.

Also dominating the news early this session was the redistricting process which has been thrown into chaos. The Missouri Supreme Court ruled the Senate map was unconstitutional and threw it out completely. In addition, they sent the Congressional map back to a lower court with instructions it be further reviewed. Finally, a lawsuit was filed challenging the House map.

There is a chance the House map will stand as is, but the Senate map must be redrawn. A commission made up of citizens nominated by the political parties and appointed by the governor is charged with drawing these maps. The Congressional map is drawn by the State Legislature. While Senators are not involved in drawing the Senate maps it does create a large amount of uncertainty for those facing elections. With candidate filing set to open February 28, nobody knows in which district they will be running. This scenario is actually more difficult for challengers as they are not as well known and tend to be at a disadvantage when it comes to fundraising. Most everyone agrees this is new and uncharted territory for the legislature. This issue is sure to dominate discussions as the February 28 date looms closer with each day.

Please contact me with any suggestions that you may have for Missouri legislation. Also, if you should experience problems in contacting or resolving an issue with a Missouri state agency, please feel free to call my Capitol office at (573) 751-2165 or email at mike{dot}kelley{at}house{dot}mo{dot}gov. Thank you for the honor to serve as your Representative in the Missouri House of Representatives. Until my next update, I am, and remain, in your service.

Tim Jones: Birthday Wishes, State Of The Judiciary, Local Events

At right: Greeting Chief Justice Richard Teitelman on the House Floor following the Justice’s delivery of the State of the Judiciary Address.

As the third week of Session under the Capitol Dome comes to a close, we are reminded that winter is still upon us when a cold burst of wintry mix threatened the area.

“A hundred times every day I remind myself that my inner and outer life depend on the labors of other men, living and dead, and that I must exert myself in order to give in the same measure as I have received and am still receiving.” -Albert Einstein

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

…to my younger sister, Amy Baca. You’ll always be my little sister, and I’ll always be your big brother. Love always.

Legislative Update

Two important bills were debated, third read and passed on the House Floor this week:

HB 1135, sponsored by Rep. Jason Smith (R-150), grants the Secretary of State the authority to make technical changes to administrative rules and will improve transparency in Missouri government by requiring the review of 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 efficient and effective. This proposal also allows ordinary people the right to request an administrative rule change. The agency must respond to any such request and inform a committee of the General Assembly about the request and their response. Under current law, these administrative rules can stay on the books of a state agency indefinitely. HB 1135 also requires all administrative rules to sunset after 10 (ten) years. By including the sunset provision, all rules will have to pass through the public comment process periodically, providing citizens a say in how our executive departments operate. This is significant regulatory reform passed this week by your Missouri House.

HCS HB 1140 is also sponsored by Rep. Jason Smith (R-150). Currently, information about state spending is available on line at the Missouri Accountability Portal. HB 1140 requires counties and schools to submit their debts and holdings to the Office of Administration for posting on the portal. This gives taxpayers a one stop shop for tracking how their state and local tax dollars are being spent, expanding the information available to them. Under this proposed legislation, school districts and public charter schools must annually collect and submit detailed employee compensation data and the district’s annual operating budget and bonded indebtedness to the Office of Administration for inclusion. HB 1140 also requires each county to collect and annually transmit to the Office of Administration for inclusion on the portal detailed compensation information for all elected county officials, a copy of the detailed financial statement that counties are currently required to publish, and any cash reserves.

The Weeks Ahead

As Session weeks lengthen and are coupled with increasingly deliberative committee hearings and floor debates, two singular tracks have become self-evident as to the central themes of this Legislative Session: creating a stable and productive environment for Missouri’s employers and hard-working small business owners and finally doing something to dramatically reform Missouri’s failing public education systems.

Missouri’s employers have been subjected to several recent attacks that have undermined a stable business climate in our State. There are two significant issues in Missouri’s workers compensation system in desperate need of reform: co-employee liability cases and occupational disease cases. The Missouri House is dedicated to making sure that employees receive the fair and just compensation that they have always been entitled to under our workers compensation system but we are chiefly concerned about the excessive litigation that is currently being leveled against our employers in this context and the dramatic instability that this is causing in our general business climate. It is our duty, as representatives of the People who have the best interests of our State at heart, to ensure that our State has the climate necessary to attract and retain our employers who are the ones who truly create jobs for all Missourians and make our State stronger.

