Missives From Missouri

Dugger: Missouri Supreme Court Rejects New State Senate Maps

2012-01-17T15:25:00.000-06:00

The Missouri Supreme Court, Tuesday, struck down new state Senate districts and ordered a further legal review of new U.S. House districts.

The Supreme Court rejected new state Senate maps submitted by a special panel of judges. That means the redistricting process must start over, with the governor appointing a new, bipartisan citizens commission to draw Senate boundaries.

The high court also ruled that a trial judge must consider further legal challenges to the boundaries for Missouri's U.S. House districts, which shrank from nine to eight as a result of the 2010 census. The Supreme Court ordered the trial court to act by Feb. 3.

To read more: http://stlouis.cbslocal.com/2012/01/17/missouri-court-sides-with-redistricting-challengers/

Tim Jones: Majority Minute: State Of State Response With Sen. Schaefer

2012-01-17T13:55:00.000-06:00

As we begin our second full week in the Missouri House, Governor Nixon will be presenting his State of the State Address this evening at 7:00 p.m. CST. Senator Kurt Schaeffer (R-Columbia) and I will be presenting the Republican response. The Senator and I will be presenting our critique of the Governor’s presentation as well as presenting the positive, pro jobs, pro taxpayer, pro families agenda that the Missouri House and Senate will be pursuing throughout the 2012 Legislative Session. The Address and the Response will be broadcast on various radio and television stations throughout the State. In the St. Louis area you will be able to listen to the address on 90.7 KWMU (St. Louis Public Radio at www.news.stlpublicradio.org), and a live video stream can be found on the State of Missouri website at: http://www.mo.gov/

Monday, January 16, 2011

The House of Representatives was not in Session on Monday to commemorate the 26th Anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was a great American hero whose efforts to correct the injustice of discrimination and racism helped this nation overcome the blindness of bigotry and served as a beacon of hope for millions of Americans longing for the day when we are all united; the day when we view each other as fellow human beings and fellow Americans, with no regard to race or color. This nation has made tremendous strides since that fateful day in 1968 which ended the life of Dr. King. On Monday, we remembered and celebrated the unwavering message of Dr. King.

A Glimpse at the Week Ahead

Several bills are currently on the House Calendar and may be taken up for Perfection by the House this week.

HCS HJR 43, sponsored by Rep. Eric Burlison (R-136), would place limits on state appropriations. Upon voter approval, this proposed constitutional amendment prohibits appropriations in any fiscal year from exceeding the total state general revenue appropriations from the previous year by more than the appropriations growth limit when the total state general revenue appropriations for the current fiscal year exceeds the level for Fiscal Year 2008. The appropriations growth limit is the percentage that is the greater of zero or the sum of the annual rate of inflation and the annual percentage change in Missouri’s population. Supporters say that the bill will limit the growth of government spending, provide long-term fiscal planning and rainy day funds, help balance the economic highs and lows, protect programs and funding, reduce income tax rates, and create a better business environment. The bill does not apply to local governments and will not limit the power of the legislature to appropriate funds between programs. Unlike Colorado's TABOR, adjustments have been made in the bill to prevent the “ratchet-back” effect.

HB 1135, sponsored by Rep. Jason Smith (R-150), will give the Secretary of State the authority to make technical changes to rules. HB 1135 improves 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 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 run.

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.

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

Lant: House Makes Progress On Three Bills, Yellow Dot On Back Glass Of Vehicle

2012-01-17T13:23:00.000-06:00

Last week was busy although there were not a lot of bills passed out of committee. It takes a couple of weeks for the bills to get assigned to committee and another week to hear testimony so by next week we will be increasing in numbers. There were three bills that were voted out of committee for us to debate on the floor this week. The first one was HB 1140. This bill will provide transparency in government by improving public access to financial information about counties and school districts. The premise of the proposal is, when every dollar counts, citizens deserve to know where their tax dollars are going. 1140 allows tracking of tax dollar expenditures by requiring counties and schools to submit information on their debts and holdings to the Office of Administration where they will be posted on the Missouri Accountability Portal for easy access. Counties and schools will also be able to use this new resource to keep track and analyze their current situations. They can compare themselves to other counties and districts throughout the state and share valuable information.

HJR 43, The Taxpayer Protection Act passed out of Budget Committee this week. During this economic downturn, we have been dealing with budget shortfalls. In keeping with our promises, we have refused to raise taxes and instead tightened our belts and kept the budget balanced. This hasn't been fun for all those who had to deal with less money to run their departments. The Governor has even withheld appropriations for Higher Ed, K12 education and Social Services. HJR 43 attempts to remedy the situation in the future by tying future increases in budgets to population growth plus the rate of inflation. If successful, this bill will allow us to take advantage of good economic times by setting aside funds for the future when the economy turns down again. This is exactly the same theory many of our parents preached to us!

HB 1135 also targets transparency in government. An administrative rule which is passed today may make perfectly good sense, but give it a few years and sometimes they become very irrelevant. Under current law, rules that make absolutely no sense and are completely out of touch with modern times can remain on the books forever. HB 1135 requires that these rules be periodically reviewed to ensure they are efficient and effective. By including a sunset provision, all rules will have to venture through a public comment process every 10 years which gives all citizens a say in how our executive departments run.

Currently the House Committee on Children and Families is examining our own current Mandatory Reporter Laws to ensure they are adequate to address issues that have arisen across the country. Although I am not a member of the committee, I met with a group of concerned educators on Friday and discussed some of the ways that children in our area are falling through the cracks. As in the above discussion of HB 1135, some rules here appear to make no sense. Sometimes, we can become so obsessed with not crossing over department lines, that the very children we are committed to protect become victims! I have no idea at this point what I can do, but I assure you I will be trying. This is one subject that I promise you will be hearing more about.

Also on Friday, I was honored to have my picture taken receiving a "Yellow Dot" on the back glass of my car. Camille Graves is spearheading a drive to affix a yellow vinyl dot to the back glass of your vehicle to notify emergency responders that there is a packet of information in the glove box containing medical information. Although this program is geared mostly for seniors (I can't imagine why she wanted a picture of me), it will work wonderfully for anyone who has a medical condition that first responders should be aware of. It is extremely simple to fill out the information packet (Jane did it in less than 5 minutes), and Camille tells me that the announcement about when and where they will be available is coming soon. Once again McDonald County is leading the rest of the State!

I'm sure next week will be full of surprises, The Governor's State of the State Address will be Tuesday evening and committees will be meeting nonstop all week. Until next week, I am, and remain, in your service.

Mayer: Senate Gets to Work on Jobs Bills

2012-01-17T09:01:00.000-06:00

In my opening day address, I outlined how the Senate’s plan to help put Missourians back to work starts with three measures. These ideas are not what you call “headline grabbing,” but when we talk with small business owners they says its changes like these that will allow them to invest more in growing their businesses and hiring new employees. I am proud to report the Senate has already held public hearings on all three of these priority measures.

The first idea, Senate Bill 469, moves Missouri business owners a step close to greater freedom from excessive and burdensome state rules and regulations. Few things can bring private sector growth to a halt more quickly than overly contrived red tape. That is why this bill would require state agencies to review and reconsider regulations on a regular basis. The bill would give each regulation a limited shelf life of ten years, increase agency accountability, and improve legislative oversight.

The second idea, Senate Bill 592, would change state laws to mirror federal employment laws when it comes to discrimination. We want Missouri employees to be protected from employers who break the law. We can best do this by raising our standards to meet the provisions set out in the historic Civil Rights Act giving employers and workers better certainty across the board when it comes to their day in court. Bringing certainty to these laws means businesses can spend less money on expansive legal fees and instead invest those dollars towards expanding their businesses.

The third idea, Senate Bill 572, would restore protections for co-employees from personal lawsuits for their role in honest accidents at work, return Workers’ Compensation as the exclusive remedy for workplace accidents and address Missouri’s insolvent Second Injury Fund. This bill presents real solutions to problems facing our state’s workforce and their employers. Ending lawsuit abuses, relieving the need for additional insurance to cover honest accidents at work, and protecting injured workers while keeping costs reasonable for employers are all important to making sure Missouri businesses can grow and hire more employees.

I appreciate the swift work by our sponsoring senators and the members of the committees who considered these bills. It is important we act timely on these priorities to help put Missourians back to work in good paying jobs with benefits. I look forward to the full Senate considering these important bills in the coming weeks.

You may have also heard about the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) decision to close 259 offices and labs across the country. This closure of offices includes several here in Missouri and one in our backyard – the Natural Resource Conservation Service Office (NRCS) in Dexter. The USDA says staff will keep their jobs, but work from other area offices that will stay open. These closures may impact my fellow farmers and ranchers and I encourage you to share any concerns you may have with your local USDA officials.

Please feel free to contact me throughout the year with any comments, questions, or issues at the contact information listed below and on my website at www.senate.mo.gov/mayer.

Burlison: Productive Session Underway

2012-01-16T19:10:00.000-06:00

January 4th marked the beginning of the 2nd Regular Session of the 97th General
Assembly of the State of Missouri. Although the House has only been in session for one full week, Republicans have set high expectations for the year by introducing a comprehensive Blueprint for Missouri. At the core of this legislative framework is my strong conviction that individual Missourians are the key to moving our State forward. By simply shifting power from government bureaucrats to individual citizens, we will create a better, more prosperous Missouri. Here are some encouraging details on the progress we made last week:

Protecting Our Taxpayers

As our State continues to experience widespread economic turmoil, revenue for 2012 has fallen short of government expectations. Although there is growing pressure to make up for this loss by raising taxes, I am working to protect hardworking Missourians by implementing commonsense budget reforms. Unlike the short-sighted plans that raise taxes on families and businesses, my Taxpayer Protection Bill [HJR43] balances the State budget by saving excess revenue during times of prosperity. Rather than taking more money from taxpayers, it's time for our State Government to take a lesson from Missouri's families and businesses: no more short-sighted, one-year budgeting!

At right: David and Reagan Day met with me on the first day of the 2nd Regular Session. I always enjoy speaking with constituents!

Bringing Jobs to Our State

With Missouri's unemployment rate hovering around an atrocious 8%, it's crucial that we reform the laws that continue to suppress economic prosperity. We know that unemployed Missourians are eager to return to the workforce to provide for their families' needs, so Republicans are working on several bills that will bring jobs to the State by lowering the cost of employing Missourians. Next week, I will introduce a bill that gives Missourians more choice regarding unionization. By acknowledging Missourians' right to work outside of a union, we will begin to unleash the entrepreneurial forces required to bring jobs to our State.

Improving Our Schools

My family has been blessed with the great education that characterizes our schools in Springfield; unfortunately, many families in our State are not afforded the same opportunity. The startling number of schools losing State accreditation has created an education crisis for thousands of Missouri families. While it is important to preserve our excellent schools in Springfield, we must do something to help families avoid the nightmare of sending their children to failing schools. Republican leaders began drafting a bill to assist students in unaccredited schools last year, while officials in Kansas City were bracing for the fallout of a local school district losing accreditation. The bill protects children from failing schools by empowering families to send their kids to accredited districts. I am proud to protect children from a substandard education by creating choices for families in failing school districts.

Defending Our Values

Fair elections are the foundation of healthy governance. Constituents' interests are only represented when politicians are held accountable on Election Day. To strengthen electoral accountability, House Republicans introduced H.B. 1104, a bill that protects Missouri from election fraud by requiring voters to present a government-issued photo I.D. before entering the ballot box. I sincerely hope that Governor Nixon will consider this bill on its own merits when it reaches his desk; though he vetoed a similar bill last session, the current version takes strong precautions to prevent voter disenfranchisement. Regardless of the Governor's final decision, voters will have the opportunity to enshrine these election protections in the State Constitution by passing the Voter ID Amendment in November.

Oxford: Can't Budget-Cut Our Way To Prosperity

2012-01-16T16:59:00.000-06:00

The 96^th Missouri General Assembly convened its second regular session on Jan. 4 and will continue through May 18. Elected leaders calling for yet another round of deep budget cuts while offering a fairly modest legislative agenda, perhaps due to uncertainty that still marks relationships between the GOP majorities in the Senate and House of Representatives following the failed Special Session of 2011.

This is a bittersweet time for me as I enter my eighth and final year in the House of Representatives (due to term-limits). I am currently circulating more than a dozen bills and resolutions for co-sponsor signatures and will file most before the end of January. In my next newsletter I will include a link to a summary of this proposed legislation.

Major Issues of the 2012 Legislative Session

Budget - With no federal recovery/stimulus funds expected to relieve Missouri budget woes, and with House and Senate leaders vowing to block any attempt to increase revenue through tobacco tax increases or other commonsense strategies, a budget shortfall of $550-800 million is anticipated. (For more detail, see: http://www.mobudget.org/files/Missouri_Facing_Major_Budget_Shortfall_in_FY%202013.pdf.) Since Missouri must balance its budget by state constituent, that leaves no alternative but to cut crucial programs that serve our state.
Job Creation - Unemployment has been sliding down, but many of our neighbors are still out of work. Various "economic incentive packages" failed in both regular session and special session in 2011. Undoubtedly, we will see many of them again in 2012. I am pleased to have been named to the Special Standing Committee on Government Accountability and Oversight which is trying to ascertain why so many of our tax credit programs have performed less well than anticipated. With almost three-quarters of a billion in tax credits being authorized annually, if these were the key to a vibrant economy, one would think Missouri would be near full employment by now.
Education Funding Problem - This is the year that the "new formula law" that passed in 2005 was supposed to be fully phased in, increasing funding for many school districts. However, the General Assembly has not managed to keep pace with the new formula, and many legislators are now promising yet another re-write. I voted against the new formula in 2005 because it seemed to me that the real problem was that we were not adequately funding the old formula. I hope advocates throughout the state will now call for Missouri to address its inadequate revenue problem instead of constantly moving the targets, often at the detriment of the well-being of our communities. After all, when the state fails to adequately fund education in order to keep a "no new taxes pledge," in reality we are simply punting the tax hike to local districts where bond issues often go on the local ballot.
Students Transfers - State law allows students whose home school districts lose their state accreditation to transfer to the accredited district of their choice in the same or an adjacent county, with their "home" district obligated to pay tuition to "receiving" districts. After the St. Louis Public Schools lost its accreditation, however, suburban districts in St. Louis County refused to accept transfer students, but, in 2010, the Missouri Supreme Court ruled that transfer law means what it says. Now that the Kansas City School District has lost its accreditation, there will be a bigger push to rewrite the law to allow districts the discretion to refuse transfers from unaccredited districts. Such changes are expected to be fiercely opposed by school choice advocates.
I-70 Toll Road - The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) will ask lawmakers to approve a plan to allow a private contractor to lease I-70, rebuild it, and recoup their investment by operating a toll road. It is not clear if this plan could clear constitutional hurdles in court or the lukewarm reception it is receiving from our governor and lawmakers.
The Everything Tax - Republican lawmakers are again expected to pursue a proposed constitutional amendment to eliminate Missouri’s income tax and replace it with a substantially higher sales tax on nearly all goods and services.The everything tax would shift the state’s tax burden from the wealthy to the poor and middle class and also could bankrupt the state since higher sales tax isn’t expected to cover lost revenue.
Sexual Abuse Reporting - Attorney General Chris Koster is asking the General Assembly to enact a law that would require any person who witnesses the sexual abuse of a child to report it to authorities or face criminal prosecution for failing to do so. (This is partly in response to the Penn State scandal.)

Can't Budget Cut Our Way to Prosperity
It should be obvious by now that Missouri cannot simply continue to cut the budget year after year. Those who serve persons with disabilities, senior citizens, children, veterans, and other vulnerable populations have already squeezed every drop out of every penny of state funding. There is no "pork" left to trim in almost every area of state government; we have gone past bone into muscle and tendons. We are currently $4 billion below the Hancock revenue caps. Surely it is time to raise the tobacco tax to near the national average (we are at 17 cents per pack, and the national average is $1.46) and to collect sales tax that is owed on internet sales. Let the following leaders know that you support raising the tobacco tax and the "Main Street Fairness Act" (to level the playing field between bricks and mortar stores and online sales):

Gov. Jay Nixon - constituent{dot}services{at}mo{dot}gov, 573-751-3222 - The State of the State speech is Tuesday evening, January 17, so let the governor know your thoughts immediately.
President Pro Tem of the MO Senate Rob Mayer - rob{dot}mayer{at}senate{dot}mo{dot}gov, 573-751-3859
Speaker of the House Steven Tilley - steven{dot}tilley{at}house{dot}mo{dot}gov, 573-751-1488
Chairman of the Budget Committee Ryan Silvey - ryan{dot}silvey{at}house{dot}mo{dot}gov, 573-751-5282

For more information, see: http://www.tobaccofreekids.org/research/factsheets/pdf/0222.pdf

Community Announcements

Missourians for Single Payer invites us to hear Dr. John E. Morley of St. Louis University Medical Center speak on "Why Can't America Be More Like France?" (France ranks at the top in healthcare quality worldwide.) The program is at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 19, in the Hanke Room of the Ethical Society, 9001 Clayton Road (west of Brentwood). Enter from the rear parking lot, and the Hanke Room is just inside the west end door.
Thanks to a partnership between the Missouri Department of Mental Health, the Missouri Foundation for Health, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and Pathways, Mental Health First Aid courses will be made available to faith communities throughout Missouri. On February 4-5, 2012, Epiphany United Church of Christ (UCC) in Benton Park, 2911 McNair, will host a twelve-hour training with these goals: 1) Increase participants’ knowledge about common mental illnesses; and 2) Train participants to assess a situation and gently guide affected individuals toward ongoing professional help. The training hours are 8 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 4, and 1-5 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 5. Thanks to grants and collaboration, there is no cost to receive the Mental Health First Aid training, but attendance is capped at 25, so registration is required. Lunch will be provided on Saturday as well as beverages and snacks on both days. Call 314-775-8940 or e-mail epiphanyucc{dot}1{at}juno{dot}com to request a registration form.
Many of my constituents and supporters are progressives and will enjoy these new resources from Progress Missouri: 1) High Five at Five emails. A evening clip service with the top stories in Missouri politics sent out every weekday around 5pm. To sign up, e-mail http://progressmissouri.org/highfive. 2) MOLeg.org messaging and research hub. Check http://www.moleg.org often for updates and info. 3) MOLeg.org text messaging service. Sign up by texting MOLEG to 30644.
Music is a major part of my self-care and soul-refreshment. This Saturday night, Jan. 21, a wonderful singer/songwriter, Lydia Ruffin, will perform at Epiphany UCC, 2911 McNair, Benton Park, from 5-7 p.m. with her band Mayor Taylor and special guest Peter Ruthenburg. A flyer for that event is attached. The refreshment break will include the opportunity to win fun raffle prizes, including a sweatshirt autographed by Sheryl Crow, Missouri native and rock star.
Another musical event, but this one I'll miss due to being in Jefferson City - The St. Louis Low Brass Collective performs at the Sheldon Concert Hall (on Washington just west of Grand) on Tuesday, Jan. 17, 7:30 p.m. Admission is free, but donations are accepted, and a reception will follow.
April Ford Griffin, Director of the Civil Rights Enforcement Agency for the City of St. Louis, will be the guest speaker at the Sunday, Jan. 22 meeting of Stonewall Democrats of Eastern Missouri. The meeting will begin at 3 p.m. at the Obama campaign headquarters at 1925 Washington. (There is no fee for parking at meters on Sundays.) Please come learn what the City of St. Louis is doing to fight discrimination against LGBT residents and to promote equality.

Martin Luther King Jr.'s Birthday Celebration

As a friend says, MLK's Birthday is not a day off; it's a day on. It's a day on practicing gratitude for all who fought/fight to win equality. It's day on to speak out and stand up for racial and economic justice. Happy Birthday, dear Martin. Thank you for being a major inspiration and influence in my life.

JMO

Newman: 2012 Session Gearing Up

2012-01-16T15:06:00.000-06:00

The first full week of 2012 session is behind us…bills are beginning to be heard in committees and appropriations committees will start this next week.

THE BEST PART ABOUT THIS LAST WEEK? The swearing in of four new House members who were elected in November in special elections throughout the state. Brandon Ellington (D-Kansas City), Tracy McCreery (I- St. Louis), Judy Morgan (D-Kansas City) and Chrissy Sommer (R-St. Charles) were officially sworn in Tuesday January 10 with family and friends filling the House chamber balconies and then immediately took their seats on the floor with us.

I am most pleased to be serving with my longtime friend, Rep. McCreery who is my new chamber seat mate. As colleagues, we have worked on many issues since 2000 – domestic violence, equality rights, reproductive justice and fighting to protect children/families from gun violence. As new members of the Progressive Caucus, I look forward to working with her and Reps. Ellington and Morgan as we work to protect rights and justice for all Missourians, not just for those who can afford it.

TASK FORCE FOR THE PREVENTION OF SEXUAL ABUSE OF CHILDREN MEETS

Concerns about child sexual abuse were suddenly forced to the forefront of the public consciousness as news of the Penn State scandal surfaced. Despite the horrific details of the case, it's good timing for members of the Task Force for the Prevention of Sexual Abuse of Children.

I am a legislative-appointed member of the 16-member group which held its first meeting Friday, January 6 in Jefferson City.

The Task Force was created via the passing of SB54 during the 2011 legislative session to study the issue of sexual abuse of children, will meet monthly and will issue a final report with recommendations to the Governor, General Assembly and State Board of Education by January 1, 2013.

Drawing attention to child sexual abuse in past years has been difficult at best because of its ghastly nature. The arrest of former Penn State football coach Jerry Sandusky in November has allowed more public dialogue on the issue.

"People, because of Penn State, seem willing to listen," said Joy Oesterly, executive director of Missouri Kids First.

The statute creating the task force dictated that a wide array of stakeholders,from school officials and police to children's advocates and sexual assault counselors, be included on the membership roster.

Portions of Friday's meeting were spent discussing what issues should be tackled and what types of remedies should be considered. An additional worry among members was that, with the state continuing to struggle with budget deficits, any recommendations the task force produces requiring funding may not be picked up by lawmakers.

"It's hard to do anything without money, but it's hard to get any money in this budgetary climate," said Emily van Schenkhof, deputy director of Missouri Kids First.

A model of how to tackle a complicated subject like child abuse and present meaningful results may be the Attorney General's Task Force on Domestic Violence, on which I also served. That panel found specific policy recommendations that could help to curb domestic violence in Missouri that didn't require a lot of additional funding by "piggy-backing" off existing resources.

In 2010, around 80 percent of the child sexual abuse reports in Missouri came from mandated reporters. The largest category of reporters was law enforcement and social workers, according to the Missouri Department of Social Services.

NIXON TO DELIVER STATE OF THE STATE SPEECH - TUESDAY, JANUARY 17

Gov. Jay Nixon will deliver his 2012 State of the State address to a joint session of the General Assembly at 7 p.m. on Jan. 17. In the speech, Nixon will offer his proposed state operating budget for the 2013 fiscal year and outline his legislative agenda for the year, which is expected to focus on job creation. The speech will be streamed live at www.mo.gov.

STATE OF THE JUDCIARY BY SUPREME COURT CHIEF JUSTICE RICHARD TEITELMAN - WEDNESDAY JANUARY 18

The address will also be streamed live at the joint session of the General Assembly at 10am at www.mo.gov.

Please feel free to come to the State Capitol in Jefferson City and visit us in action. We normally go into session at 4pm on Mondays and adjourn for the week Thursday afternoons. Let me know if you are coming so I can be sure to meet with you - either via scheduled appointment or by me stepping briefly off the floor.

I will be back home in my district in St. Louis on Fridays so please contact Carla Luebbert, my assistant if I can be of any assistance to you then.

I would love to hear from you so please don't be shy!

Holsman: Apppointment To House Rules Committee, Tours of Kansas City Star and Milbank Manufacturing

2012-01-16T15:02:00.000-06:00

The 2012 legislative session is officially underway. It's good to be back in the capitol working for Missouri citizens.

This session I will be dividing my time between leading on the issues of Renewable Energy and Urban Agriculture, as well as, learning the ropes as a new member of the Rules committee.

Today we pause to celebrate the achievements of Martin Luther King Jr. It's hard to imagine and easy to forget the courage it took for Dr. King to protest in peace when violence appeared to be expedient. For love to be victorious it needed a superior spokesperson and for his efforts we commemorate the preacher with a dream. The entire world is a better place when peace becomes a precedent.

It is my honor to serve you in our state capitol. Thank you for reading.

Sincerely,
Jason

Welcome our Legislative Intern Christopher Vick

Our new legislative intern Christopher Vick, is a junior English major at Truman State University. Chris originally from Southaven, Mississippi has come to Jefferson City to learn the inner workings of state politics.

Vick is one of 20 full time Truman State interns at the capitol this session, selected to participate under the Missouri Government Internship program, supervised by political science professor Candy Young.

He will be working closely with legislative assistant Dan Bryar and is looking forward to assisting the constituents of the 45th district.

Opening Day of the Legislative Session

The 96th Missouri General Assembly convened for its second regular session on January 4th, 2012. House Speaker Steven Tilley kicked off the session with a speech promoting cooperation between not only the Democrats and Republicans, but also the House and Senate. Tilley then addressed the key issues this year's legislation will face, which includes education, job creation, and balancing the state budget.

Speaker Tilley's vision is elaborated in his "Blueprint for Missouri" plan, which would monitor the state's future revenue spending, as well as reform laws governing student transfers, give tuition tax credits to students in unaccredited districts, and expand charter schools.

House Minority Leader Mike Talboy agreed on Tilley's list of important issues facing the legislative body, though differed on the approaches to solving our state's difficulties.

During the Democratic caucus press conference, Talboy proposed the ideas to raise state revenue, instead of relying soley on cuts to needed social services and education.

Talboy offered examples to raise state revenue, such as increasing the cigarette tax, and taxing goods sold over the internet.

In the area of job development, Talboy stated "we need to make sure that, again, in our haste to become more business friendly, we do not become anti-worker." This is the balance that needs to be struck in order to ensure that Missouri protects its most valuable asset, its citizens, while at the same time competing for jobs in the global marketplace.

Welcome Newly Elected Representatives

Congratulations to the newly elected members of the Missouri House of Representatives.

Representative Tracy McCreery (Independent, St. Louis) is taking over for now St. Louis County Assessor Jake Zimmerman in the 83rd district, Representative Brandon Ellington (Democrat, Kansas City) was elected to the 41st district to replace now Senator 'Kiki' Curls, Representative Judy Morgan (Democrat, Kansas City) takes over the 39th district for now Kansas City Prosecutor Jean-Peters Baker, and Chrissy Sommer (Republican, St. Charles), enters the statehouse in the 15th district replacing St. Charles Mayor Sally Faith.

