Missives From Missouri

Weather-Related Disclaimer: missives from legislators concerning road conditions, although timely and important, should be considered snapspots in time. For the most recent travel information, please consult MoDOT's Web site at http://www.modot.org/.

Disclaimer: except when the post starts "MO Expat", all content published on Missives from Missouri is written and supplied by the noted legislator. Said missives will not necessarily reflect the views of Kyle Hill, the operator of Missives from Missouri, and as such the operator does not assume responsibility for its content. More information

08 April 2010

Gatschenberger: Town Hall Invitation, Sovereignty Measures Advance, Track Legislation

"Whenever the people are well-informed, they can be trusted with their own government." –Thomas Jefferson

Please be my guest!

What: Town Hall Meeting
When: Thursday, April 29^th – 7:00 pm
Where: Lake St. Louis City Hall – 200 Civic Center Drive
Why: Attendees of my last Town Hall Meeting requested a Speaker on Cap and Trade Legislation. (Cap and trade is a form of emissions trading used to control alleged pollution by offering economic penalties in order to achieve reductions in alleged emissions pollutants. Cap and trade would put limits on emissions from motor vehicles, coal-fired plants, and factories.)

A representative from Ameren UE will address this issue. Also attending will be a representatives for the Department of Conservation to discuss current programs.

For questions on the content of this meeting you may contact my Capitol office at (573) 751-3572 or e-mail me at Chuck{dot}Gatschenberger{at}house{dot}mo{dot}gov

Hope to see you there!

Legislative Update

HCR 39 Passes

Today, legislation that I proposed claiming Missouri's sovereignty under the Tenth Amendment to the United States Constitution… over all powers not otherwise enumerated and granted to the federal government under the United States Constitution… passed out of the House and on to the Senate for approval. One more step in the right direction!

2nd Amendment Rights

House Bill 1787 was passed by the House. (This bill is similar to my HB 1206) This legislation expands and defends our Second Amendment rights. If this bill becomes law, the age to obtain a concealed carry permit will be reduced from 23 years old to 21 (which is law in most states). The Castle Doctrine is also expanded to include property that you lease, so if you are renting your residence and someone breaks in you are legally able to use deadly force to defend yourself and your loved ones. During floor debate, an important amendment was added to the bill to protect gun owners. Currently, if you are drinking in your home and have a gun in a safe upstairs you could be charged with unlawful possession of a firearm if you are intoxicated, in your own home! This amendment fixes this loophole and allows you to keep firearms in your home and not be committing a crime if you have a glass of wine or beer. I am proud to continue to support our Second Amendment rights.

Rebooting Government (ctrl-alt-del) – State Spending

A historic downturn in the economy has exposed many of our government programs as bloated and inefficient in many ways, and we will not right this ship by continuing with the status quo. It is well past time that we think differently about the function we want government to take in our lives.

The Senate took an extraordinary step toward your concerns and desires during a special "Rebooting Government" event on March 24. They solicited citizen ideas on how government can cut back, and then they took an entire day to split into committees and determine which suggestions were viable and how we might begin to implement them.

Total Taxpayer Savings Identified: $689.3 MILLION to $789.4 MILLION!

You can view the full report, or continue to submit your suggestions, by clicking on the "Rebooting Government" icon located on the Missouri Senate homepage… www.senate.mo.gov

As we move into the future, I will continue to advocate the reduction of government and taxes and the protection of taxpayer dollars. By reigning in spending and being smart with your money, we can bring about the economic recovery we need, and establish a better government for tomorrow.

Want to Track Legislation?

Go to: www.house.mo.gov/billcentral.aspx?pid=26 where you can search by bill number; keyword; sponsor or co-sponsor.

House and Senate Joint Bill Tracking
Bill Number / Keyword / Sponsor-CoSponsor (Help)
Search: Enter Bill Number (ex: HB1206), keyword , sponsor, or co-sponsor last name and click "search" tab
Year / Type:
Search Type:
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"When a man assumes a public trust he should consider himself a public property." –Thomas Jefferson

STAY IN TOUCH

As always, please let me know your thoughts about these or other matters of concern by calling my office at: (573) 751-3572 or by emailing me at chuck{dot}gatschenberger{at}house{dot}mo{dot}gov

REAL FACTS

Socialism:

the main problem with it… is that sooner or later you run out of other people's money!

FUN FACTS

Pawpaws bloom this month.

American toads begin calling.

Honeybees swarm.

April 15^th is the average day of the last frost in Central Missouri… now plant something!

Purgason: Beware the Bailout Bubble

Government is not reason, it is not eloquence, it is force and force like fire is a dangerous servant and a fearful master. - George Washington

This week the Appropriations Committee in the Missouri Senate is in its final stages of putting together the Senate version of the FY 2011 budget. As you know, the committee is faced with the task of cutting around $500,000,000 (million) from the budget in order to attempt to balance it.

The current Governor has been working with the committee and is recommending many areas where he would support reductions in order to help the House and Senate put a balanced budget on his desk. This is quite a different approach to working on the budget than when Governor Holden was in charge.

In those years we were sent a budget balanced on millions of dollars of new taxes that had not even passed yet. That Governor’s office refused to work with the General Assembly and those actions started a string of special sessions that took up almost all of the summer creating much gridlock.

Although politics have entered the discussion in the press, most of the time we are doing simply what people expect us to do by working together to create a balanced budget for the State of Missouri. One that best serves its citizens and meets its obligations. In the next few weeks the budget will be debated on the Senate Floor and then move to Conference Committee with the House to settle on a final budget.

In dealing with the questions that linger with the impact of federal funds on state budgets, one can see that it is very hard for states that rely on balanced budgets to continue to try to partner with a federal government that has no constraint on how much money it borrows, prints or creates. Everyday the news reports talk about how states are struggling to balance their budgets.

Across the nation today the states deal with over $200,000,000,000 (billion) of shortfalls in their budgets. The current debt to our nation is over $12,000,000,000,000 (trillion) on our credit card. Our debt is over 80% of our Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and still the policies are in place to continue to deficit spend over $1,400,000,000,000 (trillion) this year alone as we continue to borrow our way to prosperity.

The following information is totally my opinion. It is not based on any one piece of information or statistic, but is based solely on my experience in government, my opinion, knowledge of basic economics, government policies, and, I think to a large degree, common sense.