We have some of the best public schools in the Nation. At the same time, we have some of the worst. It is patently unfair, and a downright injustice, for children to be enslaved in a failing public school simply because they were unfortunate enough to reside in the “wrong” zip code. Either we have a free, public education system for all or we have a system that only benefits some and not all. Our goal in the Missouri House this year is to bring accountability back to all of our public schools and to make sure that parents truly feel empowered to make the proper education choices for their children. Over the past several decades, we have poured BILLIONS of new dollars into education, however, test scores have barely moved. Intellectual honesty shows that money will not solve our education problems. Bold reforms and innovative new measures will. We are dedicated in the Missouri House to making sure that children all across our State have the educational freedom that they deserve.

Local News and Events

Age Smart, Age Well

St. Louis residents, ages 50 or older, have an opportunity to learn computer skills and strategies through the “Age Smart, Age Well” Program sponsored by the St. Louis County Department of Human Services. For additional information, you may contact Karen Bono at 314-938-6689.

American Legion Flag Collection

The Eureka American Legion is collecting worn, torn and tattered flags to be put to rest at their Flag Day Ceremony. If you have any flags you wish to discard, you may contact Wes Becker at 636-938-6689.

Employment Opportunity

The city of Eureka is accepting applications for the full-time positions of Building Commissioner and Finance Director. Job descriptions and employment applications are available on the City’s website at www.eureka.mo.us. It will be located under the Government category in the Employment Opportunities tab.

Family Enrichment Resource Program

The Family Enrichment Resource Program is having their Second Annual Children’s Art Auction on Saturday, February 11th from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Fox Run Carriage House in Eureka. All proceeds raised support families in Eureka. For more information please visit http://www.familyresourceprogram.com or call 314-603-5767.

Up-Coming Workshops

The St. Louis Arc Family Workshops are designed to provide in-depth information on topics related to supporting family members with developmental disabilities. The workshops are free and take place at the St. Louis Arc Family Center at 1177 N. Warson Rd., St. Louis, MO 63123. For more information please visit www.slarc.org or contact Ann Mangelsdorf at amangelsdorf{at}slarc{dot}org or by telephone at 314-817-2275. You must be registered to attend. For a complete list of the workshops and support groups available through the St. Louis Arc, visit www.slarc.org.

Fun Fact of the Week

John Skelton, the quarterback for the Arizona Cardinals, is an alum of Fordham University, yes, the alma mater of yours truly! Although Fordham was a former football powerhouse many, many decades ago (remember Vince Lombardi and the Seven Blocks of Granite? Yes, that was Fordham!) they have not been in the national spotlight for their gridiron prowess in recent years. Perhaps the glory days have returned!

Fine Arts Grant Available

The Missouri Arts Council Annual Grant Applications can now be accessed online at http://www.missouriartscouncil.org/ under the “Get Funding” tab. This is a one-year grant for dance, established institutions, fold arts, mid-sized arts organizations, minority arts, visual arts and theater. There are separate applications available for art education as well as community arts.

Visiting the Capitol

I always enjoy it when constituents visit the Capitol, and I especially want to thank Dale Lindhorst and Bob Baker, both from Wildwood, for visiting the Capitol this week. 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.

25 January 2012

Kraus: Toll Roads

There are lots of discussions in Jefferson City about turning parts of I-70 into a toll road. While I am open to the concept of toll roads in Missouri, and while I acknowledge the need for I-70 to be completely redone, I am very wary of the current plans being presented.

The Missouri Constitution does not allow for toll roads. It has long been believed that it would take a vote of the people to allow for them in any fashion. Now, the Missouri Department of Transportation is suggesting that it can enter a public/private partnership and that the private entity, not bound by the constitution, could build and operate a toll road. I am completely against this constitutional run around and will not vote to authorize such a scheme.

I do understand that we need to raise funds to fix I-70 somehow. We can’t ignore the problem and it won’t just go away. Some have suggested raising gas taxes to come up with the needed funds, but with more efficient vehicles and with new vehicles that use little or no gas, we would be tying state revenues to a product whose sales will only decrease. That is not a wise long-term strategy, as those decreasing revenues will need to be replaced somehow.

