Carter: If you did not receive a census form

From the U.S. Census Bureau

Didn't get a 2010 Census form? It's not too late to be counted!! You can call our Questionnaire Assistance line at 1-866-872-6868 and give your answers over the phone or request a form be sent to where you live so you can mail it back in time to avoid a census taker coming to your door. Don't be left out of the count for your community.

You can also visit the "Be Counted" area of our website to locate a Questionnaire Assistance Center in your community where you can pick up a form through April 19.

Three Days Left to Mail Back 2010 Census Forms

Residents who need a form are encouraged to visit “Be Counted” sites

Yesterday marked the four-day countdown for residents across America to mail back their 2010 Census questionnaires. Households that return their forms after Friday, April 16, may still be visited by census workers, who begin going door-to-door to collect census responses on May 1.

Residents are encouraged to promptly mail back their forms, but for those who have lost or did not receive a census form in the mail, there is help available. Households can pick up a Be Counted form at nearly 39,000 community locations nationwide. These replacement forms are available in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese and Russian. To find a Be Counted site, visit 2010census.gov (see "Need Help with Your Form") or search the Take 10 map at http://2010.census.gov/2010census/take10map/.

“Nationwide, about 66% percent of households have mailed back their census forms. In 2000, the mail participation rate was 72 percent,” U.S. Census Bureau Director Robert Groves said. “Residents who fail to mail back their forms by April 16 may be visited by a census worker in May.”

ABOUT THE 2010 CENSUS

The 2010 Census is a count of everyone living in the United States and is mandated by the U.S. Constitution. Census data are used to apportion congressional seats to states, to distribute more than $400 billion in federal funds to tribal, state and local governments each year and to make decisions about what community services to provide. The 2010 Census form is one of the shortest in U.S. history, consisting of 10 questions, taking about 10 minutes to complete. Strict confidentiality laws protect the respondents and the information they provide.

Rep. Joe Smith Honors 2009 Lindenwood Football Team

Jefferson City – This morning, Rep. Joe Smith, R-St. Charles, honored the Lindenwood University Lions football team with a resolution at the Capitol.

“I am really proud of this team and their accomplishments,” Rep. Smith, said. “They have a good group of players and an excellent coaching staff.”

The 2009 Lindenwood University Lions were recognized with a resolution by the House of Representatives for being the greatest football team in Lindenwood University history.

The Lions had a 10-0 regular season record and played in the NAIA Football Championship game in Rome, Georgia. The team also won its fourth conference title. In addition to their records, Head Coach Patrick Ross was named Conference Coach of the Year and seven players were named All-Americans.

Oxford: Claims put forward about so-called "Tax Freedom Day" must be challenged

Since much misinformation is generated around the April 15 tax filing deadline each year – in press releases and letters to the editor – I wanted you to have this fact sheet debunking the Tax Foundation's claims about "Tax Freedom Day." The report points out the major flaws in the foundation's claims:

• They misrepresent the day until which the typical or average American must work to pay his or her taxes According to the CBO, some 80 percent of U.S. households pay a smaller share of their incomes in federal taxes than the overall federal effective tax rate that the Tax Foundation uses for their calculations.
• Their contention that we work part of the year for the government and part of the year for ourselves is also a misrepresentation. As the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities fact sheet states "Government revenues also fund Social Security payments that enable elderly households to pay for food, clothing, and housing. Moreover, government revenues fund roads and bridges needed for private transportation purchases (e.g. cars) to have value. And they fund the educational system, justice system, and other basic infrastructure without which Americans would not be able to earn the incomes they currently do at the jobs they currently hold."

Taxes are investments in the common good when governments act responsibly.

See related: Debunking Tax Freedom Day

Ruestman: State Sovereignty, You Decide

It was a short week due to a long Easter break which allowed us all to spend some extra time with our families. As a result, we worked extra hard on the legislation before us to get it finished. My office was very busy with a longer session schedule. We also had more visitors than usual which is always exciting. It is great to have constituents learn more about the legislative process and see their state capitol.

One of our main issues this week was that of state sovereignty. We passed House Joint Resolution 88 by a vote of 87 to 62. This measure, if passed by the Senate, will go to the voters for approval to amend our state constitution. This week I thought I’d just let you read the summary of the Resolution and let it speak for itself.

