July has been a busy month, which started with my first annual free health fair for the community on July 10. We had a great turnout of residents who took advantage of free health care screenings and vital information. I appreciate the organizations and volunteers that made the day a success.
By mid-month we had learned about the potential for exposure to dangerous diseases at the St. Louis Veteran's Administration (VA) hospital. I encourage you or any veteran you know who may have been affected to take the first step and get the free blood testing with no co-payment at the three outpatient clinics by calling the 24-hour hotline at 1-888-374-3046 with any questions or to schedule an appointment.
July 14 was the last day for the Governor to sign bills into law. I'm proud to say that a bill I co-sponsored, Senate Bill 758, has been signed, and allows the Bi-State Development Agency, which encourages development with Illinois, to issue bonds and notes that mature in a maximum of 40 years from the date of issuance, rather than 30 years.
The governor also signed SB 851, a bill I co-sponsored that requires at least four days notice before voting by governing bodies of local governments on tax increases, eminent domain, and certain districts and projects. Both measures take effect Aug. 28.
A provision I sponsored that streamlines the child support process by providing clear guidance on the termination of payments in Missouri was placed into House Bill 1692, which was also signed by the governor.
I held another payday loan forum on July 21, as this issue continues to be one of the most important in our district. I plan on revisiting my legislation to regulate this industry without putting them out of business. I will continue to work with all parties to achieve this goal.
For a full recap of my work this legislative session, please visit my website at www.senate.mo.gov/Keaveny and view the 2010 Legislative Report, Sponsored Bills, as well as Press Releases and Weekly Columns.
Showing posts with label 95-HB1692. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 95-HB1692. Show all posts
27 July 2010
13 July 2010
Holsman: Governor Signs Urban Farming and PACE Legislation, Summer Jobs Program
Governor Nixon Signs Urban Farming Bill
On July 12th, shortly after noon in Kansas City, Governor Jay Nixon signed House Bill 1848, completing the bill's long journey through the Missouri General Assembly.
H.B. 1848 was sponsored by Rep. Jason Holsman, who has represented portions of South Kansas City and Grandview since 2007.
The bill creates a Joint Interim Committee to study Urban Agriculture in Missouri. The end result will be a report on urban farming and sustainable living communities that will be the first of its kind in the nation, which could eventually be used by other states in drafting legislation and creating policy relating to urban agriculture.
At left: Governor Nixon hands a signed copy of H.B. 1848 to Representative HolsmanAn old concept with new technology, urban farming is being practiced by people from different walks of life producing a wide variety of food.
Urban agriculture has been embraced by public health officials, economists, community planners, small businesses, members of the traditional agriculture community, educators, local elected officials, and even national security experts.
The benefits of growing food locally include fresher fruits and vegetables with no pesticides or preservatives, the educational aspects of introducing farming and gardening to metropolitan populations, cost-savings related to reduced transportation needs, and security benefits that come from making large cities less reliant on outside networks for their food source.
One of the focal points that attracts community leaders to the urban agriculture discussion is the abundance of abandoned lots and buildings throughout the urban core of most major cities. Urban farms can be established inside vacant buildings such as warehouses and factories or in overgrown residential lots. Their produce can be donated or sold to others within the community, or consumed by the growers themselves.
At right: Rep. Kiki Curls speaks at the House Bill 1848 signing ceremony."Cities like Kansas City and St. Louis have many abandoned properties where urban farms can be established in order to reverse blighting trends to improve the overall health and food options of the community, while creating good jobs that can't be outsourced," said Holsman.
At the ceremony, Rep. Kiki Curls (D-Kansas City) also touted the need for fresh, nutritious food available to the residents of Kansas City's developed areas.
Governor Signs PACE Legislation
At the same ceremony in which Governor Nixon signed the Urban Farming Bill, he also signed House Bill 1692.
H.B. 1692, sponsored by Rep. Jason Smith (R-Salem), contained several provisions, including the Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) Act originally introduced by Representative Jason Holsman (D-Kansas City) in H.B. 2178.
PACE allows political subdivisions to pass bond measures to fund programs that allow property owners to weatherize their homes and install clean-energy generation technologies.
At right: Representative Holsman and Governor Nixon celebrate the passage of PACE.
These bonds which fund these improvements will be paid off by the property owner through a surcharge placed on their annual property tax assessment. Therefore, the PACE program doesn't cost a penny to taxpayers who choose not to participate.
The program has been touted as helping the environment by reducing each property's net energy requirements, saving money for the property owners on their utility bills, and creating "green collar" jobs by putting people to work building and installing the energy generation and consumption reduction technologies associated with the program.
