Engler: Fiscal Responsibility in Economically Tough Times

Last week, the House finished their work on the budget and sent the bills to the Senate. This now means that the Senate Appropriations Committee will go through each of the 13 budget bills and craft their own version of the state spending plan. The bills will then move to the Senate floor for the full Senate to debate. Once the full Senate approves the budget, Senate and House budget leaders will meet to iron out any differences between the two versions. The full House and Senate must agree to a balanced budget (this year’s Constitutional deadline is May 7) before it is sent to the governor.

The process of passing the budget is the same every year, but the work ahead of us this year is particularly tough. Based on revenue collections, the current fiscal year’s budget is going to experience an historic shortfall, and it is estimated that the FY 2011 budget originally submitted by the governor will be at least $500 million out of balance. There are many programs and services that Missourians depend on in their day-to-day lives, but we also have to make sure we come up with a balanced budget that is sustainable for our state’s future.

Missouri’s Constitution requires that we must have a balanced budget. This means that, unlike Congress, we can’t just borrow our way out of fiscal problems. We will keep our promise to not increase taxes on the people of Missouri. This leaves us with only one option: closely consider every spending obligation in our budget and find ways to cut costs.

This week, we also continued an ongoing discussion on economic development. We are working to strike a balance between making sure tax credits are used in a responsible way and providing incentives to businesses looking to expand in or move to Missouri. There are several views in the Senate on how we can best go about this process and, with the state’s finances as tight as they are, it is important that we address these issues.

Senate Bill 895 is the comprehensive economic development bill in the Senate this year. The bill contains several programs designed to create jobs, attract businesses to our state, and encourage the ones that are already here to grow. This includes offering increased incentives to established Missouri businesses looking to expand and a program to attract high-tech companies to our state. Ultimately, we have to make sure that your tax dollars are receiving the best return on its investment as possible.

I want to wish everyone in the 3^rd District a happy Easter with family and friends this weekend.

Holsman's Survey Results & Town Hall Reminder

Hello friends!

I wanted to remind everyone about my town hall meeting on Thursday, April 1^st at 7:00 PM at Center Middle School (326 East 103^rd Street). Guests will include Representative Jason Kander, Mr. Patrick Lynn, Dr. Robert Bartman, Dr. Ralph Teran, and Dr. Marjorie Williams. Discussion topics will include education, issues impacting senior citizens, and Missouri's budget. Everyone is invited to attend.

Earlier this year, our office conducted a random suvery of voters of the 45th District.  We had a tremendous response!  Out of 1,550 surveys sent, here are the results:

Do you approve or disapprove of the job Representative Holsman is doing?
Approve - 66.4%
Disapprove - 8.7%
No Opinion - 24.8%

What should Missouri do regarding implementation of a statewide smoking ban?
Implement a statewide ban that prohibits smoking in all public places including restaurants or stand-alone bars - 48.6%
Adopt a statewide ban with exemptions for certain businesses such as stand-alone bars - 14.7%
Take no action and allow businesses To set their own smoking policies - 35.4%
No Opinion - 1.3%

Should Missouri allow the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes?
Yes - 56.6%
No - 35.0%
No Opinion - 8.4%

Should Missouri reduce the penalties for marijuana possession?
Yes - 49.3%
No - 43.5%
No Opinion - 7.2%

Do you support government sponsored health insurance?
Yes - 47.5%
No - 48.1%
No Opinion - 4.4%

Would you support government sponsored health care for children?
Yes - 61.3%
No - 34.1%
No Opinion - 4.7%

Should the "Fair Tax" system replace the current tax system?
Yes - 32.9%
No - 58.1%
No Opinion - 9.0%

Would you support making public funds available to match campaign donations received by candidates for state elected office, if those candidates were subject to strict campaign fundraising limits and were unable to accept money from special interest groups, lobbyists, and PACs (political action committees)?
Yes - 53.6%
No - 40.1%
No Opinion - 6.3%

How should teacher pay be determined?
Merit-based system - 48.3%
Step-based system - 11.7%
Regardless of the method, teacher Pay should be increased - 34.4%
Teacher pay should not be increased - 1.6%
No Opinion - 4.1%

Should the state construct truck-only lanes on I-70?
Yes - 44.7%
No - 21.3%
Only if possible without a tax increase - 30.6%
No Opinion - 3.4%

Should Missouri invest additional dollars to study building hydroelectric plants along Missouri rivers even if it may require a tax increase to do so?
Yes - 43.6$
No - 48.9%
No Opinion - 7.5%

Would you be willing to pay a surcharge on your electric bill in order to fund research at the Center for Sustainable Energy at Mizzou for clean, renewable, and sustainable energy technologies?
Yes - 37.1%
No - 55.7%
No Opinion - 7.2%

Should Missouri do away with term limits for legislators?
Yes - 23.7%
No - 71.2%
No Opinion - 5.1%

Should Missouri amend term limits so that legislators can serve up to twelve years (instead of eight) in either the House or the Senate but no more than sixteen total years can be served?
Yes - 30.7%
No - 60.4%
No Opinion - 8.9%

Ridgeway: Coping with a Historic Budget Crisis and the MO Healthcare Freedom Act

Coping with a Historic Budget Crisis

The budget proposed by the governor in January would spend $8.3 billion in general revenue, which exceeds any reasonable estimate of tax receipts for the upcoming fiscal year by more than $1 billion. This means that our budget is structurally out of balance and cannot be sustained with the current spending plan.