“In its main provisions, the resolution:

(1) Prohibits the executive, judicial, and legislative branches of Missouri’s government from recognizing, enforcing, or acting on any federal law, executive order, judicial or administrative ruling, collection or dispersal of revenue, or other actions by the three branches of government that exceed the limited powers enumerated in the United States Constitution and delegated to the federal government;

(2) 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; federal actions requiring the sale or trade of carbon credits or the taxing on the release of carbon emissions; 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;

(3) Requires Missouri courts to interpret the United States Constitution based on its language and the intent of the signers at the time of its passage. Interpretation of its amendments must be based on the intent of the congressional sponsors and co-sponsors. Non-originalist methods of interpretation that consider the constitution a “living, breathing document” and any interpretation that expands federal authority beyond the limited powers enumerated and delegated to the federal government are to be deemed to exceed the limited powers of the federal government. Missouri courts will be required to use this method of interpretation, and any court ruling inconsistent with this method will not be recognized or enforced in Missouri; and

(4) Allows Missouri citizens to have standing to bring suit to enforce the provisions of the resolution.”

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.

Keaveny: Provident Counseling Provides Hope

Mental health outlets have not been immune to budget cuts, as the Senate Appropriations committee has already endorsed a ten percent reduction in state aid for alcohol and drug abuse treatment, psychiatric care and crisis services for people with developmental disabilities. The St. Louis area is fortunate to have a long-standing and successful organization dedicated to providing hope to those who need it most.

Provident, Inc. was founded in 1860 to provide short-term assistance for people while helping them become productive members of the community. The organization provided financial assistance, housing, work opportunities, training and nursing care, and eventually became known as the first place to go in times of need, such as natural disasters and outbreaks of infectious disease.

Provident now offers services like individual and family counseling, group counseling, life crisis services, life and job skills, youth development, visitation and custody exchange, and community development. They have offices in the Central and South City, as well as Jefferson County, West St. Louis County and Illinois.

Provident fulfills its mission of creating hope, building self reliance and driving social impact. The highly trained counselors, staff and volunteers of Provident meet the specific needs the client has in order to build a solid foundation for success.

The main financial support for Provident counseling comes from the United Way of Greater St. Louis. The organization is certified by the Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Standards, and they are always looking for volunteers.

If you’re in a crisis situation and need to speak to someone immediately, you can call 314-647-HELP (4357) or 1-800-273-TALK (8255). If you have questions about Provident, you can call the administrative office at 314-371-6500, or you can make a counseling appointment at 314-533-8200 or 1-800-782-1008. There is also a host of information at www.providentstl.org.

In difficult economic situations like we are facing today, the pressure on people and families can often become overwhelming. Provident is one place that people can go to find a sympathetic ear and a new outlook on life.

Kraus: Last Week's Legislation, Capitol Visitors

Last Week's Legislation

I am happy to report that my bill, HB 1691, was heard in the Senate Committee on Progress and Development and passed out of that committee on the same day with Consent Status.  HB 1691 calls for the establishment of special days to promote bicycling and walking.  With this bill, the days would become part of the calendar of state holidays.  While it does not require a school to promote any event if school officials feel that the school environs are unsafe, it would encourage schools to promote safe passage for kids to bike or walk to school.

House Approves State Sovereignty Resolution

In legislation in the House, we gave final approval last Thursday to a proposed constitutional amendment that would assert the state's sovereignty under the Tenth Amendment to the United States Constitution over all powers not enumerated and delegated to the federal government. The House approved HJR 88 by a vote of 87-62. The measure now moves to the Senate for consideration. If approved by both chambers, it would go to Missourians for their vote.

Prohibiting State Investment in Companies with Ties to Terrorists

The House also passed HB 2357 last week, which, if signed into law, would prohibit state agencies from investing in foreign corporations that have strong business ties to terrorist countries.  Currently, those countries would be Iran, Sudan, Cuba and Syria, but the legislation requires this list to be continually updated.  The bill now awaits final approval in the House.

2009 Teacher of the Year

At left: Rep. Kraus presents Susanne Mitko with a House resolution congratulating her for her selection as the 2009 Missouri Teacher of the Year.