I will admit that tolls do offer some positive benefits. They include fees on out-of-state users who travel on Missouri roads. They allow up-front financing of the entire project with bonding by providing a steady revenue stream. Many states have used toll roads successfully without a major impact to residents. If voters of Missouri choose tolls as an option at the ballot box, I would be open to looking at options that did not negatively affect my district.

It is unlikely that this is an issue that will come to a vote this year. I applaud the discussion, but we have a long way to go before any final solution is voted on, much less passed.

Grain Valley Town Hall

Toll roads were a big topic of conversation at the town hall I co-hosted with Grain Valley Mayor Mike Todd Thursday evening, Jan. 19. More than 30 residents came to discuss issues that were important to them. The town hall was originally scheduled for an hour; the first 30 minutes were completely taken up by the discussion of toll roads. I love the good and passionate discussions at open town halls, and this was no exception. It gives me a chance to understand where my constituents stand on issues, and it gives them a chance to hear my position.

We also discussed “Right-to-Work”, prevailing wage, and a few other union issues. Both will likely be topics of debate in the Senate this year. We discussed employment issues, the National Defense Authorization Act and how Missouri can create jobs.

At the end of the town hall, I asked for a show of hands to see who supported the concept of toll roads. Only one hand went up. Clearly, MoDOT has a tough sell on their hands.

District Days

I would like you to be my guest for District 8 Day at the Capitol on either March 21 or March 27, 2012. Each day will begin at 10:15 a.m. and end around 3:15 p.m. During the course of the day, you will be able to tour the Governor’s Mansion, the Capitol Building, and the Supreme Court. You will also have the chance to visit the floor of the Missouri Senate, and I will be available at that time for a question-and-answer session.

Spots are limited, so please R.S.V.P. by Wednesday, March 5, 2012. You can simply reply to this e-mail with your name, physical address, and number attending, and we will send out more information as the day draws closer. You will be responsible for your own transportation to Jefferson City. You can bring your own lunch, eat in the Capitol cafeteria, or, for a small fee, share in pizza that we will serve here. Please consider coming – it is a great opportunity to learn more about your Missouri state government, and it is a special day for me to meet with District 8 constituents.

24 January 2012

Allen: "Taxpayer Protection Act" Passes With Exception For Schools, "Warm-Hearted Neighbors"

Governor Nixon’s State of the State Address

On Tuesday evening, January 17^th, Governor Nixon, the Missouri State Supreme Court Judges, statewide elected officials, the Missouri Senate and Missouri House welcomed the Governor for his annual State of the State Address. The theme of the address was “Missouri Moving Forward.” Governor Nixon addressed the promise of not increasing taxes, more cuts to government spending by reducing the payroll, and adding jobs to Missouri. However, his plans will still lead to shortfalls. The Governor targeted higher education, proposing cuts in their budget of nearly 13%. There is major concern that these cuts to higher education could lead to universities raising their tuitions significantly.

Other aspects of the Governor’s speech echoed the sentiment expressed in the House’s “Blueprint for Missouri” plan issued at the start of session. The aspects include making government more efficient and holding the line on taxes to aid in the economic recovery. However, these words are not new. I hope that the words of the Governor materialize into real outcomes for Missourians.

Taxpayer Protection Act

This week the Missouri House passed HJR 43, the Taxpayer Protection Act. While we work on balancing the budget this session, we must also plan for the future by taking steps to make budget shortfalls less likely in the coming years. The Taxpayer Protection Act is a step toward accomplishing this goal.
When times are good and the budget is flush with money, past legislatures have used the revenue windfall to increase the size and scope of government. The Taxpayer Protection Act limits growth by tying any increase in the budget to population growth plus the rate of inflation. Any money left over after the adjustment is saved for times when the budget is short. However, there is one exception—elementary and secondary education.

HJR 43 allows extra funding to be included in future budgets if that money goes toward fully funding the school foundation formula. This allows us to keep our promise to Missouri children while keeping your state government as lean as possible.

Opponents of this resolution say it takes away the flexibility of legislators to provide funding for future new programs. I would say to those opponents that future legislatures will have somewhere around $25 billion to spend annually – find the money for new programs in there.

HJR 43 now moves on to the Senate for consideration.