"This is the right bill at the right time to help create jobs, lower utility costs while protecting our environment without expanding government or spending tax dollars" said Holsman at the signing ceremony.
Nixon and Cleaver Announce Summer Jobs Program
At left: From left to right, Rep. Jason Holsman, Gov. Jay Nixon, Former Rep. Judy Baker, House Minority Leader Paul LeVota
Congressman Emmanuel Cleaver II and Missouri Governor Jay Nixon are proud to announce the "Jobs Now" Summer Jobs Program.
Jobs Now is funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) and is designed to provide short-term, full-time summer employment to area youths.
At right: Congressman Cleaver with Rep. HolsmanThe program will be available to young men and women aged 16 - 24. The positions, which will be classified as 'green jobs' through ARRA, will pay $10 / hour for 40 hours a week, six weeks in duration. In total, 1,200 jobs will be available.
The program is being run by the Full Employment Council and anyone interested can apply there. Positions are still available, although income guidelines do apply.
Mama Leone's Family Italian Pizza Opens in the 45th District
The Leone family are no strangers to making a delicious pizza. Original Pizza, a longtime favorite of Kansas City area pizza lovers, was opened by Jack Leone in 1978.
Now Jack's sons, Anthony and Frank Leone are carrying on the tradition, opening Mamma Leone's New York Style Pizza & Italian Restaurant at 650 East Red Bridge Road.
Hours of Operation Are:
Mon. - Thurs.: 10 AM - 9 PM
Fri. - Sat.: 10 AM - 10 PM
Sunday: Noon - 9 PM
Mamma Leone's menu:
Whole Pizza
Pizza by the Slice
Hot Sandwiches
Deli Sandwiches
Salad
Greek Dishes
Pasta
and Italian Dinner Entrees
They will also offer custom catering for private parties and corporate functions.
According to Frank Leone, "We can make just about any authentic Italian dish, from Chicken Spiedini to Italian Steak Milanese, but I'm really a pizza guy at heart."
Holsman Tours Sweet Water
At left: President Josh Fraundorf teaches Rep. Holsman about the system
While in Milwaukee at the DLCC Midwest Leadership Conference, I had the chance to tour the Sweet Water Organics urban farm / aquaponics operation. The facility, pictured to the right, is an older industrial building, much like those that dot the landscape in the Kansas City-area.
Sweet Water is somewhat unique as, in addition to farming produce, the facility also raises fish. The fish waste is used as a fertilizer for the plants and the plants act as a natural water filter for the fish.
The concept behind Sweet Water Organics can easily be adapted for use in Jackson County, or anywhere across the county. The operation is a sustainable, job-creating resource that prevents an old building from blighting the neighborhood, and produces safe, healthy, and tasty food for local restaurants and consumers.
In my tours of Growing Power and Sweet Water, I took far too many pictures than I could include in this newsletter. However, if you would like to see for yourself how these new forms of sustainable living are put into practice, check out my Facebook photo album.
Holsman Tours Will Allen's Growing Power Urban Farm
In addition to touring the Sweet Water Organics facility in Milwaukee, I also toured Growing Power, one of the country's premier urban farming organizations. Former ABA basketball standout Will Allen purchased the Growing Power facility in 1993 and has been the key factor in the organization's success throughout the past two decades.
Growing Power isn't just an urban farm, its also an educational facility to teach agriculture, gardening, and the basics of food production. Growing Power hosts workshops and conferences -and has its own outreach program- to teach skills to both young and old alike. It is a place where urban farmers can go to network, learn new skills, and get help in making their own activities a success. A multifaceted The 'Growing Power' Urban Farm founded by basketball star Will Allen.organization, Growing Power has satellite farms and practices various types of sustainable growing, including composting, aquaponics, beekeeping, and livestock.
In my tours of Growing Power and Sweet Water, I took far too many pictures than I could include in this newsletter. However, if you would like to see for yourself how these new forms of sustainable living are put into practice, check out my Facebook photo album.
Holsman Visits Newhouse Women's Domestic Violence Shelter
At right: Rep. Holsman with the staff from Newhouse Domestic Violence Shelter
Earlier this summer, I had the privilege to tour the Newhouse Domestic Violence Shelter. Newhouse provides shelter and other critical services to women who are victims of domestic violence. Their goal is to end the cycle of abuse and provide women with the tools necessary to lead self-sufficient lives. My hosts at Newhouse were very gracious in showing me their facility and the services they had to offer. For more information, visit them online at www.newhouseshelter.org.
