Ruestman: False Accusations Being Spread

Two weeks ago a Kansas City labor union went about the business to smear my name.  They proceeded to mail cards to my constituents saying I supported hiring illegal immigrants to work in our schools.  This is simply not true.  Not only is this an outright lie, it couldn't be further from the truth.

My bill, House Bill 1960, known as "The School Construction Act" contains a clause allowing local school districts to opt out of paying prevailing wage.  Labor unions oppose this legislation out of a fear of being unable to compete in a free market.  I believe in a free enterprise and I represent citizens, conservatives and Tea Partiers who have always supported Capitalism.  Arbitrarily inflating wages through the government is not capitalism.  Instead, it stinks of socialism.

This labor union would like you to believe HB 1960 would lead to plague of illegal immigrants taking our jobs and working in our schools.  There is absolutely no evidence of this.  The idea that inflated wages saves us from illegal immigrants is outrageous.  The fact remains:  it is illegal to hire illegal aliens regardless of how much you pay them.  This is a prime example of how members of the other party fail to use common sense when making policy.  This proves how desperate unions and their cronies are to keep the law in their favor.  It also shows the lengths they will go to deceive others.

In 2008, I cosponsored and voted for House Bill 1549 bringing about the strictest immigration policy Missouri has ever had.  Details of this bill can be found at:  http://house.mo.gov/billtracking/bills081/bills/HB1549.HTM.

What the unions won't tell you is that HB1960 will save taxpayers money.  It has been estimated that by opting out of prevailing wage school districts can save up to 25% on school construction, remodeling and maintenance.

If you have problems, questions or wish to express concern over an issue, please do not hesitate to contact me or my Legislator Assistant, Jonathan, at my Capitol office either by phone 573-751-9801 or by e-mail at Marilyn{dot}Ruestman{at}house{dot}mo{dot}gov.

Ruestman: Illegal Immigrants Working in Schools? Of Course Not!

I've recently come under attack from a Kansas City labor union for a bill I'm sponsoring that would lower your taxes and help our schools.  They claim I support the hiring of illegal immigrants to work on our school buildings.  Not only have I been a strong advocate of ending our illegal immigration problem, I cosponsored the toughest immigration reform in Missouri, House Bill 1549

In 2008, HB 1549 was passed and signed into law creating the strictest immigration policy Missouri has ever had.  I cosponsored it and I voted for it.  Among other things, it provided for the following:

• Allowed the Highway Patrol to dedicate specific patrolmen to be trained in enforcing federal immigration laws;
• Prohibited any county, city, town or village from enacting sanctuary policies.  Any municipality that does so would be ineligible to receive state grant money;
• Illegal aliens are prohibited from receiving any state or local public benefits;
• Requires certain employers to e-verify citizenship status of employees;
• Prohibits the Department of Revenue from issuing drivers' licenses to illegal aliens and does not recognize licenses issued to illegal aliens from other states.
• Denies illegal immigrants bail;
• Created the crime of transporting illegal aliens; and,
• Requires arresting law enforcement agencies to verify the immigration status of a person charged with a crime.

The School Construction Act, HB 1960, allows school districts to opt out of mandated wage requirements.  Labor unions are fighting this bill because their prevailing wage law artificially inflates wages to their benefit.  This bill supports free enterprise solutions for our schools in this time of budget constraints, by reducing the cost of constructing new buildings.  It allows local construction companies to bid and consequently hire more local workers, create more competition and reduce construction costs on a taxpayer-funded project.

My record stands for itself.  There is no reason to believe this bill would cause an influx of illegal immigrant workers.  Beyond that, it is a violation of state and federal laws to hire an illegal immigrant!  Laws are in place to prevent such things from happening and inspections abound.

The School Construction Act would allow schools to decrease the costs of school buildings by up to 25% and save YOU, the taxpayer, money!  It would allow more projects to go forward in this poor economy which would create jobs!  Perhaps it is that the labor unions support higher taxes and fewer jobs?  Why is a Kansas City labor union worried about rural school districts saving some money?

If you have problems, questions or wish to express concern over an issue, please do not hesitate to contact me or my Legislator Assistant, Jonathan, at my Capitol office either by phone 573-751-9801 or by e-mail at Marilyn{dot}Ruestman{at}house{dot}mo{dot}gov.

Ruestman: Supporters of School Construction Act Urged to Call Lawmakers

An important piece of legislation affecting your school district will be voted on in the House this week.