Congratulations to Representatives McCreery, Ellington, Morgan, and Sommer and best of luck to you in representative your constituents in Jefferson City.

Representative Holsman Appointed to the House of Representatives Rules Committee

The 2012 legislation session has brought changes to the legislative committee assignments to House members. Representative Holsman, who serves as Chairman of the Joint Committee on Urban Agriculture as well as the Chairman for the Special Standing Committee on Renewable Energy, was recently appointed by Minority Leader Mike Talboy (D-Kansas City) to the House Rules committee. The Rules Committee is charged with reviewing all bills which are passed out of their committee of origin, and assigning the time of debate to each bill before its can be taken up on the House floor for debate.

"Being placed on the House Rules Committee is a tremendous honor and speaks to the level of trust that I have developed with fellow members to thoroughly and objectively work on legislation. I appreciate the opportunity extended by Democratic Minority Leader Mike Talboy." commented Rep. Holsman.

Holsman also serves on the Joint Committee on Education, Utilities and the Interim Committee on Disaster Recovery.

Holsman Attends 2nd Fridays with Councilmen Sharp and Taylor

Representative Jason Holsman attended the 2nd Fridays meeting with Councilmen Sharp and Taylor on Friday January 13th. The meeting was also attended by Grandview Mayor Steve Dennis, and Senior Advisor for State and Federal Government Affairs to Mayor Sly James Sammy Panettiere. The main topic of discussion at the meeting was legislative priorities for Kansas City in the newly minted 2012 legislative session.

2nd Fridays is a bi-monthly meeting hosted by Councilmen John Sharp and Scott Taylor at the Trailside Center located at 9901 Holmes Road, in Kansas City, Mo.

Missouri American Water to Deliver Presentation to the Special Standing Committee on Renewable Energy

Chairman Holsman wasted no time calling the inaugural meeting of the 2012 legislative session for the Special Standing Committee on Renewable Energy for a presentation to be delivered by Missouri American Water.

American Water delivers utility services to approximately 15 million people in more than 30 states in the U.S., as well to some parts of Canada. Learn more about Missouri American Water at: http://www.amwater.com/moaw/

Joint Committee on Urban Agriculture to Host 5th Informational Hearing on January 24th in Jefferson City

At left: Members of the Joint Committee on Urban Agriculture touring the Columbia Center for Urban Agriculture

The fifth informational hearing hosted by the Joint Committee on Urban Agriculture will take place on January 24th in the State Capitol building in Jefferson City.

The scope of this hearing has been expanded to include experts in this emerging industry from across the country. The committee will hear presentations from: Sweet Water Organics Co-Founder Jim Godsil, Sweet Water Foundation Executive Director Emmanuel Pratt, Columbia University Professor and author of "The Vertical Farm: Feeding Ourselves and the World in the 21st Century" Dr. Dickson Despommier, AquaRanch Founder Myles Harston, as well as a presentation from St. Charles based corporation Novus International.

"The Joint Committee on Urban Agriculture, alongside the Advisory Sub-Committee and statewide activists in the industry have worked throughout the summer and winter months to develop a wealth of knowledge on this subject. What we have found is extremely promising. This movement has the power to mitigate urban blight, repurpose abandoned buildings, bring fresh nutritious foods into food deserts, and most importantly infuse good jobs that cannot be out-sourced into a recovering economy," said Representative Holsman who serves as Committee Chairman.

What:	Joint Committee on Urban Agriculture, Fifth Informational Hearing
When:	Tuesday January 24th 12:00PM
Where:	State Capitol Building 201 West Capitol Avenue Jefferson City, Missouri 65101 House Hearing Room 7

The content discussed in this meeting, as well as the previous four meetings will form the foundation to a report along with legislative recommendations to be delivered to the Governor, President Pro Tem of the Senate, and Speaker of the Missouri House of Representatives before the year's end.

Kansas City Star Tour

Representative Gail McCann-Beatty (D-Kansas City) joined Representative Jason Holsman (D-Kansas City) on a tour of the Kansas City Star printing presses.

The tour was a part of an ongoing effort of House members to meet with and learn from the Kansas City business community. If you would like to organize a visit to your facility with Rep. Holsman or any member of the Kansas City Caucus please contact Dan Bryar.

Milbank Manufacturing Tour

Milbank Manufacturing welcomed a visit from Rep. Jason Holsman to their North Kansas City plant location. Milbank builds utility electrical boxes and a host of alternative energy devices.

The visit consisted of a facilities tour and a sit down meeting with CEO Lavon Winkler to discuss Renewable Energy legislation in the General Assembly as well as potential ballot initiatives for the 2012 general election.

Schupp: First Six Bills of 2012

2012-01-15T17:00:00.000-06:00

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

This year's start to the session seems to have moved into high gear quickly. Perhaps because of last year's failed special and general sessions, we are already seeing bills voted out of a few committees, when most committees have not yet even met for the first time! Look for some real controversy early on. That stated, I will continue my work to help ensure my caucus is up to the challenge of vetting and supporting legislation that puts Missourians back to work, takes care of our vulnerable children and seniors, and provides a quality education for all of our kids. Thank you for allowing me to serve you in Jefferson City.

Truly,
Jill

ANNOUNCEMENT

Governor Jay Nixon will deliver the State of the State Address before the General Assembly on Tuesday, Jan. 17.

Look for information on Missouri Works, the job creation initiative; and budget shortfall details estimated between $400 and $800 million depending upon the source you use.

My First 6 Bills in 2012

The first six bills I am sponsoring continue making their ways to legislators’ offices for co-signing. Look for these bills to be filed in the next week or so. The links take you to last year's bill since unfiled bills are not yet online. (There is no link for the Term Limit legislation.)

Nathan’s Law [HB603] makes essential changes to how unlicensed in-home child-care facilities can operate. It counts all non-school age children, including relatives, toward the total number of four children allowed in this type of setting. It requires that notification be given to parents using the in home care about the home’s licensure status. It imposes greater financial penalties for non-compliant providers, and it allows the Department of Health and Senior Services to close non-compliant home facilities. With over 40 deaths in home care facilities since 2007, it is time the legislature steps in to protect our children. This legislation is garnering bi-partisan support and will be filed with co-sponsors from both sides of the aisle.

Tax Deferral for Senior Citizens [HB380] on fixed incomes follows a legislative model utilized in Oregon. This legislation would allow our state’s senior population to defer a portion of their taxes until after they either choose to sell their property or pass it onto heirs. At that time, the deferred taxes would be repaid from the estate. This legislation will have a net zero effect on the state, and would allow Missouri’s seniors to age in their homes.

The Missouri Indoor Clean Air Act [HB438] will be submitted again to promote healthy conditions in public places throughout the state. With what we know about second-hand and even third-hand smoke, it is time for the legislature to support good health policy and cut healthcare costs by enacting this legislation.

In order to emphasize what is implicit but seemingly ignored in existing law; I will re-file a bill stipulating that a student of the University of Missouri may serve as a voting member on the Board of Curators.

During this past session, almost half of the Representatives in the House entered as freshmen. Many of the newly elected Representatives won their seats because their predecessors were term-limited out. When we lose so many legislators at once, we tend to lose important institutional knowledge. Meantime, newcomers are required to step in and make critical policy decisions without the opportunities to learn from many experienced legislators around them. Term Limits, in their current form, do not bode well for the people of Missouri. Rather than having so many people “term out” at the same time, AND without changing the total number of years of service allowable under today's law, this legislation allows an elected member to continue running to serve for a maximum number of 16 years in either the House or Senate or some combination thereof.

I will be continuing, with bipartisan support, efforts to label foods as Kosher and Kosher for Passover including listing the certifying agent. [HB933]

Legislation Moving Forward...HB 1135

House Bill 1135 has soared through House committees very early on this session. In its most egregious section, it terminates all rules created by departments and agencies which provide direction for implementing our state laws. Ironically, this bill originated in the "Downsizing Government" Committee. On the contrary, in an effort to minimize duplication, inconsistencies or outdated rules, we will be tossing out the proverbial baby with the bathwater, and starting again. Sounds as if we will be providing government with lots of additional work. The costs are yet to be estimated, and the opportunity for special interests to interfere with good policy and practice is of concern. Read the legislation here.

House Joint Resolution 43

Also being pushed forward with disturbing speed is HJR 43, a constitutional amendment which caps state spending each year so that it mirrors spending levels of 2008. The only increases will be for inflation as calculated by the CPI, and to adjust for increases in population. Should this pass, levels of spending for essential services that many are finding inadequate will continue into the future. Read the legislation here.

A New Year "Feel Good" Story... Puppies for Parole

This past Fall, many of you attended the Town Hall meeting featuring Director of Corrections, George Lombardi. He talked about how the hearts and minds of inmates have been changed when they are given the privilege of training dogs to put up for adoption. He recently forwarded this story that I know you will take pleasure in reading:

Our Prison dog handlers are taking their dogs who have advanced in the their socialization skills into the prison infirmaries, hospices and mental health units as a means to give some solace to those who are very needy.

Here is a quote from an inmate at Crossroads Correctional Center who has done so:

“I took Penny to the hospital to see all the sick guys that wanted to see her. There was one very sick person there, I cannot mention his name here. I asked if he wanted to meet Penny and he said, “Yes.” So I led her up to meet him. He put his hand on the side of the bed. He petted and felt her fur. He said she was soft and asked if she could jump on the bed. She was a little anxious at first, but she did with a little coaxing. She went up and laid down by his side. He started petting her and said that til we got the dogs in here, he had not seen or petted a dog for some thirty years. He got a smile on his face and you knew he went back in time in his mind to better days.

After a while we left. Later I asked how he was and found out that he had died that weekend in this sleep with a smile on his face. I think that Penny knew that he was not well and she didn’t care. To her, he was someone else to share her love, hugs and enjoyment of petting her to make them feel better.”

Davis: KZRG Staff Honored For Storm Coverage, Three Bills Filed

2012-01-14T18:27:00.000-06:00

At left: Presenting Zimmer Radio Group with a resolution for their coverage during Joplin’s tornado. Larry Boyd, Chad Elliott and Sam McDonald came to the capitol for the presentation and a tour.

“Look at me! Look at me! Look at me NOW!
It is fun to have fun, But you have to know how.”
― Dr. Seuss

As our second week in session comes to an end, we are starting to see things gear up for a busy session. As a point of interest, the only thing that the legislature must do during session is pass a balanced budget. That’s it, everything else is a plus (or many times a minus, for our citizens.) The appropriation committees are in full swing as well as is the budget committee. The 4 committees I am on are now being assigned legislation for debate.

Increasing the size of government can only lead to higher taxes. So, whenever we have the opportunity to limit growth in the state government, I view it as an opportunity for us to resist raising taxes on hard-working Missourians. This week, committees in the Missouri House moved forward with our Blueprint for Missouri by passing several measures that focus on protecting you, the taxpayer.

Families and businesses across the state plan their budgets with an eye toward the future. We save money when times are good and dip into those savings when times are tough. That is the idea behind HJR 43, the Taxpayer Protection Act, which passed out of the Budget Committee this week.

During the economic downturn, we have been faced with a budget shortfall. Rather than hampering the recovery by raising your taxes, House Republicans have chosen to tighten our belts to keep the budget balanced. And we remain committed to doing it again this session.

However, while we work on balancing the budget this session, we must also plan for the future by taking steps that 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.

Protecting you, the taxpayer, is a top priority for us in the House. The Taxpayer Protection Act protects you by limiting growth in the state budget and reducing the likelihood for tax increases in the future. By moving forward with this important piece of legislation, you can keep more of your money to plan for the future.

Thanks to Phil Cook for spending time with me this past Friday talking about K-12 funding. I simply went to the Carl Junction office to drop off my School Board Appreciation letters to honor those in CJ serving on the school board but I couldn’t get out quick enough before superintendant Phil Cook saw me and wanted to bend my ear. HAHA, just kidding, Phil. I have to admit, school funding is not my strong point and any time I can be educated, I am more than willing to listen. One thing that I learned is that the schools I have the honor of representing are doing a great job with the monies they are given from the state. Our schools are using the money wisely to ensure our children get the education they deserve. Keep up the good work and we will be fighting for every penny our schools get.

I filed 3 bills this week protecting and helping our veterans. One bill [HB1297] deals with the licensure of our separating military members and with education credits at our Missouri institutions of higher learning.

The second bill [HB1296] protects our noncustodial military members when they are deployed.

The third one is a resolution [HCR12] that designates the Honor and Remember Flag as the State of Missouri's emblem of service and sacrifice of service men and women who have given their lives in the line of duty.

I will file a bill this week that will combine the Show Me Heroes and the Heroes At Home programs in hopes that it will be more widely utilized by our returning military members.

Next Tuesday night at 7 PM, the governor will present to us the state of the state address. You can listen to it live HERE.

Thank you for allowing me to server as your representative in Jefferson City.

Neth: Letting 17-Year-Olds Vote In Primaries Among Proposed Legislation

2012-01-13T17:40:00.000-06:00

The first full week of session is complete. There is not a lot of official activity going on yet as it takes some time for many things to formally get going, such as bills being referred to committees and things to debate on the House floor. However, that does not mean that meaningful things are not going on.

I have spent a lot of time talking to numerous people about the issues that I will be most involved in this year. Many times it is these types of conversations and relationships that one builds on to be successful in anything one might do during the session. I always say that the most important thing to success in the political realm is the good relationships one builds in order come to consensus.

Listed below are the bills that I plan on sponsoring. This is not to say that there might not be others, but these are the things I currently have working. In addition, one thing that many people don't realize is that most of the time individual bills do not get done by themselves. Usually there is just not enough time to get through all the bills that are offered. Many time bills are made into amendments that are added to other similar bills in order to get done. So for those things that I support I continually work to find a place for it so I can ensure it gets done in some form.

I know I have been seen, heard and quoted some lately in the press regarding the Kansas City School District and its future. As things are still a little fluid there I'm not ready to give a full accounting of things quite yet. However, I am committed to ensuring that the kids in Kansas City do not lose any more years of learning due to the dysfunction of their adult leaders and that those actions do not negatively impact the surrounding districts.

Have a great weekend.
Myron

Martin Luther King Day Celebration

I will have the privilege of joining many others around the nation on Monday of being a part of an event celebrating Martin Luther King Day. William Jewell College will be holding an event at 10:00 AM on campus at Gano Chapel. I will making some brief remarks during the event. The featured speaker will be Patricia Okonta, a Liberty High School graduate.

Student Proposed Legislation

Local students work to get the law changed

I am preparing to file a bill later in the month that would put on the ballot a Constitutional change to allow 17 year olds the ability to vote in a primary election if they will be 18 at the time of the next General Election. This was brought to my attention by the AP Government classes at Liberty High School and Liberty North High School and their teacher Kurt Gates.

After much research on the part of the students and finding out that several other states allow this in some capacity I decided to support the students' efforts. Besides working to change existing law, it is proving to be a great lesson in the legislative process, both in theory and reality.

Currently, the students are contacting my fellow House members to let them know about the bill and to ask them to support or co-sponsor. I have talked to the classes about the best way to do that and good strategies. Once the bill is filed, I will hopefully get a hearing in Committee and have some students testify on behalf of the bill and then work some more on lobbying for the bill.

I have received many compliments already on the students' efforts and am receiving a lot of commitments for co-sponsors. Let me know your thoughts and I will pass it on to the students so they are aware of the feedback.

Planned Legislation 2012

Assault on a Police Animal Penalty

This came to my attention via Corporal Kendrick with the Clay county Sheriff's Department. In the current Missouri statute if a Police animal is intentionally assaulted it is a C misdemeanor. This legislation would change the penalty to an A misdemeanor.

Ball Room Dancing for credit in Schools

This would allow a school in Missouri to offer Ballroom, Square, or Country dancing to be taken as a class/course for physical education requirements. This effort is the result of efforts by 34^th District resident Will Adams.

Private Contractor/Owner Payment Contracts

This Bill would create provisions meant to protect contractor payments. It puts in place safeguards to make sure expected payment is made and expected work is done when in the private sector. This matches the current requirement on public construction.

Allowing 17 year olds to vote in the Presidential Primary

This idea was put into motion with the help of Kurt Gates' AP Government Classes at Liberty High School and Liberty North High School. The Bill would allow voters who will be 18 years old by the November Elections of a Presidential voting year to vote in the Presidential primary at the age of 17 years old.

School Bonding increased Indebtedness

This would allow schools increase their bonded indebtedness as long as they meet set criteria.

Term Limits

Term limits would be set to a total of 16 years of time served in the House and Senate combined. Instead of being limited to eight in one and eight in the other, it can be all in one body or the other or any combination.

Grade Cut-Off Dates

This would establish that no school districts may establish a cut-off date for final grades that is more than two days before the last day of school, except for that of graduating seniors.

Engler: Senate Committees Begin Work on Bills

2012-01-13T15:34:00.000-06:00

Most of the work in the Senate this week took place in committee hearings, where senators consider different bills and hear testimony from related experts and the public. Since this is the second regular session, committee membership generally remains the same, resulting in less introductions for committee procedure and moving bills through committees a little quicker. I serve as the chairman for the Financial and Governmental Organizations and Elections Committee, and we’ve already been assigned 18 bills. The Senate will likely debate its first bill sometime next week, with many more following as the session progresses. I’m hoping the Senate turns to a consensus building approach this year to accomplish what’s best for the people of Missouri.

I filed Senate Bill 633 this week, which would allow scrap metal operators to acquire vehicles or vehicle parts that are 10 years old or older without the original certificate of title. There are a lot of old cars around Missouri that are no longer road-worthy, but still hold value as scrap metal or parts. Senate Bill 633 would make it easier for people to sell these vehicles to scrap yards, but keep in place the proper restrictions to protect the public. This is a straight-forward bill that tackles a clear issue with common sense. I’m hoping my colleagues in the General Assembly recognize this and move quickly to send the bill to the governor’s desk.

Besides committee work, we’re also gearing up in the Senate for the upcoming budget process. Next week the governor will give his State of the State address and release his budget proposal. After that we’ll begin crafting the Senate’s version of the state’s spending plan. This won’t be easy as we’re facing a significant shortfall, but we remain committed to doing the best thing to properly fund K-12 education.

We’ll also begin looking at ways to resolve an issue currently affecting thousands of students across our state. Due to a decision by the Missouri Supreme Court in the case Turner vs. School District of Clayton, students in Missouri now have the right to transfer from an unaccredited school district to another school in the same or a nearby county. This has resulted in thousands of students in St. Louis, and soon Kansas City, transferring out of their unaccredited school districts. This is a pressing issue, and one we have to address this session. Every child in Missouri deserves a quality education, and we’ll do everything in our power to protect that right.

I will continue these reports throughout the session. I’ve also posted a new video welcome on my Senate website. You can view it by visiting my Senate website www.senate.mo.gov/engler and clicking on the ‘View Video Welcome’ button below my picture on the left side of the page. Feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns. I can be reached by email at kevin{dot}engler{at}senate{dot}mo{dot}gov or in my Capitol office by phone at (573) 751-3455.

Lichtenegger: 2012 Regular Session Underway

2012-01-13T13:40:00.000-06:00

Given the recent passing of Weldon H. Macke, I want to say a few words in his honor before I begin to comment on this year’s General Assembly and the work ahead.

Weldon was not just a great man, father and husband to Bonnie, but he was a dear personal friend of 35+ years. I have such fond memories of the many hours we spent working on political campaigns; we were both charter members of the Cape Girardeau Pachyderm Club; and then there were the parades, Jackson Homecomers events and the SEMO Dist fair . . . actually there are just too many wonderful memories to list them all! He will be a forever cherished friend.

My guess is that my memories are multiplied a hundred-fold in the lives of many of you.

I have co-sponsored a few important bills this year. Two of which change the pensions for those of us serving in the House and Senate. One states no years and the other says after 16 years of service. For many years I have said publicly that I don't believe in pensions for politicians. I agree with Senator Jason Crowell that all elected State officials should forgo pensions. I serve at the will of the people, and I feel that the people should not have to pay my retirement. Once the fiscal note is published on these bills, we’ll know approximately how much money this will save Missouri taxpayers. I'm also working on a Bill for equal pay to Physical Therapist. This has to do with insurance payments. If interested in the details you may contact me. As always I would like your feedback; you can call me any time at 573-979-1084.

On a serious fiscal note: The state has many, very tough decisions to make in the near future since the Missouri Constitution requires a balanced budget, and since the estimated revenue shortfall is between five and seven hundred million dollars, everyone is going to have to sacrifice to make up the difference!

Don’t forget you can influence these or any other bills filed during this legislative session using the following steps:

Link here to the House of Representatives website.
Use the Bill Tracking / Search or Subject Index on the House page to find the House Bill that concerns you.
As you can see from the HB 1099 example there are several options to choose to get additional information.
You’ll want to link on the Actions tab wherein you can view not only all House actions on the bill any time during the session, but you will want to note whether the bill was assigned to a committee. If so link to the committee information page wherein you can note who is the committee chair and call her or his office and request that the chairman schedule a public hearing (if one is not scheduled).
If a bill has yet to be assigned to a committee you are welcome to call the Speaker of the House, Representative Steven Tilley, office and request that he assign the bill to a committee.

And don’t forget you are welcome to call, email, or fax my Capitol office and let me know which House bills you support or oppose. Call 573-751-6662; email donna{dot}lichtenegger{at}house{dot}mo{dot}gov fax: 573-522-0557.

My office staff will record your comments whether or not you are a registered voter. I will always have access to any and all feedback and therefore have a general idea of what are the greatest legislative concerns of my constituents.

Constituent Corner

My Capitol office recently moved to Room 403B. Don’t forget if you visit the Capitol to drop in and say “hello”. If I’m in Chambers my assistant will contact me so I don’t miss meeting you!

Dugger: Two Pro-Agriculture Measures Proposed

2012-01-13T13:20:00.000-06:00

In America, every day is a new beginning; every sunset is merely the latest milestone on a voyage that never ends. For this is the land that has never become, but is always in the act of becoming.- Ronald Reagan

The first full week of the second regular session of the 96th General Assembly is now recent history. Already, several important pieces of legislation have been filed and begun their journey through the legislative process: from a taxpayer protection act that would limit the size and scope of government; to a bill that would require counties and schools to submit information regarding their debts and holdings to the Office of Administration. It will not take long for lively debate to fill the halls of the Capitol as we work to make Missouri a better place to live and work.

As session quickly gains steam, I wanted to take the time to highlight a couple of bills that I feel are important for the district. Representative Tom Loehner will be filing a bill that protects Missouri’s farmers and thus provides stability to the agricultural industry of Missouri. This is especially important, since farming and its many byproducts are the driving force of Missouri’s economy. Loehner’s legislation, which I have co-sponsored, will secure the right of Missouri famers to raise livestock in a humane manner without the state imposing undue economic burdens on the livestock owners.

Another key piece of legislation was filed by Representative Casey Guernsey. Guernsey’s resolution, which I co-signed, states the House of Representatives’ opposition to the excessive land values assigned by the State Tax Commission to agricultural and horticultural land in Missouri for the years 2012-2013. In these economic hard times, we must ensure that all forms of industry from small businesses to the family farmer are given a fighting chance.

Even though session is a little more than a week old, much has already been done. However, much work still remains. I look forward to being your voice in the numerous discussions that are yet to be had in Jefferson City.

Korman: Joint Committee Discusses Prospect of Tolled I-70

2012-01-13T12:17:00.001-06:00

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.

Kraus: Legislation Grabs State Media's Attention

2012-01-13T10:21:00.000-06:00

Legislation Questions

Shortly after arriving at the Capitol on Monday, my office started receiving calls from the media regarding Senate Bill 590, a bill I filed which deals with illegal immigration. Calls came from all over the state, including Columbia, St. Louis, and Kansas City. Over the next two days, I appeared on a talk radio show, gave a statement over the phone to a local Kansas City radio news station, appeared on camera for news shows in Columbia and Kansas City, and spoke with several print reporters.

Because we had so many inquiries, and because those opposing the bill held a tele-conference which I believe misrepresented the intent of the bill, we issued the following statement to the media:

“During the 2011 legislative session, I introduced a bill that would require the Missouri Attorney General to sue the federal government for its lack of enforcement of immigration laws. One of the objections we encountered was that there was no known cost to the state. Based on those comments, I asked my office to reach out to state agencies to find out who actually tracked the cost of illegal immigration on Missouri taxpayers. The results were underwhelming as we found most agencies have no idea of the true cost to taxpayers.

This year, I introduced SB 473, which again asks the Attorney General to sue the federal government, and also asks the Missouri Auditor’s office to determine the cost to Missouri taxpayers so we can seek restitution from the federal government to recoup those costs.

As a companion bill, I introduced SB 590, which does three things: Asks our public schools and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to specifically determine the cost of illegal immigration on our public schools; mirrors federal law in creating a state misdemeanor for any non-citizen who does not have their documentation; and allows police to ask for immigration status on all stops, not just arrests. Each of these provisions is designed to better determine the number and impact of illegal immigrants in Missouri. None of these proposed items have any significant punitive provision above what is already in current federal law.

Immigration is ultimately a federal issue and the solution will be a federal solution. But until a solution is reached, the impact of the federal government’s lack of enforcement is being felt at the state level. As fiscal stewards of our residents’ tax dollars, we have a responsibility to determine that impact.”

You can find some media stories and clips regarding SB 473 and SB 590 at the following links:

http://www.kansascity.com/2012/01/10/3363713/missouri-schools-would-be-required.html

http://www.kctv5.com/story/16491252/filed-immigration-bill-drawing-mixed-reactions

http://www.komu.com/news/missouri-senate-bill-targets-immigration/

http://www.columbiatribune.com/news/2012/jan/09/bill-takes-aim-at-illegal-immigrants/

Grain Valley Town Hall

On Thursday, Jan. 19, Grain Valley Mayor Mike Todd and I will be hosting a town hall meeting in Grain Valley from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Grain Valley Community Center, 713 Main Street.

I will open with a short talk on the upcoming 2012 legislative session and then open the floor for questions and answers. Mayor Todd will also be there to discuss local issues and answer any questions you may have.

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

2012 District Days

We have set the dates for this year’s District Days! Each year, we set two days aside during session when district residents can come to the Capitol, attend a session, take tours and visit with their senator. For 2012, our District Days will be March 21 and March 27. If you are interested in attending, let us know by replying to this email. More information will be coming in the next few weeks.