06 July 2010
04 July 2010
Holsman: End of Session Report
Dear Friends,
I want to start by wishing you all a Happy Independence Day! I hope that you and your family have a fun, safe, and relaxing Fourth of July. Let us not forget the sacrifices that have been made throughout the years to protect the liberties and freedoms that we, as Americans, hold dear. From our founding fathers to the soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines, and coast guardsmen currently serving in our armed forces, we all owe a debt of gratitude to those men and women who have helped make this country great.
This End-of-Session newsletter is prepared especially to keep you connected and informed. The budget shortfalls dominated a majority of our legislative efforts. Issues we all care deeply about - education, healthcare, energy and the environment, law enforcement, taxes - were carefully deliberated.
In this newsletter are brief summaries of some successful bills. Detailed summaries and full pdf copies of all the bills that passed can be found at: http://house.mo.gov. All bills are sent to the Governor for his approval before becoming law.
Now that the legislative session has come to a close, I look forward to spending more time at home, talking with constituents and learning about the issues most important to south Kansas City and Grandview. Whether here or in Jefferson City, I am humbled by this opportunity to serve.
Warmest regards,
Jason
The Property Assessed Clean Energy Act, originally sponsored by Rep. Jason Holsman as House Bill 2178, passed as an amendment on House Bill 1692. Property Assessed Clean Energy, or PACE, grants municipalities the authority to issue bonds to provide homeowners with funding to install energy efficiency improvements or energy-generation systems on their properties. These improvements would be paid for over time by the homeowner through a higher assessment of their property. Therefore the bonds will be paid off only by the citizens who take advantage of the program. The PACE program will allow homeowners and residents to save money on their utility bills by reducing their net energy consumption and will create 'green-collar' jobs by putting people to work building and installing energy efficient improvements.
House Bill 1848, sponsored by Rep. Jason R. Holsman, creates a Joint Committee on Urban Farming to explore ways to provide inner city residents with improved access to healthy food. The 10-member committee is charged with studying and making recommendations regarding the impact of urban farm cooperatives, vertical farming, and sustainable living communities. The committee will also examine various trends in urban farming; existing resources and capacity; the impact on affected communities; and any needed legislation, policies, or regulations.
House Bill 1695, 1742 & 1674 creates stronger penalties for DWI offenders. The bill requires drivers with blood-alcohol levels of at least 0.15 percent to spend 48 hours in jail, and those with at least 0.2 percent to spend at least five days in jail, unless they complete the requirements of a DWI court or docket or other court-ordered treatment. In addition, the bill allows any circuit court to set up a DWI docket or court for repeat offenders or those whose blood-alcohol content exceeds 0.15 percent. Several Missouri courts already offer DWI Courts, which allow repeat DWI offenders to avoid jail time while receiving treatment for alcohol abuse.
The bill also requires state courts to handle any DWI case involving a defendant with two or more alcohol-related contacts with authorities or intoxication-related traffic offenses, requires police and prosecutors to adopt policies for reporting information on DWI offenses to a central databank, increases the minimum jail time for previous DWI offenders from five to 10 days, and increases the minimum jail time for a persistent offender to 30 days.
Senate Bill 844 is an ethics reform package designed to increase transparency and accountability in the political process. One provision of the bill addresses the issue of political money laundering by restricting committee-to committee transfers of campaign donations. The bill limits the number of political committees and makes it a crime to transfer committee funds with the intent to conceal the source of the original funds.
The bill also gives additional authority to the Missouri Ethics Commission to launch investigations. Under current law, the commission can act only after receiving a complaint. Senate Bill 844 allows the commission to launch an investigation after a unanimous vote of all six commission members. The bill also creates the crime of obstructing an ethics investigation.
In addition, the bill requires that campaign contributions made during a legislative session in excess of $500 be reported within 48 hours. The bill also makes it a crime for an elected official to offer a job to a lawmaker in exchange for votes. Senate Bill 844 also creates new crimes for lobbyists who do not properly report how much they spend on meals and gifts for state officials.
At left: Representatives Grill & Holsman with Governor Nixon at the signing ceremony of Missouri's Autism Insurance bill.
House Bill 1311 & 1341 requires state-regulated group insurance policies to provide coverage for children with autism spectrum disorders. The legislation requires group insurance policies to provide coverage for applied behavioral analysis services (ABA) for autistic children age 18 and younger. The coverage will have an annual cap of $40,000 and will be adjusted at least once every three years for inflation.