It is extremely gratifying to me to be able to recognize the great accomplishments of constituents.  Last week, Susanne Mitko was honored in Jefferson City for being selected as the 2009 Missouri Teacher of the Year by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.  It was my pleasure to present her with a House Resolution in her honor on the floor of the House of Representatives.  Susanne teaches history in the Lee's Summit R-VII School District.  One of her many talents is to be able to connect world history to her students' own lives.  Congratulations to Susanne – it is no small feat to be named the state teacher of the year!

Visit from Lee's Summit Community Christian School

Recently, I also enjoyed visiting with students and teachers from the Lee's Summit Community Christian School.  It was a great day to be outside on the Capitol steps!  In the House Chambers, the students engaged in a mock debate to better understand how a bill is discussed, amended and passed in the House of Representatives.  So many aspects of this job mean a great deal to me, and helping our future leaders to better understand the governmental process is one that gives me tremendous satisfaction.

With the beginning of the 2010 Legislative Session, the Capitol Report will be issued about once a week. During this time, if you have an event that you would like me to attend or speak at, please contact my office at 1 (573)751-1459 or e-mail at will{dot}kraus{at}house{dot}mo{dot}gov.

Schupp: Taxes Due, House Aiming to Strengthen DWI Laws, Updates from Committees and the Budget

Rushing home to support a friend, visiting Bellefontaine Habilitation Center, sharing in the 90th anniversary celebration of Troop 11 of our Boy Scouts at Temple Israel, and visiting the incredible display of miniatures at the Tappmeyer House served to keep me busy during this weekend.  I am hopeful you, too, were able to enjoy the glorious weather and participate in the many activities and events that make our community so strong. 

All that stated, this look back on the politics and policies of the week relays a grim picture due to the constraints created by this challenging budget year.  Few programs and services will remain whole as the budget lines are drawn.  The question that we must be vigilante in considering is whether, in the end, the budget we have reflects our priorities.

We are still receiving your surveys.  Thank you for taking the time to weigh in.  We will post the results when collection and tabulating are done.

Thank you for this opportunity to serve.

Truly,

Jill


Rep. Schupp and other St. Louis area representatives with members of St. Louis Children's Hospital in House side gallery on Thursday.

DON'T FORGET:  TAXES DUE THIS WEEK!

The deadline to file income tax is this coming Thursday, April 15.  If you have yet to file or need more information to file, feel free to visit the IRS website for your federal filing or the Missouri Department of Revenue's website for your state filing.

As always, if you have questions, feel free to contact our office and we will try our best to assist you.

This week on the House floor

Supplemental Spending Bill Eventually Approved

Colleagues and I heard recommendations, changed votes, and argued on the House floor over one particular piece of a supplemental bill [HB2014]. Interestingly, while this bill could be looked at as controversial in many ways, the heated discussion centered on the fact that the negative impact on school districts would only affect districts that are notcharacterized as "hold harmless." 

The districts that have schools located in the 82nd State House District include Pattonville, Parkway and Ladue. Each of those districts became designated as "hold harmless" when the foundation formula for funding education was changed less than a decade ago. 

Hold harmless districts, which are predominantly suburban districts and certain small rural districts with high local tax levies, don't receive annual increases from the state's education funding distribution formula. At the same time, because the formula, in essence, punishes districts that receive strong local support, the districts receive more than they would be allocated if they were funded through the formula.

This means that while our districts continue to receive some funding from the state, the funding remains at a relatively low and consistent level as state aid to all non-hold harmless districts changes...generally increasing over the years. 

With this year's underfunding of the foundation formula, there is an outcry from the non-hold harmless districts for all districts statewide to share in the cuts, lessening the pain to the non-hold harmless districts.  

The bill passed with no harm being done to the "hold harmless" districts. The Governor does have line-item veto power to remove the controversial provision that exempts hold harmless districts. If that happens, perhaps the "hold harmless" title will have to change.

HOUSE BEGINS DISCUSSION ON STRENGTHENING DWI LAWS

Debate began this week on legislation on [HB 1695] which would create harsher penalties for those caught driving under the influence.  Due to an amendment drafting error, the work done to date on amendments on the house floor might require unraveling, meaning revisiting of the discussion, peeling back the layers of amendments and re-starting from the basic underlying bill.  There is now uncertainty as to whether this legislation will make it through the process during this legislative session.  This is a disappointment to so many who are working to make our roads and our families and friends safer.  While we will link you to the summary, keep in mind that the process and legislation require revisiting.  Click Here to get to the bill's summary.