The Judiciary Address

Chief Justice Richard Teitelman was welcomed into the Chamber for the 39th State of the Judiciary Address on Wednesday, January 18^th. He urged lawmakers to pass measures to reduce the number of non-violent people in prison for parole and probation violations. These changes could save the state $16.6 million over five years and reduce the state prison population by two percent. The legislature has been studiously reviewing such proposals relating to non-violent offenders since late last year.

Appropriations Committee Hearing

The Appropriations Committee for Health, Mental Health, and Social Services had its first meeting last Thursday. The Committee heard public testimony mostly from various non-profits and other relevant interests that would be directly affected by these appropriations. However, the first testimony we heard was from a constituent
of the 92^nd – Dan Amsden.

Mr. Amsden is a private sector businessman who has offered to assist the legislature in any way that he can. To use his words, he is “fed up” with the way our government is run on both the state and national levels. He has worked closely with Rep. Tom Flanigan - chair of the Appropriations Committee on Health, Mental Health, and Social Services - and me to help our committee. Mr. Amsden read through the budget proposal of the Department of Social Services and gave the committee a few recommendations. His recommendations were largely procedural. In his opinion the budget books provided by the department give zero justification for any expenditure. There are no performance related data to suggest why certain amounts of money are needed to achieve certain outcomes. According to Mr. Amsden, these practices are very out-of-touch with efficient private sector norms and practices.

Mr. Amsden’s testimony echoed in great detail a problem that I have seen with the state budget for far too long. There is very little accountability or merit in awarding funds. The Appropriations Committee on Health, Mental Health, and Social Services has already taken steps to bring more accountability to the process. We have graphed the trend of each line-item expenditure over the past 5 years. We are going to ask questions about those trends and look for outcome related data to justify why trends, up or down, should or should not continue. This is something other appropriations committees will hopefully adopt in the future.

I thank Dan Amsden for offering his help and coming down to Jefferson City to testify with this important message. I encourage other citizens to get involved in the community and partake in the government that serves you.

Fine Arts Grant Available

The Missouri Arts Council Annual Grant Applications can now be accessed online at: http://www.missouriartscouncil.org/ under the “Get Funding” tab. This is a one-year grant for dance, established institutions, fold arts, mid-sized arts organizations, minority arts, visual arts and theater. There are separate applications available for art education as well as community arts.

Constituent Comments

I am including this section on constituent comments and concerns as a part of my Capitol Report since I whole heartedly value and encourage citizen participation in our state government. As many of you may or may not know, during the 90s until my first election in 2008, I frequently visited the Capitol to lobby as a citizen for issues relating to children and health care. I believe we as citizens should participate as much as possible in impacting our state.

This week, constituent and friend, Lee Presser, sent me an article he wrote and I would like to share that with you.

Warm Hearted Neighbors

By Lee Presser
During my lifetime, an idea has crept across America that the state has an obligation to maintain the individual when the individual cannot maintain himself. This new philosophy is at odds with our founding traditions. Yes, there is a philosophical argument that we sustain one another. BUT, the claim is one between individuals. We help our neighbor because it is the right thing to do. We know worthy people sometimes need outside assistance from their neighbors. They make a moral claim on our resources, asking us to sustain them until they can again sustain themselves. The choice to act is ours.

Starting a score of years before my birth, the state has rapidly been substituted for neighborly charity. With that substitution of the state for the neighbor, came costly waste and inefficiency. That number now approaches $16 Trillion. The cold touch of the state will never be a substitute for a warm-hearted neighbor.

Stouffer: Our District Is Changing, Again

With only a few weeks before folks can start filing to run for office this year, the Missouri Supreme Court has made a decision on two of the redistricting plans, which we thought had already been set.

There were three different maps drawn last year: one for the Missouri Senate, one for the Missouri House and one for Missouri’s congressional districts. The judges say the Missouri House redistricting plan is fine. (Read my previous column describing new state house districts in our area here.) What the judges did not like were the plans for the Missouri Senate and the congressional districts.

Congressional Districts

The high court said a trial judge has to hold a hearing and then make a decision on the congressional map by Feb. 3, 2012. If the judge approves the current map, we will move forward as planned. The alternative is a new map drawn by the Legislature that could look significantly different. Those living in Clay, Lafayette, Ray and Saline counties may remember I was not supportive of the Legislature’s efforts to combine our part of the state with downtown Kansas City.