My opinion is that the small bump in the economy that has our government saying we are moving out of the recession is not correct.

I believe what has been created is the bailout bubble. As in the past, we have had bubbles before. First, we had the .com bubble that burst in the late 1990’s and early 2000. We then had the real estate credit crisis that burst in 2003-2007 and now I believe we have the bailout bubble that will burst in the near future.

Over $11,000,000,000,000 (trillion) have been lent, spent, or guaranteed to prop up this market since 2009. With this money being dumped in it looks like things are improving. I think it is more like going to the dentist and getting a pain shot without fixing the tooth. The pain goes away temporarily, but the cavity remains and the tooth begins to hurt again because we did not fix the problem.

We have not fixed the problems that created this trouble in the first place. We have only addressed the symptoms. We are still printing money because no one wants to buy our bonds at low interest rates. We are continuing to deficit spend at a rate of $1.60 for every dollar that comes in from taxpayers. We continue to expand government when we can’t pay for the one we have.

As we struggle to balance this year’s state budget with over $500,000,000 (million) in reductions, we continue to keep an eye on next year’s deficit of over $1,000,000,000 (billion). We continue to fear the foot soldier as the horseman cometh.

It is a problem that is real, it will not go away, and we might as well begin planning for it. For myself, I will continue to work for a balanced budget, but on the side you can find me working in my vegetable garden.

As always, I appreciate hearing your comments, opinions and concerns. I can be reached in Jefferson City at (573)751-1882, e-mail to chuck{dot}purgason{at}senate{dot}mo{dot}gov or by regular mail at 201 West Capitol Avenue, Room 420, Jefferson City, MO 65101.

Burlison: House Endorses State Sovereignty Measure, Attacks "Cap And Trade" Proposals

Hello, in this week’s Capitol Report I would like to discuss with you HJR 88 and the “Cap and Trade” legislation the House is working on.

House Takes Measure to Protect 10th Amendment Rights of Missouri Citizens

This week, the House of Representative passed House Joint Resolution 88, sponsored by Representative Brian Nieves.

This proposed constitutional amendment, which requires voter approval, reinforces Missouri citizen’s constitutional sovereignty under the Tenth Amendment to the United States Constitution. We firmly believe the federal government should be limited only to powers granted in the Constitution – without exemption. Although at this point HJR88 is non-binding, it serves as a warning to the federal government that we do not approve of any unconstitutional mandates and federal laws forced on Missouri.

The main provisions in HJR 88 are as follows:

If any action by the three branches of government, executive, legislative, or judicial, exceeds the limited powers outlined in the United States Constitution, such action will be prohibited and not recognized by Missouri. This includes federal law, executive orders, judicial or administrative rulings, collection or dispersal of revenue, and so forth.

It prohibits the executive, judicial, and legislative branches of Missouri's government from recognizing, enforcing, or acting on federal restrictions on the right of private citizens to bear arms; federal laws legalizing or funding abortions or the destruction of human embryos; certain specified federal actions involving health care including a federal public option (which is outlined in our Health Care Freedom Act); federal actions requiring the sale or trade of carbon credits or the taxing on the release of carbon emissions (Cap and Trade); federal actions mandating the recognition of same sex marriages; federal actions increasing the penalty for a crime based on a perpetrator's thoughts or designating hate crimes; federal actions regarding the Establishment Clause based on a "wall of separation" between church and state; and federal actions restricting the right of parents or guardians to home school or enroll their children in a private or parochial school or placing restrictions on the school's curriculum.

The resolution also requires Missouri courts to interpret the United States Constitution based on its language and the intent of its signers at the time of its passage, rather than leaving interpretation up to sponsors and co-sponsors of bills.

Finally, HJR 88 allows Missouri solid ground to bring suit to enforce the provisions of the resolution.

House Urges Congress to Put a Stop to “Cap and Trade” Legislation

Cap-and-trade is a massive hidden energy tax being pushed by the President and Congress which will crush Missouri families, farmers, and businesses. In fact, the Wall Street Journal called it the “biggest tax in American history.” As energy rates rise, everyone who flips on a light switch or drives a car will be affected. This will act as a regressive tax, impacting those who spend larger portions of their incomes on energy and other necessities.

If the bill passes, Cap Energy rates will rise exponentially. In fact, the Missouri Public Utility Alliance estimated electric bills could increase by 82% by 2030— they stress this is an optimistic estimate. Estimates vary, but one thing is clear: Cap and Trade will cost Missouri thousands of jobs and raise electricity rates on the average family hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars.

President Obama admitted the legislation would cause electricity rates to “skyrocket.”

"When I was asked earlier about the issue of coal, you know, under my plan of a cap and trade system, electricity rates would necessarily skyrocket," Then Sen. Barack Obama, in an interview with San Francisco Chronicle Editorial Board, 1/17/08.

By supporting the cap-and-trade energy tax, Democrats have directly attacked Missouri’s two largest industries—agriculture and tourism—along with every business in the state. One version of the bill (H.R. 2454 in 2009) would have established a national building code for commercial and residential buildings, requiring a 30 percent reduction in energy use immediately after passage and an additional 50 percent reduction in energy use by 2014—meaning that bureaucrats in Washington will tell you how to build your house.

Republicans in the Missouri House of Representatives recently took a stand against Cap and Trade, sending a clear message to President Obama and Congress.

House Concurrent Resolution 46, sponsored by Representative Doug Funderburk, passed out of the House and was sent to the Senate in late March. HCR 46 opposes the Cap and Trade bill – urging Congress to stop their progress on the legislation and urges the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to put an end to the pressure they put on Congress and the President.

We are also asking the EPA rescind the recent decision made regarding the formal endangerment finding on greenhouse gases, seeing as the evidence was deemed to be flawed by the scientific community.

It is imperative we allow proven scientific measures and technological advances to help guide us in our environmental decisions. Direction to the federal government from the EPA should not be the sole source – especially when they try to control legislative objectives coming out of Congress which have harmful effects on our state and our citizens.

Just like the auto bailouts, the so-called stimulus bill, and the proposed government takeover of health care, the government is using ‘global warming’ as an excuse to assert more control over private business, industry, and on families – and in the Missouri House of Representatives, we won’t stand for it.