Fortunately, the disciplined decisions of the past few years have put Missouri in a better financial position to weather the economic storm than most states. But we are not immune to having to make difficult budget decisions that will keep us financially sound.

Based on revenue collections, the current fiscal year's budget is going to experience a historic shortfall.

To this end, the governor recently reduced another $126 million from the fiscal year 2010 budget. This brings the total cuts and withholdings for this year to $850 million. The current fiscal year ends June 30, 2010, at which point FY 2011 will take effect. The Legislature is currently working on the budget for the upcoming year, which will run July 1, 2010, through June 30, 2011.

Unlike Congress, our Missouri Constitution requires that we must have a balanced budget. The state of Missouri cannot borrow our way to prosperity or print money to satisfy unrestrained and politically motivated spending habits.

Some politicians are content to rely on one-time monies from the federal government, but as you may recall, the extreme budget deficit we faced earlier this decade was a result of uncontrolled spending. When that money runs out, the programs are still there and the financial burden is then entirely on the backs of our Missouri families.

How out of touch with our existing economic condition can we be to accept a budget that will require nearly 15 percent more of your income tax dollars when the one-time money runs out next year? This is a time for restraint, a time to truly prioritize spending and a time to make our state bureaucracy more efficient.

Seeking YOUR Ideas!

To help facilitate the conversation on how to cost costs, the Senate recently launched an initiative called "Rebooting Government," which invites Missourians to provide their ideas for how to restructure and streamline our state government.

Already, the Senate has received more than 1,500 ideas from the public. To put the best ideas into action, the Senate dedicated a day this week to reviewing all proposed ideas in eight small groups, made up of four senators each. Each group then presented at least five ideas they agreed upon to the full Senate at the conclusion of the work day. The ideas may eventually be introduced in legislation or through the budget process, or even implemented through executive order. The goal is to implement the best ideas in the hope of finding additional savings.

We will continue to accept your ideas throughout the legislative session, which ends on May 14, 2010. I encourage you to submit your ideas online by visiting www.senate.mo.gov and clicking on the Rebooting Government icon. Submissions may be anonymous. This is a once-in-a-blue-moon opportunity to make significant changes to the way our state government operates.

Missouri's Health Care Freedom Act

In light of the federal government's unfortunate passage of the health care takeover bill this week, the Missouri Senate began debate on legislation that works to ensure Missourians retain their health care freedom. Senate Joint Resolution 25 is a proposed constitutional amendment known as the "Health Care Freedom Act." If passed by the Legislature, and approved by voters, this legislation would amend the Missouri Constitution to prohibit any federal law from forcing a patient, employer, or health care provider to participate in any government or privately run health care system. I hope we can give you, The People, the opportunity to make your voice heard on health care even when Washington D.C. doesn't want to listen.

Your Questions Answered

Do you have questions about state government? As you know, times are tough and government as we know it is changing quickly and dramatically. My door is always open to your questions and your suggestions on solutions. Each week I will feature some of the most frequent questions that come to my office—I hope to hear from you!

Engler: Let's Pick It Up

As most of you know litter is my pet peeve.

I had many comments from constituents last year regarding litter and how to get involved in our district.  I received this press release in my Capitol office this week and wanted to pass it along.

Hope everyone is enjoying the weather today.

---

Let's Pick It Up

April is No MOre Trash! Bash

JEFFERSON CITY – All winter long we drive Missouri's roads and see it. It's in the grass, on the river banks, in the ditches, it's everywhere, and it's disgusting . . . litter. Luckily, April brings warmer weather and the annual No MOre Trash! Bash in Missouri. The Missouri departments of Conservation and Transportation are urging everyone to pick it up!

"We have to start somewhere," said Stacy Armstrong, MoDOT roadside management supervisor and state Adopt-A-Highway coordinator. "If we can all get out and get the trash cleaned up, then we can focus more on prevention and make an even bigger impact."

Last year's Bash had more than 838 groups participating with more than 10,068 volunteers. Hundreds of educational efforts were held in schools, at rest areas, at community events, during Earth Day celebrations, on radio talk shows, through Take Your Child to Work Day, news conferences, trash can painting events, television promotions and more. Altogether, 111,134 bags of trash were collected throughout Missouri, 26,659 bags more than the previous year.

"We were lucky and thankful to have so much enthusiasm and hard work last year, but I think we can pick it up a notch," Armstrong said. "We just need everyone who participated last year to get one or two more people to confront the litter problem. It will make such a difference."

Schedule a cleanup or educational activity during the month of April to help spruce up Missouri, report your activity and you will receive a 2010 No MOre Trash! Bash lapel pin. The departments will also be happy to provide you with bags to stash the litter you clean up.  

Participants are asked to report their Trash Bash activities by May 15 through an After-Activity Report Card. The report card is included in the "Clean Up Missouri" Trash Bash brochure available at MoDOT and MDC offices and other locations throughout the state. The brochure, report card and other Trash Bash information are available online at nomoretrash.org.

"Littering isn't just ugly, it hurts wildlife, it costs Missourians millions of tax dollars each year, and it's illegal," added MDC No MOre Trash! Coordinator Joe Jerek. "Birds, fish, turtles and other animals get tangled in litter, such as plastic six-pack holders and fishing line, and it can kill them. Litter poisons fish, birds and other wildlife and can cost a litterer up to $1,000 in fines and one year in jail."

MoDOT spends more than $5 million each year cleaning litter from Missouri's roadsides, while MDC spends almost $1 million a year to clean litter from conservation areas and other department locations.