State Senate Districts

The court liked the new Senate maps much less, ruling against the splitting of Jackson and Greene counties. They also contended the panel did not have the authority to provide a “do-over” from the original map released in November, which was also poorly drawn.

As soon and the judges’ decision was made public, the governor started to put together a new citizens’ commission to draw new boundaries. If this commission cannot come to an agreement, then a group of judges would have to make the new Missouri Senate district map.

How does this affect our area?

At the same time, the clock is ticking toward the opening of candidate filing, which is Feb. 28, 2012. There is a chance the Missouri General Assembly could move the dates for filing. It depends on how quickly new maps can be drawn, and if there would be another lawsuit. If not, there is a good chance that we could continue this redistricting rundown for a much longer timeframe than was originally expected.

I am disappointed the judicial panel drawing the Senate maps failed to abide by the constitution in design and delivery.

I would also like to point out that I am in my final year as a Missouri senator. My hope is that a solution can be reached in time and folks will know what lawmaker represents them so government can continue to fulfill its function without interruption. Quick decisions will have to be made. I pray they will also be the choices to move this state forward.

23 January 2012

Tim Jones: Majority Minute: Transparency Measures Await Floor Debate

Sun drenched skies blossomed and shone through the retreating weekend tumultuous storm front as it rumbled southward as we begin the third full week of session in the House. HCS HJR 43 was overwhelmingly passed from the House last week and has marched to the Senate to await action. This good government/taxpayer friendly constitutional amendment represents the first successful piece of legislation passed pursuant to the Speaker’s Blueprint for Missouri.

A Glimpse at the Week Ahead

Two important bills on the House Calendar for Perfection will receive action this week:

HB 1135, sponsored by Rep. Jason Smith (R-150), will grant the Secretary of State the authority to make technical changes to administrative rules and will improve transparency in Missouri government by requiring the review of 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 efficient and effective. This proposal also allows ordinary people the right to request an administrative rule change. The agency must respond to any such request and inform a committee of the General Assembly about the request and their response. Under current law, these administrative rules can stay on the books of a state agency indefinitely. HB 1135 also requires all administrative rules to sunset after 10 (ten) years. By including the sunset provision, all rules will have to pass through the public comment process periodically, providing citizens a say in how our executive departments operate.

HCS HB 1140 is also sponsored by Rep. Jason Smith (R-150). Currently, information about state spending is available on line at the Missouri Accountability Portal. HB 1140 requires counties and schools to submit their debts and holdings to the Office of Administration for posting on the portal. This gives taxpayers a one stop shop for tracking how their state and local tax dollars are being spent, expanding the information available to them. Under this proposed legislation, school districts and public charter schools must annually collect and submit detailed employee compensation data and the district’s annual operating budget and bonded indebtedness to the Office of Administration for inclusion. HB 1140 also requires each county to collect and annually transmit to the Office of Administration for inclusion on the portal detailed compensation information for all elected county officials, a copy of the detailed financial statement that counties are currently required to publish, and any cash reserves.

Lant: Sponsored Legislation Due In Committees Soon

Our work week began on Tuesday with committee hearings, session and the Governor's State of the State Speech. His speech was entitled "Missouri Moving Forward" and promised no tax increases, reducing State payrolls, and adding jobs to Missouri. No one could find fault here could they? The hard part is keeping those promises. His budget proposal, among other things, cuts higher education an additional 13% which translates to over 3 million for Missouri Southern and nearly 3/4 million at Crowder. His advice to the Universities was to cut overhead and administration and raise their tuitions. In addition, he proposed budget cuts in many areas of education, agriculture, and social services. Although I applaud the Governor for agreeing with us that we will not raise taxes, I am glad that the House and Senate will get to set and approve the actual budget.

We also heard from the Chief Justice with his State of the Judiciary Speech. Much like Judge Price last year, Chief Justice Teitelman urged lawmakers to pass measures to reduce the number of people in prison for parole and probation violations and reduce the prison population by 2%. This would result in savings of over 16.6 million over a 5 year period. We intend to seriously review such proposals for non-violent offenders and I will relay the ideas to you for your input.