Joe Smith: House Urges Congress to Put a Stop to “Cap and Trade” Legislation

Cap-and-trade is a massive hidden energy tax being pushed by the President and Congress that will crush Missouri families, farmers, and businesses. In fact, the Wall Street Journal called it the “biggest tax in American history.” As energy rates rise, everyone who flips on a light switch or drives a car will be affected. This will act as a regressive tax, impacting those who spend larger portions of their incomes on energy and other necessities. If the bill passes, Cap Energy rates will rise exponentially. In fact, the Missouri Public Utility Alliance estimated that electric bills could increase by 82% by 2030— they stress that this is an optimistic estimate. Estimates vary, but one thing is clear: Cap and Trade will cost Missouri thousands of jobs and raise electricity rates on the average family hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars.

President Obama admitted that the legislation would cause electricity rates to “skyrocket.” ("When I was asked earlier about the issue of coal, you know, under my plan of a cap and trade system, electricity rates would necessarily skyrocket." Then Sen. Barack Obama, in an interview with San Francisco Chronicle Editorial Board, 1/17/08)

By supporting the cap-and-trade energy tax, Democrats have directly attacked Missouri’s two largest industries—agriculture and tourism—along with every business in the state. One version of the bill (H.R. 2454 in 2009) would have established a national building code for commercial and residential buildings, requiring a 30 percent reduction in energy use immediately after passage and an additional 50 percent reduction in energy use by 2014—meaning that bureaucrats in Washington will tell you how to build your house.

Republicans in the Missouri House of Representatives recently took a stand against Cap and Trade, sending a clear message to President Obama and Congress. House Concurrent Resolution 46, sponsored by Representative Doug Funderburk, passed out of the House and was sent to the Senate in late March. HCR 46 opposes the Cap and Trade bill – urging Congress to stop their progress on the legislation and urges the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to put an end to the pressure they put on Congress and the President. We are also asking that the EPA rescind the recent decision made regarding the formal endangerment finding on greenhouse gases, seeing as the evidence was deemed to be flawed by the scientific community. It is imperative that we allow proven scientific measures and technological advances to help guide us in our environmental decisions. Direction to the federal government from the EPA should not be the sole source – especially when they try to control legislative objectives coming out of Congress that have harmful effects on our state and our citizens.

Just like the auto bailouts, the so-called stimulus bill, and the proposed government takeover of health care, the government is using ‘global warming’ as an excuse to assert more control over private business, industry, and on families – and in the Missouri House of Representatives, we won’t stand for it.

Stouffer: Pray for Missouri

For audio and images from the prayer rally and Anne Graham Lotz, click here.

More and more each day, folks are getting involved in government and we are starting to see the results of this at the Missouri Capitol.

Hundreds of folks came to Jefferson City at the end of March to ask everyone to pray for our state, our leaders and our budget. People like you and me stood outside legislators’ doors and prayed for them. We have tough decisions ahead of us and consulting our Creator is the perfect place to start.

Missouri’s budget is in a tight spot. When there was a panic over budget shortfalls nearly 10 years ago, we were about $250 million short. Now, the figure is closer to $1 billion, and growing. The folks in the Missouri House cut as much as they could from the governor’s proposed $23 billion budget for fiscal year 2011. Now, it is in the hands of the Missouri Senate.

The Missouri Family Network sponsored the effort to get folks to pray for lawmakers. They have been around for 26 years and have never put together such an enormous event at the state Capitol. They realize, just like the rest of us, government can only go so long before it has to re-examine how it spends taxpayer dollars. Leaders from every denomination came together to quietly rally lawmakers in our offices to drive home the importance of passing a balanced budget which will continue to provide only the necessary services for our state and its citizens.

The timing of the 40 days of fasting and the day the General Assembly has to have the budget finished coincides with the National Day of Prayer. As I said earlier, the budget has to be finished and on the governor’s desk by 6 p.m. on Friday, May 7. The National Day of Prayer falls one day before this deadline. The theme for this year’s National Day of Prayer follows suit with not only the challenges we are seeing in Missouri, but all throughout the country.

The Missouri Family Network is asking folks to be creative with getting friends and neighbors together. Churches throughout rural Missouri are hearing about the efforts and are ready to accommodate everybody who wants to take part or pray for their leaders. This comes at a time when we hear so many news stories about church membership declining and fewer people believing in God. However, this is far from the case, especially in rural Missouri, where folks’ deep-rooted beliefs go hand-in-hand with their day-to-day values.

I was able to take the time to pray with citizens who stopped by my office this week during session. They believe strongly in the power of prayer, and so do I. As I have said before, we have a tremendous opportunity in Missouri to make government work better and spend less money. Getting to this stage will take some time and will not be easy. With your help and with all the prayers that are being offered, I have no doubt we will make it through this challenge and leave a better future for the next generation of Missourians.

Joe Smith: House Takes Measure to Protect 10th Amendment Rights of Missouri Citizens

If any action by the three branches of government, executive, legislative or judicial exceeds the limited powers outlined in the United States Constitution, that action will be prohibited and not recognized by Missouri. This includes federal law, executive orders, judicial or administrative rulings, collection or dispersal of revenue and so forth.
It prohibits the executive, judicial, and legislative branches of Missouri's government from recognizing, enforcing, or acting on federal restrictions on the right of private citizens to bear arms; federal laws legalizing or funding abortions or the destruction of human embryos; certain specified federal actions involving health care including a federal public option (which is outlined in our Health Care Freedom Act); federal actions requiring the sale or trade of carbon credits or the taxing on the release of carbon emissions (Cap and Trade); federal actions mandating the recognition of same sex marriages; federal actions increasing the penalty for a crime based on a perpetrator's thoughts or designating hate crimes; federal actions regarding the Establishment Clause based on a "wall of separation" between church and state; and federal actions restricting the right of parents or guardians to home school or enroll their children in a private or parochial school or placing restrictions on the school's curriculum.
The resolution also requires Missouri courts to interpret the United States Constitution based on its language and the intent of its signers at the time of its passage, rather than leaving interpretation up to sponsors and co-sponsors of bills.
Finally, HJR 88 allows Missouri solid ground to bring suit to enforce the provisions of the resolution.

