Schaefer: Smoking Cessation Program, Latest Legislative Action

Now only three weeks remain in the legislative session. The General Assembly is hard at work debating bills before the May 14 adjournment.

On Monday, I spoke at a press conference [at left] highlighting a new smoking cessation pilot program at the University of Missouri-Columbia Hospital.

The program, estimated to cost approximately $8 million, would be available to Missouri residents currently on Medicaid. Funding for the program was added to the state budget last week as part of House Bill 2011. The budget conference committee will consider funding for the program next week.

I appreciate the supporters who came to the press conference. With the committee's support, I am excited to see the benefits that this program will provide to the citizens of this state who are looking to stop smoking and begin a healthier lifestyle.

Legislative Action

Also on Monday, Senate Bill 1004, which will increase the penalty for shaking a child, was passed out of the Senate Judiciary and Civil and Criminal Jurisprudence Committee. The bill will now go before the Senate for debate.

Senate Bill 887, which would ban spice cannabinoids, also known as K2, was heard in the House Public Safety committee on Tuesday. Additionally, Senate Bill 880, which deals with changes to existing DWI law, received a hearing in the same committee and was placed on the informal calendar.

On Wednesday, I had the privilege of presenting Michael Brewer to the Senate Gubernatorial Appointments Committee for consideration to the Missouri Planning Council for Developmental Disabilities. In addition, this week, I also had the honor of introducing two physicians as Doctors of the Day on the Senate floor. I introduced Dr. Peter Koopman, Assistant Professor of Clinical Family and Community Medicine at MU, on Wednesday, and on Thursday, I introduced Dr. Carl Freter, doctor of hematology and oncology at Ellis Fischel Cancer Center.

Also this week, the Senate and House began work finalizing the budget that will be sent to the governor. The conference committee will continue with the budget next week.

Capitol Visitors and Gubernatorial Appointees

Michael Brewer with Senator Schaefer	Dr. Peter Koopman with Senator Schaefer

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 involving state government, please contact my office.

Schaefer: Bills Passed out of Committee

While the legislature is winding down in anticipation of spring recess, we have had a very busy week in my office.

Three of my bills were passed out of committee this week.  On Monday, Senate Bill 887, which would place spice cannabinoids on the Schedule I controlled substances list, was voted do pass by the Judiciary and Civil and Criminal Jurisprudence Committee. The bill is now in the Senate to be taken up for debate.

Senate Bill 880, which would create DWI dockets and a court surcharge of $100 on intoxication-related traffic offenses to support DWI courts, was also voted do pass by the Judiciary Committee.

On Tuesday, Senate Bill 855 was voted do pass by the Health, Mental Health, Seniors and Families Committee. This bill would allow the state registrar to create and sell heritage birth or marriage certificates for a $50 fee.

I also had the pleasure of presenting a resolution to the [at right] All-Star Little League Team from Boone County.  The Daniel Boone Little League Team represented Missouri all the way to the National Regional Championship game in Indianapolis, Indiana. I congratulate them on their hard work and effort!

Also on Tuesday, I filed Senate Bill 1040, which deals with environmental remediation statutes for dry-cleaning facilities.  Under current law, payments into the Dry-Cleaning Environmental Response Trust Fund expire on August 12, 2012.  My bill would extend the expiration date to August 28, 2022.

Additionally, students from West Boulevard Elementary School in Columbia visited on Wednesday.  I had the opportunity to introduce them in the Senate, and I hope they enjoyed learning about Missouri government!

This week I also sponsored one gubernatorial appointment. Craig Van Matre, who was appointed to serve as a member of the Coordinating Board for Higher Education.

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.