District Office

Now that we are in session, the District Office will only be open from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Fridays. We continue to urge you to call for an appointment at 573-751-1464, since it is possible other events may pull us away.

Denison: Pace Quickens in Second Week of Legislative Session

2012-01-13T09:50:00.000-06:00

“We often take for granted the very things that most deserve our gratitude.” – Cynthia Ozick

Pace Quickens in Second Week of Legislative Session

While the action hasn't moved to the House floor yet, the second week of session has brought with it an increased level of activity at the committee level. The debate in the House Chamber tends to produce passionate debate and memorable sound bites but it's in committee where bills are deliberated and fine-tuned until they're ready for discussion by the entire body. That's the mode we're in right now as our committees work on many bills on a multitude of issues in preparation for the coming weeks of floor debate.

House Committee Approves Measure to Stabilize Government Spending (HJR 43)

With the intent of stabilizing spending and eliminating the boom and bust budget years we have seen, the House Budget Committee approved a proposed constitutional amendment that would limit future increases in state spending. The proposal would put in place a spending cap on state general revenue, which is the money over which the legislature has the most discretion. This appropriations growth limit would be based on the rate of inflation plus the growth in population. In essence, a budget would be capped at the previous year’s budget plus the appropriations growth limit. With this limit in place, we can ensure government doesn’t grow at a level that isn’t sustainable. We also know that studies have shown a government with a stable tax rate and stable expenditures will see more economic growth and more stable growth because of the confidence that stability gives employers. It’s an idea that makes up one of the pillars of the Speaker’s Blueprint for Missouri and something we will certainly see move through the House quickly this session. If it makes it through both chambers, the proposal would go before a vote of the people.

House Education Appropriations Committee Looks at Funding Formula Fix (HB 1043)

One of the most important issues we will deal with this year involves the way our state's many public schools are funded. Right now we're in the midst of a multi-year phase in of the school foundation formula that began in 2006 and will be complete next year. The formula was designed to eliminate the disparities that had existed in the previous funding mechanism that was based on the property tax base of each school district. That system led to some school districts being very wealthy with others being less fortunate. The new foundation formula implemented a funding system based on the needs of each student. When passed in 2005, the idea was to ensure each student in the state received the amount needed to receive a quality education. The idea also was to gradually increase that amount each and every year over a seven-year period.

The foundation formula wasn't an issue until recent years when our state's budget woes prevented us from providing the level of funding called for in the formula. As we found we could not meet the demands of the formula, it became necessary to explore how to fairly distribute the monies that were available. Specifically, the issue stems from the concept of “hold harmless” school districts, which are districts that were receiving more funding than was called for with the new formula but were promised they would not receive a funding cut. With slightly more than 150 of Missouri's more than 500 school districts “hold harmless” it has represented a significant challenge as the legislature has been unable to fund the formula fully. The bottom line is that right now we have all districts, both those that have seen increases in funding under the formula and those who have had their funding frozen, sharing in the pain of reduced funding. That’s why we’re considering legislation this year to make the reduced funding more equitable for all schools. It's a challenge I hope we can work together to solve so that we can “share the pain” in a way that's fair for every school district in the state.

House Committee Approves Legislation to Increase Government Transparency and Accountability (HB 1140)

The House Committee on Downsizing State Government met this week to discuss and approve legislation that would provide an additional level of transparency for the spending habits of county governments and public schools. It's something that has worked well at the state level where the Missouri Accountability Portal that provides updated information to the public on how their tax dollars are being utilized by state government. We want to carry that success through to the local level by requiring counties and schools to provide similar information that will be accessible through the accountability portal.

The idea is to avoid a problem similar to the one seen in Cook County, Illinois where residents there were stunned to learn about the massive debt the county had incurred. In total, there was more than $108 billion in debt that amounted to more than $60,000 in debt per household. While we are confident there are no examples that extreme in Missouri, it's still a good idea to fully disclose the information so the public is not left out in the dark. To take a closer look at how it works on a state level I encourage you to visit the accountability portal at mapyourtaxes.mo.gov.

Visitors

On Monday, January 9^th, Dr. Lynn Herndon stopped by my office. Dr. Herndon is with the Missouri Optometric Association, and later in the day the association held a reception where members and legislators were able to discuss legislative matters for the 2012 session.

On Wednesday, January 11^th, Dr. John Lilly was in the Capitol to serve as Physician for the Day for the House of Representatives. Dr. Lilly stopped by my office along with Ken Hurley of Billings, Missouri. While at the Capitol, Dr. Lilly was also providing to all representatives a video on the foundation of the Locke and Smith Award and the process of determining the winners of the Locke and Smith Award for 2012.

Pictured left to right: Dr. John Lilly, Ken Hurley, Representative Denison

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.

Schaefer: Appropriation Committee's First Meeting Of Session

2012-01-13T08:50:00.000-06:00

This week marked the first hearing of the Senate Appropriations Committee.

Testimony was heard from representatives of the Department of Social Services, the Department of Mental Health, the Department of Health and Senior Services, the Department of Transportation, and the Department of Revenue.

We heard many moving comments, and I greatly appreciate the time, effort and dedication of those who attended and testified.

Starting Monday (1/9), I filed the following bills with the Senate:

Senate Bill 627 would allow the Director of the Office of Administration’s Division of Facilities Management, Design, and Construction to provide waste management services for any state agency except for those agencies designated in the constitution.
Senate Bill 628 would expand the number of detention facilities which qualify for the Inmate Security Fund. The money gained from this fund would be used to purchase information-sharing equipment that would allow inmates in short-term detention facilities to be identified and tracked within certain criminal justice systems.
Senate Bill 629 would affect tobacco product manufacturers that are not participating in the Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement by requiring them to deposit money into an escrow fund. Money from these escrow funds would be appropriated to non-profit institutions to build research facilities and promote the research of tobacco-related illnesses.
Senate Bill 644 would ensure that our health care providers are reimbursed uniformly, regardless of the venue in which health services are provided.
Senate Bill 645 pertains to environmental permits and changes the timeframe of appeals made based on the decision of an environmental commission. This bill would remove the requirement that any actions filed in a court of law seeking judicial review by the Air Conservation Commission or Clean Water Commission must be made in the court of appeals rather than in the circuit court.
Senate Bill 651 relates to the licensing of home inspectors. If passed, this bill would require all home inspectors to apply for a license and complete a training program. This bill is important in order to ensure our homes are properly inspected by a certified and knowledgeable individual. This bill would take effect January 1, 2014.

On Wednesday (1/11), I spoke with representatives from various community colleges in the state of Missouri. My Senate colleagues and I discussed budget concerns with these dedicated individuals, while keeping in mind our mutual interest in sustaining quality education despite our limited state budget.

Beginning Jan. 18 at 8 a.m., the Appropriations Committee will hear public testimonies from 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 Department of Corrections.

If you are interested in testifying on issues related to the above departments listed, please call the Appropriations staff at 866-475-6083 or email public{dot}testimony{at}senate{dot}mo{dot}gov. Positions to testify are limited, so contact as soon as possible. If you are scheduled to testify, please arrive before 8 a.m. in order to check in and find a seat.

If you have a specific question or need regarding issues other than the Legislature, my Community Service Directory will provide you with the information you need to contact the correct state department or individual to answer your question.

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.

Lampe: Legislation Concerning Gifted Programs

2012-01-12T18:52:00.000-06:00

Op. note: The State of the Judiciary Address will be delivered by Richard Teitelman, who succeeded William Ray Price as Chief Justice in July 2011.

Governor Nixon will address the General Assembly, special guests, and the public at the annual State of the State address on Tuesday. During his speech, the Governor will outline his strategy for economic prosperity. This strategy, known as the Missouri Works plan, aims to create more jobs and career opportunities for Missourians. The Governor will also reveal his expectations for the state budget. As the Ranking Minority Member on the Budget Committee, I am ready to get to work on bringing people together to balance Missouri's budget.

The judicial branch will also have an opportunity to address the legislature next week. The State of the Judiciary address will be held on Wednesday morning in the House chamber. The Chief Justice of the Missouri Supreme Court, William Ray Price Jr., will give the address on behalf of his colleagues.

HJR 43

On Wednesday, the Budget Committee passed HJR 43, also known as the Taxpayer Protection Act. If HJR 43 is passed by both chambers, then it will be subject voter approval. If the measure receives enough votes from the public, then it will amend the Missouri Constitution and mandate state expenditures.

Specifically, this amendment would cap state spending at $8 billion. Any increase to this sum would be determined by inflation and population growth. HJR 43 also passed out of the Rules Committee today and will be heard on the House floor soon.

One Heart. One Mind. One Spirit

On Tuesday, I attended a celebration of unity and diversity in the Capitol Rotunda. The Black Legislative Caucus hosted this event, which included inspiring speeches from Representative Steve Webb (D-Florrisant) and performances by the Storling Dance Theater from Kansas City.

As Martin Luther King Jr. Day nears, I hope that the messages of freedom, equality and progress ring throughout Springfield and the entire state. I look forward to joining the Springfield chapter of the NAACP and other community members to celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on Monday, 9am, at Mediacom Ice Park.

Gifted Legislation

I recently filed two pieces of legislation dealing with the educational concerns of those students who are in the gifted programs. Neither of these bills negatively impact school funding.

The first bill establishes the Advisory Council on the Education of Gifted and Talented Children. This Council will consist of seven members who are appointed by the commissioner of education. This council will provide advice for the commissioner of education regarding rules and polices dealing with the gifted and talented children.

The second bill I filed requests that the state board of education designate a staff person to be in charge of educational programs for gifted and talented children. This person will be responsible for a variety of things including, but not limited to serving as the main contact for any stakeholder and collecting annual growth in learning regarding the gifted programs.

Korman: Legislative Internship

2012-01-12T15:42:00.000-06:00

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – State Rep. Bart Korman, R-High Hill, is pleased to announce that his office is accepting applications for legislative interns for the 2012 session. The internship is open to applicants that are enrolled in college and interested in state government.

“I believe that this is a wonderful opportunity for Missouri college students who are interested in the legislative process,” said Korman. “The internship is a great way to earn valuable experience in a number of areas. Not only do you become familiar with the roles and tasks associated with Missouri government, but it is a great way to serve constituents and be a part of the lawmaking process.”

Interested applicants should email their resume to bart{dot}korman{at}house{dot}mo{dot}gov

Tim Jones: Taxpayer Protections, Mandatory Reporter Law,

2012-01-12T14:01:00.001-06:00

At left: Participating in an extensive tour of the St. Louis Boeing facility and yes, taking over the cockpit of a real life F/A-18 Super Hornet!

As frost covered bluffs shimmer and glisten throughout the Heartland and a blast of Canadian air brought us a late week snowy reminder that Winter still lords over the Midwest, the legislators have returned for the first full week of the 2012 Legislative Session beneath the Capitol dome with committee hearings being the first sign that the Session is speedily gaining its full stride…

“All the great things are simple, and many can be expressed in a single word: freedom, justice, honor, duty, mercy, hope.” –Winston Churchill

Taxpayer Protection

Economically, times are difficult in our homes, our businesses and in balancing every budget. When a family’s income has decreased, the wisest option is to reduce spending to make ends meet. Our responsibility as elected Representatives is to instill the same common sense approach in crafting the state budget. Like you, government must tighten its belt to balance the budget, all the while by not raising job-killing taxes. The answer is making better use of the funds we have available.

While we are working hard to balance the current budget, it is also important to take steps in making budget shortfalls less likely for future legislatures. The Taxpayer Protection Act is a step toward accomplishing this goal. In the past when times were good and the budget was flush with money, legislatures have used the extra revenue to increase the size and scope of government. The Missouri Taxpayer Protection Act limits growth in the budget by using a formula which allows the budget to increase only as the state’s population grows plus the rate of inflation. Any money remaining after the adjustment is saved for times when the budget is short.

Protecting taxpayers is a top priority for the House. By balancing the budget without raising taxes and easing the strain of “boom and bust cycles” on future budgets, we can keep more money where it belongs, in the pockets of hard-working Missourians.

Missouri Values

Missouri is a great place to raise a family because of the values that are commonly shared throughout the state. Whether we are discussing protecting the life of a child or providing for the veterans who have served our great country and state with honor, we all hold “values” in high esteem, and they deserve to be protected.

Against the backdrop of the terrible Penn State University tragedy, here in Missouri, the House Committee on Children and Families is examining our own current Mandatory Reporter laws to ensure that they are adequate to address issues that have arisen across the country. If our laws are inadequate or need to be updated, we will expect our House Committee to present us with an appropriate recommendation.

Providing for our veterans is a top priority this Session. With the economy in the doldrums, and a shortfall in the state budget, many Veterans’ Homes are experiencing a funding crisis. If a dedicated funding source is not found, the Veterans’ Commission will have little option but to begin closing homes in July of 2013 and our veterans will unable to obtain the care they need. The House is exploring several funding options to assist Veterans’ Homes during these challenging times.

Response to the Governor’s State of the State Address: Tuesday, January 17, 2012

I am greatly honored and humbled to announce that Senator Kurt Schaeffer (R-Columbia) and I will be presenting the Majority Party’s response to the Governor’s State of the State address this coming Tuesday, January 17^th. The Senator and I will be presenting our critique of the Governor’s presentation as well as presenting the positive, pro jobs, pro taxpayer, pro families agenda that the Missouri House and Senate will be pursuing throughout the 2012 Legislative Session. The Address and the Response will be broadcast on various radio and television stations throughout the State. In the St. Louis area you will be able to listen to the address on 90.7 KWMU (St. Louis Public Radio at www.news.stlpublicradio.org), and a live video stream can be found at http://www.mo.gov/

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. There are workshops for adults with developmental disabilities as well as summer volunteer and employment programs for teens. The workshops are free and take place at the St. Louis Arch 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 314-817-2275. You must be registered to attend.

I have had the honor and privilege to meet many constituents in my District who work hand in hand with the very hard-working people at St. Louis Arc and have been very impressed with the individual determination of these families who quietly and determinedly work through many substantial daily life challenges. These individuals, these families and the St. Louis Arc organization accomplish a great deal for those in our communities who truly cannot help themselves by themselves and they do it with very little funding and a great deal of love and compassion. I am proud to help and support these constituents in any way I can.

For a complete list of the workshops and support groups available through the St. Louis Arc, visit www.slarc.org.

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

Personal News & Notes

Kelley: Job Creation Remains Top Priority

2012-01-12T12:53:00.000-06:00

Nationally, our job creators remain fearful of spending money and expanding their payrolls. Their fear is based upon several factors including their concerns about the unsustainable federal spending and debt, concern that their taxes at the federal level will go up and that the Obama Administration inclination to increase regulation on business will bankrupt them. The uncertainty created by Obama Care and the President’s war on domestic energy continues to impede job creation.

We, in Missouri, cannot undo what is happening in Washington, but we can make positive steps to encourage job creation in our state. Putting Missourians back to work will be a priority again this session. Last session, we took several steps to create jobs. We cut taxes on small businesses adding new employees, eliminated the franchise tax and adopted several measures to improve the business climate. Still, with the unemployment rate above 8%, there is much work to be done.

Nationally, there was good news regarding job creation in the Unemployment Insurance Weekly Claims Report issued by the U.S. Department of Labor last week. Unfortunately, that same report was not so good for Missouri. According to that report dated January 5^th, the unemployment insurance claims increased in Missouri by 3,236 last week following layoffs. Missouri was reported as one of the 19 states across the country with more than 1,000 initial claims last week.

Job creation will remain a top priority for us in the Missouri House this session. By helping entrepreneurs cut through bureaucratic “red tape” and improving the business climate, we can continue to get Missourians back to work. We need to ensure accountability for decisions made by the Missouri Department of Economic Development.

One idea designed to improve the business climate is by enacting a “loser pays” law this session. Attorneys’ fees racked up due to frivolous lawsuits can be burdensome or even bankrupt small businesses. “Loser pays” will lower the number of frivolous suits and cut litigation costs businesses have to pay. That money can then be used to hire new employees or expand the business. Likewise, we need to address issues relating to the Worker’s Compensation Laws. Recent events and court decisions have added uncertainty to a system that has been in place for decades.

One innovative idea to spur job creation is the Entrepreneur Virtual Resource Network. This new program would provide resources to the Department of Economic Development for a website that pools the information needed to start a small business in the state. Entrepreneurs are the lifeblood of job creation, but they often need assistance in navigating the regulatory hoops necessary to create their business from scratch. This website will give them a one-stop shop on how to get their idea to the marketplace.

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.

Hoskins: Speaker's Priorities, Blunt's Visit,

2012-01-12T10:59:00.000-06:00

The Second Regular Session of the 96^th General Assembly is now officially underway. There is excitement all throughout the Capitol as the beginning of the second session offers renewed vigor to challenges from last session and provides an opportunity to promote new and innovative ideas to lead Missouri on the path to prosperity. I am again, honored, to be here at the State Capitol working hard to represent the great people of Johnson County and the 121st District.

Of the 163 members, 4 are new; having been elected during the special elections held in their respective districts on November 8^th, 2011. Welcome Representative Chrissy Sommer of the 15^th District out of St. Charles, Representative Judy Morgan of the 39^th District out of Kansas City, Representative Brandon Ellington of the 41^st District out of Kansas City, and Representative Tracy McCreery of the 83^rd District out of St. Louis. As I begin my fourth year as Representative for the 121^st District and watch as new Members join the ranks of the Missouri House of Representatives, I recall the humbling experience of walking onto the Floor of the Missouri House for the first time, of sitting at my desk for the first time, and of casting my first vote….. It is truly an honor to serve and I congratulate these new Members for achieving their goal to serve in the Missouri House of Representatives.

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

During his final opening address, Speaker Steven Tilley, serving his last year as our Speaker, offered his vision of what the average citizen expects from their government and a plan, called the “Blueprint for Missouri,” to provide Missourians with the governance they expect and deserve. Under Speaker Tilley’s plan we will:

Pass a balanced budget while not raiding the reserves of Institutions of Higher Learning
Stay out of the taxpayer’s wallet (no raising taxes)
Force state government to live within its means
Place strict limits on the growth of government
Fund Missouri Veterans Homes
Pass legislation protecting our children from predators
Provide an economic environment conducive to business expansion
Protect Missouri employers from frivolous law suits
Work tirelessly to provide the type of quality education every child deserves

Thursday, January 5, 2012

During this morning’s caucus meeting, we had the pleasure of being addressed by U.S. Senator Roy Blunt. Of the many issues Sen. Blunt spoke about, one of them sticks out in my mind as valuable insight into properly addressing the continued economic struggle we face in Missouri, in the United States, and indeed, across the globe. In evaluating the recent financial disasters in Europe and Greece, it becomes clear one of the underlying issues is their governments have grown too large. As Senator Blunt clearly stated, “Government cannot get bigger than what the economy can support.” This is important insight at all levels of government; from your local municipality, to the federal level. We do not want the financial problems associated with big government in the U.S., or in Missouri. “Fiscal Responsibility” and “Local Control” are two fundamentals of governance I strongly support and with the help of strong leadership at the state and federal levels, these core principles will help guide the U.S., Missouri, and Johnson County, toward a brighter and more prosperous future.

Week of January 9th – Prelude to State of State Address

On Tuesday January 17th, 2012, Governor Jay Nixon will deliver his annual State of the State address. Governor Nixon is supposed to introduce possible tax increases to keep income in line with spending. With the slow rebound, we need a straightforward budget from the Governor which does not include burdening the citizens of Missouri with any further tax increases.

Governor Nixon is also supposed to introduce business incentives to accelerate job growth in the State, the exact same, in fact, introduced and implemented last year. There is no doubt the State’s existing business incentives for job creation have been a failure. Governor Nixon and his economic development officials have failed to create the amount of jobs they said they were going to create this time last year. Out of the 23,145 jobs the Nixon Administration said were going to be created, only 5,873 have actually been fashioned.

I will continue to support incentives for job growth and small businesses such as HB 45, which I sponsored and passed last year, to provide tax incentives to our small businesses who hire additional workers. We must continue to work together and be innovative in maintaining jobs in our State and attracting new ones.

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

During our budget committee meeting on Wednesday, we discussed a constitutional amendment prohibiting appropriations in any fiscal year from exceeding the total state general revenue appropriations from the previous year by more than the appropriations growth limit. This basically means any excess amount of State generated revenue not spent will be appropriated logically, instead of just being spent as overflow.

This method would work by the following:

General Revenue increases < 1.5% would be used for general appropriations.

General Revenue surplus between 1.5% and 2.5% will be used to pay down Missouri debt.

Any surpluses exceeding 2.5% of the general revenue mark will be split into two categories, Cash Operating Reserve (67%) and a Budget Reserve fund (33%). These two funds would help provide stability in budget years that have declining state revenue.

We feel like this is the right track for Missouri. It will produce a rainy day fund for the future, and will protect us from tumultuous economic times like we are facing now.

Legislation

This week the house has been busy with first and second readings of house bills, with committee meetings, and with a barrage of bills awaiting co-sponsorship. As we progress into third readings, I will present more detailed information about specific bills of interest.

Redistricting News

Many of you have voiced concern over the new district lines and which district you may end up in beginning with the 2012 elections. As you know, I will be running for office in the newly formed 54^th District. The following link should provide you with a detailed and interactive map to determine your new district:http://oa.mo.gov/bp/redistricting/newlegislativedistricts/

Visiting the Capitol

I would like to extend a special thanks to Janet West for her visit to my office on January 4^th, 2012. Anytime you find yourself near your Missouri State Capitol (201 West Capitol Avenue, Jefferson City, MO 65101) please feel free to visit. Our state boasts one of the most beautiful Capitol buildings in the nation and you are always welcome.

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.

Sater: Constitutional Amendment Advances That Would Prohibit Excessive Spending

2012-01-12T09:02:00.000-06:00

Winter has finally arrived in Missouri and Jefferson City where I am writing this. I have enjoyed the last few weeks of mild weather, especially because of lower heating bills. Just like political harmony does not last, neither does the mild weather. Speaking of politics, we are now in our second week of session and some movement of bills are starting to proceed. I am in my last year and the last year that I will be Chairman of Health Care Policy. A lobbyist told me yesterday that it seemed I had been around the capitol longer than dirt. In some ways it does seem that way and in other ways, it has flown by. Anyway, I will have the same committee members as last year and we will probably start hearing bills in the next few weeks.

I continue to serve on the Budget Committee where we were presented HJR 43 this week. HJR stands for House Joint Resolution. It is processed as a normal bill and has to be passed by the House and Senate and signed by the Governor, but instead of going into law, it will go on the ballot for the citizens of Missouri to vote on because it deals with the state constitution.

The economy and state revenue goes up and down. In 2008 we had a 9.8 percent increase in revenue. In 2010, we had a minus 3-4% in revenue. It seems that in the good times, Republicans and Democrats cannot keep from passing legislation that costs the state money. When we have the bad times, such as the last few years, we run out of money because we did not put enough in reserve. This bill would make us do that in the good times. After figuring in the inflation rate or CPI, if revenues increase more than 1.5% over the CPI, then the next 1% or up to 2.5%, is used for debt reduction. For revenues beyond 2.5%, these funds would be placed in a kind of savings account to be used only when revenues are down to keep essential programs properly funded. As I mentioned, both Democrats and Republicans are guilty of over spending during good times. In the 1990s, during a few good years, the sales tax of groceries was suspended. This was a permanent fix for a short term budget issue. HJR 43 passed out of committee and now will go the House floor next week.

A couple of Senate bills are being heard. One is a statewide mandatory rabies vaccination for all pets. Even though this may sound good, there were only 29 confirmed rabies cases last year - most were from bats and skunks, not pets. It is ok for cities and counties to enact such regulations, but this is overkill and I still lean toward local control, not state mandates.

In the early 1990s, our state budget totaled around $5.9 billion dollars. It now totals over $23 billion dollars. Of that $5.9 billion, $4.5 billion was state revenue and $1.4 was federal. Now, 60% of our funding is federal. Because of this, the federal government holds the purse strings over the states and whether you call it blackmail or not, it forces us to do some things we might not want to do. A Senate bill being heard is proposed because of federal highway funds being withheld if we do not pass the legislation. The bill requires that truck drivers pass a medical test before they are allowed a commercial driver’s license. That is the way things are. Currently, the federal government is diverting $20 million dollars in transportation funds from road construction to highway safety because our statutes on convicted DWIs are not as stringent as they would like. Unless we pass another bill on DWI federal standards, then the $20 million dollars will not be available for road repairs and construction.

If you have any questions about the issues talked about or need more information, please contact me anytime. Thanks for letting me serve. My Capitol Office is open now Monday through Friday and can be reached at (573) 751-1480. You can also call me at my home in Cassville (417/847-4661).

Mayer: Senate Committee Hears Legislation to Curb Excessive Rules and Regulations

2012-01-11T17:32:00.000-06:00

Measure Would Help Tear Down Economic Barriers for All Businesses

JEFFERSON CITY – Thanks to legislation sponsored by Sen. Bob Dixon, R-Springfield, Missouri business owners are one step closer to greater freedom from excessive and overly burdensome state rules and regulations. The measure, Senate Bill 469, was heard today by the Senate Jobs, Economic Development and Local Government Committee and is one of several Senate bills aimed at putting Missourians back to work.

“An important part of the jobs solution is making sure Missourians can exercise their freedom to earn a living,” said Dixon. “Burdensome regulations can be barriers that stifle job growth and make Missouri less competitive. This is one way we can go back to basics and make government work for Missourians.”

Chairman of the committee, Sen. Eric Schmitt, R-Glendale, said the bill was a priority for his committee.

“Missouri must be ready to compete when it comes to businesses expanding or relocating here,” Schmitt said. “Few things can bring private sector growth to a halt more quickly than overly contrived red tape. That is why we must bring better oversight and accountability to rein in extreme rules and regulations.”

In an October 2011 Gallup poll, small-business owners ranked compliance with government regulations as the most important problem facing them today.

Senate Bill 469 would require state agencies to review and reconsider regulations on a regular basis. The bill would give each regulation a limited shelf life of 10 years, increase agency accountability, and improve legislative oversight.

Each regulation would have an automatic expiration date. Renewal would require agencies to review the rule to determine whether it is outdated, duplicative, conflicts with other rules, is burdensome or narrowly tailored and then make necessary changes while still providing adequate protection of the public.