For more information on the April Trash Bash or to get trash bags, call 888-ASK MODOT (275-6636), or visit nomoretrash.org.

Carter: St. Louis Members Encouraged to Complete and Mail-Back 2010 Census Form

Last week, the U.S. Census Bureau distributed the 2010 Census to more than 130 million addresses across the nation. Mandated by the U.S. Constitution and conducted every 10 years, the census counts every man, woman and child. Mailing back the census form is the easiest way to participate in the 2010 Census, and every household should complete and mail back the form upon receipt.

“The 2010 Census is important to our community’s future. The data gathered will determine funding for vital local services as well as representation at all levels of government,” said Representative Chris Carter. “To ensure an accurate count, join me in taking 10 minutes to fill out the form and mail it back.”

Households served by the United States Postal Service will receive their forms in March 2010. Census workers will hand-deliver forms through April 2010 in all other areas. One of the shortest census forms in U.S. Census history, the 2010 Census form asks 10 questions and takes about 10 minutes to complete.

Every person living in the residence, both relatives and nonrelatives, should be included on the form. People should be counted in the residence where they live and sleep most of the time.

“The 2010 Census is an historical event that will help shape the future of our country,” said Dr. Robert M. Groves, Director, U.S. Census Bureau. “It is vital that everyone is counted once and only once and in the right place.”

Census data are used to reapportion seats in the U.S. House of Representatives and for the subsequent redistricting of state and local governments. Census data also help to determine how more than $400 billion per year in federal funding is distributed to tribal, state and local governments for services that affect local communities. Specifically, census data are critical in determining locations for new hospitals, improving schools, building new roads, expanding public transportation options and creating new maps for emergency responders.

Census form answers are safe and confidential. By law, the Census Bureau cannot share respondents’ answers with anyone, including other federal agencies and law enforcement entities. All Census Bureau employees take an oath of nondisclosure and are sworn for life to protect the confidentiality of the data. The penalty for unlawful disclosure is a fine of up to $250,000 or imprisonment of up to five years, or both.

Mailing back a form ensures an accurate count and lowers the cost of the 2010 Census by reducing the number of census workers who must go door-to-door to collect census data. About $85 million is saved for every one percent increase in mail participation. Additionally, the Census Bureau saves $60-$70 per census form returned by mail.

Questionnaire Assistance Centers (QAC) will be available to assist those unable to read or understand the census form. For those with visual impairments, the Language Assistance Guide will be available in large print and Braille. Deaf and hard-of-hearing persons who do not have access to Video Relay Service (VRS) can call the TDD number, 1-866-783-2010. In addition to these options, Language Assistance Guides will be available in 59 languages at all QAC locations.

For more information, visit 2010census.gov.

Kraus: House of Representatives Completes Its Work On Fiscal Year 2011 Budget

After two days of discussion, the Missouri House gave final approval last Thursday to the 13 appropriations bills that make up the fiscal year 2011 state government operating budget. Through committee work and amendments adopted on the House floor, members cut more than $224 million in general revenue from the proposed budget to trim the spending plan to about $23.6 billion. Coming into the budget process, House members were faced with a budget deficit of at least $200 million.

A remaining question is whether additional cuts will be necessary because $300 million in federal stimulus money is included in the spending plan. Missouri will receive this additional federal aid only if Congress extends a provision of the stimulus package. Furthermore, there are additional concerns that another 900 million dollars of proposed expenditures already are financed with federal stimulus funds.

We all know that we are facing a difficult budget year, and the lengthy budget debate therefore became a heated exchange. Some tough choices had to be made. The bulk of the cuts made on the House floor took place when members approved an amendment to eliminate a $105.7 million increase in funding to the state's 523 public school districts. By approving the amendment, the House froze funding for the school foundation formula at the same level as that of the current year.

As a long time and active supporter of education, and believing as I do that we must have a good educational system to build tomorrow’s leaders, I found this amendment difficult to swallow and voted against it. Other members felt it best to leave the full funding for schools in the budget, knowing that cuts may be necessary further along in the process of crafting the budget. Despite opposition, the amendment passed.

I also voted to reduce funding for next year’s operational budget of the House of Representatives by $500,000. In my view, this was a time for leadership from our own members, and I made this case in the debate on the House floor. When we’re asking for reductions from so many other groups and organizations, we need to take a hit ourselves and show that we’re willing to reduce our budget here in the Missouri House. Along those lines, we also approved an amendment to save more than $390,000 by reducing our own monthly expense accounts.

Additional budget cuts came from a set of amendments to reduce the salaries of state department directors and assistants to statewide office holders and to reduce funding to state agencies for food, meetings, and membership dues for national organizations.

The 13 appropriations bills now move to the Senate for consideration. The General Assembly must approve the fiscal year 2011 budget by May 7.

Meetings and Events

Governmental Relations Committee

Last weekend, I was honored to attend the Governmental Relations Committee Meeting of the Lee’s Summit Chamber of Commerce, where I updated attendees on the budget recently passed in the House. I was also glad to see all of my friends and neighbors at this event.

Raytown Schools Legislative Forum

I was also pleased to be able to attend the Legislative Forum hosted by the City of Raytown, Raytown Quality Schools, the PTA Council, and the Raytown Area Chamber of Commerce last Friday. I value this time to discuss issues important to our schools.