House Bill 1960, the “School Construction Act”, would allow your school district to save up to 25% on school construction, remodeling or maintenance costs. It calls for exempting school districts from the prevailing wage requirement on public projects.

Nearly all Democrats and the following Republicans oppose or may oppose this bill:

Jason Brown 573-751-5693
Mark Bruns 573-751-0665
Doug Funderburk 573-751-2176
Mike McGhee 573-751-1462
Chris Molendorp 573-751-2175
Bob Nance 573-751-1468
Jerry Nolte 573-751-1470
Ryan Silvey 573-751-5282
Jason Smith 573-751-1688
Mike Sutherland 573-751-2689
Anne Zerr 573-751-3717

Please take the time to call one or more of these legislators and let them know you support House Bill 1960 because it is pro-education, pro-jobs and pro-taxpayer!

In this time of budget constraints, the schools need all the help they can use. Please ask other superintendents to contact their Representatives, including those residing in the above Representative’s districts.

Thank you in advance for your support and help in getting this passed.

Ruestman: School Construction Act

This week the Missouri House of Representatives goes to work on the budget bills.  We are making every effort to find the least painful cuts in order to balance the budget.  The Republican majority is still maintaining its struggle to fully fund the education formula.  The price has not been determined yet, but there will be programs affected.  Your local counties, municipalities and school districts have found themselves with a shortage as well.  We must all have consideration for each other.

This year, I am once again sponsoring the School Construction Act [HB2276].  This is a bill to lower the cost of labor on school construction, remodeling and maintenance.  This could save you, the taxpayer, up to 25% on much-needed new school buildings.  It allows local school boards to opt out of the prevailing wage requirement which inflates wages significantly above the local rate.

The fiscal note provided for the bill estimates that it could save the state between $600 million and $1 billion.  I remind you that these are YOUR TAX DOLLARS.  You could certainly spend that money yourself rather than paying it toward an inflated cost of new schools.  If we are able to get a public building using less taxpayer money, why wouldn't we?  Quality is not jeopardized because the same architect serves as an inspector for the job no matter what the cost or who provides the labor.

Last week this bill, House Bill 1960, passed out of the House Workforce Development Committee.  It is now headed to the Rules Committee for final clearance before heading to the Floor for debate.  I'll be busy building a solid coalition to support schools.

If you have problems, questions or wish to express concern over an issue, please do not hesitate to contact me or my Legislator Assistant, Jonathan, at my Capitol office either by phone 573-751-9801 or by e-mail at Marilyn{dot}Ruestman{at}house{dot}mo{dot}gov.

Ruestman: Legislative Update

A brief update on my legislation:

House Bill 1350 – Property Tax Reform

I mentioned this bill in last week's report.  This changes the method that property value is assessed for tax purposes.  It is meant to save taxpayers from exorbitant future increases.  As of last week it had not been referred.  There has been no change to the status of this bill.  The Speaker has yet to assign it to a committee.

House Bill 1351 – Firefighters' Tax Credit

This bill offers a small tax credit to volunteer firefighters who maintain a certain level of training each year.  Nearly 70% of firefighters in Missouri serve in a volunteer capacity.  It is difficult to pass any tax cut or credit during this revenue crunch.  I believe now is the time to be helping Missouri families, especially those who sacrifice for the safety of us all.  HB 1351 was referred to the Committee on Public Safety last week.

House Bill 1864 - Farmers' Market Sales Tax Exemption

I am writing this report on Monday and tomorrow morning we will be hearing this bill in the Committee on Agri-Business.  We're very excited about exempting the many farmers' markets from having to collect state or local sales taxes.  This will benefit our farmers and local communities greatly.  It can also help seniors and low-income families who are struggling to buy groceries.

House Bill 1960 – School Construction Act

Today, the House Committee on Workplace Development and Workplace Safety heard HB 1960 regarding significant savings in school construction, remodeling and maintenance.  It allows school districts in non-charter counties to opt out of the unfunded prevailing wage mandate.  The savings to school districts and TAXPAYERS would be substantial.  On a typical project the cost-reduction is in the neighborhood of 15-25%.  This is money that stays in the taxpayers' pockets.

If you have problems, questions or wish to express concern over an issue, please do not hesitate to contact me or my Legislator Assistant, Jonathan, at my Capitol office either by phone 573-751-9801 or by e-mail at Marilyn{dot}Ruestman{at}house{dot}mo{dot}gov.