Committee News

Higher Education

Legislation on the Access Missouri grant program that provides funds to undergraduate students based on need was passed out of our committee this week (HB 1812).  Should the new legislation make its way through the process, it will equalize grant payments to students whether they attend public or private four-year Missouri colleges or universities.  Currently, priviate school attendees receive about double the amount public school attendees receive.  Students who attend two- year schools will receive more money per year than they do currently, but still about half of what the four year attendees receive per year.

This program change will not start until 2014, and the sunset clause in the current legislation is removed in the new legislation.  And, of course, dollar amounts granted to students is always subject to the amount of money appropriated to the program.

While it passed unanimously, some of us still have questions about the timing of the legislation start date and lack of sunset that may be able to be addressed on the house floor.

Children and Families

HB 2384 establishes the Embryo Transfer Act which authorizes the legal relinquishment and subsequent transfer of human embryos.  While I am hopeful our chair will give us ample time to discuss the ramifications of this legislation (this is not always the case), I have concerns about the state's interest in intervening in these private legal matters.  

HB 855, a piece of Senate legislation, is very similar to a House bill that this committee heard earlier this session.  This bill would allow the State Registrar to issue heritage birth or marriage certificates celebrating the unique heritage of Missourians.  This was presented by Rep. Sater who made it clear that this is intended to be a revenue generator for the state.  I am hopeful we can amend the language to ensure that the costs are adequately addressed and covered.  It is a reasonable idea that has worked in other states.

Budget News

SENATE COMMITTEE ELIMINATES CAREER LADDER FUNDING

The Senate Appropriations Committee voted to eliminate the entire $37.5 million for the Career Ladder program that had been approved by the House for next year's state budget. This program provides about 18,000 teachers with extra duty salary supplements ranging from $1,500 to $5,000 a year.
 
The state splits the cost of Career Ladder with participating school districts. Because the state pays its share a year in arrears, money in next year's budget would reimburse districts for expenses incurred in the current school year. That means teachers who performed these extra duties this year will not receive payment for them.  The legislature has not taken action to provide appropriations in advance of the work being done, largely because it would cost the state double in one budget year. In the end, these cuts will break trust with the teachers who were operating in good faith.

IS ANOTHER FREEZE ON PUBLIC COLLEGE TUITION RATES POSSIBLE?

While the House of Representatives agreed to limit cuts to higher education to about $50 million for the 2010-2011 academic year, the Senate Appropriations committee has moved forward a proposal to cut $65 million. This $15 million dollar difference will have a dramatic effect on college students who are hopeful about staving off tuition increases for the next year. The Governor had made a deal with public colleges and universities not to raise tuition in exchange for keeping the state cuts to higher education at $50 million.  The Governor will be working hard to lower these Senate-proposed cuts.

THE NEGATIVE STATE OF STATE REVENUE COLLECTIONS

The Missouri Department of Revenue (DOR) reports net state general revenue collections were down 17.8 percent, or $100.2 million in March 2010 as compared to last March. Year-to-date general revenue collections for FY 2010 are down 13.3 percent year-to-date compared to last year. This drop is from $5.4 billion to $4.68 billion.

Constituent Spotlight

Rep. Schupp participating with 3rd graders from Rossman School in a mock legislative session.  The students, accompanied by teacher Lynn Frankenberger, held a debate on a bill making baseball the official sport of Rossman School.

Schaefer: Defending Programs That Benefit Education, Legislation In Progress, Capitol Visitors

After a relaxing and joyful Easter break, the Senate continues to discuss bills and budget issues.

The budget continues to be our top priority in the Senate. As Vice-Chairman of the Appropriations Committee, I am fighting hard for programs I believe in. Programs such as Parents as Teachers and Career Ladder are vital to the success of our children. Cutting these programs even more than they have drastically been cut over the last few years is a detriment to our kids' future. I am working hard to maintain the educational programs that will benefit all of Missouri's students.

Legislation In Progress

On Tuesday, Senate Bill 828 was voted out of the Senate Health, Mental Health, Seniors and Families Committee.  This bill allows for the county counselor of Boone County to receive state money for performing duties related to mental health and mental health facilities. The Boone County counselor is the only county counselor that does not currently receive this reimbursement. In addition, a Senate Committee Substitute to Senate Bill 975, a bill regarding electronic death registration systems, was passed by the same committee.