The bill also establishes a state Behavior Analyst Advisory Board under the State Committee of Psychologists within the Division of Professional Registration. The new board will be charged with establishing and overseeing licensure and registration requirements for behavior analysts and assistant behavior analysts who provide therapies for children with autism spectrum disorders.
In addition, House Bill 1311 & 1341 provides an exemption to businesses with 50 or fewer employees that show the mandate increased their premiums by at least 2.5 percent compared to the previous year.
Senate Bill 733 addresses the discrepancy between scholarship money available to private and public school students through the Access Missouri program. Under current law, students who attend private and public schools are eligible for disparate award amounts. Senate Bill 733 raises the maximum scholarship to $1,300 for community college students and sets it at $2,850 for students at either public universities or private institutions, starting in 2014.
Senate Bill 733 also modifies the Bright Flight scholarship program. Most significantly, the bill ensures that students who score in the top 3 percent with their ACT or SAT scores receive Bright Flight merit scholarship awards before those who score in the top fourth or fifth percent. Bright Flight eligibility will expand to the top 5 percent next year under a new state law.
In addition, the bill addresses students who elect to join the armed forces. These students who qualify for a Bright Flight scholarship may defer their award and receive it at a later date, as long as they return to full-time student status within six months of the end of their military service.
At right:
Representative Jason R. Holsman meeting with a World War II veteran in the Missouri State Capitol.
House Bill 1524 & 2260 will make it easier for military members serving overseas to vote. The bill requires the Secretary of State to establish procedures for overseas voters to request voter registration applications and absentee ballot applications. The legislation also requires that at least one form of electronic communication for use by absent uniformed services and overseas voters must be designated for requesting voter registration applications and absentee ballots.
The bill also authorizes the governor to present a Legion of Merit Medal to individuals who have exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding military service and achievement reflecting honorably and creditably upon the state. In addition, the governor can present a campaign ribbon to individuals who have served in direct support of several military campaigns. The ribbons will include a Missouri Iraq Campaign Ribbon, a Missouri Afghanistan Campaign Ribbon, a Missouri Kosovo Campaign Ribbon, and a Missouri Vietnam Campaign Ribbon.
Other provisions of the bill specify that the State of Missouri recognizes the designations of Prisoner of War (POW) and Missing in Action (MIA) as valid descriptions of casualty status and category classification for military personnel; require the Adjutant General to establish the Missouri Youth Challenge Academy for at-risk high school age youth; and require all state agencies and political subdivisions to give a three-point bonus preference to a service-disabled veteran business operating as a Missouri business when letting a contract for the performance of any job or service.
House Bill 1868 reduces the size of state government and authorizes the formation of a committee to study the potential for additional downsizing in the future. The bill will save the state millions of dollars by transferring the powers and duties of the State Water Patrol to the newly established Division of Water Patrol within the State Highway Patrol. The bill also establishes the Joint Committee on the Reduction and Reorganization of Programs within State Government. The 14-member committee must publish a report by December 31, 2010, with recommendations for reducing, eliminating, or combining state programs and departments.
At left: Rep. Holsman with a group of students from Boone Elementary
House Bill 1543 contains a number of provisions focused on school safety and improving the working environment for school staff . The bill gives school boards more authority to establish discipline codes. It also expands immunity for school employees who follow established discipline policies. Another provision of the bill defines cyber-bullying to include the use of computers, the Internet, and phones to bully a student.
The legislation also provides school districts with additional budget flexibility during times when funding is limited. For the next three fiscal years, the bill suspends the requirement that school districts spend one percent of state funding on professional development. The legislation allows a school district to spend the money at its discretion. The change will free up approximately $30 million in education funding for schools across the state.
In June, Governor Jay Nixon called the Missouri General Assembly back to Jefferson City for a special "Extraordinary Session" to consider a tax incentive bill to potentially save thousands of jobs at a Ford Motor Company manufacturing plant in the Clay County. The bill has been subject to The Missouri State Capitolsome controversy, as the suggested funding mechanism for these job-saving tax incentives is a reduction in the pensions of Missouri State employees, who are already among the lowest paid state employees in the nation. The House of Representatives was in session June 24th through June 29th discussing this bill. After the bill has worked its way through the Senate, it will return to the House for further consideration on July 7th and 8th. I will keep you updated about the progress of this bill as it moves through the legislative process.
I want to start by wishing you all a Happy Independence Day! I hope that you and your family have a fun, safe, and relaxing Fourth of July. Let us not forget the sacrifices that have been made throughout the years to protect the liberties and freedoms that we, as Americans, hold dear. From our founding fathers to the soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines, and coast guardsmen currently serving in our armed forces, we all owe a debt of gratitude to those men and women who have helped make this country great.