Eagle Egg Run and Walk

Last Saturday, I ran a five-kilometer run in the first annual LSCCS Eagle Egg 5K Run and Walk. Drawing about 400 runners and walkers, this was a fun family event for all ages and fitness levels. I finished 36th with a time of 25 minutes and 40 seconds. As a captain in the U.S. Army Reserve, I am appreciative of the impetus that the Army gives me to keep in shape. The sore muscles that I felt afterward were well worth the sense of accomplishment of finishing a long race and being part of a worthwhile community event. Congratulations to Senator Matt Bartle, who ran a very good race and finished several minutes ahead of me. Sen. Bartle does a good job of keeping in shape by running.

Second Annual Jackson County Trash Bash

The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) is joining with the Jackson County Cleanup Coalition to gear up for the 2nd Annual Jackson County Trash Bash. This event raises awareness and commitment to fight litter on Missouri's roadways. The year-long campaign will kick off from 10 a.m. to noon on Friday, April 2 at the Independence Events Center on 19100 East Valley View Parkway.

All residents in Jackson County communities are invited to stop by and learn about how to become involved in the cleanup effort. The Jackson County Cleanup Coalition is a collaborative effort of Jackson County communities working together to prevent and clean up litter within our county.

During this event, representatives from cities, law enforcement agencies, and landfills across the Jackson County area will join forces to fight litter along our Missouri roadways. In addition, this year, a litter collection event is planned in the area following the main event. Bags, gloves, and caution vests will be provided for anyone interested in participating in that event.

MoDOT spends $5.8 million annually to clean litter from Missouri highways, money that would be better spent improving Missouri roads. Trash poses health and environmental risks, is associated with increased crime, and makes our communities unattractive. Here’s an opportunity to help clean it up.

For further information about this project, please visit MoDOT's Facebook page at www.facebook.com/modot.kansascity, Twitter site at www.twitter.com/modot_kc, or web site at www.modot.mo.gov/kansascity. You can also contact MoDOT 24 hours-a-day at 888-ASK-MODOT to find out information or report road concerns

Ruestman: Missouri is Pro-Life

In the past two weeks, some troubling events have unfolded in Washington. The current majority, through its unwanted takeover of healthcare, overturned a 30-year law preventing federal funds from being spent on elective abortions. They’ve tried to patch this up with an executive order that does not carry the full force of law. I believe they should and will be held accountable in the November elections.

In the mean time, here in Missouri we are fighting to pass even stricter pro-life legislation to protect expecting women and the unborn. Last Monday we perfected House Bill 1327 which creates the crime of coercing a pregnant mother to abort. Many times, women are being forced or pressured to seek an abortion by their husband, boyfriend or parents. If someone is found guilty of this horrible act, he or she will face a class A felony with a maximum prison term of ten years. Anyone who knowingly performs an abortion on a coerced woman is guilty of a class C felony.

Additionally, mothers must be able to make informed decisions when seeking an abortion. Under this bill, the physician must provide the following information both orally and in writing:

• The physician’s name;
• The gestational age of the unborn child;
• The anatomical and physiological characteristics of the unborn child;
• Medically accurate information regarding the procedure, the risks involved, alternatives to abortion and follow-up care; and
• The state law regarding coercion.

One of the keys to reducing abortions is accurate and timely information. House Bill 1327 will make a difference. This legislation is vital to saving lives of the unborn and improving the lives of expectant mothers. This legislation could not get passed without the continuing support of voters who have sent a Republican majority to Jefferson City. As the recent politics in Washington, D.C., have shown us, we must be ever vigilant to protect the lives of our unborn and the health of mothers-to-be.

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.

Tishaura Jones: Facts on Local Control of St. Louis PD, MoDOT Roadwork, Green Sales Tax Holiday

Greetings!

My first bill, HB 1826 was gutted in committee by the usual suspects and a handful of Democrats. The Chairman of the committee used parliamentary procedure to end the executive session once an amendment was added that would grant the authority to close casinos for financial reasons and give them 90-day notice to do so. Unfortunately, the rogue nature of the Missouri Gaming Commission forced Pinnacle to surrender their license earlier this month. If their license was revoked, the rippling effect would have had a horrible rippling effect. However, Pinnacle has assured me that they will do everything they can to help displaced employees.

In other news, HB 1601, that would provide local control of the St. Louis Police Department made a giant step. The bill is currently on it's way to the House floor!!. Senator Joe Keaveny (D-4), is filing companion legislation in the Senate and was granted a hearing on Tuesday, March 2nd. The local news reported that two bus loads of police were in Jefferson City to show support. Which begs the question, who was watching our streets while the police were up here playing politics? For more information about what Local Control is and what it is not, read the article below.

In addition, the St. Louis Police Officers Association (POA) has stooped to an all time low in their attempt to mislead and mischaracterize by accusing me of trying to make you believe that Local Control is a racial issue. I have never mentioned race in my attempts to convince anyone to support Local Control. The only time race has been mentioned in the debate about local control was in a letter by sent to the Missouri House from Joe Steiger, Vice President of the POA. Local Control is not about pensions; it is not about the size of the Board of Aldermen; it’s not about the St. Louis Fire Department; and it is not about race. Local Control is about taxation without representation, it is about the sovereignty of the taxpayers of the City of St. Louis to have the same rights that all of the counties in the State of Missouri currently have. A lot Americans believe that the recently passed federal health care legislation is an intrusion on Missouri’s sovereignty, then state control of the St. Louis Police Department is a violation of St. Louis City’s sovereignty on STERIODS. The POA’s assertion that I inserted race in this issue is a blatant and outright lie.