Tim Jones: Creating a Balanced Budget, States' Rights Measure Passes

Tumultuous spring weather marched briskly across the Midwest this week bringing, in turns, balmy, windy summer like weather, followed by rolling storm clouds and hard rains, followed by crisp, cooler sunny skies by week's end. Inside the Capitol, moods matched the weather as we calmly and steadily moved through some bills and had passionate, more earnest debate on other legislative matters. As we continued to work on bills in the House this week relating to strengthening your 2^nd Amendment rights and continuing to urge the Federal Government to restrain itself as intended by our Founding Fathers, many eyes were on the Senate as they worked long hours into the night dissecting and making necessary cuts to our State's budget to reach the constitutionally mandated balanced budget bills…

"The greatness of America lies not in being more enlightened than any other nation, but rather in her ability to repair her faults." –Alexis de Tocqueville

Creating a Balanced Budget

Missourians are well-aware of the effects of the economic downturn and how it has required them to tighten their household budgets. The recession has affected our state in the same way, as lawmakers are currently working to create a budget for the upcoming fiscal year that falls within our means and maintains our commitment to fiscal responsibility.

What makes this dramatic economic slump different from previous ones is that the problems we face will not be fixed with temporary solutions. We must consider dramatic changes to the way our state government operates, to make it more efficient and effective while reducing spending. Our state's conservative values and wise financial decisions in recent years have allowed us to weather the storm better than many other states, but difficult budget choices are forthcoming as the Senate begins work this week on its version of the fiscal year 2011 budget.

One of the most important duties of the Legislature each session is to allocate money for state programs, projects and services for the coming fiscal year. In fact, creating a budget is the only constitutionally required task lawmakers must complete every year by a certain deadline. This year, we must submit a balanced budget for FY 2011 to the Governor by May 7^th, which means that in addition to facing historic revenue declines, we are also in a race against time to put together a balanced budget before that deadline.

The budget process is long and complicated, and it requires a great deal of compromise amongst nearly 200 legislators. First, the Governor submits his budget recommendations to the Legislature early in the year (which he did in January). Lawmakers take into consideration the Governor's recommendations, as well as the testimony heard in the House Budget Committee and Senate Appropriations Committee from various state departments and agencies, as well as the public, in the first weeks of session. The budget is divided into several bills according to state department, which originate in the House. Appropriations bills must first be passed by the House Budget Committee, then by the House as a whole, before they head to the Senate.

Once the bills reach the Senate, they are sent to the Senate Appropriations Committee, which then combs through the House's budget allocations, and develops its own version of the bills (this is where we are currently in the process). The bills must be passed out of committee before moving to the full Senate for debate. After they are passed by the Senate, the appropriations bills go back to the House for approval; however, since changes are typically made to the House's budget in the Senate, both chambers must work out their differences. This usually happens in a conference committee, which consists of members from both the House and Senate. Compromises are made, and then the bills return to each chamber for one final vote of approval. Finally, the budget is sent to the Governor. As you can see, it is a time-consuming, complex process, but it is designed to ensure that the budget is created with thoughtfulness and deliberation.

This year, we must make cuts on a much larger scale than previously thought. However, let me assure you: we are all committed to creating a budget that will make state programs and services operate with more efficiency, but will not further threaten Missouri's future financial standing. We will fulfill our constitutional obligation to create a balanced budget, but we must understand that serious cuts are unavoidable.

I am encouraged that so many of my colleagues are committed to being fiscally responsible and NOT raising taxes on hard-working Missouri families. Our budget situation is not to be taken lightly, but with restraint and innovation, it is not impossible to turn around. The economy may be cyclical, but our actions during the tough times are what will shape our state for years to come.

The Tenth Amendment & State's Rights

Over the years, the federal government has continued to grow out-of-control through wide-ranging federal programs, overreaching regulation, and costly unfunded mandates that infringe on the sovereignty of our states. As a result, many states have stood up for their rights by proposing numerous measures aimed at reasserting the state sovereignty that is provided by the Tenth Amendment of the Constitution. This week, the Missouri House passed House Joint Resolution 88, which is a proposed amendment to the Missouri Constitution that reasserts the sovereignty of the State of Missouri and its citizens under the Tenth Amendment.

The powers of the federal government are clearly established in the Constitution. They include establishing currency, post offices and roads, creating federal courts, entering into treaties, declaring war, and providing for our national defense. Under the Tenth Amendment, those powers not delegated to the federal government are reserved for the states. But unfortunately, through unfunded entitlements like the new federal health control law, the federal government has continued to expand beyond its constitutional authority and infringe on the rights of the states. Entitlements like this are not only beyond the authority of the federal government and infringe on the rights of the states, but the billions of dollars in unfunded mandates within them are financially devastating for state governments.

We believe it is time for the federal government to respect the authority of the states provided by the Tenth Amendment by returning to its constitutional responsibilities. With the passage of House Joint Resolution 88, we sent Congress a message that Missourians have had enough of Congress' continued neglect of the protections of the Tenth Amendment of the Constitution.

HEALTH CARE FREEDOM ACT UPDATE

As many of you know, I am the chief sponsor of HJR 57, the "Health Care Freedom Act". As I have discussed, if it is passed and approved by the voters, it will secure the current rights and freedoms that Missouri citizens have to choose to participate in whatever health care system or health care that they want. As we have seen, the disastrous aftermath of the passage of ObamaCare continues to dominate our headlines and continues to show us how truly flawed this new federal entitlement is. HJR 57 was "third read and passed" out of the House several weeks ago by a vote of 109-46. The bill is now pending in the State Senate and the Senate is also debating their version of the Health Care Freedom Act (SJR 25). You may view the legislation at this link: http://house.mo.gov/content.aspx?info=/bills101/bills/HJR57.htm Thank you all very much for your continued support of this very important proposed constitutional amendment, and I will continue to keep you posted on its progress!

SIX FLAGS ST. LOUIS IN EUREKA IS HIRING!!