“We sunset statutes and programs, and term limit legislators,” said Dixon, “but ineffective or burdensome regulations don’t have an expiration date. This bill would put a process in place to review these rules regularly.”

The bill is a priority that was outlined in Senate Leader Robert N. Mayer’s opening day address to the Senate. Mayer said the measure is part of a comprehensive package of bills that are aimed to help spur job creation.

“We must tear down the walls that are economic barriers to all Missouri businesses,” Mayer, R-Dexter, said. “Our plan in the Senate starts by curbing excessive and overly burdensome regulations that affect all business – big and small.”

A supporting vote by the committee would recommend the bill for debate by the full Senate. To learn more about this bill or to track its progress, visit www.senate.mo.gov.

Rupp: Committee Focuses on Job Creation in Missouri

2012-01-11T16:53:00.000-06:00

Committee work was in full swing this week as a wide range of 2012 Senate bills were considered. One very important piece of legislation heard in the Senate Small Business, Insurance and Industry Committee, of which I am chair, would restore protections for co-employees from personal lawsuits for their role in honest accidents at work and return Workers’ Compensation as the exclusive remedy for workplace accidents.

The measure (SB 572) is designed to allow employers to use their funds to hire more employees, instead of paying for frivolous lawsuits. Currently, more than 250,000 Missourians are out of work, and that is certainly not acceptable. We need to focus our time on getting people back to work — not on ridiculous lawsuits. In the Legislature, job creation is our top priority. I will do everything in my ability to endorse common-sense measures, such as this, which would allow businesses to stop spending money on insurance policies and lawsuit abuses that the Workers’ Compensation System was meant to cover, and instead, invest those dollars in creating new jobs for Missourians.

Another priority for the Legislature is passing a balanced budget, without raising taxes on Missourians. Next week, on Tuesday, Jan. 17, the governor is scheduled to give his State of the State Address. My colleagues and I are hoping he will present his budget plan for Fiscal Year 2013. I know that we will, yet again, be required to make difficult decisions regarding our state budget. However, I’m optimistic that the Legislature can work together to make Missouri and even better place to live, work, and raise a family. (Please click here to listen to my interview regarding my priorities for the 2012 legislative session.)

Thank you for reading this legislative column. As always, please feel free to call or visit my Capitol office if I can assist you in any way. Thank you and God Bless.

Rupp: Ready, Set, VOTE for TouchPoint!

2012-01-11T14:33:00.000-06:00

Friends:

Normally, I reserve my capital reports to discuss policy issues, however today I feel compelled to ask for a favor. An organization that is near and dear to my heart is competing for a grant from a great corporate community citizen, Monsanto. That organization has changed the lives of thousands of people with autism. Having personally seen the amazing success they have with helping children on the autism spectrum, I sincerely ask you to take the time to vote for TouchPoint in the below link. With your vote and this grant hundred's more families could experience the life changing miracles they perform daily.

Thank you for your consideration of this matter.

Sen. Scott T. Rupp

From: TouchPoint Autism Services
Sent: Tuesday, January 10, 2012 5:04 PM
To:
Subject: Ready, Set, VOTE for TouchPoint!

PLEASE VOTE FOR TOUCHPOINT
EACH DAY THROUGH JANUARY 29

Dear Friends:

Please take a moment to vote for TouchPoint Autism Services in Monsanto's Grow St. Louis Grant Contest!

If TouchPoint wins one of the grants, the funds will be used to GROW AUTISM UNDERSTANDING AND AWARENESS. This work is critical in our community, and we are determined to get Aaron Likens, our Community Education Specialist and Ambassador for Autism, out to spread his insightful message of hope and understanding!

Please vote daily through January 29, and please encourage your friends, family and Facebook contacts to do the same!

VOTE NOW at this link:
http://www.monsanto.com/stlouis/Pages/grow-STL-contest-voting-form.aspx

Thank you in advance for joining us in this effort!

Sincerely,
Your Friends at TouchPoint Autism Services

Nance: Three Bills Filed

2012-01-10T17:22:00.001-06:00

Roy Blunt will re-schedule the “Town Hall” gathering that was planned for Thursday.

I have filed three bills this week.

HB 1237 which requires the Lottery Commission to promulgate rules establishing criteria to allow licensees who have been convicted of a Class C or Class D felony to sell lottery tickets.

HB 1238 specifies that certain individuals must be eligible for food stamp program benefits.

HB 1239 would freeze property taxes for seniors 70 and older if they have resided in their home for ten years.

Allen: Session Begins!, Blueprint For Missouri, Current Legislation

2012-01-10T16:39:00.004-06:00

Session Begins!

The 96^th General Assembly 2^nd Regular Session opened for business on Wednesday, January 4^th. Speaker Tilley started with a message to remind legislators to never forget who we serve and who our real friends are in life. All too often in the hustle of Jefferson City politics some forget these sentiments. After the opening speech, the Preamble and Article I of the Missouri Constitution were read aloud by members of the House. The reading reminded us of the values of the drafters of our constitution and the values of all Missourians.

Procedure requires the House to pass resolutions to inform the Governor and Chief Justice that the House is established and prepared to receive messages and ready to establish a date for the State of the State and State of the Judiciary. The State of
the State will be given by Governor Nixon on January 17th at 7:00pm. The State of the Judiciary will be given by Chief Justice Richard B. Teitelman on January 18th at 10:30am. You can check your local television stations to watch the speeches live or visit http://house.mo.gov/ to listen to live audio.

Blueprint for Missouri

The main agenda during this session will focus on the “Blueprint for Missouri”, formulated by House Leadership and the entire Majority Caucus. The four planks of the Blueprint consist of advancing legislation in support of: 1) Missouri Jobs, 2) Missouri Taxpayers, 3) Missouri Schools and 4) Missouri Values. Much of my time will be spent on appropriation and budget related matters as our state currently faces an estimated $300-700 million shortfall.

With the Missouri unemployment rate hovering around 9%, the House will debate how we can foster the right climate for job creation in our State and what tools employers need to retain workers and add new employees to their payrolls. We will discuss Workers Compensation Reform (Co-employee liability, Occupational Disease, Second Injury Fund Reform), Prevailing Wage Reform, the Missouri Entrepreneur Virtual Resource Network, and tort reform measures that will include Employment Discrimination Law Reform, Loser Pays proposals, and Joint and Several Liability Reform.

To protect Missouri Taxpayers we will be focused on advancing the Taxpayer Protection Act and will once again adhere to our “No New Taxes” pledge together with a balanced budget. Criminal Justice Reform (which can dramatically reduce excessive economic drags on the State Budget) will also be on our docket and will consist of recommendations from working groups and interim committees.

With attention being drawn to the now unaccredited Kansas City School District and the long unaccredited City of St. Louis School District, there will be free market legislation advanced regarding tuition tax credits in unaccredited districts and
expanding charter schools. Other measures include the Turner Fix, the Teacher Quality Act and a Foundation Formula Fix. My belief is that control of school districts should be as local as possible and a way to accomplish that is to truly give parents the power and choice to control the tax dollars that fund the education of their children in Missouri’s public schools.

Other issues include veterans’ home funding, pharmacist & health care provider conscience bills, expanded college savings plans, and voter photo ID-enabling legislation.

My Current Legislation

Below is a list and brief summary of the bills I have filed so far this year. If you would like to read them in the full text, please visit: http://house.mo.gov/billreport.aspx?select=xSponsorDistrict:092&year=2012&code=R

HB 1032 - Adds a licensed professional counselor to the list of those authorized to conduct a full investigation into whether an individual is suitable as an adoptive parent.
HB 1033 - Requires health care providers to provide a mammography patient with a copy of the mammography report and information regarding the benefit of supplemental screenings for dense breast tissue patients.
HB 1049 - Changes the laws regarding bullying in schools and defines cyber-bullying.
HB 1051 - Requires the State Auditor to perform, on a one-time basis, a comparative audit of at least five, but no more than 10, of the largest state agencies with the goal of eliminating inefficiencies and significantly reducing costs. This has been done in several other states with significant cost savings.
HB 1052 - Establishes a closed primary election system for Missouri.
HB 1188 - Allows school nurses to use asthma related rescue medications on students experiencing asthma attacks.
HB 1189 - Eliminates the 30-day hold for sellers failing to provide proof of identification to pawnbrokers and requires valid proof of identification for all transactions between sellers and pawnbrokers. This was filed for a constituent who had grave concerns about pawnshop operations. After my office did some research, we felt that this action was appropriate.
HB 1190 - Repeals antiquated sections relating to the mandated paper copying and storage of local police records by the county. This issue was brought to my attention by the Manchester Police Department and the Department of Public Safety.

Congratulations to Matt Schumann!

I am happy to announce that as of Saturday January 7^th my Legislator Assistant, Matt Schumann, is now engaged to a lovely lady from the Kansas City Area. When I asked him about how he afforded such a beautiful engagement ring on his small salary, he said he scraped it together from some of his old paper route money that he had stashed away from his youth. This is a message that we should share with our children. Working hard and saving money in their youth - whether by a paper route, raking leaves, shoveling snow, cleaning gutters, or any other odd jobs – does payoff in the future, especially as unexpected expenditures arise. In this case, the payoff is obviously something that cannot be quantified. I wish Matt and his new fiancée the best on their new journey!

Tim Jones: Majority Minute: Discussions Begin On Blueprint Bills, Budget Gap

2012-01-10T14:49:00.000-06:00

The General Assembly and the Missouri House have begun our first full week of the 2012 legislative session with our main focus being on the four pillars of the “Blueprint for Missouri”. The Blueprint is our plan to move Missouri forward, concentrating on legislation that protects taxpayers, provides for an environment and the necessary tools that assists our businesses in creating jobs, advancing much needed reforms to our taxpayer funded public education system and protecting our values and principles.

Many bills have been introduced in the House and the referral process to various committees has begun. Committees will begin holding hearings, where proponents and opponents all have an opportunity to address legislation and make public comment. The Committees may then consider bills for a vote, offer amendments or substitute bills and the legislation will advance through the legislative process. To follow all of the legislation that proceeds through the House, an excellent resource is our House website which you can visit at:

Mayer: Audio and Video On Legislative Goals For Session

2012-01-10T14:38:00.001-06:00

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 discussing some of the legislation he hopes will be taken up in committees this week, as well as what he expects to hear from the governor’s budget address next week.

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/12info/mayer/Multimedia.html.

Neth: Accepting Nominations for Outstanding Missourian Award

2012-01-10T13:15:00.000-06:00

JEFFERSON CITY, MO - State Rep. Myron Neth is looking to honor an exceptional constituent from his district with the Outstanding Missourian Award. The Award is given to one person a year from each district who has contributed greatly to their community over their lifetime, served above and beyond the call of duty in the military or has achieved in other ways.

"There are so many great people in our area, but this is a way to honor one citizen who has done something really extraordinary," said Neth. "I look forward to seeing all the different accomplishments individuals have done to better our community. It is going to be a difficult task picking just one recipient."

The nominee selected for the award will be given a special Missouri House of Representatives Resolution and the recipient and their family or guests will be invited to the state Capitol to receive their award in the House Chamber. There will also be a reception honoring them both at the Capitol and in the district.

Nominations will be taken until February 10, and the recipient will be announced no later than February 15. To nominate someone, you can do so by requesting and filling out a nomination form. Please send an email to the office of Rep. Myron Neth, Myron{dot}neth{at}house{dot}mo{dot}gov, or contact his office, (573)751-1218, to have nomination form sent to you.

Rupp: Audio On Session's Start

2012-01-10T13:04:00.000-06:00

Jefferson City — State Sen. Scott T. Rupp, R-Wentzville, recently added a new audio 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. Rupp address issues that are important to him and the citizens of the 2^nd Senatorial District.

The new audio link, which is also available through podcast, includes Sen. Rupp discussing the start of the Second Regular Session of the 96^th General Assembly.

Senator Rupp will continue to add audio and video clips throughout the year. You can download his podcast and listen to it by going to Sen. Rupp’s multimedia page: http://www.senate.mo.gov/media/12info/rupp/Multimedia.html.

Schaefer: Preview Of State Budget Battle

2012-01-10T10:03:00.000-06:00

Greetings! The Second Regular Session of the 96th General Assembly is now under way. I am off to a busy start and I am excited to continue my work at the Capitol for the citizens of the 19th District.

This session, I will continue to serve as chairman of the Appropriations Committee, chairman of the Joint Committee on Capitol Improvements and Leases Oversight, and as a member on both the Education Committee and the Commerce, Consumer Protection, Energy, and Environment Committee.

One of the toughest challenges this year will be to balance the state budget. As Chairman as Appropriations Committee, budget concerns are of the utmost priority. I recently expressed my opinions concerning the upcoming budget. You may listen to the following media clips by clicking the links below.

My reaction to the State budget:	[Click here]	Upcoming State of the State Speech and Budget Concerns:	[Click here]

Click on the images for a larger version:

Opening day press conference, from left to right, myself, Senate Minority Floor Leader Victor Callahan, Senate President Pro Tem Rob Mayer, and Senate Majority Floor Leader Tom Dempsey.

Here, I expound on the challenges and concerns of the Appropriations Committee.

I have filed two filed bills so far this session, Senate Bill 532 and Senate Bill 599.

If passed, SB 532 would extend the tax credit donations to food pantries until August 2022.

This bill would assist food pantries by providing an added incentive for individuals to donate to local food pantries.

The Food Bank for Central and Northeast Missouri experienced a 19 percent increase in people served in just the past two years.

Peggy Kirkpatrick of the Food Bank for Central and Northeast Missouri supports SB 532, stating, “The reauthorization of the Food Pantry Tax Credit is vitally important to hunger relief organizations that are struggling with increased demand for food assistance. The tax credits allow donors to contribute more and provide vital financial assistance when it is so critically needed.”

The bill was referred to the Senate Ways and Means Financial Oversight Committee.

Senate Bill 599 requires school districts to include in their annual school accountability report whether the school district currently has a state-approved gifted education program and to report the number of students in their gifted program. This ensures that schools will remain accountable for the education of their gifted students.

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 please contact my office.

Nance: Visits from Statewide Officials,

2012-01-09T16:56:00.000-06:00

In the District

Governor Nixon came to Excelsior Springs today to tour Magna Seating and announce the “Missouri Works” project.

Senator Roy Blunt will be at the Richmond Courthouse Thursday at 1:45 for a “Town Hall” type meeting. This event is open to the public.

This Friday I will tour the Kansas City Port Authority with the Kansas City Caucus. The Caucus is a bipartisan group of legislators working together for the betterment of the Kansas City area. T.J. Berry who represents the Kearney area is the chairman of the caucus.

Our Speaker of the House, Steve Tilley opened the second session of the 96th General Assembly by highlighting the proposed agenda for the coming five months.

Education

As legislators, we are expected to insure that tax dollars are being spent properly and that everyone in the public school system is accountable and held to the high standards. St. Louis school districts are unaccredited and Kansas City schools are now the same status. The “Turner Fix” from 2011 would have allowed students in a failing district to transfer to a charter school, virtual school, or an accredited school district, at the cost of the unaccredited district that the student is leaving. Kansas City’s neighboring districts say that this could cause issues due to the fact that their schools “could be” or “might be” at capacity. The mayor of Kansas City has offered a plan, but some suggest dividing the district into separate districts. We must look at what is best for the students as we discuss the different options before us.

Government Transparency

Currently, counties do not have to disclose all of the debt that they owe – even though taxpayers may be held liable for these debts as counties raise taxes to pay them off. The Missouri Accountability Portal has been a wide-ranging success – providing citizens with quick and easy access to what their tax dollars are being spent on in Jefferson City. As an extension of the accountability portal, we want to require county governments to start providing information as well, so that local tax payers can see what their tax dollars are being spent on.

Criminal Justice Reform

The cost of our Correction Facilities and Prisons are out of hand. The General Assembly needs to provide cost saving measures recommended by the Missouri Working Group on Sentencing and Corrections & The House Interim Committee on Criminal Justice.

Jobs

Businesses, small and large have been confronted with rising costs from unemployment taxes, workers compensation insurance, co-employee liability, occupational disease. Missouri must reform these to make a more friendly business climate and also for business retention. Businesses must know we want them here for the long term.

Stouffer: How to Contact Your Elected Officials in 2012

2012-01-09T14:07:00.001-06:00

A new year means new activities for elected officials at every level. For your convenience, I have provided a list of contacts for those representing our area in state and federal government. You may want to keep these numbers handy throughout the year.

In the meantime, we expect another intense legislative session in Jefferson City. The Second Regular Session of the 96^th General Assembly started on Jan. 4, 2012. We are looking at approximately a $500 million budget deficit for Fiscal Year 2013, so it will be another year of having to make some tough decisions in order to balance the budget. Rest assured, I will fight for rural Missouri, as I have every year that I have served in the Missouri Legislature.United State House of Representatives:
Congressman Blaine Luetkemeyer, whose district includes Macon County.
3809 South Providence Road, Suite A
Columbia, MO 65203
Phone: (573) 443-1041
Fax: (573) 443-1050

Congressman Sam Graves, whose district includes Carroll, Chariton, Clay, Cooper and Howard counties.
113 Blue Jay Drive, Suite 100
Liberty, MO 64068
Phone: (816) 792-3976
Fax: (816) 792-0694

Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler, whose district includes Lafayette, Ray and Saline counties.
1909 North Commercial Street
Harrisonville, MO 64701
Phone: (816) 884-3411
Fax: (816) 884-3163

United States Senate:
Senator Roy Blunt
911 Main Street, Suite 2224
Kansas City, MO 64105
Phone: (816) 471-7141
Fax: (816) 471-7338

Senator Claire McCaskill
4141 Pennsylvania, Suite 101
Kansas City, MO 64111
Phone: (816) 421-1639
Fax: (816) 421-2562

Missouri House of Representatives:
\Representative Mike Lair (Carroll County)
MO House of Representatives
201 West Capitol Avenue, Room 400
Jefferson City, MO 65101
(573) 751-2917

Representative Randy Asbury (Chariton County)
MO House of Representatives
201 West Capitol Avenue, Room 201CA
Jefferson City, MO 65101
(573) 751-6566

Representative Caleb Jones (Cooper County)
MO House of Representatives
201 West Capitol Avenue, Room 201B
Jefferson City, MO 65101
(573) 751-2134

Representative Bob Nance (Ray County, Excelsior Springs and Lawson)
MO House of Representatives
201 West Capitol Avenue, Room 200A
Jefferson City, MO 65101
(573) 751-1468

Representative TJ Berry (Kearney)
MO House of Representatives
201 West Capitol Avenue, Room 400CB
Jefferson City, MO 65101
(573) 751-2238

Representative Joe Aull (Saline County, Concordia, Alma and Lexington)
MO House of Representatives
201 West Capitol Avenue, Room 101A
Jefferson City, MO 65101
(573) 751-2204

Representative Stanley Cox (Sweet Springs)
MO House of Representatives
201 West Capitol Avenue, Room 408A
Jefferson City MO 65101
(573) 751-9774

Representative Paul Quinn (Howard County)
MO House of Representatives
201 West Capitol Avenue, Room 101J
Jefferson City, MO 65101
(573) 751-4028

Representative Mike McGhee (Lafayette County)
MO House of Representatives
201 West Capitol Avenue, Room 414
Jefferson City, MO 65101
(573) 751-1462

And, to contact Sen. Stouffer:
201 West Capitol Avenue, Room 320
Jefferson City, MO 65101
Phone: (573) 751-1507 / Toll-Free: (866) 768-3987
Fax: (573) 751-9764
bstouffer{at}senate{dot}mo{dot}gov

Contact any Missouri state employee:
Statewide phone directory, (573) 751-2000
Thank you, and have a blessed 2012.

Mayer: The 2012 Legislative Session Begins

2012-01-09T13:52:00.005-06:00

Wednesday, January 4^th we returned to the capitol for the beginning of the second regular session of the 96^th General Assembly. As Senate Leader, I gave the opening day address that outlined the priorities we plan to pass this year to improve your daily lives. (Audio and video of the address are available on my multimedia page by clicking here.)

We want to swiftly pass a balanced budget without a tax increase for the people of Missouri and to help put Missourians back to work in this stagnant and weak economy. Missouri’s taxpayers and workforce deserve nothing less.

One of our toughest challenges this year will again be crafting a state budget that spends no more than the state takes in through revenue collections. As we weather the biggest economic recession since the Great Depression, Missouri is one of a few states in good financial condition. That said, slow revenue growth, increased mandatory expenses in programs like Medicaid, and the end of more than $400 million in one-time federal stabilization dollars means we could be forced to make further reductions in the upcoming budget that begins July 1^st.

We are prepared to make tough decisions. But, we first need a governor that will present an honest budget forecast – no matter how unpopular – and then recommend a budget that is balanced. That includes not basing his balanced budget on special legislation that must pass. At the end of the day, we must all be committed to reducing the size and scope of state government so taxpayers can afford to sustain it without a tax increase.

Education will continue to be a priority for us in funding and resources. Every student deserves an equal opportunity for a world-class education and the Senate will work to make sure that happens for every Missouri student, especially those currently trapped in failing school districts.

We will also continue our efforts to help put Missourians back to work in good paying jobs with benefits. While the number of unemployed Missourians has decreased, it is still too high. That is why we must tear down the walls that are economic barriers to all Missouri businesses –big and small – so they can invest in hiring new employees. Our plan in the Senate starts by curbing excessive regulations, restoring balance to employment law and returning the Workers’ Compensation System as the exclusive remedy for workplace accidents.

We have much to do this year and will work together to do what is in the best interest of all Missourians.

Please feel free to contact me throughout the year with any comments, questions, or issues at the contact information listed below and on my website at www.senate.mo.gov/mayer.

Lant: Budget, Education Reforms Among House Priorities

2012-01-09T08:06:00.000-06:00

Well, opening week of session is behind us and much of the rush to get things started is past. We were treated to opening speeches by leadership of both parties. Legislative priorities were spelled out to us and quite honestly, they made pretty good sense. The first and foremost priority is to balance the budget without raising taxes. As our Federal share of Medicaid funds is reduced by 100 million dollars thanks to provisions of the "Affordable Health Care", it becomes ever harder to find the additional funds in our State budget without increases in taxes. We are committed, at least for this year, to accomplish the task.

We have been challenged to create a climate for new jobs in our State and provide employers with tools to retain workers. There will be discussions on Co-employee liability, Occupational diseases, Second Injury Fund reform, Prevailing Wage Reform, and Tort Reform (loser pays). Taxpayer protection legislation will include County Debt Disclosure, Criminal Justice Reform, and open discussions from interim committee reports.

Much attention has been given to Kansas City and St.Louis School Districts being unaccredited. Many feel that constantly throwing more money at failing school districts is the wrong approach. We will be looking at free market legislation regarding tax credits in unaccredited districts and expansion of Charter Schools. Other topics targeted are The Turner Fix, The Teacher Quality Act, and a Foundation Formula Fix. These are sure to draw a crowd at committee hearings.

Value based issues are also in the crosshairs. These include Veterans Home Funding, Pharmacist and Healthcare Provider Conscience Bills, Mandatory Reporter Reforms, Expanded College savings Plans, and Voter ID Legislation. If you have any desire to witness some lively debates and animated discussions, this would be the session to come visit. We will be starting early with committee hearings and hopefully be able to send bills to the senate early enough to get some significant measures passed.

We will have a pretty light week next week while we await the Governor's State of the State Speech. Shortly after his speech we will get the long awaited Governor's suggested budget. He has been floating trial balloons on funding cuts and adding to and subtracting from his recommendations according to polling opinions. To me, this is not the way to approach the budget process. Last year, after the budget was finalized, the Governor withheld 170 million dollars from Education, Social Services, and other allocated funds. This was immediately challenged by the Auditor and the lawsuit he filed has yet to be heard. The Governor has repeatedly promised Joplin financial assistance in the way of Tax Credits etc. but of the 122 Million promised, only about 90 million found its way to low and medium income housing, and the Governor controlled Housing Commission for the first time in history, requires that prevailing wages are to be paid for residential construction. That means that less than half of his promised funds will replace much needed housing. Meanwhile, he has spent over 45,000 of our tax dollars in fuel for the State Airplane flying back and forth to Joplin for photo opportunities. This, by the way, has been charged to Public Safety, not the Governor's account. Don't take this wrong, I think his presence at first was comforting, but enough is enough. The Governor needs to get behind some of the jobs measures and reforms that are being proposed. I know we are in an election year, but the needs of the people of Missouri should be our first priority. Thanks to the redistricting done by the Appellate Court, many Representatives and Senators find themselves pitted against one another in the upcoming elections. This is going to add a lot of work and a lot of cost to the process. While it is far too late to do anything about the redistricting, I sure hope that the distraction of the elections doesn't take us away from our first responsibility which is to our constituents.

The Adult Sunday School Class at Racine Christian Church is planning an April trip to the Capitol. Many folks have never visited the Capitol and they are sure in for a wonderful experience. I encourage everyone young and old, to make the trip to Jefferson City to visit what is arguably the most beautiful Capitol Building in the United States. With a little notice of your coming, I can arrange for tours of the Capitol, the Supreme Court, and the Governor's Mansion. I felt especially honored this morning in Church when the Pastor asked the Congregation to keep me and the entire Legislative Body in their prayers. Believe me, with your prayers and Jane watching my every move, I can't go wrong! Until next week, I am, and remain, in your service.

Davis: No Government Better Than Bad Government

2012-01-08T14:44:00.000-06:00

“Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind.” ―Dr. Seuss

As we begin a new legislative session, I want to thank you all for your support through my first year in the Missouri House of Representatives. I believe last year was a fairly successful year. I firmly hold true to my belief that:

NO GOVERNMENT IS BETTER THAN BAD GOVERNMENT and NO BILL IS BETTER THAN A BAD BILL.

We saw some good things happen and saw some bad things stopped. Even though not all our positive legislation made it to the governor’s desk, those that did will make a positive impact on our state.

A look at the new year:

With the Missouri unemployment rate hovering around 9%, the House will debate how we can create the right climate for job creation in our State and what tools employers need to retain workers and add new employees to their payrolls. We will discuss Workers Compensation Reform (Co-employee liability, Occupational Disease, Second Injury Fund Reform), Prevailing Wage Reform, the Missouri Entrepreneur Virtual Resource Network, and a tort reform measures that will include Employment Discrimination Law Reform, Loser Pays proposals, and Joint and Several Liability Reform.