The first bill to be passed out of the House this year was HJR 43. If approved by the Senate, this issue will be on the ballot in November for voter approval. Its purpose is to put limits on state appropriations. The increases in expenditures are tied to the rate of inflation and percentage changes in Missouri's population. It limits growth of government spending, provides long-term fiscal planning and rainy day funds, helps balance economic highs and lows, protects programs and funding, reduces income tax rates, and creates a stronger business environment. This bill passed with an overwhelming bi-partisan majority.

I was privileged to meet with several educators last week who shared concerns with me about children who are being neglected or abused. It seems like there are loopholes in our current system of reporting that need to be addressed. I am trying to research our current practices and have enlisted the help and advice of law enforcement, educators, and Social Services. There are several legislators who are helping me to design a fix to the current procedures.

I should be presenting several bills in committees in the next few weeks including my Funeral Protest Bill. It passed out of the House nearly unanimously last year but got hung up in the Senate. I'm hoping to avoid that problem this year. I also have a storm shelter bill that should be heard soon and a couple of bills dealing with prevailing wage. Both the House and Senate seem anxious to get started early this session and I sure hope that is a good sign.

All of the Appropriations Committees begin to meet this week. I for one can't wait to ask the directors what they spent their money on last year and more importantly, why they didn't spend it on the things they said they needed it for. You see, we are supposed to be responsible for oversight after we appropriate funds and if we don't ask the right questions, then we surely won't get any explanations. I'm not saying that they are less than honest with their answers, but there are a lot of ways to say something and I don't appreciate "spin". One of the things that concern me are departments that tell the public that we have cut their budgets when all that has happened was we refused to give them additional funds in a time of economic turmoil. In some circles of government, not increasing spending is labeled "cutting the budget". There have also been abuses where a director asks for additional funds for one purpose then spends them for another knowing that we would not have appropriated funds for that expenditure. Kind of reminds me of the stories my boys used to try to get me to believe. Remember how they always waited until you were real busy before they asked for something? That seems to me to be another good reason to have a few "Gray Haired Legislators". We're harder to fool!

We should be starting work on a few jobs bills this week. There will be some great floor debates in the House and Senate and I sure hope we can get bi-partisan support for some much needed reforms. I'll give you a full report next week. Until then, I am, and remain, in your service.

Schaefer: Addressing Governor's Drastic Cuts to Higher Education

As many of you know, this past Tuesday evening (1/17), Gov. Jay Nixon delivered his State of the State address which outlined the state budget for this upcoming fiscal year. Under the governor’s proposal, Missourians, especially our college and university students, will face drastic funding cuts. With the help of my colleagues on the Appropriations Committee, I hope to reallocate funds to strengthen education and respect Missouri’s priorities.

The governor's request to cut 12.5 percent to higher education is the largest single cut to this area of our state's funding in Missouri’s history – surpassing Gov. Holden’s 10.06 percent cut in 2003. Adding to the governor’s 12.5 percent cut, his 8 percent cut this year and 5.4 percent cut the year before, higher education has been reduced by more than 25 percent. To put this in perspective, higher education funding has not been this low since 1997, roughly the same time many in the current record-setting freshman class of MU were new to the world.

Immediately after the State of the State address, I, along with Senate leadership, met with the media to discuss the details of the governor's address. Only by working across the aisle can we solve Missouri’s budget crisis.

On Wednesday morning (1/18), the Senate Appropriations Committee continued to hear public testimony from a number of state departments.

The Department of Elementary & Secondary Education; Department of Higher Education; Office of Administration; Department of Agriculture; Department of Natural Resources; Department of Conservation; Department of Economic Development; Department of Insurance, Financial Institutions and Professional Registration; Department of Labor & Industrial Relations; Department of Public Safety; and the Department of Corrections all provided appeals for increased funding.

We greatly value the time and dedication of these individuals. I thank them for their continued interest in the contributions of these departments towards the best interests of the state of Missouri.

Wednesday was also the first day of the gubernatorial appointment hearings. I was pleased to sponsor Shirley Patterson as a member of the Coordinating Board for Early Childhood; Le Greta Hudson as a member of the State Committee of Dietitians; and Kelly Schultz to the Office of Child Advocate of Children’s Protection and Services.

I am confident these individuals will be valuable members of their respective panels.