Keeping up the good fight,

Tishaura

Information About Death Penalty

From Missourians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty

Over 125 people, including 3 Missourians, that have been executed have been found innocent. Missouri ranks fourth in the country for executions. There are some notable racial differences; for example, the fact that even though African Americans make up half of the murder victims, 79% of death row inmates have been executed for killing white victims. In death penalty states only 1% of chief district attorneys are black. Socioeconomic situations also appear to make a difference; over 80% of people sentenced in Missouri were unable to afford their own attorney. The death penalty seems to be an inefficient and costly method of dealing with violent crime. The south has the highest murder rate and 80% of all executions, while the northeast has the lowest murder rate and accounts for less than 1% of all executions. It also raises concerns about Constitutional and Human Rights; the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Furman v. Georgia abolished the death penalty citing it as cruel and unusual punishment. Over two-thirds of countries in the world have abolished the death penalty, in fact, in 2008 93% of all executions took place in only five countries (China, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and the U.S.).

Facts on Local Control of the St. Louis Police Department

• Local control would not change police pensions in any way, shape or form. Police officers deserve their pension. No one is trying to take it away from them.
• If the State of Missouri returns the police department to the people of St. Louis, the City will recognize the St. Louis Police Officers Association as the bargaining unit, and will negotiate a contract with the officers. They have never had that.
• The State of Missouri took the St. Louis Police Department away from the people of St. Louis during the Civil War. The Pro-Confederacy State of Missouri feared the Pro-Union City of St. Louis would use its police department against the State.
• Every other city, county and state in America has its own police department if it wants one, except St. Louis and Kansas City. Opponents say the people of St. Louis cannot be trusted with their own police department. That is an insult.
• The governor appoints four of the five board members. If the commissioners do something wrong, there is little recourse for the people of St. Louis. If the mayor or aldermen do something wrong, the people of St. Louis can do something about it---vote them out of office. That is accountability.
• There already is political influence in the St. Louis Police Department, but there is little accountability to the taxpayers.
• Including fringe benefits, the taxpayers spend $165 million funding the St. Louis Police Department, but they have almost no say over its operations.
• The state auditor is auditing city government. The audit of the police department is by far the worst of any city agency.
• The city’s current budget shortfall is created by shrinking revenue because of the worst economic conditions since the Great Depression and rising employee benefit costs.
• The city has supported the police department. Funding for the police department has risen by 39% over the last decade. It went up by $13 million last year.
• The City of St. Louis does not control the Police Retirement System. Active and retired police officers do. If the pension fund is mismanaged, they are the ones managing it. The City of St. Louis has made every single payment required under the law to the Police Retirement System.

2010 Census Jobs

The US Census Bureau needs your assistance, as community leaders, to help us fill crucial positions in order to carry out a fair and accurate count in the 2010 Census. This will help in providing our community with its just share of federal resources. Please help recruit people to fill these jobs in our area. We urgently need local people to apply. Please pass on the information listed below by forwarding it to friends and family.

2010 Census JOBS
Call 1-866-861-2010 to apply for 2010 Census Jobs
or a local office near you – listed below!
Jobs range between $10.00 - $17.00/hr, paid training, paid for mileage ($.50 per mile) Flexible Hours

Work up to 40 hours per week in Field Positions.
Applications Sessions are being scheduled in your area.
INTERESTED APPLICANTS PLEASE CALL
1-866-861-2010 or 314-802-9410
Leave a message if calling after business hours
(7:30 am – 4:30 pm M-F) *hourly rate varies by area.

St. Louis City
Goodfellow Boulevard
Saint Louis, MO 63120
Phone: 314-802-9410
Census takers start at: $17.00/hour

MoDOT Performs Various Lane Closures for Rehabilitation Work on Russell Bridge

Missouri Department of Transportation will temporarily close the on-ramp from Lafayette to southbound Interstate 55 starting at 7 p.m., on Tuesday, March 23. Motorists can detour to Tucker, and then Russell, to get back on southbound Interstate 55. There will also be various lane closures on Interstate 55 while crews perform rehabilitation work on the Russell Bridge. The on-ramp and lane closures on Interstate 55 will take place between 7 p.m. and 5 a.m., on weekdays until Wednesday, March 31.

The westbound Interstate 44 Gravois off-ramp will remain closed until mid-April 2010. This ramp closure is necessary while crews perform rehabilitation work on the Gravois Bridge. Motorists can continue to detour to Jefferson Avenue, and then Lafayette, to get back on Gravois.

This work is part of a rehabilitation project on seven bridges along Interstate 55 near Soulard. The project is expected to be fully complete by August 2010.

Motorists should reduce their speed, use caution and pay attention in this work zone. Plan ahead for ways to avoid work zones, call 1-888-ASK-MODOT or visit our website at www.modot.org.

Missouri's Show-Me Green Sales Tax Holiday

The second annual Show-Me Green Sales Tax Holiday will run from April 19-25. People who buy specific energy efficient appliances from ENERGY STAR during this time will not only save 4.225 percent on their purchase (representing the elimination of Missouri sales tax) but will also reap the benefits of lower utility costs in the future. Several local government entities have also decided to participate in the holiday, which means that some purchases will also be exempt from city, county and special district sales tax.

ENERGY STAR is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy. The program allows manufacturers to label certain appliances if they meet certain criteria. The goal is to promote appliances that perform as well or better than similar appliances while using less energy. The sales tax exemption will apply to ENERGY STA R-labeled clothes washers, refrigerators, freezers, dish washers, water heaters, furnaces, air conditioners, and heat pumps. The tax exemption will only apply to the first $1500 of each appliance; any amount exceeding $1500 will be taxed.