To maintain Missouri’s AAA bond rating (one of only 7 states) and to protect Missouri Taxpayers, we will focus on advancing the Taxpayer Protection Act and will once again adhere to our “No New Taxes” pledge together with a Balanced Budget as well as requiring County Debt Disclosure. Criminal Justice Reform (which can dramatically reduce excessive economic drags on the State Budget) will also be on our docket and will consist of recommendations from working groups and interim committees.

With attention being drawn to the now unaccredited Kansas City School District (joining the decades long unaccredited City of St. Louis School District), there will be free market legislation advanced regarding tuition tax credits in unaccredited districts and expanding charter schools. Other topics regarding improving Missouri’s public schools, which are funded by your tax dollars and should be accountable to every taxpayer in the State, will include the Turner Fix, the Teacher Quality Act and a Foundation Formula Fix. My goal is to make control of school districts as local as possible and the only way to accomplish that is to truly give parents and the local school districts the power and choice to control the tax dollars that fund the education of their children in Missouri’s public schools.

Last but not least, value based issues will also come to the fore. These include Veterans Home Funding, Pharmacist & Health Care Provider Conscience Bills, Mandatory Reporter reform, Expanded College Savings plans and Voter Photo ID-enabling legislation.

With the new district lines drawn, it is unfortunate that I will lose some areas that I have been proud to server and picked up some areas that I will be honored to server next year. The new district number will be 162. I lost Duquesne, Carterville (north of 71), Webb City north of Broadway St., everything south of 7^th street in Joplin. I did pick up Briarbrook south of Center Creek in Carl Junction, Everything north of 7^th street in Joplin and most of the area west of Schifferdecker all the way to the state line and south to Newton County. For a full map, visit .. http://oa.mo.gov/bp/redistricting/newlegislativedistricts/

Click on the agree button, select the HOUSE APPORTIONMENT PLAN and then zoom in on the Joplin area. This will give you a street level view of the new district.

We will be honoring KZRG Radio and Zimmer Radio Group this Wednesday at the capitol for their wonderful service to our community after the May 22^nd tornado. We will be reading the resolution Bill White and I will be presenting to them at 10 AM on the House Floor. Thank you to Josh Marsh and Chad Elliott as well as the entire Zimmer Radio Group for your wonderful dedication and service to our community.

I am excited about the new year and hope each one of you will come to the capitol this year and let me show you around.

Thank you for allowing me to server as your representative in Jefferson City.

Tilley: Blueprint For Missouri

2012-01-06T16:27:00.000-06:00

The New Year is a time for new beginnings, and, here in the Missouri House, we started our second legislative session with a fresh perspective and a renewed sense of purpose by releasing our Blueprint for Missouri.

The Blueprint is our plan to move Missouri forward. The program rests on four important issues: protecting taxpayers, creating jobs, reforming schools and protecting our values.

Putting Missourians back to work will be a priority again this session. Last session, we took several steps to create jobs. We cut taxes on small businesses adding new employees, eliminated the franchise tax and adopted several measures to improve the business climate. But with an unemployment rate still above 8%, there is still work to be done.

One innovative idea to spur job creation is the Entrepreneur Virtual Resource Network. This new program would provide resources to the Department of Economic Development for a website that pools the information needed to start a small business in the state.

Entrepreneurs are the lifeblood of job creation, but they often need assistance in navigating the regulatory hoops necessary to create their business from scratch. This website will give them a one-stop shop on how to get their idea to the marketplace.

We will also continue working to improve the business climate by enacting a loser pays law this session. Attorney’s fees racked up due to frivolous lawsuits can be burdensome or even bankrupt small businesses. Loser pays will lower the number of frivolous suits and cut litigation costs businesses have to pay. That money can then be used to hire new employees or expand the business.

Job creation will remain a top priority for us in the Missouri House this session. By helping entrepreneurs cut through bureaucratic, red tape and improving the business climate, we can continue to get Missourians back to work.

It is an honor to serve you in the Missouri House. As always, I welcome your comments. You may reach me at 573-751-1488, send your e-mails to steven{dot}tilley{at}house{dot}mo{dot}gov or write to me at the Missouri House of Representatives, State Capitol, Room 308, Jefferson City, MO 65101. If you know of anyone who would like to receive my Capitol Reports electronically, please contact me with their e-mail address.

Engler: 2012 Legislative Session Underway

2012-01-06T16:12:00.000-06:00

This week was the beginning of the 2012 legislative session and, due to term limits, my last year representing the 3^rd Senatorial District. It’s been an amazing seven years, and an incredible honor. I’m proud of the work I've done in the Missouri Legislature.

The beginning of session is always interesting. Numerous bills are introduced, many which promise to be high-profile and dominate a lot of our time. You also get a feel for how the rest of the session may go and what issues will take center-stage.

A major priority for this session is crafting a balanced budget. Like last year, this is going to be a difficult process. Despite some goods news on falling unemployment and a slight increase in revenue growth, we’re still facing a pretty big shortfall. We’re going to have to make hard decisions to find ways to cut state spending without hurting education.

Next week legislation will be sent to committees. One measure I introduced this week is Senate Bill 525, which addresses the partisan election of judges. In most counties in Missouri, circuit court and associate circuit court judges are elected in partisan races as a Republican or Democrat. Yet, we expect our judges to be beyond political parties and base their decisions on the facts of the case and their understanding of the law. I think it’s very important to maintain the impartiality of the courts. They’re meant to be above politics.

We have a challenging session ahead of us, but I’m hopeful we can work together to do what’s best for the people of Missouri. I will continue to keep you posted.

In the meantime, visit my Senate website, www.senate.mo.gov/engler to view a complete list of my sponsored legislation for 2012, as well as other helpful links.

Dugger: Speaker Outlines House's Priorities

2012-01-06T15:51:00.000-06:00

We have a tendency to get too caught up in the fights– and forget just how awesome it is to have the opportunity to be here serving the people. And how, despite our differences in opinion, we all share a commitment to public service that brings us together. –Steven Tilley

With the New Year comes a new legislative session in Jefferson City. The second regular session of the 96^th General Assembly was called to order on January 4^th by Speaker of the Missouri House of Representatives, Steven Tilley. With his opening remarks, Speaker Tilley outlined his “Blueprint for Missouri.” The four pillars of the Blueprint consist of advancing legislation in support of: Missouri taxpayers, Missouri jobs, Missouri schools, and Missouri values.

First and foremost, the biggest challenge facing Missouri is the economic status of the state. During these difficult economic times the Missouri taxpayer must be protected from “big” government with the establishment of constitutional restrictions that will limit the growth of government. This also means balancing the budget without new taxes while also improving government transparency by requiring county disclosure of debt.

Secondly, in order to revive Missouri’s economy we must create a job friendly environment. Without a doubt, the entrepreneurial spirit is vital to the economic well-being of Missouri and we must support the development of small businesses by establishing a resource network to ensure ideas become reality. By helping Missouri’s entrepreneurs and reforming existing business regulations such as prevailing wage laws, workers’ compensation law, and employment discrimination laws an economic climate can be created in Missouri that is good not only for businesses but for the individual worker as well.

While it is important to make Missouri more business friendly, it would all be for nothing without a skilled workforce to fill job openings. It is paramount that Missouri’s school children receive a world-class education. Simple measures can revitalize Missouri’s education foundation formula and reforming student transfer laws can make it easier for students in unaccredited districts to receive a worthwhile education.

As the Missouri Legislature sets out to make Missouri a better place in which to work and raise a family, we cannot turn a blind eye to the core values upon which the state and our nation were built. We must protect the right of conscience for Missouri pharmacists when it comes to the distribution of abortion drugs. Recent events have highlighted the need for Missouri to review its mandatory reporting laws to protect our children from predators.

Without a doubt, Missouri will face numerous challenges in the near future. However, Missourians never turn away from a challenge, no matter how overwhelming it might seem at first. Time and time again the drive and determination of those that call Missouri home exemplify the power of working together. I look forward to working alongside my fellow Representatives and Senators to develop meaningful legislation that will help our great state prosper and grow.

As always, it is a privilege and an honor to represent you in the Missouri House of Representatives. I am grateful for the opportunity to be your voice in Jefferson City.

Keaveny: Expanded Early Childhood Education Programs, HIV/AIDS Awareness, MSD Low-Income Assistance Program

2012-01-06T14:18:00.000-06:00

The Second Regular Session of the 96^th General Assembly Begins

On Wednesday, Jan 4., the Second Regular Session of the 96^th General Assembly will commence. Throughout the 2012 regular session, which will continue until May 18, I will be sponsoring several measures, some focusing on vital issues that I have addressed before in previous sessions. Some of the governmental matters I will focus on include:

Allowing the City of St. Louis to control its own police force without state intervention (SB 461);
Reforming aspects of the payday loan industry to prevent Missourians from acquiring excessive debt (SB 462);
Increasing fines for seat belt violations from $10 to $50, encouraging citizens to put safety first (SB 463);
Expanding early childhood education programs to ensure our children are on the path to a solid education and future;
Analyzing the death penalty and its fiscal impact on Missouri;
Examining spousal trusts and trust protectors; and
Establishing the Non-Human Primate Act, which will address the ownership of non-human primates, such as chimpanzees and gorillas.

Please visit my Missouri Senate website at www.senate.mo.gov/keaveny and click on the "Legislation" tab at the top of the page to view my sponsored bills for the 2012 regular session.

Expanding Early Childhood Education Programs

Increasing access to early childhood education programs is one of my top legislative priorities. In a news release issued Dec. 12, it was announced that the St. Louis Public School District plans to further expand access to early childhood education programs in the City of St. Louis.

The release further states, "Under a proposal outlined by the St. Louis Public Schools and approved by the U.S. District Court last month, the school district will invest $23.1 million from the Desegregation Capital Fund to dramatically expand access to early childhood education programs. This investment in early childhood education is one part of the district’s comprehensive plan to improve student performance and ultimately return to full state accreditation."

The funding will be dispersed as follows:

$15.9 million over three years to open and fund 25 additional preschool classrooms throughout the district, two of which will be early childhood special education classrooms;
$4.7 million over three years to provide before- and after-care for preschoolers at 30 sites throughout the district; and
$2.5 million to expand the Parent Infant Interaction Program to Roosevelt, Beaumont, and Sumner high schools. This program provides child care and related support services that allow teen parents to continue their education.

I am thrilled that this funding will be used to generate more opportunities for the young people of the City of St. Louis.

New Missouri Senate and House District Boundaries Announced

At right: New legislative districts pertaining to the St. Louis area.

The new legislative boundaries for the Missouri Senate and House, drafted by members of the Missouri Appellate Apportionment Commission, were announced on Nov. 30. On Dec. 9, however, the commission filed a revised redistricting plan and map, due to a constitutional provision regarding multi-district counties.

Since the new district maps were released, questions have been raised regarding representation. The redrawn boundaries will coincide with any newly elected or re-elected individuals sworn into office in January 2013. I will continue to proudly represent the current 4th Senatorial District, and will be happy to welcome new constituents in 2013.

To view the new legislative maps, please click here, or visit the Missouri Office of Administration’s redistricting website at oa.mo.gov/bp/redistricting.

If you have any questions regarding the redistricting process, please don't hesitate to contact me.

Raising Awareness for HIV/AIDS

At right: Panelists from the World AIDS Day convention. From left to right: Sheila Jackson, Sherrill Wayland, Dr. Katherine Mathews, Steve Houldsworth, and Lawrence Lewis.

HIV/AIDS in St. Louis

According to a report published by KMOV in October 2011, more than 5,000 people in the St. Louis region are living with HIV/AIDS. The article further states that, according to the Missouri State Health Department, 300 new HIV/AIDS cases were documented in the St. Louis area in 2010.

On a national level, it's estimated that more than one million people are living with HIV in our country, and that more than half a million have died after developing AIDS. It is important that we address the HIV/AIDS epidemic by stopping HIV/AIDS discrimination, discussing how to prevent the disease, and advocating for HIV/AIDS programs and services.

On Dec. 1, I had the honor of attending the World AIDS Day ceremony at the Missouri History Museum in St. Louis — I thank my hosts for inviting me to discuss this imperative health issue.

Syringe Exchange Programs

One of the most effective ways to help prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS is promoting Syringe Exchange Programs (SEPs), which are designed to help prevent the transmission of HIV and Hepatitis C. The programs allow injection drug users to acquire sterile syringes and dispose of used syringes at no cost.

Since the epidemic began, injection drug use (IDU) has directly and indirectly accounted for more than one-third (36 percent) of AIDS cases in the United States. This disturbing trend appears to be continuing. Of the 42,156 new cases of AIDS reported in 2000, 11,635 (28 percent) were associated with IDU, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

A study conducted by the World Health Organization showed an 18.6 percent annual decrease in the HIV rate in 36 cities with SEPs, compared to an 8.1 percent annual increase in 67 cities that didn't have these programs.

Currently, there is only one SEP offered in Missouri. We need your support to advocate for the establishment of more SEPs in our state and help prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS. For more information about AIDS awareness, please visit www.aids.gov or facing.aids.gov.

Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District's Low-Income Assistance Program

The Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District (MSD) offers a low-income assistance program for qualified low-income, elderly, and disabled customers. Eligible customers will receive a rate reduction equal to 50 percent of the current charges on their monthly sewer bill.

In order to qualify for the low-income assistance program, a customer's total annual income for the previous year must be less than 150 percent of the most recent Health and Human Services’ (HHS) poverty guidelines by size of household, and less than 175 percent for disabled individuals and seniors who are at least age 62. These guidelines can be found on the MSD website, www.stlmsd.com, in the section titled "Low Income Assistance," located under the Customer Service tab at the top of the page.

Additional qualifications include:

A person's liquid assets and real estate are less than $3,000, excluding his or her house of residence. Senior homeowners who are older than 62 — or disabled individuals — are not subject to the liquid asset guideline.
A customer must own and/or reside as a tenant in the property for which he or she is applying to receive a rate reduction.
Property must be a single family residence or multi-unit properties up to six units.

You may download an application at www.stlmsd.com, or receive one by calling (314) 768-6200.

Once the application is accepted, rate reductions begin on the first full month following approval. The rate reduction will remain in effect for a period of one year from the date of approval, and all applicants must reapply annually.

New applicants with a prior past due balance will need to establish payment arrangements with MSD in order to qualify for the low-income assistance program.

Motor Vehicle Extended Service Contracts

As many of us depend on our automobiles for transportation, consumers will often purchase motor vehicle extended service contracts, which are designed to cover the cost of vehicles' repair, replacement, or maintenance when they age or encounter a problem.

Most new automobiles come with a factory warranty that is included in the price of the vehicle; however, some consumers buy motor vehicle extended service contracts on cars with expired factory warranties.

The Missouri Department of Insurance lists a number of guidelines how motor vehicle extended service contract providers must conduct business.

Providers are required to offer a “free-look” period. Consumers may receive a full refund within 20 business days from the time the contract is issued or mailed. Any refund not paid in full within 45 days of the return of the contract will be assessed a 10 percent penalty each month until the refund is paid.

In addition, motor vehicle extended services providers may not:

Use the word “warranty” in sales and marketing materials;
Claim a false affiliation with a motor vehicle manufacturer or dealer;
Falsely claim to know the status of the consumer’s factory warranty; or
Use deceptive practices in any term or provision of a motor vehicle extended service contract.

For more information about how to wisely purchase a motor vehicle extended service contract, please click here, or call the Missouri Department of Insurance at (573) 751-4126.

Helpful Information For Small Business Owners

I have the utmost respect and admiration for Missourians who own and operate their own businesses. The success of a small business requires determination, a dutiful work ethic, and a lot of pride. As a lawmaker, I want to do all I can do help small businesses thrive in our state.

Featured on the Missouri Department of Revenue website is a source dedicated to serving small businesses' tax requirements. The website offers information regarding:

How to research the tax requirements for your business and registering the business with the department;
Ongoing requirements for filing and paying tax in Missouri; and
Access to additional state resources, including access to the Missouri Business Portal.

The website also offers several tools that you can utilize to help your business grow and prosper, including tax help and information about business tax training seminars. You can visit the website at smallbiztax.mo.gov, or call the Business Tax Registration phone number at (573) 751-5860 to learn more about tax help.

Another helpful website is the MOSourceLink, which can help you create a plan for your business, register your company, and expand your market. You can visit this website at www.mosourcelink.com.

Dick Gregory Place Apartments Offer Affordable Housing Options

In October, the completion of Dick Gregory Place Apartments was celebrated, and I was happy to participate in the ribbon-cutting ceremony. The Dick Gregory Place Apartments project was shepherded by Northside Community Housing Inc. and the Greater Ville Neighborhood Preservation Commission.

I'm also pleased to say that a piece of St. Louis history was preserved in this project, as 15 of the buildings are historic rehabs. Funding sources for the project included Low-Income Housing Tax Credits, Historic Tax Credits, HOME funds, and ARRA funds.

Thanks to this project, numerous St. Louis families will be able to live comfortably and affordably.

Missouri Arts Council: Grant Applications Now Online

Art plays an important role in our lives, and it is my pleasure to serve on the Missouri Arts Council and Cultural Trust Board.

The Missouri Arts Council (MAC) is a state agency and a division of the Missouri Department of Economic Development, and provides more than $6.5 million a year to nonprofit organizations that are dedicated to emphasizing the importance of the arts. In addition to promoting the arts, MAC provides expertise in community development, fundraising, marketing, grant writing, and arts education, among other skills.

I'm happy to announce the FY 2013 Missouri Arts Council Annual Grant applications are now online, and can be accessed at mac.cgweb.org. In order to apply for MAC funds, you must have an active online profile. Guidelines and forms regarding the grants may be found here. The deadline for draft reviews is Jan. 30, 2012. You can contact your program specialist with questions at (314) 340-6845 or toll-free (866) 407-4752.

Studies have shown that children who are involved in arts education have higher standardized test scores, higher attendance and graduation rates, and lower disciplinary rates, according to a news release issued in March 2010 by the Missouri Alliance for Arts Education (click here for the full release). Please support the arts in our state, and visit www.missouriartscouncil.org to learn more about how you can get involved in arts education.

Berry: Redistricting, Assessor Makes Second Request To Use Alternate Values

2012-01-06T12:39:00.001-06:00

I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and I wish you the best in the New Year.

Session

Missouri legislative session begins each year at noon on the first Wednesday after the first Monday in January. We will be in session through the second week in May.

Redistricting

The newly drawn redistricting maps were completed in early December. There has been a drastic change across the state. The 35^th district has been split by our Appellate Court Judges into the new 12^th and 38^th House Districts. I now reside in the new 38^th District. Redistricting lines will not take effect until the election of 2012. I will continue to represent the 35^th District for twelve more months.

The Smithville area of Clay County has been added to the 12^th Senatorial District. The district now includes over 183,000 people and all of Ray, Caldwell, Clinton, Andrew, Holt, Atchison, DeKalb, Nodaway, Gentry, Harrison, Worth, and Davies Counties.

Links to the new maps are below; Please take a look to see which of the new districts you live in.

State Senate: New Senate Districts
State House: New House Districts

Personal Property Tax

Everyone should have recently received a letter from the Clay county assessor’s office dealing with vehicle property tax assessment. This is the second year the Assessor has requested the ability to use either the Kelly Blue Book or NADA value. It is important to use the same standard across the state’s 114 counties. The Assessor would like to make this decision at the discretion of their office. I have a reluctance to grant politicians the ability to manipulate tax revenues during election cycles. I would welcome your input on this matter.

Bill Information

If you would like to track legislation you may log on to www.house.mo.gov and select “Bill Information” and then select “Bill Tracking”. You may search by topic or bill number. If you want to track the bills that I have either sponsored or co-sponsored, just enter my last name and you will be able to look at each of those also.

Capitol Reports

If you know anyone who would be interested in receiving this Capitol Report, they can click the “Capitol Report Signup” button on my member home page at www.house.mo.gov and enter the appropriate information to receive the Capitol Report. As always if you have any questions or concerns feel free to contact my office at (573) 751–2238 or by email at TJ{dot}Berry{at}house{dot}mo{dot}gov.

Korman: Controversial Issues Await House, Including Tolls On I-70

2012-01-06T11:47:00.000-06:00

The bells rang and the gavel banged in the Second Regular Session of the 96^th General Assembly at 12 noon on Wednesday, January 4, 2012.

I was honored to join my colleagues in the reading of The Preamble and Article I of the Missouri State Constitution as well as the Bill of Rights.

These first couple days starting the Session allow a gradual transition from spending time with family over the holidays to what will be most likely a hectic and contentious session due to the dynamics of the office holders, redistricting, elections, court rulings along with budget shortfalls. The budget shortfall is projected to be around 500 million dollars mainly due to declined federal funding and revenues.

Speaker Steve Tilley outlined his vision called the Blue Print for Missouri. The goals for this legislative session are not to increase taxes, to pass a balanced budget, put limits on the growth of government, legislation to protect pharmacists’ right of conscience not to administer abortion drugs, creating a stable funding source for Missouri veteran’s homes, ensuring Missouri law protects our children from predators, work to create an economic climate where businesses can prosper, and on improving the prospects of long-term growth for education. These issues will affect Missourians in many different ways and the details of these ideas will definitely be debated in the upcoming months.

An issue that may prove to be controversial is I-70 being converted into a toll road. On Tuesday, January 17 at 1:00 p.m. the Joint Committee on Transportation Oversight 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 on in writing. Our office can send you a copy of the proper witness form for testimony. Depending on the amount of public testimony the hearing may be continued until Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. If you have a desire to have your feelings heard on I-70 then I encourage you to call Chairman, Representative Charlie Denison at (573) 751-2210 so that he will know you want to speak or submit written testimony and he can provide further information. Give his office your name and contact information in case of weather issues.

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

Rupp: A New Chapter of History Begins: The 2012 Regular Session

2012-01-06T10:05:00.001-06:00

As the clock chimed at noon on Wednesday (Jan. 4), the Second Regular Session of the 96^th General Assembly was set in motion. The atmosphere in the chamber was optimistic and confident, as the first bills of 2012 were introduced in the Missouri Senate. My prayer is that lawmakers will be able to band together to pass beneficial legislation that will make Missouri an even better place to live, work, and raise a family.

The Legislature has many goals for the 2012 legislative session. Some of those priorities include passing a balanced budget without increasing taxes on hardworking Missourians — Senate leaders would like the governor to present his plan for a balanced budget at his State of the State Address scheduled for Jan. 17 — and passing initiatives that will encourage job creation in our state.

Currently, an estimated 8.5 percent of Missourians are out of work. In addition to unemployment hardships, studies show that 1 of every 6 Missourians is currently receiving food stamps. I’m committed to do all I can to endorse measures that will bring jobs back to Missouri, allowing families to serve meals on the table and keep a comfortable home.

Another top priority is cementing our commitment to education. Last year, we voted to maintain the school funding formula at its current level. In addition, we voted to restore $30 million in funding for ACCESS Missouri scholarships, after the governor cut the program by $48 million. Our children are our future, and they deserve to seize every opportunity possible to discover new and innovative ideas, and build leadership skills to serve them in their future.

Throughout session, you can utilize the Missouri Senate website (www.senate.mo.gov) to follow our legislative accomplishments. On the left-hand side of the screen is a window that states the meeting status of the Senate. You can also listen to live debate, follow dates of committee hearings on the hearing calendar, and view the Senate journal to keep up with our day’s work.

Please feel free to reference my Senate website, www.senate.mo.gov/rupp, as well. There, you will find links to my sponsored legislation, news releases, legislative columns, and multimedia postings. As always, please don’t hesitate to call or visit my Capitol office if I can be of any assistance to you.

Denison: House Begins 2012 Session, Budget Deficit Looms Large

2012-01-06T09:56:00.000-06:00

“Feeling grateful or appreciative of someone or something in your life actually attracts more of the things that you appreciate and value in your life.” –Christiane Northrup

House Begins 2012 Legislative Session

My colleagues and I returned to Jefferson City Wednesday January 5^th for the start of the 2012 legislative session. It’s hard to believe the interim has moved by so quickly, but we’re ready to have a productive session that will address some of the key issues currently faced by our state. Many of those issues were addressed by House Speaker Tilley in his opening address. During the speech he outlined what he calls his Blueprint for Missouri. I have briefly mentioned the blueprint in a previous Capitol Report and will do my best to flesh out more of the details in future reports. In general, the Speaker’s blueprint is focused on crafting a balanced budget without increasing taxes, improving the state’s business climate, creating a better system of education and protecting the values important to Missouri families. We know the people of Missouri expect and deserve a government that stays out of their pockets, lives within its means and respects and protects the values shared by families all across the state. The people also deserve a government that does all it can to create a climate that will allow our economy to flourish and that works to make our schools some of the best in the country. This session we will follow the Speaker’s blueprint in an effort to achieve these goals.

Budget Deficit Looms Large as Session Opens

While the new session brings with it the hope for accomplishing many of the policy objectives we believe will benefit the people of Missouri, it also brings with it the reality of yet another tough budget year. As we look for ways to fund critical programs and to keep our schools funded at a level that allows our young people to excel, we realize it will be a real challenge as budget forecasts call for a budget deficit of anywhere from $425 million to $500 million. That deficit is largely a product of federal stimulus dollars no longer being available to help balance the budget. It will make for a challenging budget process this year, but one thing you can be assured of is that we will not raise your taxes in order to balance the budget. We have been firmly against increasing the tax burden on Missouri families and that no-tax-hike approach will continue this year. Instead, we will tighten our belts and live within our means just as Missourians do when times are tough. Yes, it will be difficult, but we will work together to fund our priorities and eliminate any spending that is not absolutely necessary. We will learn more about the budget situation in a few weeks when the governor delivers his state of the state address to outline his budget proposal for the next fiscal year.

In the District

On Saturday, December 31, 2011, I presented a House resolution to Walt Huber. Walt retired from Don Wessel Honda after thirty six years of service. At the time Walt joined Don Wessel sales staff, the business was known as Don Wessel Oldsmobile and was located on Saint Louis Street in Springfield.

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

Lampe: Budget, Interim Project, Every Child Counts

2012-01-05T20:47:00.000-06:00

Greetings!

It has been thrilling to serve the 138th District and the entire state throughout the past seven years. Because of term limits, this is my final session as your representative, but I hope it is one of the most productive and beneficial years Missouri has seen.

Legislators returned to Jefferson City this week to begin the 2012 Regular Session. My House committee assignments remain the same as last year. I look forward to serving on the Utilities, Elementary and Secondary Education and Downsizing Government Committees. I am also humbled to continue serving as the ranking Democrat on the Budget Committee.