I am very excited to report that Six Flags St. Louis, which is located in the heart of the 89^th District, is hiring more than 3,000 employees to fill positions for the 2010 season. Six Flags is NOW OPEN on the weekends! Six Flags will be hosting job fairs to fill these positions on April 10^th and 17^th. For more information, please visit: http://www.sixflags.com/stLouis/index.aspx

The St. Louis Cord Blood Bank

The St. Louis Cord Blood Bank provides an opportunity for new mothers to save someone's life by donating the blood left over in the umbilical cord and placenta after her baby is born. Cord blood is a rich source of adult stem cells (which are non controversial). If not donated, this valuable resource is merely discarded as waste. Thousands of people are alive today thanks to caring moms who have donated their baby's cord blood. More information is available at: www.slcbb.org

Tim's Legislative Platform for 2010

I have sponsored and filed sixteen individual pieces of legislation this Session. I have co-sponsored numerous other bills. To review all of the bills that I have sponsored or co-sponsored, please follow this link: http://www.house.mo.gov/content.aspx?info=/bills101/spon/spn089.htm

Personal News & Notes

Whether you celebrated Passover or Easter this past week, I do hope that you and your family had a blessed and happy celebration relating to these two important and sacred holy times. We are now entering the final six weeks of Session and the pace and length of time we will experience on the House Floor will greatly intensify. This weekend, the West St. Louis County Lions (of which I am a member!) will begin their annual Spring BBQ's, yet another sign that spring is fully upon us and summer is right around the corner. Enjoy the weather, get ready to start that lawn work again and enjoy spending time with your friends and families this weekend!

Visitors at the Capitol

I had many visitors at the Capitol this week including my good friends Adam and Chad Wallis and their mom, Lynn, Robert Forsyth, Dan Kappel (from the regional YMCA), Mike Gavosto (from the Wildwood YMCA), and Tom Walsh (from the St. Louis Police Officers' Association). If you are ever in or around Jeff City, please stop by!

Feel Free to Contact Us!

If my extremely dedicated (and very busy!) Legislator Assistant, Jody Williams, or I can be of any assistance throughout the year, please do not hesitate to contact us at 573.751.0562 or by email at jody{dot}williams{at}house{dot}mo{dot}gov or at tim{dot}jones{at}house{dot}mo{dot}gov. We have had many visitors to the Capitol so far this year; if your travels find you anywhere in or around Jefferson City, please do not hesitate to stop by and visit us in Room 114! Until our next report, I remain, in your service.

Nance: Education Bills Passed, Latest From The District

“Government’s first duty is to protect the people, not run their lives.” –Ronald Reagan

At the Capitol:

HCS#2 HB 1543 relating to Elementary and Secondary education was debated this week.

This substitute changes the laws regarding elementary and secondary education, school employee liability, safety practices, and reporting acts of violence. In its main provisions, the substitute:

Specifies that a suspended student who is not allowed on school property without specific permission is also prohibited from attending school events occurring off school property. It also expands employee immunity when following established discipline policies to include policies of student discipline.
Defines "cyber-bullying" as it relates to a school district's anti-bullying policies to include the use of computers, the Internet, and phones to bully a student.
Allows all public school districts to require a school uniform or restrict student dress.
Requires all public schools to observe Veterans Day with appropriate activities.

Amendments that were added included Professional Development which would not be required of districts over the next two years and the schools could use the funding as they choose ($30 million a year). Normally a school must put 75% of their funding in the Teacher’s Fund, but they are not required to do so the next two years.

An amendment allowing “open enrollment” was defeated by a vote of 122-34.

The House third read and passed HB 2294 by a vote of 97-53. The bill would repeal the provision that requires a political party’s emblem to be printed on an election ballot above the party caption.

HB 1893 was third read and passed by a vote of 146-8. The bill would change the laws regarding the distribution of gaming funds for early childhood education and veterans’ programs.

On Tuesday, the House Veterans Committee voted do pass on HB 2357, which would prohibit any public retirement plan of the state or a political subdivision from investing funds with foreign companies that have active ties to any country designated as a state sponsor of terrorism.

In the District:

The Ray County Coalition sponsored their second annual Gala at Mellon’s Banquet Hall in Lawson last Saturday.

Martha Balman and ladies with Family and Community Education gave me a doll to be shared with an agency in Ray County. The FCE work to protect our children and recently had a seminar on autism.

Martha Balman and ladies with Family and Community Education gave me a doll to be shared with an agency in Ray County. The FCE works to protect our children and recently had a seminar on autism.

Excelsior Springs students came to Jefferson City on March 18th for the State Student Council Convention.

The girls are from left to right: Tiffany Propst, Hallie Ring, Shauni Lawrence and Wendy Chuning.

07 April 2010

Holsman: Budget's Silver Linings, Updates on Proposed Legislation, Town Hall Meeting Recap

Preliminary Budget Passes House

The Missouri House of Representatives has passed its version of the 2010-2011 state budget and have sent it to the Senate. While there will likely be changes made in both houses before a final version can be agreed to, Representatives and Senators on both sides of the aisle agree that there will be difficult cuts to be made. Several popular programs and services face funding cuts and many state employees worry about the prospect of layoffs. Governor Nixon has already vowed to sell surplus vehicles, reduce the state workforce by 1,000 jobs, and eliminate three state holidays; all part of his commitment to pull Missouri out of the recession without raising taxes.

While the state faces another year of budget woes, there are a few silver linings in the House's proposed budget. The House proposed more funding for early childhood special education programs, job training programs, mental health care caseloads, and programs for senior citizens. Missouri would also be hiring more veterinarians for disease interdiction among the state's agricultural animal population.

The Missouri Senate will review the House budget, make changes, and return the bill for a final vote.

Urban Farming Bill Passes Missouri House

On Thursday, April 1^st, House Bill 1848, the Urban Farming Task Force Bill, passed the Missouri House of Representatives with a vote of 121-30. This represents a significant step forward for the bill and greatly increases its chance of being truly agreed and finally passed into law.

The bill, which would create a task force to study urban agriculture, vertical farming, and sustainable living communities in Missouri, was considered a consent bill as it was deemed to be non-controversial and would carry no fiscal note. The bill had previously been heard before the House's Agriculture Policy Committee on March 18^th. The next step is for the bill to be referred to a committee in the Senate. Holsman has already been in communication with the office of Senate President Pro-Tem Charlie Shields to formally request a Senate committee assignment for the bill.

Kansas City-area Senator Jolie Justus, whose district covers Representative Holsman's, has agreed to handle the bill through the Senate.

Committee Hears Broadcast Blackout Bill

At left: Rep. Holsman testifies at a committee hearing.