Above: Shirley Patterson. (left), LaGreta Hudson, (center), and Kelly Schultz, (right), with Sen. Schaefer at their respective gubernatorial hearings.

Also on Wednesday, Chief Justice Richard B. Teitelman gave the State of the Judiciary address during a joint session of the House and Senate. He reminded us of the importance of working together in order to better serve the people’s welfare.

To learn more about Chief Justice Teitelman, please visit his webpage here.

On Thursday (9/19), several Rock Bridge sports teams paid a visit to the Capitol. I had the pleasure of introducing these talented athletes on the Senate floor. These individuals know the importance of teamwork and represented Boone County exceptionally.

In addition, I had the honor of presenting local winners of the Missouri Small Business & Technology Award with personal Senate resolutions on Thursday. I would like to acknowledge the following small businesses in Boone and Randolph counties for their success:

Accurate Rx
Elemental Enzymes
Finspeed
Jina Yoo’s Asian Bistro

Finally, on Thursday, the Missouri Board of Realtors visited my office for their legislative day at the Capitol. I was able to meet with them and hear some of their concerns and answer a few questions about the legislative process.

The board members and I then entered the Senate chamber for a group photograph (left).

Thank you for your continued interest in the issues that affect the citizens of Boone and Randolph counties. If you have any questions or concerns throughout this session, please contact my office.

The number of Members of the 96th Missouri General Assembly who, as of 7 May 2011, have agreed to supply missives and/or have done so:
House Republicans	20 of 105
House Democrats	8 of 54
House Vacancies	4
Senate Republicans	12 of 26
Senate Democrats	1 of 8
Senate Vacancies	0

28 January 2012

VOTER SUPPRESSION EFFORTS CONTINUE

Media

REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS RESOLUTION ----PART OF COLLECTIVE ACTION IN 15 STATES

MY BILLS SUPPORTED BY MISSOURI COALITION AGAINST DOMESTIC & SEXUAL VIOLENCE

WITH ELLIE GLENN, LIASON TO DEPT OF HEALTH AND SENIOR SERVICES

GUN CROSSHAIR STICKERS TARGET SIX STATE LAWMAKERS

LAWSUIT CHALLENGES NEW HOUSE REDISTRICTING PLAN

More Problems with Redistricting Maps

Sponsored Legislation

27 January 2012

January 25, 2012 – Wednesday

Other Key Legislation

Free Federal Tax Opportunity

Ways to Keep in Contact

Visiting the Capitol

Constituent Corner

Elementary and Secondary Education Committee

On the Floor this Week

26 January 2012

HOUSE COMMITTEE ADVANCES PHOTO VOTER ID BILL

GUN CROSSHAIR STICKERS TARGET SIX STATE LAWMAKERS

LAWSUIT CHALLENGES NEW HOUSE REDISTRICTING PLAN

GAMBLING INDUSTRY OPPOSES FEE HIKE FOR VETERANS

House Floor Action

Committee Action

Elections

Elementary and Secondary Education

Emerging Issues in Animal Agriculture

On TV

Guests in the Capitol

House Holds Short Week to Save Taxpayer Dollars

Missouri House Approves Bill to Institute Periodic Review of Government Rules and Regulations (HB 1135)

County Debt Disclosure Bill Receives House Approval (HB 1140)

Voter Identification Bill Receives Committee Approval (HB 1104)

Visitors

Lt. Governor’s Senior Service Award

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Legislative Update

The Weeks Ahead

Local News and Events

Age Smart, Age Well

American Legion Flag Collection

Employment Opportunity

Family Enrichment Resource Program

Up-Coming Workshops

Fun Fact of the Week

Fine Arts Grant Available

Visiting the Capitol

Personal News & Notes

25 January 2012

Grain Valley Town Hall

District Days

24 January 2012

Governor Nixon’s State of the State Address

Taxpayer Protection Act

The Judiciary Address

Appropriations Committee Hearing

Fine Arts Grant Available

Constituent Comments

Warm Hearted Neighbors

Congressional Districts

State Senate Districts

How does this affect our area?

23 January 2012

A Glimpse at the Week Ahead

Support Missives With Kachingle

Follow Every Word

Participation Numbers

Past Missives by Legislator

Past Missives by Date

Legislation Mentioned This Session

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