Please feel free to contact my capitol office if you have any questions or concerns about legislation that is considered by the House during session. Knowing how you feel about certain issues helps me to serve you better.

Budget

When budgets are tight, our values come forward. This year, the budget is just about as tight as it can get. Current projections show that the legislature will have to find a way to face a nearly $600 million budget shortfall. Many proposals have been made to increase economic prosperity in the state. However, few address the issues associated with such a large budget shortfall.

I value the education of our children and will continue to be the voice for public education for Missouri's children. The current education foundation formula has become inadequate and inequitable and will require attention from both chambers. Clearly, with little revenues, schools will suffer with or without a rewritten formula. I'm so proud of Springfield Public Schools for being the largest accredited school district in Missouri. When school districts struggle, looking to successful Missouri schools for best practices can be beneficial.

I also value our veterans and seniors. Often, we see veteran and senior issues pitted against our children. Programs that assist those who have served our country bravely, and those who have worked hard to build a great state and community should be valued as our children are. The legislature is constitutionally bound to present a balanced budget. Balance is the key as we continue to consider the finances of our state.

Interim Honors

During the interim, I had the opportunity to serve Missourians in a broader way. I participated in a variety of conferences and panels.I was appointed to the Council of State Governments Executive Committee to represent Missouri at the executive meeting in June. The Council of State Governments (CSG) is the nation's only organization that serves all three branches of state government. It serves to facilitate the exchange of ideas and understanding among state leaders, and to promote collaborative problem-solving. As a member of the Executive Committee, I help develop the policy and programs of CSG. I also serve on the CSG Education Policy Task Force. In October, I attended the CSG National Summit. As the Education Policy Task Force Co-chair, I led meetings that focused on encouraging children to seek higher education, on how to improve education standards, and on how to move beyond standardized testing as a way to check student learning.

In August, I attended the National Conference of State Legislators (NCSL) Summit. NCSL provides research, technical assistance and opportunities for policymakers to exchange ideas on the most pressing state issues. NCSL is an effective and respected advocate for the interests of state governments before Congress and federal agencies. I serve on the NCSL Committee on Education, and I was able to discuss education legislation with nearly 5,000 elected officials, staffers and others involved in public policy.

I was also humbled by the recognition of several organizations. The Foreign Language Association of Missouri (FLAM) honored me with the Friend of Foreign Language Award. The Southwest Independent Living also honored me with their Legislator of the Year award. I cannot begin to describe how surprised and grateful I am to be recognized by these fine organizations.

Every Child Project

The Every Child Project is a public-service journalism initiative by the Springfield News-Leader. This project aims to focus on problems facing children in the Springfield area, to encourage discussion and debate on how to help solve these issues and to lead the community to take action.

The News-Leader established a community advisory board to assist with this project. This advisory board includes members of community and state government, local business leaders as well as local community and religious leaders. I am honored to participate in such a great cause.

The statistics about child abuse and need in the community are astounding. The Greene County foster care system includes more than 1,000 children and youth. Greene County has the most child abuse cases out of any county in Missouri, and demand for homelessness services is growing at a rapid rate.

Every day during the month of January, the News-Leader will publish notes and observations from investigators of child abuse in the community. Please take the time to read these quotes and consider the implication that these facts have on our children, community and future. Please read some of the comments here.

Issues to Look for in 2012

Job Creation: The No. 1 priority of 2011 that wasn't acted on, job creation is even more vital in 2012. House Democrats will pursue polices aimed at encouraging businesses to expand hiring while protecting the rights and wages of Missouri workers. Unfortunately, Republican legislative leaders have announced that instead of substantive job creation efforts they will instead pursue an anti-worker agenda that will further depress the state's economy.

I-70 Toll Road: The Missouri Department of Transportation will ask lawmakers to approve a plan to rebuild Interstate 70 as a toll road. Because a 1967 Missouri Supreme Court decision prohibits MoDOT from operating toll roads or for using money from the state road fund for their construction or maintenance, MoDOT is seeking legislative approval to lease I-70 to a private contractor, which would finance the interstate's reconstruction and recoup its investment by operating it as a toll road. Whether MoDOT's plan clears the constitutional hurdles, however, is questionable and the proposal has so far received a lukewarm response from lawmakers and Gov. Jay Nixon.

Sexual Abuse Reporting: In response to the Penn State football program sexual abuse scandal, Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster is asking the General Assembly to enact a law that would require any person who witnesses the sexual abuse of a child to report it to authorities or face criminal prosecution for failing to report an incident.

Newman: 2012 Legislative Session Begins

2012-01-05T18:22:00.000-06:00

The 96th Missouri General Assembly convened its second regular session yesterday with us lawmakers bracing for yet another round of deep budget cuts. GOP leaders are offering additional modest legislative agendas in the wake of two unproductive legislative sessions in 2011 that were derailed by disagreements between the GOP majorities in the Senate and House of Representatives.

Personally, I am preparing legislation and working closely with the new group, ProgressMO as the House Progressive Caucus gears up. My fight against voter ID efforts continues. I feel confident that our Democratic House Caucus of 57 members will stand solidly in opposition of ALL attempts at voter suppression as we successfully did in 2011.

It is my task as chair of the House Progressive Caucus to again lead this charge and support Governor Nixon in vetoing any voter ID bill that reaches his desk. You may count on me to protect YOUR right to vote.

With an estimated $550 million general revenue shortfall expected in the state operating budget for the 2013 fiscal year, which begins July 1, we must again contemplate ways to reduce spending. However, after a decade of significant cuts most, if not all, of the easy-to-eliminate items are long gone from the state budget, leaving only core state services remaining.

Any talk of increasing revenue is missing –unlike discussions many of us are having in our own homes with tight budgets. Many viable options exist, including raising the state cigarette tax from the lowest in the nation and/or collecting internet sales tax revenues which many states are considering.

Although lawmakers again identified job creation as a top priority, the ambitious and wide-ranging proposals that sparked disagreements between House and Senate Republicans last year have largely been set aside.

Instead, GOP leaders said they would focus on bills sought by business groups that have little direct bearing on job creation, such as making it more difficult to prove employment discrimination, limiting the financial liability of lawsuit defendants and requiring losing parties to pay the winner’s legal fees.

NIXON TO DELIVER STATE OF THE STATE SPEECH - TUESDAY, JANUARY 17

GOVERNOR PICKS NEW ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

I applaud Gov. Jay Nixon’s recent nomination of Jason Hall as director of the Missouri Department of Economic Development. Hall, an attorney, currently is director of the Missouri Technology Corporation, a state-sponsored group that promotes the growth and science and technology companies in Missouri. If confirmed by the Senate, Hall would replace David Kerr, who recently resigned as economic development director. I know Jason Hall well and look forward to working closely with him once his confirmation is final.

Please feel free to come to the State Capitol in Jefferson City and visit us in action. We normally go into session at 4pm on Mondays and adjourn for the week Thursday afternoons. Let me know if you are coming so I can be sure to meet with you - either via scheduled appointment or by me stepping briefly off the floor.

I will be back home in my district in St. Louis on Fridays so please contact Carla Luebbert, my assistant if I can be of any assistance to you then.

I would love to hear from you so please don't be shy!

Mayer: Video on Senate's Session Priorites

2012-01-05T17:52:00.000-06:00

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

The new links include a video news release of Sen. Mayer discussing some of the priority issues he hopes will be addressed this year.

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.

Neth: Brief Week, Brief Report

2012-01-05T16:45:00.000-06:00

Happy New Year! I am officially back in session- the 96th Session of the Missouri General Assembly to be exact. We started on Wednesday, so a short week. Then next week we are back at it weekly on a regular basis.

It is much different this year than last. Whereas last year I was new to the whole thing and took a while to get up to speed, this year it seems like we never left in some regards. I'm deep into several issues already and look to have some challenges on my hands.

As many of you know, I will be very consistent on sending out a report weekly on the activities and happenings in Jefferson City. I enjoy giving everyone a more complete look into what goes on in their government- the good, the bad and everything in between.

This report will be brief, but next week I will review some of the major pieces of legislation I am working on.

Myron

Kraus: Opening Session

2012-01-05T14:52:00.000-06:00

Back in Session

I am excited to return to work in the Capitol as the 2012 legislative session opened on Jan. 4. I look forward to a busy legislative season, knowing that we face many challenges in making decisions governing the state and continuing to make Missouri a great place for people to live and work.

As usual, Senate Leader Robert N. Mayer, R-Dexter, set out our legislative priorities for the session in his opening speech to the Senate. As with last year, passing a balanced budget without a tax increase and putting Missourians back to work are top priorities. With a possible $500 million budget shortfall for Fiscal Year 2013, once again the budget will be difficult, but I know that we will accomplish our goal, as we did last year. Education issues present another challenge, both in keeping funding adequate for our schools and facing the difficulties that occur when two major school districts in the state have lost accreditation.

Throughout December and into January, I was able to file several pieces of legislation, the most recent of which are summarized below. If you wish to read the entire text of any bills I have sponsored, please go to my Senate web page, Senator Will Kraus, and go to the “Legislation” link.

New Legislation

Since our last newsletter, I have filed several more pieces of legislation. Some were bills that did not move through the legislature last year for various reasons. Others are new ideas brought to me by constituents or ideas I have been pursuing to make government work better.

Senate Bill 589 requires local jurisdictions that use red light cameras to direct proceeds to the local school district where the offense occurs. This allows red light cameras, but removes the incentive for local governments to use them purely for profit. If safety is truly the main concern, then the profits can go to help build up education.

Senate Bill 590 tightens Missouri’s immigration laws. Based on parts of the recent Alabama law, this legislation does three different things. First, it allows law enforcement officers to check immigration status on all stops when they have reasonable cause for suspicion. Currently, they can only check when an arrest is made. Second, the bill requires school districts to keep track of undocumented students so the state has a more clear understanding of the cost of illegal immigration. Third, the bill creates a state misdemeanor for not carrying proper documentation that mirrors a federal misdemeanor. This allows Missouri to enforce laws the federal government does not always enforce.

Senate Joint Resolution 40 would make two changes to the constitution to allow easier prosecution and monitoring of sex offenders. The first part removes the phrase “retrospective in operations” from the Missouri Constitution. Because of that phrase, any changes the legislature makes to sex offender registry rules does not apply to people already on the registry. The second change allows prosecutors to use propensity evidence in sex abuse cases when that evidence shows a pattern of behavior and does not prejudice the case.

Grain Valley Town Hall

On Thursday, Jan. 19, Grain Valley Mayor Mike Todd and I will be hosting a town hall meeting in Grain Valley from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Grain Valley Community Center, 713 Main Street.

I will open with a short talk on the upcoming 2012 legislative session and then open the floor for questions and answers. Mayor Todd will also be there to discuss local issues and answer any questions you may have.

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 8^th 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!

Kelley: Beginning The New Session

2012-01-05T13:39:00.000-06:00

Op. note: the session number is incorrect in this missive. The current session is the 96^th.

Yesterday, we began the 2^nd Regular Session of the 97^th General Assembly of the State of Missouri. We completed the procedural requirements necessary to begin the legislative term and we read the Preamble and Article I of the Missouri Constitution on the House Floor to remind us all of the rights, duties and responsibilities that that important document describes.

Every week during the Legislative Session, I will once again be sending out brief updates of the anticipated and/or primary Floor Action for the coming week. As we enter the New Year, I will share with you the priorities on which the House will be focusing.

There are several issues the House will debate during the 2012 Legislative Session. The principle agenda will be focused on the “Blueprint for Missouri”, formulated by Speaker Tilley and the House Majority Caucus. The four planks of the Blueprint consist of advancing legislation in support of: 1) Missouri Jobs, 2) Missouri Taxpayers, 3) Missouri Schools and 4) Missouri Values.

With the Missouri unemployment rate hovering around 9%, the House will debate how we can create the right climate for job creation in our State and what tools employers need to retain workers and add new employees to their payrolls. We will discuss Workers Compensation Reform (Co-employee liability, Occupational Disease, Second Injury Fund Reform), Prevailing Wage Reform, the Missouri Entrepreneur Virtual Resource Network, and a tort reform measures that will include Employment Discrimination Law Reform, Loser Pays proposals, and Joint and Several Liability Reform.

To protect Missouri Taxpayers, we will be focused on advancing the Taxpayer Protection Act and will once again adhere to our “No New Taxes” pledge together with a Balanced Budget as well as requiring County Debt Disclosure. Criminal Justice Reform (which can dramatically reduce excessive economic drags on the State Budget) will also be on our docket and will consist of recommendations from working groups and interim committees.

With attention being drawn to the now unaccredited Kansas City School District (joining the decades long unaccredited City of St. Louis School District), there will be many discussions on what the best fixes are to improve Missouri Schools. Since the school climate from Southwest Missouri and the large inner city schools seem to be about as different as night and day I will be doing all that I can to protect the interest of the rural school districts of Southwest Missouri while helping fix the broken systems that we see in the inner city schools of St. Louis and Kansas City.

Last but not least, value based issues will also come to the fore. These include Veterans Home Funding, Pharmacist & Health Care Provider Conscience Bills, Mandatory Reporter reform, Expanded College Savings plans and Voter Photo ID-enabling legislation.

Throughout Session, I will continue to send reports to my constituents, colleagues and friends across the state. If you ever have any questions or concerns or if we can be of any service, please do not hesitate to contact our office at (573) 751-2165.

Tim Jones: Session Commences, Foci on Education and Business

2012-01-05T13:24:00.000-06:00

At right: Opening Dat of the 2012 Legislative Session

As we ring in the New Year with unseasonably warm weather (coupled with the fear that intrepid Old Man Winter is about to come knocking!), our minds are filled with fading yet pleasantly warm memories from this holiday season, as the focus of the members of the House and Senate and Missourians all across our great State returns to the issues at the Capitol up on the hill…

“The dictionary is the only place that success comes before work. Hard work is the price we must pay for success. I think you can accomplish anything if you're willing to pay the price.” -Vince Lombardi

Commencement of the Second Regular Session of the 96^th General Assembly

On Wednesday, January 4, 2012, legislators from the four corners of Missouri, and everywhere in between, returned to Jefferson City to convene the Second Regular Session of the 96^th General Assembly.

The General Assembly begins each year at noon on the first Wednesday after the first Monday in January at the State Capitol in Jefferson City. Here, legislation will be introduced and debated on both the Senate and the House Floors. The General Assembly meets until the first Friday following the second Monday in May. This year, the Legislative Session will run from January 4^th to May 18^th, one of the longest possible Sessions we can have, thanks to the Constitution and the calendar.

The Missouri General Assembly is made up of 34 members of the Senate, who are elected for four-year terms and 163 members of the House of Representatives, elected for two-year terms. This is an election year and we continue to face severe financial and economic challenges across the Nation. It is against this backdrop that the Session has commenced.

Beginning the Year with Prayer

This year, as in all years past, the first two days of the Legislative Session were marked by a prayer service, on each day I attended with many of my colleagues. Yesterday I participated in the Annual Dedication Service at Concord Baptist Church in Jefferson City, and today I attended and participated in the Annual Governor’s Prayer Breakfast (a tradition going on 50 years now) at the Capitol Plaza Hotel. The highlight of the Governor’s Prayer Breakfast was hearing the incredibly inspiring and moving words of Pastor Randy Gariss of Joplin, Missouri. Pastor Gariss recounted the horrible aftermath of the Joplin tornado and then lifted us all up in a stirring and passionate testament to the incredible generosity and assistance that poured into Joplin from across the State. Missouri had its share of natural disasters last year that affected nearly every citizen in our State to some extent. Pastor Gariss helped us focus on the priorities of life and profoundly stated, “What do I want the folks who live, work and serve in Jefferson City and in government to know? I want them to know God.”

Focus on Education

One of the major factors to discuss in this General Assembly is education and much needed education reform. Billions of dollars of your hard earned tax dollars go to fund public education in this State, comprising over ONE THIRD of the entire State’s Budget. As long as taxpayer dollars continue to fund this system, every legislator owes a duty to every taxpayer to insure that those tax dollars are being spent wisely, that parents ultimately control the public education choices relevant to their children and that everyone in the public school system is accountable and held to the highest standards. With both the Kansas City and St. Louis school districts now in full unaccredited status, bold solutions must be sought through courageous leadership. The Senate General Laws Committee passed legislation in March, 2011 termed the “Turner Fix.” This legislation ultimately did not pass the entire General Assembly but will be debated again. The “Turner Fix” from 2011 would have allowed students in a failing district to transfer to a charter school, virtual school, or an accredited school district, at the cost of the unaccredited district that the student is leaving. Neighboring districts say that this could cause issues due to the fact that their schools “could be” or “might be” at capacity. Other options for reform include a state takeover of the district, mayoral control, having other school districts administration take over, or getting rid of the districts all together. Whatever we decide to do, the status quo has not been acceptable to the taxpayers of this State for a long time so it is time for innovation, creativity and bold solutions. I will be committed to helping lead significant reform in this area.

Focus on Business & Creating a Stable Climate for Job Creation

A cloud is looming over small business and their ability and willingness to hire and retain employees as a result of serious concerns regarding workers compensation problems (caused by several recent court decisions), which include co-employee liability, occupational disease liability and the insolvency of the state’s second injury fund. The second injury fund can help an injured worker when a current work-related injury combines with a prior disability to create an increased combined disability. This fund helps business hire without discrimination, while keeping the business safe in case a different injury should occur. Unfortunately the fund is completely insolvent. Additionally, the co-employee and occupational disease liability issues have created uncertainty amongst our businesses, large and small, like never before in our State’s history. Uncertainty causes businesses to hunker down and protect their bottom lines instead of focusing on retaining and hiring more employees and growing business here in Missouri. Solutions will be pivotal to an improved economy and job creation in this State. Businesses must be able to move forward confidently knowing that these issues are priority for both Houses and I am dedicated to helping achieve solutions.

Fine Arts Grant Available

Visiting the Capitol

Personal News & Notes

Nance: Session Begins, Social Services Implements Proposed Bill

2012-01-04T17:41:00.001-06:00

“Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each New Year find you a better man”. –Benjamin Franklin

I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and I wish you a Happy New Year. The weather and the season have given us the opportunity to share with friends and family. Gifts are exchanged, but the best part of the season for me is spending more time with family.

Session

Missouri’s 2012 legislative session begins on January 4^th. We will be in session through the second week of May. We face many of the same challenges for the coming year.

More people for Senate District 12

Redistricting lines will not take effect until the election of 2012. I will be your 36^th District Representative for twelve more months. The judges split the 36^th into the 8^th, 38^th, and 39^th districts.

State Senate: New Senate Districts
State House: New House Districts

Our Appellate Court Judges in charge of redistricting have added the Smithville area of Clay County to the 12^th Senatorial District. The district now includes over 183,000 people and all of Ray, Caldwell, Clinton, Andrew, Holt, Atchison, DeKalb, Nodaway, Gentry, Harrison, Worth, and Davies Counties. The Clay County portion goes up Raines Road to the 33-69 highway intersection and much of the population North of Cookingham Drive. Excelsior Springs and Kearney will be in District 12.

Social Services adopts ideas

I received a call that even though my SCHIP bill didn’t pass, DSS has implemented the bill. HB793 required the Department of Social Services to establish an administrative renewal process for a child eligible for MO HealthNet or State Children's Health Insurance Program benefits.

Local Schools Cash In on Buckling Up

Local schools took the challenge to buckle up and made it click with students. One hundred and fifty-five (155) schools, including 23 in Kansas City participated in this year's Battle of the Belt Challenge, a competition to raise seat belt use among teens.

Participating schools launched two surprise seat belt checks at each school to measure student seat belt use before and after an educational campaign. In addition, schools had the opportunity to submit a 30-second video spot to encourage their peers to buckle up.

Midway High School in Cass County won the Kansas City award for the Highest Overall Seat Belt Use achieving 100% seat belt use. Valley View High School in Jackson County won the Kansas City award for the Most Improved Seat Belt Use increasing their seat belt use from 53% to 100%. Both schools will receive $500 donated by American Family Insurance to be used for future seat belt educational programs at the schools.

Ten schools in the Kansas City area will receive statewide recognition for seat belt use that reached gold (99-100%), silver (95-98%) or bronze (91-94%) levels of seat belt use and will receive banners to display at the schools donated by the Missouri College of Emergency Physicians. Those schools include:

Lawson High School, Lawson	Silver
Midway High School, Cleveland/Freeman/West Line	Gold
Valley View High School, Blue Springs	Gold
Raymore-Peculiar Senior High, Raymore/Peculiar	Silver
Sherwood High School, Creighton/Garden City Silver
Pleasant Hill High School, Pleasant Hill	Silver
Park Hill South High School, Riverside	Silver
Belton High School, Belton	Bronze
North Platte High School, Dearborn	Bronze
Sweet Springs High School, Sweet Springs	Bronze

Tim Jones: Majority Minute: Blueprint for Missouri

2012-01-04T17:16:00.001-06:00

Op. note: the session number is incorrect in this missive. The current session is the 96^th.

Today, we began the 2^nd Regular Session of the 97^th General Assembly of the State of Missouri. We completed the procedural requirements necessary to begin the legislative term and we read the Preamble and Article I of the Missouri Constitution on the House Floor to remind us all of the rights, duties and responsibilities that that important document describes.

Every Monday afternoon during the Legislative Session, I will once again disseminate a brief update (“The Majority Minute”) of the anticipated and/or primary Floor Action for the coming week. As we enter the New Year, I will share with you the priorities on which the House will be focusing.

There are several issues the House will debate during the 2012 Legislative Session. The principle agenda will be focused on the “Blueprint for Missouri”, formulated by Speaker Tilley, myself and the House Majority Caucus. The four planks of the Blueprint consist of advancing legislation in support of: 1) Missouri Jobs, 2) Missouri Taxpayers, 3) Missouri Schools and 4) Missouri Values.

With the Missouri unemployment rate hovering around 9%, the House will debate how we can create the right climate for job creation in our State and what tools employers need to retain workers and add new employees to their payrolls. We will discuss Workers Compensation Reform (Co-employee liability, Occupational Disease, Second Injury Fund Reform), Prevailing Wage Reform, the Missouri Entrepreneur Virtual Resource Network, and a tort reform measures that will include Employment Discrimination Law Reform, Loser Pays proposals, and Joint and Several Liability Reform.

To protect Missouri Taxpayers, we will be focused on advancing the Taxpayer Protection Act and will once again adhere to our “No New Taxes” pledge together with a Balanced Budget as well as requiring County Debt Disclosure. Criminal Justice Reform (which can dramatically reduce excessive economic drags on the State Budget) will also be on our docket and will consist of recommendations from working groups and interim committees.

With attention being drawn to the now unaccredited Kansas City School District (joining the decades long unaccredited City of St. Louis School District), there will be free market legislation advanced regarding tuition tax credits in unaccredited districts and expanding charter schools. Other topics regarding improving Missouri’s public schools, which are funded by your tax dollars and should be accountable to every taxpayer in the State, will include the Turner Fix, the Teacher Quality Act and a Foundation Formula Fix. My goal is to make control of school districts as local as possible and the only way to accomplish that is to truly give parents the power and choice to control the tax dollars that fund the education of their children in Missouri’s public schools.

Last but not least, value based issues will also come to the fore. These include Veterans Home Funding, Pharmacist & Health Care Provider Conscience Bills, Mandatory Reporter reform, Expanded College Savings plans and Voter Photo ID-enabling legislation.

Throughout Session, I will continue to send The Majority Minute to my constituents, colleagues and friends across the state. If you ever have any questions or concerns or if we can be of any service, please do not hesitate to contact our office at (573) 751-0562.

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

Mayer: Audio On Session Priorities

2012-01-04T17:06:00.000-06:00

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 25^th Senatorial District.

The new audio links include Sen. Mayer discussing some of the priority items he hopes will be passed and signed into law this year. The Second regular Session of the 96^th General Assembly began today (1.4.12).

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/12info/mayer/Multimedia.html.

Lant: New Year Brings New Challenges, Tours of the Capitol

2012-01-03T09:19:00.000-06:00

Well, here we go! We have a new year, a new session, new challenges, and new opportunities. We are looking forward to making a lot of new friends in McDonald County as my District was enlarged to include the entire county. Along with campaigning for re-election, we will also be building a cabin on Elk River this year and looking for a home as well. I'm not too sure what I'll do with my spare time but I'm betting that Jane will find something to keep me busy. I mentioned in an earlier Capitol Report that our major Legislative priority was to balance the budget without raising taxes. We are looking at a shortage of around 600 million dollars that we will have to adjust for. This shortage is not due to wasteful spending in last year's budget. It is a combination of fewer tax dollars coming in and new Federal mandates that cut Medicaid dollars to the States but refuse to let us adjust our expenditures. The answer the Feds give is to raise our State Tax to make up the shortfall. Not hardly! We said we would not raise taxes and that is what we meant. There are still things that we will be able to do without endangering any much needed programs. I was at a Tourism meeting last week and their topic of discussion was how much we can enhance revenues for our local businesses by increasing tourism. Due to the disaster in our area last year, we are known nationwide. There is a great opportunity to market tourism in our part of the world because everyone knows where we are. The various Chambers of Commerce are working together to bring people here and keep them for a few days. There is also an opportunity to market an affordable vacation. Vacationers can come here to tour the National Hatchery, spend an enjoyable day at George Washington Carver Park, Visit the various Historical Museums in Newton and McDonald County and finish off with a fun time at one of the campgrounds with a float or Smallmouth Bass fishing trip. We are extremely blessed to live in and about such abundant beauty and natural wonders that sometimes we take for granted what we have. For someone who has never seen the hanging cliffs at Noel or the view of the valleys from Stangs' at Anderson, or stood in three states at Southwest City, the experience can be awesome.

While I'm on the subject of being blessed, I was in church Sunday and the Pastor was talking about how wonderful it was that our congregation donated to the needy so well last year. In fact, he was pointing out that we had broken records for giving during 2011. I don't usually bet (unless it's on a sure thing) but I'll wager that churches all over the four states had the same experience last year. Even though the disastrous tornado created a need that we all hurried to fill, there were a lot of other needs in our area. Unemployment has created a lot of tight budgets for some folks and I am constantly hearing about some organization or another that is contributing to help out. The wonderful thing about this is that's just who we are. Southwest Missouri has a "can do" attitude that is not present in all the areas in this Country or even in the whole state for that matter. While next year may hold some surprises for us, I am confident that there won't be anything we can't handle.