H.B. 1986, the Broadcast Blackout Bill, received a hearing Tuesday afternoon in the Special Standing Committee on General Laws. Rep. Jason Holsman gave a brief presentation on the merits of the bill; explaining what a broadcast blackout is, why blackouts negatively impact taxpayers, and some of the options that the State has to help combat blackouts. Mike Darby, owner of Coach's Bar and Grill (103^rdand Wornall,) drove to Jefferson City to testify in favor of the bill. Mr. Darby testified that not only do broadcast blackouts hurt local sports bars bottom line, but they also cause bar and restaurant owners to send workers home due to low customer turnout.

Holsman and Darby answered questions from committee members about broadcast blackouts and how they impact the local economy. Several members were surprised to find out that cable and satellite providers also participated in the National Football League's blackout policy, and that games regularly shown on the popular NFL Sunday Ticket™ package with DirectTV® are subject to blackouts.

So far, legislators in five states including Pennsylvania, Michigan, California, New York, and Missouri have filed or are preparing to file bills similar to HB 1986.

Town Hall Meeting

Approximately 70 people showed up at Center Middle School on Thursday evening of last week to attend a town hall meeting hosted by Representative Jason Holsman. The meeting, which focused on the Missouri Budget, featured Holsman, Representative Jason Kander, Center Superintendent Robert Bartman, Hickman Mills Superintendent Marjorie Williams, and Police Officer Mike Hammer.

Jason Holsman presenting information at a town hall meeting.

At left: Rep. Holsman presents information at last week's town hall meeting.

Representative Kander led off with a presentation about how Missouri's budget process works, followed by a PowerPoint presentation from Representative Holsman about Missouri's 2010-2011 budget. Superintendents Bartman and Williams gave updates on their respective school districts and how the budget impacted South Kansas City's schools. Officer Hammer discussed some of the happenings in South Patrol. Attendees were given the opportunity to ask questions, many of which focused on schools and recent votes in the Missouri General Assembly.

"I was very pleased with the turnout," said Holsman of the 90-minute long forum, "due to the recession, the past two years have not been easy from a budget standpoint. I'm glad that people had the opportunity to ask questions and get answers from their elected officials."

PACE Bill Passes Committee

The language from the PACE: Property Assessed Clean Energy bill [HB2178] sponsored by Representatives Jason Holsman and Rachel Storch has passed the Energy and Environment Committee of the Missouri House of Representatives as an amendment on a larger bill. PACE would create jobs by allowing municipalities to start a fund with seed money to encourage homeowners to make necessary renovations to their homes to make them more energy efficient or energy independent. Rather than having to pay for these renovations up front, the homeowners can use the PACE seed money, and pay off their improvements over the course of twenty years through their property taxes.

Quote of the Day

"We demand that big business give the people a square deal; in return we must insist that when anyone engaged in big business honestly endeavors to do right he shall himself be given a square deal." –President Teddy Roosevelt

Ridgeway: Creating a Balanced Budget

Once the bills reach the Senate, they are sent to the Senate Appropriations Committee, which then combs through the House’s budget allocations, and develops its own version of the bills (this is where we are currently at in the process). The bills must be passed out of the committee before moving to the full Senate for debate. After they are passed by the Senate, the appropriations bills go back to the House for approval; however, since changes are typically made to the House’s budget in the Senate, both chambers must work out their differences. This usually happens in a conference committee, which consists of members from both the House and Senate. Compromises are made, and then the bills return to each chamber for one final vote of approval. Finally, the budget is sent to the governor. As you can see, it is a time-consuming, complex process, but it is designed to ensure that the budget is created with thoughtfulness.

This year, we must make cuts on a much larger scale than previously thought, especially given the overly hopeful revenue projections we were using to draft a FY 2011 budget a mere few months ago. However, let me assure you: we are all committed to creating a budget that will make state programs and services operate with more efficiency, but will not further threaten Missouri’s future financial standing. We will fulfill our constitutional obligation to create a balanced budget, but we must understand that serious cuts are unavoidable.

I am encouraged that so many of my colleagues are committed to being fiscally responsible and not raising taxes on hard-working Missouri families. Our budget situation is not to be taken lightly, but with restraint and innovation, it is not impossible to turn around. The economy may be cyclical, but our actions during the tough times are what will shape our state for years to come.

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. I will routinely feature some of the most frequent questions that come to my office—I hope to hear from you!

Roorda: Opposition to St. Louis Police Local Control, FY2011 Budget Facts, Appliance Rebate Program

Greetings!

My colleagues and I continued our work at the State Capitol this week, focusing on local control issues in the House. As some of you may know, I served for 17 years as a law enforcement officer. Decisions concerning law enforcement are very important to me. HB 1601 would have the St. Louis police chief report to a public safety director, appointed by the mayor. As it stands now, the police chief reports to a board, made up of the mayor and four citizens appointed by the governor. I have serious concerns about the pension systems that could be affected if this bill would have passed. I voted against this bill to protect the police officer's pensions from future decisions that could have a negative effect. The bill was defeated by the vote of 66-86. For more information or to read the St. Louis Police Officer Association March paper click here.

Many of you have also written to me about tax issues. The "Mega Tax" bill - HJR 56, which proposes a constitutional amendment replacing the individual and corporate income tax and sales and use tax with a Mega sales tax on retail sales, was given a hearing by the House Ways and Means Committee on March 18, but has not been voted on. The fact that this bill presently seems to be stalled in committee, is a victory for the citizens of Missouri.

The Missouri Senate is taking a closer look at the more than $650 million in tax credits our state hands out each year. These credits allow developers and businesses to retain some of their tax dollars to reinvest in their projects and facilities. For years we've hoped these credits would help create new jobs and stimulate our economy. Now, as we deal with the reality of a sluggish economy and a budget that is $500 million out of balance, it's only right that we take a closer look at these credits to determine their true value. I'm hopeful the House will follow the Senate's lead by carefully reviewing our existing tax credits.

FY 2011 Budget Facts

The House budget process has been one-sided. Although cuts needed to be made, cutting alone will not put Missouri on a sound financial footing.

Over the last decade, the Republican-controlled General Assembly has steadily eroded the state's tax base by granting tax credits to the politically well connected. These tax giveaways now cost the state $600 million a year and the amount is growing.

House Democrats voted for some of these credits because they were supposed to create jobs and increase state revenue. But the promised jobs haven't materialized. It is time for the state to re-evaluate its 60-plus tax credit programs and eliminate those that aren't producing a positive rate of return for the state. House Republicans refuse to even have the debate.