This End-of-Session newsletter is prepared especially to keep you connected and informed. The budget shortfalls dominated a majority of our legislative efforts. Issues we all care deeply about - education, healthcare, energy and the environment, law enforcement, taxes - were carefully deliberated.
In this newsletter are brief summaries of some successful bills. Detailed summaries and full pdf copies of all the bills that passed can be found at: http://house.mo.gov. All bills are sent to the Governor for his approval before becoming law.
Now that the legislative session has come to a close, I look forward to spending more time at home, talking with constituents and learning about the issues most important to south Kansas City and Grandview. Whether here or in Jefferson City, I am humbled by this opportunity to serve.
Warmest regards,
Jason
Property Assessed Clean Energy
The Property Assessed Clean Energy Act, originally sponsored by Rep. Jason Holsman as House Bill 2178, passed as an amendment on House Bill 1692. Property Assessed Clean Energy, or PACE, grants municipalities the authority to issue bonds to provide homeowners with funding to install energy efficiency improvements or energy-generation systems on their properties. These improvements would be paid for over time by the homeowner through a higher assessment of their property. Therefore the bonds will be paid off only by the citizens who take advantage of the program. The PACE program will allow homeowners and residents to save money on their utility bills by reducing their net energy consumption and will create 'green-collar' jobs by putting people to work building and installing energy efficient improvements.
Urban Farming
House Bill 1848, sponsored by Rep. Jason R. Holsman, creates a Joint Committee on Urban Farming to explore ways to provide inner city residents with improved access to healthy food. The 10-member committee is charged with studying and making recommendations regarding the impact of urban farm cooperatives, vertical farming, and sustainable living communities. The committee will also examine various trends in urban farming; existing resources and capacity; the impact on affected communities; and any needed legislation, policies, or regulations.
Stronger DWI Penalties
House Bill 1695, 1742 & 1674 creates stronger penalties for DWI offenders. The bill requires drivers with blood-alcohol levels of at least 0.15 percent to spend 48 hours in jail, and those with at least 0.2 percent to spend at least five days in jail, unless they complete the requirements of a DWI court or docket or other court-ordered treatment. In addition, the bill allows any circuit court to set up a DWI docket or court for repeat offenders or those whose blood-alcohol content exceeds 0.15 percent. Several Missouri courts already offer DWI Courts, which allow repeat DWI offenders to avoid jail time while receiving treatment for alcohol abuse.
The bill also requires state courts to handle any DWI case involving a defendant with two or more alcohol-related contacts with authorities or intoxication-related traffic offenses, requires police and prosecutors to adopt policies for reporting information on DWI offenses to a central databank, increases the minimum jail time for previous DWI offenders from five to 10 days, and increases the minimum jail time for a persistent offender to 30 days.
Ethics Reform
Senate Bill 844 is an ethics reform package designed to increase transparency and accountability in the political process. One provision of the bill addresses the issue of political money laundering by restricting committee-to committee transfers of campaign donations. The bill limits the number of political committees and makes it a crime to transfer committee funds with the intent to conceal the source of the original funds.
The bill also gives additional authority to the Missouri Ethics Commission to launch investigations. Under current law, the commission can act only after receiving a complaint. Senate Bill 844 allows the commission to launch an investigation after a unanimous vote of all six commission members. The bill also creates the crime of obstructing an ethics investigation.
In addition, the bill requires that campaign contributions made during a legislative session in excess of $500 be reported within 48 hours. The bill also makes it a crime for an elected official to offer a job to a lawmaker in exchange for votes. Senate Bill 844 also creates new crimes for lobbyists who do not properly report how much they spend on meals and gifts for state officials.
Autism Insurance Reform
At left: Representatives Grill & Holsman with Governor Nixon at the signing ceremony of Missouri's Autism Insurance bill.House Bill 1311 & 1341 requires state-regulated group insurance policies to provide coverage for children with autism spectrum disorders. The legislation requires group insurance policies to provide coverage for applied behavioral analysis services (ABA) for autistic children age 18 and younger. The coverage will have an annual cap of $40,000 and will be adjusted at least once every three years for inflation.
The bill also establishes a state Behavior Analyst Advisory Board under the State Committee of Psychologists within the Division of Professional Registration. The new board will be charged with establishing and overseeing licensure and registration requirements for behavior analysts and assistant behavior analysts who provide therapies for children with autism spectrum disorders.