Frequently asked questions about the Show-Me Green Sales Tax Holiday are answered at http://dor.mo.gov/tax/business/sales/taxholiday/green/faq.htm.

Schaefer: Senate Meets to Reboot MO, Legislation in Committee, Congratulating State Champions

This week, my colleagues and I held an all-day work session in the Senate to consider ways to "reboot" state government. In addition, several measures I sponsored are making their way through the legislative process, including a bill that addresses premarital agreements and legislation that strengthens the penalties for putting a child in danger.

Rebooting Missouri Government

Missourians have overwhelmingly responded to our request to submit their ideas for a more efficient state government by visiting the Senate's Rebooting Government website (www.senate.mo.gov/RebootMO). Ideas will continue to be accepted throughout the legislative session and may be made anonymously, if desired.

On Tuesday of this week, the Senate suspended normal debate and committee hearings to focus on ways make Missouri government more cost-efficient. Lawmakers were divided into eight groups of four senators to consider public opinion and agency recommendations on ways to streamline government in the current economic condition.

I chaired the group charged with discussing the area of Agriculture/Outdoors/Department of Natural Resources. Representatives from the Department of Agriculture, Department of Conservation, and Department of Natural Resources met with our group to discuss ways to cut costs without crippling the agencies. We also read through e-mails submitted by Missourians from across the state regarding ideas to bring down the cost of government. By the end of the meeting, we agreed on five measures that would help alleviate costs and streamline agency functions without cutting jobs:

1. One or two week rotated unpaid furloughs for every state employee, in lieu of lay-offs.
2. Consolidation of laboratories.
3. Combining certain boards and commissions.
4. Comprehensive review of agency program fees to identify ways to make the program fully fee-funded instead of relying on General Revenue to subsidize the programs.
5. Comprehensive review of federally required programs to determine if the administration of any programs can be returned to the federal government.

Committees Hearing Legislation

We continued work on many of my bills in committee this week. On Monday, two of my bills were heard in Judiciary and Civil and Criminal Jurisprudence Committee. Senate Bill 998 enacts the Uniform Premarital Agreement Act, which closes any loopholes with regard to premarital agreements. Senate Bill 1004, also known as “Karra’s and Jocelyn’s Law,” increases the penalties for shaking a young child. More specifically, the bill makes endangering the welfare of a child in the first degree to be an unclassified felony with a prison term of 20 years or less when the person creates a substantial risk to the life of a child under the age of five.

On Wednesday, Senate Bill 886, which deals with plumbing codes, was heard in the Jobs, Economic Development and Local Government Committee. Senate Bill 999 was voted do pass in the same committee. This bill introduces a job creation measure to developing 21st century manufacturing jobs. As data centers and other technology-focused jobs are created in the United States, Missouri (especially central Missouri) is in a position to lead the way in new and developing economic fields. These data centers could employ up to 200 full-time jobs and create thousands of construction positions for the 19th district.

Capitol Visitors

On Wednesday, I had the pleasure of hosting lunch for the fourth grade class from Fairview Elementary School in Columbia. I certainly hope they enjoyed their visit to Jefferson City!

Senator Schaefer (center) with fourth graders from Fairview Elementary School in Columbia.

In addition, I want to extend my congratulations to the Sturgeon High School Boys Basketball team for winning the MSHSAA 2A State Basketball Championship last weekend. Well done on a great season!

Sturgeon High School Boys Basketball team, the 2010 MSHSAA 2A State Basketball Champions. (submitted photo)

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.

Keaveny: “Proposition A” in St. Louis County Will Affect the City of St. Louis

Voters in St. Louis County will have the opportunity to vote for much-needed new funding for the region’s public transit agency on April 6. The one-half cent sales tax, on the ballot as Proposition A, will provide Metro with funds to restore recent reductions to bus and other modes of transportation and to expand transit services that are essential to the economic development of our region.

When new businesses consider locating to the St. Louis area, and when tourists and conventions consider visiting the area to spend their money, one of the very first things they ask about is the availability of public transit. Without comprehensive transit alternatives, the St. Louis area cannot be competitive with other regions seeking new jobs, economic development and tourism events.

Transit provides access to jobs, education, health care and independence for seniors and the disabled community. The commuters who ride transit in St. Louis earn $2.2 billion annually. That’s equivalent to 50,000 jobs at $40,000 per year.

If voters in St. Louis County approve the sales tax, it also will trigger a one-fourth cent sales tax in the City of St. Louis. Voters approved a similar sales tax in 1997. Metro can’t collect the funds in the City unless voters in the county also pass the sales tax.

Proposition A deserves your serious consideration. It will cost the average St. Louis County resident approximately $1 per week – dollars that will support expanded transit that already takes more than 45,000 cars off the roads every day. Those dollars will also help the St. Louis region attract and retain growing businesses. A healthy transit system is important for a healthy local economy.

Every vote in St. Louis County will affect the City, so I hope you encourage your friends and family to vote.

For more info please visit moremetrolink.com or advancestlouis.com.

Burlison: Heavy Lifting to Balance the Budget, Opposition to Federal Health Care Mandate

At right: Rep. Burlison discussed legislation with Rep. Scott Largent.

In this Capitol Report I would like to share with you the concerns I and the House have with the recently passed federal health care bill.