I hope this coming year also brings a bunch of you to the Capitol. We do have the most beautiful Capitol Building in country and I can arrange tours for any size groups. The best time to come is on a Tuesday or Wednesday as that's when most of the committee hearings and floor debate is conducted. If I have a little notice, I can arrange for trips up to the "Whisper Gallery" above the Rotunda, or for the truly athletic, we can climb the stairs inside the Dome to the very top. The view from outside on top of the Dome is really spectacular. There are also tours available for the Supreme Court, The Governor's Mansion, and the Old Prison. I can help make arrangements for Motel rooms at reasonable rates and there are a multitude of great restaurants nearby.

The coming year also brings us the opportunity to choose who we want to lead us and the direction we want to go in. There will be an endless stream of information about the candidates and their chosen platforms. The media will do their best to form our opinions for us by revealing mistakes and long forgotten statements by the front runners. I really can't imagine why someone would want to expose their families and friends to all the microscopic examinations of their lives that running for President or for that matter the U.S. Senate or House entails. One thing is for certain, we will choose a path in this election that will affect millions of people for many, many years. It is the job of each of us to become informed of the issues, the REAL issues, not whether or not a candidate has a great hairdo or impresses Iowa farmers with their ability to call hogs, and make a decision about who can best lead our Country into the future. Each generation there is a pivotal point where the American citizens decide the direction they want our country to go in. That time is upon us now and with good old common sense and God's help, we'll end up doing the right thing.

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve as your State Representative and please don't hesitate to call me if you feel there is anything I can do for you. I'm sure I will see many of you soon as campaigning for me is also just around the corner. Meanwhile, I am, and remain, in your service.

Schupp: Redistricting Questions Answered

2011-12-31T14:16:00.000-06:00

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

As we welcome in the New Year, those of us serving in the Missouri Legislature are packing our bags in preparation for the new session beginning January 4.

Thank you to so many of you who met with me, called me and provided me with input and information during the interim between sessions. I take your pressing concerns, ideas, and energy with me as I work to make positive change for Missourians. There is much to be done.

May 2012 be a year of new beginnings and successes in whatever ways you measure them: Good health, loving families, good friends and prosperity.

Truly,
Jill Schupp

Who Represents You?

Redistricting Questions Addressed

Every ten years when the census is completed, political subdivisions from Congressional Districts to Townships and City Council Wards change boundaries so that constituents in the same types of political subdivisions are approximately equal in number.

This plays out in interesting ways that sometimes generate confusion with regard to Missouri House and Senate Districts.

Much of our House District 82 has been drawn into a new House District that will be numbered as District 88 beginning in January of 2013. However, people who live in District 82 north of Olive in unincorporated St. Louis County have been drawn into what will be the new 71st District beginning in 2013.

Please note: I will continue to represent our current District 82 until new Representatives are sworn in in January of 2013. At that time, I hope to represent most of you in the newly drawn 88th District, where my family and I live.

Interestingly, in 2012, as long as a person meets Constitutional qualifiers, anyone is able to run for office in any district--a once-in-a decade situation. Then, going forward, a candidate is required to live in the district for at least a year before s/he runs there.

The situation with the Senate is more complex. Unlike State Reps who run every two years, State Senators run every four years. Senators whose new districts are numbered with an odd number will run in 2012. Senators running in even numbered districts will run in 2014. This creates a Constitutionally- derived flaw in representation.

With overlaps in districts between the current and the new, some areas will be represented by two Senators for a couple of years after the 2012 elections, while some areas will have no Senatorial representation!

While this is the technical reality, we have seen Senators step forward to offer their constituent services to those districts that are not represented for a period of time. One way is that Senators will work with their current districts and take on the constituents in the newly formed district of the same number until the 2014 elected Senators are sworn in. Phew!

Confused? Remember, nothing changes in terms of your representation until January of 2013. And, you will have the opportunity to weigh in during the November, 2012 elections!

You can always find out who your legislators are by accessing http://www.senate.mo.gov/llookup/leg_lookup.aspx You will need your nine-digit zip code.

What Might You Hope For?

2012: The Overarching Issues

Let's focus on those pressing issues that make a difference in people's lives:

It is time for job creation and ensuring that workers in Missouri are able to take care of themselves and their families. It is unconscionable that working people are living in poverty.

It is time for all Missourians to receive accessible and affordable healthcare, including mental healthcare access.

It is time to make education a priority, from early childhood through college. We must prepare our students for 21st century jobs. All of our children deserve a quality education. And, a well educated citizenry will attract commerce to the area.

It is time to make sure our Seniors are able to live on their fixed incomes, and not be taxed out of their homes.

It is time to protect the health of our environment, for the sake of all of us.

Let us work toward positive change...together in 2012

Hoskins: Commuter Parking In Warrensburg,

2011-12-30T16:21:00.000-06:00

Happy New Year!

I wanted to take this opportunity to wish everyone a Happy & Prosperous New Year! I hope everyone is enjoying the holiday season. Please be mindful of the dangers of driving while intoxicated, don’t drink and drive, and be aware of others on the road that may not have made the decision to refrain from driving intoxicated. If everyone behaves responsibly, we can all enjoy a safe and happy end for 2011, and beginning for 2012.

New Commuter Parking

At right: Sen. David Pearce, Rep. Denny Hoskins, Johnson County Presiding Commissioner – William Gabel

After months of hard work to make it happen, I am proud to announce the Grand Opening of Warrensburg’s new commuter parking lot. Located just north of Highway 50 and the Highway 13 loop near Cayhill Subdivision, this lot provides a meeting/parking lot for shared commutes to and from your place of employment or other travel destinations in, and around, Johnson County. Promoting ride-share programs makes perfect sense on a variety of levels. Ride-share programs conserve energy, are better for the environment, reduce traffic accidents, and to top it off, they save money!!! Incidentally, and I find this hard to believe, this is the first, and only, commuter parking lot located in Johnson County. Please consider utilizing this community resource for the reasons I listed above. Our hope is the lot will be a huge success and spur the development of future lots. My sincere thanks to MoDOT for the hard work put into finishing this project and also to Senator Pearce and Johnson County Presiding Commissioner, William Gabel, for attending this morning’s ribbon-cutting event.

2012 Legislative Session

Next Wednesday, January 4, 2012, at high noon, marks the beginning of the 2012 Legislative Session. I am excited to get back to the Capitol and continue working hard to represent the people of Johnson County and the 121^st District. Thank you for your continued support and it is truly an honor to serve as your Representative in the Missouri House.

Proposed Legislation

I am currently working on the following legislation for the coming session.

Legislation to allow farmers, persons, or entities to submit bids to the Department of Transportation to mow grass or vegetation along state roadways. This would also allow them to have hay and crop rights for the property.
Legislation which adds professional therapy dog to the definition of “service dog” as it relates to crimes against these animals or crimes of impersonating a disabled person.

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 welcome anytime.

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.

Rupp: Preparing for a New Year

2011-12-30T10:50:00.000-06:00

Let me begin by saying that I hope you and your family had a very joyous Christmas. It’s always a little sad when Christmas is over, but we can still look forward to New Year’s celebrations and starting 2012 with a fresh perspective and a positive attitude.

For lawmakers, the beginning of a new year means that a new legislative session will commence. The Second Regular Session of the 96th General Assembly will begin at noon on Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2012. I’m anticipating a productive and dynamic session, and I look forward to supporting measures that will make Missouri an even better place to live, work, and raise a family.

Among my legislative priorities include protecting our children in child care facilities, ensuring a high quality of life for disabled Missourians, focusing on scholarships to help young Missourians attain a higher education, and protecting our privacy by preventing “robo-calls.” I’ll continue to file bills throughout the 2012 regular session — the last day to introduce Senate bills is March 1. The legislative session will continue until May 18. As always, if you have any concerns regarding a governmental matter, please feel free to contact me. My job is to represent you, and if there is a specific issue that you would like addressed, I want to hear about it.

I hope you and your family enjoy a safe and fun New Year’s weekend. If you plan to visit a relative’s or friend’s house on New Year’s Eve, my advice would be to stay the night, if possible. Studies have shown that the holiday season can be one of the most dangerous times of the year for drunk driving. If you will be traveling on the roads on New Year’s Eve, always appoint a designated driver if need be. In addition, if you are hosting a party, please be sure to look out for your guests and, if needed, offer them a place to stay. If you’d like to learn more about how to keep our roads safe, please visit the Arrive Alive website at www.savemolives.com.

I’d like to thank my family, friends, and the constituents of the 2^nd Senatorial District for a wonderful year. I look forward to continuing to serve our area in 2012, and as always, please don’t hesitate to contact me if I can be of any assistance. Thank you, and stay safe.

Denison: Look Back at 2011, Funding for Veterans Homes

2011-12-29T13:34:00.000-06:00

“We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called “Opportunity” and its first chapter is New Year’s Day.” –Edith L. Pierce

A Look Back at 2011

As we close the book on 2011 it strikes me that this was a year of momentous events. As a state, we’ve weathered the storm of high unemployment and a sluggish economy. State government has had to tighten its belt and live a little leaner just as Missouri families have done. And while things have looked bleak at times, we’ve also seen the early signs of economic recovery. 2011 also brought with it many natural disasters that devastated communities in all parts of the state. Still today, Missourians are rebuilding and while it’s hard to see a silver lining in these tragic events, there can be little doubt that they brought our communities closer together and renewed our spirit of perseverance and hope. Some remarkably inspirational tales emerged from the storms that ravaged Missouri – stories that remind us that in times of need, our neighbors will be there to help us. 2011 also saw the creation of new congressional districts as well as new state House and Senate districts in Missouri. While these changes may not be of interest to some, they will change the way we are represented for the next decade. 2011 was a momentous year but also one I hope was memorable for you. As we head into a new year, I wish you and yours the very best. Please have a safe and happy new year.

Funding for Veterans Homes

One goal the Missouri House will have in 2012 is to find a new source of funding for the seven veterans homes currently in operation. Right now the Missouri Veterans Commission spends approximately $80 million each year on the homes that provide beds to 1,350 veterans. With a waiting list of 1,650 veterans, the homes can’t keep up with the demand for beds. Unfortunately, even though the homes serve a vital role, they are currently faced with a funding crisis. While none of the seven homes are scheduled to close any time soon, the homes will run out of funding in July 2013 if a new funding source isn’t found. This session we will consider legislation that would create a new dedicated funding source by introducing a new scratch off lottery ticket with all proceeds from sales of the ticket going to the Missouri Veterans Commission. It’s estimated the lottery ticket could generate an additional $2 million per year for our veterans homes. While that’s not enough to solve the problem, it would be an important step toward finding sufficient funding for the homes. It’s something we will take a closer look at this session along with several other options.

In the District

On Thursday, December 22, 2011, I was very pleased to join Representative Eric Burlison in co-sponsoring and presenting a House resolution to Robert Bezanson in recognition of his retirement during a reception that was held in his honor. Mr. Bezanson has served as President and CEO of CoxHealth since August 1, 2004, during which time he has hosted CoxHealth’s centennial celebration in 2006 and has overseen $120 million in capital projects including Meyer Orthopedic Center, CoxHealth Surgery Center, and state-of-the-art Cox South Emergency and Trauma Center. Mr. Bezanson previously served in the positions of Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer from 1995 to 2004, and Administrator of Cox South and Shared Services, and Assistant Administrator from 1981 to 1995.

I look forward to hearing from you, and if you will be in Jefferson City, please stop by my office. Legislative session begins Wednesday, January 4, 2012. If you ever have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact my office. Best wishes.

Sater: Preparing For Last Session In House

2011-12-29T12:07:00.000-06:00

It is now time for another year to unfold. I hope 2011 was a good year for you and that 2012 will even be better.

Our state economy, although poor, is much better than others surrounding us. We are fortunate to live in Southwest Missouri. Every time I visit Kansas City or St. Louis for meetings, I look forward to returning to Barry County. This is my last year as your state representative. We can only serve 8 years and then are termed out of office. When the term limit initiative was on the ballot in the early 90’s, I was in full support of it. My thought was to kick those career politicians out of office and give others a chance to serve. And, without this, I would not be where I am today. I have come to realize that 8 years is too short a time. By the time you get the hang of this job, it is time to retire. Eight years gives more power to the bureaucrats and lobbyists, because they know that the new kid does not know anything about the functioning of government. Any legislation that would change this would not apply to me or anyone serving presently. It would just affect future legislators.

This 2012 session will be one that concentrates again on the budget and our shortcomings on funding. It will also feature legislation that will have a bearing on people trying to get re-elected. Some things never change. This is why many people do not have a favorable opinion of legislative bodies - either nationally or statewide. Our budget does not have any federal stimulus dollars left to plug the holes. Medicaid costs continue to increase with more people on the rolls and inflation driving up cost. Seven years ago, we passed legislation that decreased the federal poverty level on which one qualifies for Medicaid benefits. Because of the Federal Affordable Health Care Act, we cannot reduce expenditures for Medicaid because the federal government will threaten to take away federal dollars which account for over 60 percent of the total funding. Before this, we could reduce some programs to save others. This is why last year, education was cut for the first time because we could not cut some Medicaid programs.

I understand the Governor wants to borrow money from the state colleges and pay it back over 5 years. That probably will meet with stiff resistance. It will be interesting to see what the Governor’s budget recommendations are.

This will be my last stint at chairing a committee. It will be my seventh year as Chairman. I have learned a lot and, hopefully, have made a good difference in policies that are health related. The one piece of legislation that I hope will pass is my bill that lets medical personnel volunteer their services without compensation and without having to purchase liability insurance. Right now, if you volunteer, you would have to purchase a separate policy for this. The bill would free medical volunteers to give their time back to society.

I will be keeping you informed on issues coming before the House in future releases. Thank you for allowing me to serve. My Capitol Office is open now Monday through Friday and can be reached at (573) 751-1480. You can also call me at my home in Cassville (417/847-4661).

Stouffer: Ready to Return to Missouri’s Capitol

2011-12-29T11:57:00.000-06:00

January not only means a new year, but it also means it is time for the next legislative session in Jefferson City.

The Second Regular Session of the 96^th General Assembly will begin on Jan. 4, 2012. It has only been a couple of months since lawmakers were in the Capitol dealing with tax credits and job creation, as part of the special session. I have no doubt most of the topics of the special session will carry over into January.

I plan to hit the ground running with several measures that have already been prefiled, including:

Senate Bill 442, which would establish photo identification requirements for voting. Because of the governor’s veto, the plan to enact this — upon voter approval — was scrapped; however, it will still be on the November 2012 ballot. Senate Bill 442 would ensure the proper steps would be enacted into law, requiring photo IDs to vote, assuming the ballot measure were to win approval.
Senate Bill 443, which would make changes to several transportation issues, including drunk driving. The biggest change would be made regarding limited driving privileges for repeat offenders.
Senate Bill 444, which would make changes to binding arbitration cases involving MoDOT.
Senate Bill 481, which would create a tax credit for contributions to care providers for the developmentally disabled, legislation I have filed in previous years.

These are just a few of the measures I have already filed. For a complete list, go to www.senate.mo.gov/stouffer and click on the sponsored bills link under my legislation tab.

As always, I thank you for your continued calls and e-mails to our office. Without you, I would not be able to address the issues that are important to rural Missouri. I pray we make the right decisions when we return to Jefferson City. It will be another difficult year. With your help, we will be able to make Missouri even better for our children and grandchildren, not only now, but in their future.

Holsman: Perspective From The 45th Soon To Be 37th

2011-12-27T14:21:00.000-06:00

Another year has come and gone. As 2011 gives way to 2012 our society continues to evolve. From the way we communicate to our ability to move effortlessly around the globe, the power of information grows.

The year of 2011 will be marked by the Arab Spring, Occupy Protesters and the end of the Iraq war.

Change is inevitable. Convenience is the mother of new beginnings (Red Box, Skype, Navigation) and the death of old friends (Blockbuster, Land-line phones, Road Maps).

I heard someone say the other day, our kids greatest struggle will be finding an original email address that has yet to be claimed. Let's hope that's true and the rest is smooth sailing.

I'm hosting a Holiday reception tonight at Blue Hills County Club and hope a few of you can make it. Please see the invitation article for details.

Have a great beginning to 2012! It is my honor to serve you in our state capitol. Thank you for reading.

Sincerely,
Jason

"Newsmakers" Time Warner Production

Representative Holsman recently appeared on location at Union Station for a segment of 'Newsmakers', a production by 'Time Warner', highlighting the work of Kansas City community leaders.

In the episode Holsman discussed his recent trip to Romania and Croatia led by the "American Council of Young Political Leaders."

This was Representative Holsman's fifth appearence on the local news broadcast.

American Council of Young Political Leaders (ACYPL)

The American Council of Young Political Leaders (ACYPL) is a Washington DC based international non-governmental organization education orgaization that partners with the United States State department.

ACYPL recruits young political leaders to participate in political exchange trips with aims to educate the selected participants about national and local governance and politics in other countries as well as explore the global issues affecting US-bilateral relations. Participants on exchange trips examine governance, politics, policymaking, international affairs, and culture. Through interactions with international government officials, business and community leaders, advocacy experts, scholars, and diplomats, the young leaders will gain a better understanding of international affairs as well as enhance leadership and public diplomacy skills.

Each ACYPL exchange provides a unique opportunity for politically diverse individuals to explore common concerns and points of difference.

Since its founding in 1966, the American Council of Young Political Leaders has designed, organized and managed unique international exchange activities for young (age 25-40) political and policy leaders worldwide who are selected based on their current political leadership roles and potential for future achievement.

ACYPL programs are designed to promote mutual understanding, respect, and friendship and to cultivate long-lasting relationships among next generation leaders. Each year, with support from the US State Department and a wide range of corporate, labor, foundation and individual partners, conduct exchanges with 25-30 countries around the world.

ACYPL has a network of over 7,500 alumni in 100 countries, many whom have risen to positions of national and international prominence, including over 40 current members of the US Congress, 6 current US governors and ambassadors, and cabinet ministers and parliamentarians around the globe.

For more information on ACYPL follow this link.

Missouri Biotechnology Association

Missouri Biotechnology Association is focused on maintaining the growth of the biotechnology industry generated by the research and development communities of Missouri. While the state of Missouri has made great strides in keeping local talent, Missourians have not done enough to attract both national and international interests to be included in our burgeoning biotechnology community. Thus, the members of MOBIO firmly believe that it is up to Missourians to grow our biotechnology industry through research, scholastics, new laws and government.

As part of the mission the Missouri Biotechnology Association recruits local leaders in the public sector to tour areas of relevant expansion in the biotechnology industry. Missouri state lawmakers were invited to participate in a tour of Missouri specific aspects of this industry in mid-July. The tour encompassed stops in Kansas City, St. Joesph, Warrensburg, Columbia, St. Louis and concluded with a visit to Toronto Canada.

Stops along the Missouri biotechnology tour included: Boehringer-Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc., the Kit Bond Science and Technology Incubator, the Biotechnology Mobile Laboratory, the Stowers Institute for Medical Research, the University of Central Missouri, the University of Missouri - Columbia, the Missouri Orthopedic Institute, the Christopher S. Bond Life Sciences Center, Monsanto, Pfizer, Gallus BioPharmaceuticals, the Washington University School of Engineering, and Danforth Plant Science Center.

Legislation was passed in the past special session that will help drive this industry in the state of Missouri, spurring economic growth and prospertiy for our communities. Senate bill 7, the Missouri Science and Innovation Reinvestment Act (MOSIRA) was signed into public law by Governor Jay Nixon on November 9th. MOSIRA creates a funding source that will spark growth in the kind of research and technology enterprises endorsed by the Missouri Biotechnology Association.

Specifically, MOSIRA will capture a percentage of growth in state revenue, with fiscal year 2010 as a base, from a designated groups of Missouri science and innovation companies. The Missouri Technology Corporation (MTC) will administer MOSIRA funds, through offering low interest loans in order to nurture start-ups, create jobs, and bring science and technology companies to the state.

For more information on the Missouri Biotechnology Association follow this link.

National Caucus of Environmental Legislators Conference in New Orleans

The conference focused on a host of environmental issues ranging from Hypoxia in the delta to Army Corp of Engineering plans for flood plains along the Missouri River.

Holsman, who serves on the Interim Committee for Disaster Recovery, had the opportunity to learn about New Orleans response to Hurricane Katrina and how it could have been more successful.

The group of environmental legislators also took in presentations regarding the fallout from the BP oil spill, and what can be done about phosphorus run-off from farming operations into our rivers.

Executive Director Adam Schafer, who has guided NCEL for the past decade is leaving for a position in his home state of Montana. JR Tolbert will take over as ED effective immediately.

For more information on NCEL find their website here.

Urban Agriculture Final 2011 Hearing: St. Louis Review

The Joint Committee on Urban Agriculture held its fourth informational committee hearing at the Maplewood-Richmond Heights High School Auditorium.

Maplewood-Richmond Heights is a leader in the state for getting local foods into the school cafeteria. Through a federal grant made possible by Congressman Carnaharn and a partnership with Saint Louis University, MRH is able to transport food from local farms to Saint Louis University where it is processed in their certified kitchen and brought right into the school. healthy food initiative here.

Committee members met prior to the hearing to tour a community farm in Kinloch, featured by CNN in a photograph documentary. The community farm is situated on land that is owned by Lambert airport, but through a verbal contract has agreed not to develop the land. The farmers work the gound and grow a variety of crops, sharing their harvests and donating much of it to their neighbors. Here is CNN's article.

Feast magazine covered the hearing in St. Louis. Their story can be found here.

Truman Renewable Energy Summit Review

Representative Zach Wyatt (R-Green Castle) in conjunction with Truman State University hosted a renewable energy summit on Truman's campus in Kirksville, MO. Representaitve Wyatt serves with Holsman on the Joint Committee on Urban Agriculture as well as the Committee on Renewable Energy.

The morning session of the summit was geared toward the legislative agenda and how to move forward with renewable energy in Missouri. Opening remarks were delivered by former Missouri Lieutenant Governor Joe Maxwell. A legislative panel that included Representative T.J. Berry (R-Clay County) and Representative Holsman anchored the morning discussions.

The afternoon session included information tables provided by representatives from a variety of energy companies, including information on the Truman Sustainability committee.

Romania and Croatia Photo Album

To recount the travels over the two weeks would require me to write a small novel and since a picture says a thousand words... click on the photo below to view the political, economic and cultural immersion of Central Europe courteous of ACYPL.

Romania - 2011

Croatia 2011 - Part I

Croatia 2011 - Part II

France 2011

Holsman: Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

2011-12-24T15:56:00.000-06:00

Thank you for the opportunity to serve you in our state capitol.

Every Sunday we gather at John Knox Kirk to study the peaceful healer who found opportunities in his time to teach us that boundaries are meant to be crossed in the name of social justice.

National candidates for President race to embrace Christianity for votes, and cable news networks cry foul that Christmas is under attack by liberal society, but I can't help to think this world would be a better place if we all exercised our Christian credentials by forgiving one another and spreading peace and love instead of engaging in the negative propaganda campaigning which will inevitably dominate the commercials this summer and fall.

I've asked Santa for a US Congress that will work together in 2012 and he told me the Red Ryder BB gun was on it's way.

Have a safe and happy holiday! Peace and prosperity for the new year!

Jason

Meaning of Christmas

Charlie Brown: Isn't there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?

Linus Van Pelt: Sure, Charlie Brown, I can tell you what Christmas is all about.

Lights, please.

"And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, 'Fear not: for behold, I bring unto you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the City of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.' And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God, and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward man.'"

Peace on Earth Good Will Toward Man
***
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!

Korman: Public Service Announcement and Merry Christmas

2011-12-22T16:41:00.000-06:00

Sarah, Wyatt and I wish you a Merry Christmas. As you travel this holiday season, we encourage proper car seat safety procedures.

Click here for our public service announcement on car seat safety.

Berry: Christmas Wishes

2011-12-22T14:37:00.000-06:00

I hope this Christmas is filled with joy and warmth for you and your family. I wish you safe travels if you are visiting loved ones and wish the same for those who may be coming to stay with you. At the same time as we prepare for this greatest of holidays, I also ask us to remember there are many Missourians who are not as fortunate. They won’t have the luxury of a warm fire with stockings hung on the mantle, or even a simple meal. I ask you to keep them in your thoughts and prayers during this holiday season. We are all so very blessed to have the many riches that we do. Please take the time this Christmas to give thanks for all that you have regardless of how plentiful or meager it may be.

It is also important that we remember those who won’t have the companionship of family and friends this holiday season. There are many service men and women that won’t be able to come home for the holidays. I urge you to send care packages and cards to the troops that are protecting our freedom.

I would also like to talk a bit about the upcoming session. My colleagues and I will return to the Capitol on January 4^th for the first day of session. If there are any issues that you would like to see legislation for I encourage you to contact my office. I am eager to serve my constituents.

Thank you again for your support and may you all have a Merry Christmas. After Christmas my Capitol Reports will shift their focus to the upcoming session and some of the key issues we will address. If you have any questions or concerns before then, please do not hesitate to contact my office.

Gatschenberger: Property Tax Bill Information, GM Invests in Wentzville

2011-12-22T13:49:00.037-06:00

On the Local Level

Representative Gatschenberger Receives Legislator of the Year Award

Representative Gatchenberger receiving the Legislator of the Year Award from the Brain Injury Association of Missouri for his House Bill 300 Sports Concussion Legislation

Property Tax Bill Information

I was given the following update on this issue from the County …

The County Executive has been advised by the Collector that all remaining property tax bills are in the mail. Anyone who may not have received their bill in the mail, can access it on the Collector’s website: http://collector.sccmo.org/collector. They would click on Property Tax Database and then on the next page the tab Personal Property Search to find their personal property tax bill, and click on Real Estate Search to locate the real estate tax bill. If you need help with this, feel free to call the County Executive’s office (636.949.7520) and they will assist.

We are encouraging everyone to pay on time by December 31. If they fail to do so, they would be prohibited from taking a property tax deduction on their 2011 income tax returns, and prohibited from filing for a 2011 state property tax refund next year on the Circuit Breaker. A payment is made timely if postmarked by December 31, and we do have a drop box located outside on the corner in front of the Administration Building at 201 N. Second Street, where the Collector’s office is located.

If they have a dispute with their bill based on the value or description of the property, they need to contact the office of the Assessor during regular weekday business hours. Also, Section 139.031, RSMO., sets out the provisions for paying taxes under protest and for applying for a refund of taxes mistakenly or erroneously levied. Note in the statute that payments made under protest are to include a written statement as to the reason for the protest and to set out the amount in dispute.