In addition, House Bill 1311 & 1341 provides an exemption to businesses with 50 or fewer employees that show the mandate increased their premiums by at least 2.5 percent compared to the previous year.
College Scholarships
Senate Bill 733 addresses the discrepancy between scholarship money available to private and public school students through the Access Missouri program. Under current law, students who attend private and public schools are eligible for disparate award amounts. Senate Bill 733 raises the maximum scholarship to $1,300 for community college students and sets it at $2,850 for students at either public universities or private institutions, starting in 2014.
Senate Bill 733 also modifies the Bright Flight scholarship program. Most significantly, the bill ensures that students who score in the top 3 percent with their ACT or SAT scores receive Bright Flight merit scholarship awards before those who score in the top fourth or fifth percent. Bright Flight eligibility will expand to the top 5 percent next year under a new state law.
In addition, the bill addresses students who elect to join the armed forces. These students who qualify for a Bright Flight scholarship may defer their award and receive it at a later date, as long as they return to full-time student status within six months of the end of their military service.
Veterans Omnibus Bill
At right:
Representative Jason R. Holsman meeting with a World War II veteran in the Missouri State Capitol.House Bill 1524 & 2260 will make it easier for military members serving overseas to vote. The bill requires the Secretary of State to establish procedures for overseas voters to request voter registration applications and absentee ballot applications. The legislation also requires that at least one form of electronic communication for use by absent uniformed services and overseas voters must be designated for requesting voter registration applications and absentee ballots.
The bill also authorizes the governor to present a Legion of Merit Medal to individuals who have exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding military service and achievement reflecting honorably and creditably upon the state. In addition, the governor can present a campaign ribbon to individuals who have served in direct support of several military campaigns. The ribbons will include a Missouri Iraq Campaign Ribbon, a Missouri Afghanistan Campaign Ribbon, a Missouri Kosovo Campaign Ribbon, and a Missouri Vietnam Campaign Ribbon.
Other provisions of the bill specify that the State of Missouri recognizes the designations of Prisoner of War (POW) and Missing in Action (MIA) as valid descriptions of casualty status and category classification for military personnel; require the Adjutant General to establish the Missouri Youth Challenge Academy for at-risk high school age youth; and require all state agencies and political subdivisions to give a three-point bonus preference to a service-disabled veteran business operating as a Missouri business when letting a contract for the performance of any job or service.
Downsizing Government
House Bill 1868 reduces the size of state government and authorizes the formation of a committee to study the potential for additional downsizing in the future. The bill will save the state millions of dollars by transferring the powers and duties of the State Water Patrol to the newly established Division of Water Patrol within the State Highway Patrol. The bill also establishes the Joint Committee on the Reduction and Reorganization of Programs within State Government. The 14-member committee must publish a report by December 31, 2010, with recommendations for reducing, eliminating, or combining state programs and departments.
School Safety
At left: Rep. Holsman with a group of students from Boone ElementaryHouse Bill 1543 contains a number of provisions focused on school safety and improving the working environment for school staff . The bill gives school boards more authority to establish discipline codes. It also expands immunity for school employees who follow established discipline policies. Another provision of the bill defines cyber-bullying to include the use of computers, the Internet, and phones to bully a student.
The legislation also provides school districts with additional budget flexibility during times when funding is limited. For the next three fiscal years, the bill suspends the requirement that school districts spend one percent of state funding on professional development. The legislation allows a school district to spend the money at its discretion. The change will free up approximately $30 million in education funding for schools across the state.
Extraordinary Session
In June, Governor Jay Nixon called the Missouri General Assembly back to Jefferson City for a special "Extraordinary Session" to consider a tax incentive bill to potentially save thousands of jobs at a Ford Motor Company manufacturing plant in the Clay County. The bill has been subject to The Missouri State Capitolsome controversy, as the suggested funding mechanism for these job-saving tax incentives is a reduction in the pensions of Missouri State employees, who are already among the lowest paid state employees in the nation. The House of Representatives was in session June 24th through June 29th discussing this bill. After the bill has worked its way through the Senate, it will return to the House for further consideration on July 7th and 8th. I will keep you updated about the progress of this bill as it moves through the legislative process.
14 May 2010
Holsman: Top Two Priorities Pass the General Assembly
Dear Friends,
I'm pleased to announce that two of my top priorities in the House of Representatives have passed the General Assembly. House Bill 1848, the Urban Farming Bill, was truly agreed and finally passed on Thursday the 13th. Today, our final day of session, the language from the PACE bill which I originally sponsored as part of House Bill 2178, passed the General Assembly as an Amendment on House Bill 1692. I want to thank everyone who helped get this legislation passed. Below I've included two articles about the two bills and their passage.