BALANCING THE STATE’S BUDGET: HOUSE REPUBLICANS DO THE HEAVY LIFTING

Projected state revenues are down nearly 14% over the past fiscal year. We are facing a $500 M to $800 M revenue short fall in FY 2011. Raising taxes will severely cripple businesses big and small and cause more long term unemployment. We have been flooded with emails, phone calls, and visits from various parties asking to not make reductions to their program. We all know we need to reduce spending but we have had a hard time reaching an agreement about which programs should stay, go, or be reduced. Unfortunately the work of securing individual legislator agreement to reductions is a hard task.

The Missouri House successfully passed a $23 Billion 2011 budget on Thursday. This budget draft contained spending reductions of over $220 Million. This may be short of the total reductions actually needed for the next fiscal year. The House was unable to agree on making any additional spending reductions at this time, but we will revisit each line item when necessary. The Senate has agreed to make up differences with additional spending reductions when they receive the budget as passed by the House.

Governor Nixon has also proposed $500 Million of reductions including reductions to K-12 education. This means the State Senate members have agreed they will find a way to reduce spending even more than what the House has done. Under the Missouri Constitution the Missouri General Assembly must pass a balanced budget and the budget must be delivered to the Governor for signature by May 7th. It is imperative we not only balance the budget but also deliver the budget on time under the law. Therefore, the Missouri House voted and passed the Budget and moved it into the Senate for its final phase of spending reduction analysis so we can reach a final balanced budget on time.

Sadly, House Democratic Leadership played politics with our budget and refused to join in the effort to balance the budget. They voted against all significant spending reductions and even rejected Governor Nixon’s proposed reductions in spending. We in the House made the first major rounds of spending reductions for this Budget process. We will now continue with our negotiations with the Senate for further reductions so we can balance our budget, keep our state debt low, and set a climate where we can help our economy recover.

HOUSE REPUBLICANS OPPOSE FEDERAL TAKEOVER OF HEALTH CARE

This week I have received several phone calls, letters, and emails from Missouri citizens expressing their outrage and concern with the health care legislation President Obama, Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid have pushed through Congress. I want my constituents to know I’m on your side and in the House we are working hard to protect our citizens from these harmful federal mandates.

On Sunday evening, when the United States House of Representatives passed their health care bill, yielding over a thousand pages, they immediately took away our basic rights. Congress and the President have ignored the cry of the American people and they pushed their own agenda – leaving our citizens to pick up the expensive tab.

We are now required to purchase health insurance whether we want to or not. If we don’t, there will be an annual fine close to $700. Businesses are also affected by the bill. They are forced to provide insurance to all employees if their business employs over 50 people. It doesn’t stop there. The bill also provides tax payer dollars for abortions.

There is a fine line when it comes to mandates, and the federal government has crossed that line. It was difficult to watch the votes roll in the United States House of Representatives on Sunday evening. Even though no Republican voted for the bill, the Democrat majority found the votes they needed to pass it.

The federal health care bill costs approximately $940 billion, which is concerning as we face such a serious economic depression, not to mention our national debt which has shot up into the trillions. Someone has to pick up the tab, and that someone is you and me. We will be taxed through penalties if we refuse to buy health care and adhere to federal guidelines.

Among many of the taxes set forth, a couple stand out:

1. 3.8% tax on investment income for families making over $250,000 and individuals making over $200,000 starting in 2012
2. 40% excise tax on so-called “Cadillac” insurance plans, which are essentially high-end insurance plans

I have no direct influence over the actions of our President and Congress, but I do have a say when it comes to what we do in the Missouri House of Representatives to protect citizens from federal health care mandates. Why should the government dictate what you must and must not do – especially when it comes to your own health care insurance?

On the first day of this year’s session, we introduced the Health Care Freedom Act [HJR57] on the floor of the House and approved it for final passage in early March. Sponsored by Tim Jones, R – Eureka, it seeks to protect Missourians from health care mandates sent to us from the federal government.

The Health Care Freedom Act is a proposed constitutional amendment which gives individuals and employers the opportunity to pay directly for lawful health care services without being subject to federal penalties. It also states the purchase or sale of health care insurance in private health care systems cannot be prohibited by law or rule.

This Health Care Freedom Act is vital to the prosperity of the state of Missouri and our citizens. If it passes the Senate, it will go to a vote of the people. This means YOU will have the power to voice your support or opposition for this resolution.

Thirty-eight states have filed or intend on filing legislation to oppose the federal health care legislation, and we are hopeful you will join us in this fight. States should retain the power to regulate health care and allow their citizens the freedom to choose between health care options in the open market.

Schupp: Remember to vote on April 6, Budget Focus on Education, Classes visit the Capitol

While the news of Health Care legislation reform was coming out of Washington, the Missouri House began its discussion and debate of the state budget on the House floor.   With revenues coming in far below those of last year, and projections needing to be revised, priorities are painstakingly examined and revised through the budget process.   Timed debate...with speeches and amendments from those interested and earnest about carving with care to those who wax philosophical or pander shamelessly... moves the process forward. 

Headlines that capture extreme behavior don't reflect the seriousness with which most legislators attend to the budget process.  Stakes are high.  Each of us has constituencies who care about different, often competing interests.  Each one of us votes to make the state better based on our district's values and standards.

The question of whether $500,000,000 needed to be cut from the budget was never fully agreed to or resolved.  By the end of the week, the House had cut about $225,000,000 from the budget which will be sent to the Senate for its changes.  From the Senate, the bills that make up the budget will go back through conference and eventually make their ways to the Governor's desk.  

The "middle" portion of the budget process is behind us, and few areas were left untouched.   I am certain it must be exciting to be part of the legislature when revenue is strong and debate centers on what revenue to save and what programs are introduced or expanded.  And yet, it is critical to be part of the process when times demand difficult decisions.  It is my hope that my service is making a positive difference.   