Under the Missouri Constitution, the first item lawmakers must fund, after paying the state debt, is our public schools. In reality that is no longer the case. Because tax credits aren't part of the budget, they are taken off the top and are funded automatically - before the state pays the debt or funds public schools.

When he submitted his proposed budget to lawmakers in January, the governor recommended an $18 million increase for public schools for the 2010-2011 school year. The House Budget Committee chairman bumped that amount by $87 million to $105 million, despite knowing that amount wasn't sustainable.

House Democrats warned that it was unfair for House Republicans to make promises to local schools that they had no intention of keeping. Sure enough, House Republicans not only stripped out the $87 million added in committee but the $18 million increase suggested by the governor.

As the House worked its way through about $224 million in cuts - some good, some not - House Democrats made sure that lawmakers shared in the pain, much to the dismay of House Republicans, by offering an amendment to cut $500,000 from the House's administrative budget. With nearly all state services being scaled back - many significantly - it is only fair for the House to also make sacrifices. NOTE: When looking at the overall $23 billion state budget, a $500,000 cut may seem insignificant. However, one must keep in mind that the House administrative budget is $11.3 million, meaning the cut comes to about 4.4 percent.

House Republicans complain that House Democrats haven't cooperated in the budget process. However, their idea of cooperation is for Democrats to do whatever Republicans want.

House Democrats have offered numerous ideas for a balanced approach to creating long-term financial stability for Missouri and mitigate the need to eliminate or reduce vital state services. House Republicans have ignored those suggestions.

Energize Missouri Appliance Rebate Program begins April 19

Department announces new Web site and toll-free line

JEFFERSON CITY, MO, MARCH 31, 2010 - Is that old water heater taking money out of your pocket? Is the air conditioning unit that strains and struggles to keep up during the summer heat taking all the dollars out of your vacation fund?

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has a solution: Swap out that old, energy-eating appliance for a new, energy-efficient appliance. Starting April 19, the state has $5.6 million for Missouri residents who want to reduce their energy bills.

Additional information about the Energize Missouri Appliance Rebate Program is now available online at MissouriApplianceRebate.com and through a toll-free consumer information line at 877-541-4848. The consumer information line will be available from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m Monday through Friday.

The Energize Missouri Appliance Rebate Program will launch April 19. It is designed to maximize rebate eligibility and features a reservation system that will allow residents to reserve rebates in three different ways:

Through a participating local retailer or installation contractor at the point of purchase, beginning April 19. Online via the program's Web site, beginning April 21. Via the toll-free phone number, beginning April 21.

The program will roll out in two phases. Phase one begins April 19, when rebate reservations will be available only through local appliance retailers and installation contractors that have signed up to participate in the program. Participating retailers and installation contractors will be able to reserve rebates when qualified residents purchase a qualified appliance. Upon completion of the sales transaction, retailers and contractors will provide purchasers with a rebate application form that contains a unique reservation number. Missouri residents will be able to claim their rebate funds by mailing this form in along with their proof of purchase and recycling.

A limited amount of rebates will be set aside for the second phase of the program which starts April 21 and runs until all rebate funds have been exhausted. During phase two, residents will be able to reserve rebates online or via a toll-free phone number in addition to reserving through retailers and installation contractors. Residents will be able to reserve their rebate either before or after they purchase their qualifying appliance. They will be provided with a reservation form that contains a unique reservation number and will be able to claim their rebate by mailing this form in along with their proof of purchase and recycling.

Basic Eligibility Requirements
Consumers will qualify for a rebate when they meet all of the following conditions:

Must be a resident of Missouri, 18 years of age or older.
Must own the property where the appliances will be install, with the exception of clothes washers. Renters are eligible for clothes washer rebates.
Limited to one appliance per appliance category per address up to a total rebate of $575.
Purchased appliance must be ENERGY STAR® rated and qualified.
Must reserve the rebate and mail it along with all required support documentation within 60 days of making the reservation.

Appliances must be purchased after the April 19 commencement of the program. Appliances purchased prior to the start of the program will not be eligible. New appliances must be a replacement for a comparable item and the old appliance must be recycled. Rebates will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis until all rebates funding is depleted.

Appliance retailers and installation contractors who wish to participate in the rebate program and assist customers with the reservation of rebates must register with the program. Those interested in registering can do so online at http://retail.missouriappliancerebate.com/ or by calling 877-233-1682.

The April 19 launch is scheduled to begin in conjunction with the "Show Me Green" ENERGY STAR Sales Tax Holiday, which runs from April 19-25.
To learn more about the Energize Missouri Appliance Rebate Program, please visit MissouriApplianceRebate.com.

U.S. Census Bureau Unveils Web site Detailing Participation Rates

Missouri among Top States to Return Census Forms

Jefferson City, Mo. - - The U.S. Census Bureau has launched a Web site that tracks participation rates in the 2010 Census by state, county and city. As of March 24, 2010, Missouri's response rate of 31 percent exceeded the national rate of 20 percent. The site also compares 2010's response with 2000 data. The Take Ten map updates data Monday through Friday and can be found at http://2010.census.gov/2010census/take10map/.

"We are pleased to see these early indications of participation in the census," says Office of Administration Commissioner Kelvin L. Simmons, chairman of the Missouri Statewide Complete Count Committee. "Our committee has been working hard for the past year to educate residents about the census and to encourage them to look for the form, fill it out and mail it back. It looks like our efforts are paying off."

However Simmons warns residents to not get complacent. "There are some counties that are below the national rate. We will continue with our marketing efforts to encourage those residents to fill it out and mail it back. Census data is used in a variety of ways to determine how federal funds are distributed. We need to count every Missourian to ensure that our state receives funding for roads, jobs, teachers and healthcare."

Additionally, the latest research indicates that Missouri could retain or lose a seat in Congress by counting or missing less than one percent of the population.

The Census Bureau estimates that if 100% of households mail back their forms, taxpayers would save $1.5 billion dollars that would be used on follow up, which includes having enumerators visit homes to gather census data.

DNR Announces 2009 Boost in Visitors to Mastodon State Historic Site, 6 Percent Growth in Visitors to State Parks Last Year

JEFFERSON CITY, MO., MARCH 29, 2010 -- The Missouri Department of Natural Resources announced today that Mastodon State Historic Site in Imperial saw a 36 percent increase in visitors in 2009. The announcement follows an earlier announcement by Gov. Jay Nixon that Missouri's system of state parks saw an overall increase in visitors of 6 percent last year.