As always, it is truly a pleasure to represent you in Jefferson City.
Warmest regards,
Jason R. Holsman
Jefferson City, MO - With only one day left in the 2010 legislative session, the Urban Farming Bill, sponsored by Representative Jason Holsman (D - Kansas City), has been truly agreed and finally passed by both houses of the Missouri General Assembly. The long journey through the legislative process has been completed and House Bill 1848 is now awaiting Governor Jay Nixon's signature.
The bill, which was introduced by Holsman on January 27th, creates a joint interim committee to study urban farming in the state of Missouri. The ultimate goal of the committee is to generate a report on urban agriculture and vertical farming that can be used as a template for both states and urban farmers to develop 'best practices' to be used to shape the urban agriculture industry.
"I am very grateful to everyone who drove down to Jefferson City to testify on behalf of H.B. 1848. There are a million ways for a bill to fail and only one way for it to pass. Many individuals on both sides of the aisle in both chambers helped shepherd this legislation to passage. I especially want to thank Representative Tom Loehner (R - Osage County), Chairman of the Agriculture Policy Committee, and Senator Jolie Justus, who handled the bill in the Senate," said Holsman "The results of this study can lead to more jobs for our citizens and could encourage the development of vertical farms and other forms of high-tech agriculture in Missouri."
Jefferson City, MO - In a gesture of bipartisanship, Missouri State Representatives Shane Schoeller (R - Willard) and Jason Holsman (D - Kansas City) joined together to celebrate the passage of the Property Assessed Clean Energy (P.A.C.E.) legislation from the Missouri General Assembly. PACE would give municipalities statutory authority to start a program which would allow homeowners to make energy efficiency or energy generation improvements to their homes, which would be paid off over a set number of years by a surcharge on the homeowner's property assessment. The program would put workers in the construction industry - which has been especially hard hit in the ongoing recession - back to work installing improvements on properties. Since the costs involved would be borne by the homeowners participating in the program through their own property taxes, PACE would be self funding and wouldn't require any tax dollars. The language, which was contained in House Bill 1692, was attached on the bill in the Missouri Senate by Senator Joan Bray (D - St. Louis).
"The passage of PACE is a huge step forward for Missouri" said Holsman "this will create jobs and will help lower utility bills for Missourians who participate in the program."
"Implementation of PACE is a move in the right direction, giving the people of Missouri a method of overcoming the steep cost of energy saving renovations without increases in government spending or mandates," commented Rep. Schoeller, "equally as important, it keeps the progress of this program under local control where the people have a greater choice in the direction of energy efficiency and renewable energy programs, rather than well-intentioned bureaucratic programs."
Now that PACE has passed both houses of the General Assembly, it will be sent to the Governor's office before it can become Missouri State Statute.
I'm pleased to announce that two of my top priorities in the House of Representatives have passed the General Assembly. House Bill 1848, the Urban Farming Bill, was truly agreed and finally passed on Thursday the 13th. Today, our final day of session, the language from the PACE bill which I originally sponsored as part of House Bill 2178, passed the General Assembly as an Amendment on House Bill 1692. I want to thank everyone who helped get this legislation passed. Below I've included two articles about the two bills and their passage.
As always, it is truly a pleasure to represent you in Jefferson City.
Warmest regards,
Jason R. Holsman
Urban Farming Bill Lands on Governor's Desk
Jefferson City, MO - With only one day left in the 2010 legislative session, the Urban Farming Bill, sponsored by Representative Jason Holsman (D - Kansas City), has been truly agreed and finally passed by both houses of the Missouri General Assembly. The long journey through the legislative process has been completed and House Bill 1848 is now awaiting Governor Jay Nixon's signature.
The bill, which was introduced by Holsman on January 27th, creates a joint interim committee to study urban farming in the state of Missouri. The ultimate goal of the committee is to generate a report on urban agriculture and vertical farming that can be used as a template for both states and urban farmers to develop 'best practices' to be used to shape the urban agriculture industry.
"I am very grateful to everyone who drove down to Jefferson City to testify on behalf of H.B. 1848. There are a million ways for a bill to fail and only one way for it to pass. Many individuals on both sides of the aisle in both chambers helped shepherd this legislation to passage. I especially want to thank Representative Tom Loehner (R - Osage County), Chairman of the Agriculture Policy Committee, and Senator Jolie Justus, who handled the bill in the Senate," said Holsman "The results of this study can lead to more jobs for our citizens and could encourage the development of vertical farms and other forms of high-tech agriculture in Missouri."