Thank you for the opportunity.

Truly,

Jill

Attention:  Registered Voters!

Don't forget to get out and vote on Tuesday, April 6! The ballot will include school board and city council elections, local issues and the proposed Metro sales tax.  For more information, visit the St. Louis County Election Board's Website.

Budget News

The Budget...Focus on Education

Large individual bills fund separate areas of the budget. Because, over time and for reasons ranging from funding sources outside of general revenue and division or deletion of dollars, some line items and programs fall under budget categories other than the one that might seem logical.  One of the reasons I sat through the budget committee meetings was to become more familiar with the location of various programs throughout the whole budget,  how they are funded and how they relate to each other.  

Bills are characterized generally as follows and are assigned bill numbers. HB means House Bill. Editor's note: Some HB numbers have been corrected from the original missive.

Public Debt HB 2001
Elementary and Secondary Education HB 2002
Higher Education HB 2003
Revenue HB 2004
Transportation HB 2005
Office of Administration HB 2005
Agriculture, Natural Resources HB 2006
Economic Development HB2007
Public Safety HB2008
Corrections HB2009
Health and Mental Health HB2010
Social Services HB2011
Judiciary HB 2012
Statewide Leasing HB 2013

As you have likely read, this week about $105,000,000 was taken from funding for K-12 education.  This is an ongoing critical story worth following.  Are our schools being used as the political football when the state is operating in critical budget mode? 

Remember that the Governor's budget was sent to the House with a total of $18,000,000 additional dollars for K-12 education than was appropriated for the current budget cycle.  While this amount fell short $87,000,000 from fully funding the school foundation formula, it seemed a reasonable and cautious move as we continue to proceed in uncertain times. 

After committee appropriations hearings, the Budget Chair then took it upon himself to insert an additional $85,000,000 into K-12, fully funding the formula...good for our schools but likely unrealistic as we look toward balance.  Rumors were rampant that this was politically motivated to force democrats, who have made public schools a priority, and likewise the Governor to make the cuts in school funding to balance the budget. 

The majority ended up having to take the money back out of the budget, because the minority stood firm that all areas of the budget would need scrutiny before we went back in to cut education. 

In taking the dollars out, the majority took out the amount put in by the budget chair as well as that put in by the Governor, leaving our schools  funded at the same level as last year. 

The Senate may intervene and increase school funding for next year, but that remains to be seen. 

In the end the message is that the budget process gets used as a political tool and things are not always as they seem from one day to the next.  It is important for our schools to know where they stand for planning purposes, including the hiring and firing of staff, by far the largest portion of a district's budget.  The process is not over, and we will see how the areas of importance to you fare.

Creve Coeur Transportation Projects

Information from MODOT...Plan accordingly

Old Olive Street Road Project

Please be aware of workers within the work zones, and be alert for detours, lane closures and traffic control devices.  Reduce speed in construction zones; additional fines apply for traffic violations.

Resurfacing and re-striping all lanes of Old Olive Street Road both east and west of Lindbergh Blvd.

Project begins March 22 and ends May 17; hours of construction will be
 8 pm - 5 am.

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Resurfacing and re-striping all lanes of Ladue Road from Emerson Road west to Woods Mill Road/Rte 141 to include the northbound and southbound ramps of I-270.

Project begins March 11 and ends May 10;  hours of construction will be
 10 pm- 5 am

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From April 1 - April 30, there will be periodic lane closures of the construction zone. When lane closures are implemented, there will be construction workers present for traffic control as well as a "pilot car".

The pilot car is a well-marked construction vehicle that ensures proper traffic flow. Before pulling onto Ladue Road with lane closures, wait for the pilot car to ensure that the traffic flow is in the correct direction. By following the pilot car, you will ensure both your safety and that of the construction workers.

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All construction projects will depend on the weather. To stay up to date with the latest construction news, visit MoDot's website at www.modot.org/stlouis or sign up for the Creve Coeur Police Crime Prevention E-Newsletter at www.creve-coeur.org.

If you have any questions, please contact the Creve Coeur Police Traffic Office at 314-872-2540.

Students Visit the Capitol

Rep. Schupp welcomed Solomon Schechter, St. Monica's and Bellerive Schools

Solomon Schechter Day School's all female 7th grade class met with Reps. Schupp (center) and Newman (right) on Tuesday on the side gallery of the House Floor.


Rep. Schupp (left) visited Tuesday with students from St. Monica's 8th Grade Class outside the House Chamber near the Rotunda.


65 Fourth graders from Bellerive Elementary took a break and posed with with Rep. Schupp (center rear) on the Capitol steps Wednesday.

Resources for a Cure

Gateway to Hope; Cleaning for a Reason serve women with cancer

Gateway to Hope arranges comprehensive treatment for uninsured and underinsured individuals in Missouri diagnosed with breast cancer, as well as those genetically at high risk for the disease, who are not eligible for state or federally funded care. Services and equipment are donated, as is care by experienced breast care specialists, to treat patients in critical need of assistance.

For more information, contact (314) 569-1113, email GTH at info{at}gthstl{dot}org or visit www.gthstl.org.

Cleaning for a Reason is an organization committed to helping women with cancer clean their homes for FREE.  Cleaning for a Reason partners with certain cleaning services in your area and offers to clean your home once a month for four months.  If you or someone you know is being treated for cancer, you can visit the Cleaning for a Reason Website for more information about the application process.