"Mastodon State Historic Site is just one of the many gems to be found in Missouri's state park system," Gov. Jay Nixon said. "With the opportunities for inexpensive recreation and family activity that Mastodon State Historic Site provides for folks in the St. Louis area and beyond, it's no wonder that people flocked to the site last year in growing numbers."

The Division of State Parks reports that 463,250 visits were made to Mastodon State Historic Site in 2009. The previous year, the division recorded 340,183 visits to Mastodon State Historic Site. The 36 percent increase in visitors over the previous year at this park is reflective of a larger trend that shows the number of visitors to Missouri state parks on the upswing for the first time in a decade.

Mastodon State Historic Site contains an important archaeological and paleontological site -- the Kimmswick Bone Bed, where scientists found the first solid evidence of the co-existence of humans and the American mastodons in eastern North America. The site's museum displays ancient artifacts, fossils and a mastodon skeleton replica. The area also includes hiking trails and picnic sites.

On Friday, Gov. Jay Nixon noted in his remarks at the initial meeting of the Children in Nature Challenge initiative, which he created via Executive Order 10-18 on Feb. 26, that total attendance at Missouri state parks in 2009 had risen to more than 15,890,785 visitors. This is an increase of nearly one million visitors from the 2008 attendance figure of 14,937,471.

Gov. Nixon has implemented several initiatives encouraging awareness and use of Missouri's tremendous system of State Parks and Historic Sites. In addition to the Children in Nature initiative, Gov. Nixon has created the State Parks Youth Corps, which will put one thousand young Missourians to work this summer on projects beautifying and maintaining state parks and historic sites. He has also worked with the Missouri Division of Tourism to encourage people from Missouri and neighboring states to vacation at or near state parks.

Mastodon State Historic Site is located on 1050 Charles J. Becker Drive in Imperial. People requiring special services or accommodations can call the site at 636-464-2976 or the Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf). For information about state parks and historic sites, visit the Web at mostateparks.com.

If there is anything I can do for you, please do not hesitate to contact my office. I enjoy serving my constituents as "their" voice in the Missouri State Capitol.

Kraus: Assistance to Missouri Veterans

Last week in the House, we spent quite a bit of time on Consent Bills. Consent bills have no fiscal impact, are non-controversial, and contain no penalty provisions. Because it makes passage of the bill much smoother, a bill sponsor will request consent status for bills ranging from ones like my bill, HB 1691 that would set up bicycling and walking days, to minor fixes of state law that may be relevant to only one district.

The House did take on legislation that would benefit veterans, and I am always glad to be a part of that effort. HB 1893 would provide additional funding for veterans services officers who assist veterans with obtaining available services and benefits. After serving so honorably and courageously in Iraq and Afghanistan, our veterans are returning home, and these officers can help them re-integrate into life in the states.

Showing broad support for veterans, the House approved HB 1893 by a vote of 146-8. It now moves to the Senate for consideration.

Save Money; Save Energy: Sales Tax Holiday and Rebates Starting April 19

Sales Tax

If you are thinking about replacing an old appliance and want to save money by both lowering energy costs and paying less sales tax, then Missouri's Show-Me Green Sales Tax Holiday is for you. From April 19-25, people who purchase new ENERGY STAR qualified appliances in Missouri will save 4.225 percent of the purchase by not being required to pay state sales tax.

Local governmental entities can opt to participate in the holiday. In Eastern Jackson County, Lee's Summit and Oak Grove have elected to participate, meaning that the buyer will also be exempt from city sales tax if the appliance is purchased in either city.

ENERGY STAR-certified appliances that qualify for the sales tax exemption are:

Clothes washers
Refrigerators
Freezers
Dishwashers
Water heaters
Furnaces
Air conditioners
Heat Pumps

The sales tax exemption only applies to the first $1,500 on each appliance. If an appliance costs more than $1,500, the regular sales tax rate is in effect for any of the purchase price above $1,500.

Additional information regarding the Show-Me Green Sales Tax Holiday can be obtained at Green Tax Holiday.

Rebates

You can increase your savings with rebates - also on ENERGY STAR^® qualified appliances. Starting April 19, Missouri residents are eligible to receive rebates that can run from $75 to $500 per appliance.

Once you have decided which ENERGY STAR appliance you would like to buy, you may reserve your rebate amount at a participating retailer or installation contractor on or after April 19. You may also reserve your own rebate online at this site beginning April 21.

Additional information about the Energize Missouri Appliance Rebate Program is now available online at MissouriApplianceRebate.com and through a toll-free consumer information line at 877-541-4848. The consumer information line will be available from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Fundraiser to Benefit Local Children with Cancer

Next Monday, April 12, the Lee's Summit High School girls' soccer teams will be hosting a fundraiser to benefit local children with cancer, called the Melanie Grace Kickin' It Against Cancer Soccer Fundraiser. From 4:00 to 9:00 p.m., all three Lee's Summit girls' soccer teams will be playing at Lee's Summit High School.

Rebecca Hertzog was chosen to be this year's recipient. Rebecca is a Lee's Summit resident and was diagnosed with leukemia last fall. She is currently waiting for a bone marrow transplant.

The fundraiser began as a way to remember Melanie Grace Lindmark, who was born on August 27, 1998. She was diagnosed with an extremely rare cancer in November of 2002 at only four years of age. Melanie passed away in March, 2005 after losing her battle with cancer. The Lindmark family selects each year's recipient of the funds.

On the day of the event, a silent auction will be held and t-shirts will be on sale. A special effort this year is to hold a bone marrow drive during the event to look for a match for Rebecca and for countless others awaiting a bone marrow transplant.

The soccer teams are also looking for sponsors for the event. They offer advertising on the website as well as on the game day program. Click on www.lshstigersoccer.com for additional information and updates.

For more information, contact Beth Manley at 816-305-4124.

The number of Members of the 96th Missouri General Assembly who, as of 7 May 2011, have agreed to supply missives and/or have done so:
House Republicans	20 of 105
House Democrats	8 of 54
House Vacancies	4
Senate Republicans	12 of 26
Senate Democrats	1 of 8
Senate Vacancies	0