Property Assessed Clean Energy Bill Passed
Jefferson City, MO - In a gesture of bipartisanship, Missouri State Representatives Shane Schoeller (R - Willard) and Jason Holsman (D - Kansas City) joined together to celebrate the passage of the Property Assessed Clean Energy (P.A.C.E.) legislation from the Missouri General Assembly. PACE would give municipalities statutory authority to start a program which would allow homeowners to make energy efficiency or energy generation improvements to their homes, which would be paid off over a set number of years by a surcharge on the homeowner's property assessment. The program would put workers in the construction industry - which has been especially hard hit in the ongoing recession - back to work installing improvements on properties. Since the costs involved would be borne by the homeowners participating in the program through their own property taxes, PACE would be self funding and wouldn't require any tax dollars. The language, which was contained in House Bill 1692, was attached on the bill in the Missouri Senate by Senator Joan Bray (D - St. Louis).
"The passage of PACE is a huge step forward for Missouri" said Holsman "this will create jobs and will help lower utility bills for Missourians who participate in the program."
"Implementation of PACE is a move in the right direction, giving the people of Missouri a method of overcoming the steep cost of energy saving renovations without increases in government spending or mandates," commented Rep. Schoeller, "equally as important, it keeps the progress of this program under local control where the people have a greater choice in the direction of energy efficiency and renewable energy programs, rather than well-intentioned bureaucratic programs."
Now that PACE has passed both houses of the General Assembly, it will be sent to the Governor's office before it can become Missouri State Statute.
01 April 2010
Nance: Bills Third Read and Passed, Visitors to the Capitol
“You cannot establish security on borrowed money.” –Rev. William J. H. Boetcker
The House has third read and passed the following bills:
Agriculture policy is working on an omnibus bill and that would increase pesticide registration fees to corporate pesticide producers and funds would go to the Agriculture Protection Fund.
HB 2297 authorized the establishment of the Kansas City Zoological District which may be composed of the counties of Cass, Clay, Jackson, and Platte at the option of the voters of each county. Each member county may impose, upon voter approval, a sales tax of up to one-quarter of 1% for the financial support of zoological activities within the district.
To date, the House has filed 1,233 bills and 84 have been perfected. In comparison, the Senate has filed 527 bills and 69 have been perfected.
A consent bill [HB2219] honoring “Buck O’Neil Day” on November 13, 2010 was also passed.
Major League Baseball opening day is Sunday April 4. Jack Buck, former announcer for the St. Louis Cardinals, joined the Hall of Famous Missourians in April 2006.
I wish everyone a Happy Easter.
The House has third read and passed the following bills:
- HB 2198, which would change the laws regarding the Motor Vehicle Franchise Practices Act.
- HJR 87, which proposes a constitutional amendment prohibiting appropriations in any fiscal year from exceeding certain limits.
- HB 1692, 1209, 1405, 1499, 1535 & 1811, which would change the laws regarding courts and judges, adoptions, reports of child abuse and neglect, child support, and judicial proceedings.
- HB 1842, which specifies that the fractional requirement for passage of a tax measure must be deemed satisfied only if the popular vote percentage is equal or greater than a four decimal percentage equivalent of the fraction.
- HB 1446, which would change the laws regarding financial transactions.
- HB 1207, which would classify certain sawmills and planning mills as agricultural and horticultural property instead of commercial property for property taxation purposes
Agriculture policy is working on an omnibus bill and that would increase pesticide registration fees to corporate pesticide producers and funds would go to the Agriculture Protection Fund.
HB 2297 authorized the establishment of the Kansas City Zoological District which may be composed of the counties of Cass, Clay, Jackson, and Platte at the option of the voters of each county. Each member county may impose, upon voter approval, a sales tax of up to one-quarter of 1% for the financial support of zoological activities within the district.
To date, the House has filed 1,233 bills and 84 have been perfected. In comparison, the Senate has filed 527 bills and 69 have been perfected.
A consent bill [HB2219] honoring “Buck O’Neil Day” on November 13, 2010 was also passed.
Major League Baseball opening day is Sunday April 4. Jack Buck, former announcer for the St. Louis Cardinals, joined the Hall of Famous Missourians in April 2006.
Visitors
J.D. Edwards from Excelsior Springs was at the Capitol on Tuesday. Lawson residents Ed and Thelma Duncan came by on Wednesday to share their concern on House Bills affecting teacher retirement.I wish everyone a Happy Easter.
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