PLEASE NOTE that St. Charles County employees have a Christmas Eve as well as a Christmas Day holiday, so we will be closed December 23 and December 26. County offices will also be closed on January 2 for the New Year’s holiday. There is no New Year’s Eve holiday.

We are expecting the Collector to be closed December 23 and December 26, as are other county offices, and it appears she will also be closed on Saturday, December 31. The Collector has the means to extend office hours for accepting payments, but we have had no word yet of any intention to do so.

Bells Will Be Ringing

Representative Gatschenberger volunteers as a bell ringer and asks you to do what you can to help those less fortunate this holiday season.

GM invests in Wentzville

Click on image to watch this video!

A new truck will soon be produced in Wentzville only.
See the new truck and listen to auto workers who have been called back to the line!

Emmaus Home at Shadow Trace

Representative Gatschenberger at the Emmaus Homes open house at Shadow Trace

Help with Medicare Decisions

Representative Gatschenberger attended the CLAIM enrollment event held at the Wentzville Library to assist Seniors with Medicare questions. The event will be scheduled on the same date next year, 11/8/12, from 9:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.

American Legislative Exchange Council Environmental Task Force

As a member of the American Legislative Exchange Council Environmental Task Force… Representative Gatschenberger tours Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station

Legislative Update

My work continues as the Chairman of the Interim Committee on 9-1-1 so honestly… the “interim” has not lived up to its name. We are still diligently working to come up with a solution as the funding that is currently provided by land-line phone service rapidly dwindles. As the only state in our Nation that does not have a State Funded 9-1-1 service, we need to move quickly and carefully to get our 9-1-1 service up to the current standards that are expected by all of us. I can assure you I am diligently working to that end.

This time of year makes me even more aware of how blessed my life has been. I thank each of you for giving me the opportunity to serve as your State Representative.

May your holidays be filled with loved ones as you create new memories for tomorrow. I wish you a Merry Christmas and send a special heartfelt THANK YOU to the troops that won’t get to be with their families because they have been keeping ours safe. God Bless You and Merry Christmas to you!

Additional Items of Interest

"The Meaning of the Flag Draped Coffin Folds"

Meaning of the Draped Coffin Flag Folding

Pass it along and be proud of the country we live in and even more proud of those who serve to protect our 'GOD GIVEN' rights and freedoms.

God Bless Them!

Do you know that at military funerals, the 21-gun salute stands for the sum of the numbers in the year 1776?

Have you ever noticed the honor guard pays meticulous attention to correctly folding the United States of America Flag 13 times? You probably thought it was to symbolize the original 13 colonies, but we learn something new every day!

The 1st fold of the flag is a symbol of life.

The 2nd fold is a symbol of the belief in eternal life.

The 3rd fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veterans departing the ranks who gave a portion of their lives for the defense of the country to attain peace throughout the world.

The 4th fold represents the weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in time of war for His divine guidance.

The 5th fold is a tribute to the country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, 'Our Country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right; but it is still our country, right or wrong.'

The 6th fold is for where people's hearts lie. It is with their heart that they pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America , and the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all.

The 7th fold is a tribute to its Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed Forces that they protect their country and their flag against all her enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of their republic.

The 8th fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day.

The 9th fold is a tribute to womanhood, and Mothers. For it has been through their faith, their love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great has been molded.

The 10th fold is a tribute to the father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of their country since they were first born.

The 11th fold represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon and glorifies in the Hebrews eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

The 12th fold represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in the Christians eyes, God the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit.

The 13th fold, or when the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost reminding them of their Nations motto, 'In God We Trust.'

After the flag is completely folded and tucked in, it takes on the appearance of a cocked hat, ever reminding us of the soldiers who served under General George Washington, and the Sailors and Marines who served under Captain John Paul Jones, who were followed by their comrades and shipmates in the Armed Forces of the United States, preserving for them the rights, privileges and freedoms they enjoy today.

There are some traditions and ways of doing things that have deep meaning.

In the future, you'll see flags folded and now you will know why.

Share this with the children you love and all others who love what is referred to, the symbol of 'Liberty and Freedom.'

MAY GOD PROTECT US ALWAYS.
ONE NATION, UNDER GOD, WITH LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL.

Register to Vote

Please exercise your right to vote!
Click on this link to register…
https://www.sos.mo.gov/elections/goVoteMissouri/request.aspx

Tracking Legislation

If you would like to track legislation you may log on to www.house.mo.gov and select “Bill Information” and then select Bill Tracking. You may search by topic or bill number. If you want to track the bills that I have either sponsored or co-sponsored, just enter my last name and you will be able to look at each of those too.

Just for Fun: Why, Why, Why

Why do we press harder on a remote control when we know the batteries are getting weak?

Why do banks charge a fee due to insufficient funds when they already know you're broke?

Why is it that when someone tells you that there are one billion stars in the universe, you believe them but, if they tell you there is wet paint, you have to touch it to check?

Why do they use sterilized needles for lethal injections?

Why doesn't Tarzan have a beard?

Why does Superman stop bullets with his chest, but ducks when you throw a revolver at him?

Why did Kamikaze pilots wear helmets?

Whose cruel idea was it to put an "s" in the word "lisp"?

If people evolved from apes, why are there still apes?

Why is it that, no matter what color bubble bath you use, the bubbles are always white?

Is there ever a day that mattresses are not on sale?

Why do people constantly return to the refrigerator with hopes that something new to eat will have materialized?

Why do people run over a string a dozen times with their vacuum cleaner, then reach down, pick it up, examine it, then put it down to give the vacuum one more chance?

Why is it that no plastic bag will open from the first end you try?

How do those dead bugs get into enclosed light fixtures?

Why is it that whenever you attempt to catch something that's falling off the table you always manage to knock something else over?

Why,in winter, do we try to keep the house as warm as it was in summer when wecomplained about the heat?

How come you never hear father-in-law jokes?

Dugger: Christmas Wishes

2011-12-22T09:12:00.000-06:00

Christmas can be celebrated in the school room with pine trees, tinsel and reindeer, but there must be no mention of the man whose birthday is being celebrated. One wonders how a teacher would answer if a student asked why it was called Christmas. —Ronald Reagan

It almost seems as if just as soon as we put down our forks on Thanksgiving the madness of “black Friday,” and the whirlwind that is the holiday gift purchasing season is upon us. Each year the deals get “better” and the lines get longer as we try to get our hands on the newest and greatest gadget or toy. So often, amidst the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, it is easy to forget the reason for season. However, no matter how many gifts are waiting under the tree on Christmas morning, one can’t truly have Christmas without Christ.

Over 2000 years ago, we received the ultimate gift. This gift came in the form of a baby boy born into the humblest of surroundings. Yet, from his humble beginnings this child grew into a man who brought a message of love for all, giving to those in need, and sacrificing everything for others.

As we gather together with loved ones this Christmas, let us not forget the example of the birthday boy who has given us the true reason for the season. It is not merely about the presents under the tree or remembering to leave cookies and milk out for Santa. Rather, Christmas is about the love shared by family and friends, the spirit of giving, and the willingness to lend a hand to someone in need.

May God bless you and grant you and your family a wonderful Christmas!

Denison: Christmas Wishes, 2012 Legislation Session Blueprint

2011-12-22T08:10:00.000-06:00

“From home to home, and heart to heart, from one place to another, the warmth and joy of Christmas brings us closer to each other.” –Emily Matthews

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy Holiday Season

We’ve reached that time of the year yet again when we come together with family and friends to celebrate Christmas and to reflect on the many blessings we have been given. It’s a time to delight in the wonderment of our children and grandchildren as they open their presents, and it’s a time to slow down from our normally hectic pace and enjoy the company of those who mean the most to us. No, Christmas is not all about the presents we give and receive, but it is about taking the time to express our love and appreciation for the many individuals who enrich our lives on a daily basis. It’s also a time to give thanks for the many men and women in our Armed Forces who are serving our nation far away from the comforts of home during the holiday season. Because of their sacrifices, we continue to celebrate the holidays in the greatest nation on this planet.

We are truly blessed and, even during these tough economic times, we continue to have so many reasons to celebrate and so much for which to be thankful. I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a safe and happy holiday season.

House Prepares Blueprint for 2012 Legislative Session

As we’re now just days away from the beginning of the 2012 legislative session, the legislative agenda for the coming year has begun to take shape. While we will place a primary emphasis on creating a fiscally responsible, balanced state budget this session, we also will see a number of important issues addressed in the coming months. One thing you can be certain of yet again this year is that the Missouri House will not allow any kind of tax increase. Yes, revenues have declined and caused us to tighten our belts in recent years, but we will never subscribe to the theory that raising taxes is an acceptable way to balance the budget. Instead, we have all pledged to keep your hard-earned dollars where they belong – in your pocket – and to balance the budget by making fiscally responsible, common sense choices. We’ve held true to that pledge during my time in the legislature and we will continue that this year.

The blueprint we will follow this year also will focus on improving our business environment so that Missouri is an even more attractive location for businesses looking to relocate or expand. We want employers around the country and even around the world to know that we are open for business and ready to fill the jobs they create with capable, hard-working Missourians. We also have specific goals in mind such as the creation of the Missouri Entrepreneur Virtual Resource Network to help enterprising Missourians create and grow a business from scratch.

This session will also bring with it a great deal of discussion on ways to improve our system of education. We will look at a fix to our public school foundation formula. The goal is to have funding distributed to every public school in the state in a way that is fair and equitable. To help young people make the transition from high school to college we also hope to expand the investment options available through our MOST college savings program that has been a huge success since its creation. We want to make Missouri’s system of education one of the finest in the nation and this session will give us the opportunity to take some steps in a positive direction.

These are just a few of the things we will talk about in 2012. The list is certain to grow in the coming days and weeks. As always, I will do my best to keep you updated as the session progresses.

I look forward to hearing from you, and if you will be in Jefferson City, please stop by my office. The legislative session begins January 4, 2012. If you ever have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact my office. Best wishes.

Tim Jones: 2012 Legislative Session Preview, Local Jobs Announcement, Reason For The Season

2011-12-21T10:52:00.000-06:00

Every year after Thanksgiving, our thoughts turn to Christmas. Christmas is a wonderful time, wherein we focus on the “reason for the season”: giving, family togetherness and traditions, beautiful music and decorations, feasting on special foods and singing Christmas carols. This is the very essence of Christmas in America—the meaningful time we spend with family and friends, the quiet time we spend in churches and synagogues, all being grateful for the blessings of our lives and in our great nation. As you gather with family and friends during this holiday season, whether you celebrate Christmas or Hanukkah, my prayers and wishes are with you for are a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for the honor of serving as State Representative for District 89 and to express my warmest greetings for a wonderful Holiday Season!

“Good news from heaven the angels bring, Glad tidings to the earth they sing: To us this day a child is given, To crown us with the joy of heaven.”—Martin Luther

Looking Ahead to the 2012 Legislative Session

With the 2012 legislative session just weeks away, members of the Missouri House and Senate have turned their attention to the fiscal year 2013 state operating budget and important public policy concerns. Thursday, December 1^st was the first day legislators could begin submitting legislation for the 2012 session and dozens of measures have already been filed in the House and Senate.

This past weekend, the House Majority Caucus met in Jefferson City for our final meeting of the year wherein the Speaker and I unveiled our “Blueprint for Missouri” which includes our central priorities for the coming Session. For 2012, the House will be focused on improving our State and passing meaningful reform in and for the following four subject areas: Missouri Taxpayers, Missouri Jobs, Missouri Schools and Missouri Values. Over the coming few weeks, I will describe in greater detail the specific planks that make up the 2012 Legislative Platform.

Missouri House and Senate Redistricting

The results of the 2010 census have become reality as new boundaries have taken effect for Missouri’s 34 senators and 163 representatives. Now Missourians know more about who will be representing them in Jefferson City beginning in 2013.

The redistricting maps were drawn by a panel of six Appellate Court judges, and many, many districts have been dramatically altered. The dust is quickly settling over the Districts as current incumbents decide in which District they will run. For more information, the link to the website is the following: http://oa.mo.gov/bp/redistricting/new_state_legislative_districts.htm. On the left hand side of the page, you may select either the House or Senate district of interest.

Special Local Jobs Announcement

AT&T is now hiring Retail Sales Professionals in Eureka, Missouri. AT&T’s Retail Sales Professionals thrive in a fun, fast-paced environment where they work hands-on with customers to understand their communications needs and discover how AT&T products meet those needs. AT&T offers paid training, competitive wages and benefits that include medical, dental, paid vacation, employee discounts and much more! Learn more and apply online at: http://connect.att.jobs/search/eureka+MO.

Two Simple Stories that Remind Us of the Reason for the Season

Many of you are very familiar with two of my favorite Christmas Season literary pieces that I have published in this newsletter over the past few years so without further ado, I share them with you as my gift and present to you and yours!

From Linus to Charlie Brown

“And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace and goodwill towards men.” (Luke 2: 8-14)

“That’s what Christmas is all about Charlie Brown.” –Linus Van Pelt

And from the Editor of the New York Sun (1897) to Virginia

"DEAR EDITOR: I am 8 years old.
"Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus.
"Papa says, 'If you see it in THE SUN it's so.'
"Please tell me the truth; is there a Santa Claus?

"VIRGINIA O'HANLON.
"115 WEST NINETY-FIFTH STREET."

VIRGINIA, your little friends are wrong. They have been affected by the skepticism of a skeptical age. They do not believe except [what] they see. They think that nothing can be which is not comprehensible by their little minds. All minds, Virginia, whether they be men's or children's, are little. In this great universe of ours man is a mere insect, an ant, in his intellect, as compared with the boundless world about him, as measured by the intelligence capable of grasping the whole of truth and knowledge.

Yes, VIRGINIA, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! how dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus. It would be as dreary as if there were no VIRGINIAS. There would be no childlike faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence. We should have no enjoyment, except in sense and sight. The eternal light with which childhood fills the world would be extinguished.

Not believe in Santa Claus! You might as well not believe in fairies! You might get your papa to hire men to watch in all the chimneys on Christmas Eve to catch Santa Claus, but even if they did not see Santa Claus coming down, what would that prove? Nobody sees Santa Claus, but that is no sign that there is no Santa Claus. The most real things in the world are those that neither children nor men can see. Did you ever see fairies dancing on the lawn? Of course not, but that's no proof that they are not there. Nobody can conceive or imagine all the wonders there are unseen and unseeable in the world.

You may tear apart the baby's rattle and see what makes the noise inside, but there is a veil covering the unseen world which not the strongest man, nor even the united strength of all the strongest men that ever lived, could tear apart. Only faith, fancy, poetry, love, romance, can push aside that curtain and view and picture the supernal beauty and glory beyond. Is it all real? Ah, VIRGINIA, in all this world there is nothing else real and abiding.

No Santa Claus! Thank God! he lives, and he lives forever. A thousand years from now, Virginia, nay, ten times ten thousand years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood.

Tim on the Radio!

On a personal note, on Monday, December 26th, I will be honored to host the Jamie Allman Morning show from 6:00 a.m. until 9:00 a.m. on FM Newstalk 97.1 on your FM dial in the St. Louis region or you can live stream me on your computer anywhere in the world at the following link: http://www.971talk.com/Station/Streaming.aspx I am very much looking forward to hosting this widely listened to morning radio show. See you on the radio the day after Christmas!

Personal Notes

Thank you for reading this Interim Report. If you know anyone who would be interested in receiving this report, please click the “Capitol Report Signup” button on my member home page at www.house.mo.gov and enter the appropriate information. If you would like for me to speak to your group or community, please contact Jody at our office at 573.751.0562, and we will be happy to accommodate you. Finally, if we can ever be of any assistance to you at your State Capitol during the coming months, please do not hesitate to contact us at: 573.751.0562 or you can reach my primary assistant, Jody, at: jody{dot}williams{at}house{dot}mo{dot}gov. If you ever find yourself in or around Jefferson City at any time during the year, please feel free to visit the Majority Leader’s Office in Room 302 and Jody will be happy to meet and greet you!

Rupp: Wishing You a Merry Christmas

2011-12-20T15:20:00.000-06:00

Christmas Day, which is this Sunday, is one of the merriest days of the year. It’s a day for spending time with loved ones, watching classic Christmas films, such as “A Christmas Carol” and “It’s a Wonderful Life,” eating delicious food, and seeing the joy in your children’s eyes as they discover their filled stockings under the tree or resting by the fireplace. Christmas is one of my favorite holidays, and as always, I’m looking forward to spending this joyous and holy day with my family.

Aside from the holiday festivities, Christmas is a time to be appreciative for all that has been bestowed upon us. There will always be someone who comes along that has a bigger home or fancier car, but what truly matters in life are the people we care about. The richest people in the world are those who have family and friends who love them — and with all the love I share with my wife, children, parents, siblings, and friends, I consider myself a wealthy man. In addition to my loved ones, I’m grateful for my constituents in the 2^nd Senatorial District, who provide me with their input and support, and encourage me to represent Missouri in the best way possible. I’m also thankful for members of our Armed Forces, some of whom are away from their families this Christmas, serving our country. To these brave men and women — thank you for allowing us to celebrate this divine holiday in freedom.

Another reason why I’m particularly fond of Christmas is that Missourians come together to help those in need. While some of us may enjoy a Christmas feast, gathered around a brightly lit tree, other families won’t be able to take part in these pleasures this year, due to hardships. Please consider a donation to a valuable charity, such as the Salvation Army, or volunteer with your local or church community.

I hope you and your family enjoy a wonderful Christmas holiday together, and remember to be thankful for the bountiful blessings you have in your life. God Bless you always.

Stouffer: An Old Fashioned Christmas or Post Christmas Idea

2011-12-20T13:40:00.000-06:00

The Christ-Child is born!

Merry Christmas, from Bill & Sue Ellen

An Old Fashioned Christmas or Post Christmas Idea

Please let us share this greeting with you — Merry Christmas. It almost sounds refreshing to write and to hear those words. And we can say them all month.

It still amazes me that a little baby boy born amongst farm animals and their bedding could become King of Kings. Thankfully, here we are again, celebrating his miraculous birth. It is this time of year that we stop to share in this celebration, spend time with family and friends and reflect on our lives, both past and present. For just one day, there is peace on Earth with celebrations and ceasefires alike. Christmastime is here.

Unfortunately, Christmas has become a commercialized event. I hope we never forget the true reason for the season. While the Dutch and others shared gifts at this time long before it was a part of worldwide tradition, it was not until the last 200 years that the concept became so popular here in the United States.

Considering how many items we buy come from other countries, it may be time to reverse a growing trend.

There are many gift ideas that benefit your local Main Street. Here are some that have been sent my way in recent weeks:

Everyone needs a haircut. Perhaps a gift certificate from a local salon or barber would be the perfect gift?
Giving a gym or club membership would benefit local YMCA’s or other small businesses that provide this type of service. It is this time of year that folks start to think more about their waistline.
For those who like things to be tidy, perhaps a local car detailer or housecleaner could be hired for one day’s wages to assist.
Car wash tokens or homemade certificates for things like oil changes may do the trick as well.
Needed home repairs could be completed by local folks who specialize in home improvements. This could include snow shoveling, lawn maintenance or landscaping.
Every small town has a restaurant and the folks on your Christmas list probably have a favorite eatery. Please do not forget to leave a generous tip.
A tune-up at a local computer shop may make needed improvements to an existing computer system.
Season tickets to a local theaters, or support for non-profits or local musicians, can be a part of a gift that keeps on giving.
We recently had an old-time photo taken here in Missouri. Local photographers can provide a fun way to share memories that can last a lifetime.
Homemade and handcrafted goods, including those made in the kitchen, can also bring delight. If you have little skills or time, a local florist or bakery can help fulfill your holiday or yearly baking needs.
Craigslist, eBay and social media sites provide great ways to purchase gently used toys that neighbors can sell to help make ends meet as well.

Finally, these ideas can be used for anyone on the list, including those providing services like trash pickup and mail delivery.

Remember the true reason for the season. Reach out to your neighbors throughout the year. Small, random acts of kindness can easily catch on and become part of your regular routine each and every day of the year. Merry Christmas from my family to yours.

Kelley: Ban on Cell Phones Behind The Wheel A Knee-Jerk Reaction

2011-12-20T12:06:00.001-06:00

Anytime there is an accident causing loss of life, that is tragic beyond words. As legislators it is our duty to pass laws which protect and benefit citizens while making sure we avoid the temptation of knee jerk reactions. History has shown if we try to protect everyone from everything the law of unintended consequences is sure to kick in.

I do believe texting while driving should be made illegal. It is very distracting and dangerous and I would support legislation banning it for all ages while behind the wheel. As to banning all cell phone activity while driving, I believe that would fall into the knee jerk reaction category. If we ban all cell phone use in a car, then in the interest of fairness, we should not stop there. Eating, applying makeup, visiting with a passenger, and changing the radio station should also be made illegal. Beyond it being unenforceable these bans would never pass muster with the public.

Cell phones have become a part of our daily lives and are here to stay. The final responsibility lies with the users, not legislators. Below is a press release that I will be sending out today.

Rep. Mike Kelley Co-Sponsors Legislation to Improve Roadway Safety by Implementing a Ban on Texting while Driving

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Legislation co-sponsored by state Rep. Mike Kelley, R-Lamar, would expand Missouri’s texting-while-driving ban for drivers 21 and under to all Missourians who get behind the wheel. The legislation (HB 1083) was filed the same week the National Transportation Safety Board called on all states to implement a ban. Kelley said that for it is time for Missouri to improve roadway safety by joining the 35 states who already have bans in place.

“We’ve all seen drivers weaving dangerously in traffic as they try to send a text message. There is no doubt these drivers are not paying attention to the road and endangering all those around them as a result,” said Kelley. “It’s time to expand our ban so that it applies to every driver and not just those 21 and under. The change will mean safer roads and far fewer accidents.”

Missouri’s current law, which was passed in 2009, currently bans anyone 21 and younger from texting while driving. The legislation co-sponsored by Kelley would prohibit all drivers, regardless of age, from text messaging while operating a moving vehicle unless the device being used is equipped with technology allowing for voice-recognition hands-free texting.

The 2012 legislative session begins Jan. 4.

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

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

Nolte: Honored by Missouri Cattlemen’s Association

2011-12-20T10:43:00.000-06:00

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – In recognition of his dedication and commitment to Missouri’s Beef Cattle Industry, state Rep. Jerry Nolte, R-Gladstone, was honored with the 2011 Friend of Missouri Cattlemen award by the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association. The award is given to legislators who are influential in protecting animal agriculture and specifically beef producers in Missouri.

Nolte was selected for the award because of his commitment to the agriculture industry and his recognition of the industry as a major economic sector of agriculture. Throughout his time in the legislature he has supported legislation to assist farmers and promote the agriculture industry.

“Rep. Nolte recognizes the value of animal agriculture and its importance to the state of Missouri,” stated Jeff Windett, Executive Vice President of the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association. “He has been a valuable friend of agriculture and in particular the beef industry.” Windett proclaimed to the attendees at the annual meeting in Columbia that Rep. Nolte has a 100 percent rating with the Cattlemen’s Association.

“It is a great honor to accept this award from the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association,” said Nolte. “During my time in the legislature, we’ve made the sustained growth of our agriculture industry a legislative priority. I’m proud to have played a part in helping to sustain an industry that is an important part of our state’s history and a vital component of our economy.”

The Missouri Cattlemen Association is a not-for-profit, grassroots, member-driven organization focused on protection and promotion of the "economic, educational, political, and social interests of the Missouri beef cattle industry."

Newman: 2011 Draws To A Close

2011-12-19T17:03:00.000-06:00

As the year grows shorter and shorter, I’m wrapping up my legislative work in order to focus on the holidays and family time. The 2012 legislative session will begin January 4th in Jefferson City - just 16 days away.

As you may have seen in the media, the 2011 special session was a bust. The regional China Hub economic proposals were not supported by the House & Senate GOP leadership which resulted in numerous taxpayer-funded wasted days and a huge loss for the state AND the St. Louis region. The nationally publicized Facebook bill however was fixed leaving social communications policies up to individual school districts as they have been.

The presidential primary elections date change mandated by both the National Republican and Democratic parties did not pass in either regular or special session. Therefore the Democratic presidential primary election will remain on February 7th but the Missouri GOP has elected to convene via caucus on March 17th to meet their party’s requirement.

New members elected this past November are joining us in January. I’m thrilled to be working with one of my closest friends and longtime colleague, Tracy McCreery (D) who will be representing the 83^rd district of Olivette and Overland. She will be sworn in on January 10th along with Judy Morgan (D-Kansas City), Brandon Ellington (D-Kansas City) and Chrissy Sommer (R-St. Charles). Their elections keep our House numbers the same – 57 Democrats and 107 Republicans.

My work continues: keeping our elections suppression-free, strengthening laws to keep children safe from sexual abuse, advocating for workplace rights for all and protecting women’s reproductive health decisions.

I’ve been speaking out loudly across the state against Voter photo ID proposals that would restrict current voters from being able to vote –the elderly, disabled, working poor, minorities, and students. These bills are filed every year and I promise you that my Democratic House Caucus will remain unified in opposition to voter suppression. Voter ID efforts will prevent many in your community or even in your own family from the most important voice that any of us have.

This summer I was appointed to the new Task Force on Prevention of Sexual Abuse of Children – a commission created via legislation months before the media broke the horrors at Penn State and Syracuse University. I look forward to our first task force meeting on January 6^th and working with a diverse group of children’s advocates on recommendations for Governor Nixon.

Equality rights matter a great deal to me – particularly in the work place. I’m hopeful that my equal pay enforcement bill will have another hearing this session. Gender and sexual orientation discrimination of any kind needs to belong to the past, not the present.

You may also continue to count on me to be a strong advocate protecting women’s reproductive health rights. I work closely with Missouri NARAL and Planned Parenthood of the St. Louis Region and Southwest Missouri to make sure that birth control & family planning is accessible to all women. It’s amazing to me in 2012 to have to keep at this fight but it’s my daughter’s and granddaughters’ generations who depend on it.

I keep all of you in mind every single day in Jefferson City, particularly on the House floor when I know my votes are crucial to your everyday lives. I am humbled to represent you in the state legislature and would love to hear from you anytime with your thoughts and concerns.

I wish all of you a very Happy Holidays however you may celebrate = Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas, Happy Kwanzaa and particularly Happy New Year.

May 2012 truly bring equality, prosperity, good health and joy to everyone.

Stacey