Also on Tuesday, Senate Bill 884, which amends various provisions regarding the Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement, needs the Senate's final approval before it can move to the House for similar consideration.

Two of my bills were heard in House committees this week. On Wednesday, Senate Bill 855, regarding heritage birth and marriage certificates, was considered in the House Special Standing Committee on Children and Families. Additionally, Senate Bill 829, which pertains to nuisance abatement ordinances for Boone County, was heard in the House Crime Prevention Committee on Tuesday.

Capitol Visitors

During Wednesday's Senate Gubernatorial Appoinments Committee hearing, I had the privilege of testifying in support of Jean Leonatti to serve on the Alzheimer's State Plan Task Force.

I also had the opportunity to meet with Dr. Kristin Sohl, a doctor of pediatrics from Columbia, and other pediatricians from the area. Dr. Sohl is the director of the Community Advocacy through Resident Education (CARE) program. The program works with physicians in the Department of Child Health at the University of Missouri-Columbia to improve pediatric care in the area. Additionally, the group works with legislators to make a difference for children in the Columbia area.

At left: Community Advocacy through Resident Education participants


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.

Rupp: Resolution targets UN Treaty on Parenting, Race to the Top

Senator Scott T. Rupp Files Legislation Calling For Federal Rejection of U.N. “Rights of the Child” Treaty

American parental rights could be trumped by government

In another effort to protect the American family, today I filed legislation that called for the rejection of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) treaty because it would give the government authority over parental decisions.

Federal officials have recently been pushing for the ratification of the UNCRC treaty, which was drafted in the 1990s. The United States has been one of the last countries to sign, as many officials have stated the treaty includes provisions that are in direct conflict with the U.S. Constitution and the Missouri Constitution.

Senate Concurrent Resolution 59, tells the federal government that signing the treaty represents an abandonment of the ultimate sovereignty of the United States. SCR 59 states that only American legislatures and the people themselves have the moral authority to make law for our country, including important parental decisions such as corporal discipline and religious upbringing.

First our federal government sold out our right to choose our own health care, and now they are selling out our rights as parents to make decisions for our child. It’s really frightening, because these are the freedoms we hold dear and the federal government is going out of it’s way to eliminate them, one by one.

According to SCR 59, the United Nations tribunal acknowledges that the treaty:

1. Bans all corporal discipline, including reasonable spanking by parents.
2. Gives the government authority on a broad scope of parental decisions without proving that parents are unfit or have harmed the child.
3. Allows children and the government to override reasonable and ordinary decisions concerning religious upbringing of the child.
4. Allows the government the ability to review any parental decision concerning the education of the child, even if that decision fully complies with Missouri law.
5. Requires socialized spending programs that will bankrupt America.
6. Grants children a legally enforceable right to leisure and other rights that are contrary to American traditions and common sense.

There is a reason that national leaders from both parties have not signed this treaty, and it’s because American citizens know what is best for their children. No matter what your personal beliefs are, I think that most Americans do the best they can for their kids. They don’t need the whole world, or even worse, the government, to tell them differently.

“Race To The Top” Oversight Bill Passed by Full Senate

Senator Rupp’s Bill Ensures Local Control of Education

The Missouri Senate today passed my legislation that keeps any “Race To The Top” education funding under the oversight of the Missouri Legislature. The legislation now goes to the House of Representatives.

The “Race to the Top” fund is a federal grant program from the U.S. Department of Education that is set to distribute nearly $4 billion to the nation’s schools. If its application is approved, Missouri could receive $150 million to $250 million in education funding. While Missouri did not make it past the first round, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) is attempting to secure funds in the second round by strengthening the state’s application.

Included in Senate Bill 976 is language that establishes a special fund in the budget that holds any grant dollars the state is awarded. DESE would have to provide the details of the grant, the reforms it would enact, and the consequences of enacting the terms of the grant.

With the creation of this holding fund, we make sure that Missouri is not bound to strings that are not in line with our vision of education reform. We will maintain the long-term interest and our ability to control the education policy at the local level.

As always, if you have any questions about this week’s column or any other matter involving state government, please do not hesitate to contact me. You can reach my office by phone at (866) 271-2844.

Engler: Working to Craft a Balanced Budget

Over the past several weeks, the Senate Appropriations Committee has been working on the 13 bills that make up the state’s core budget. As I have discussed in past columns, this is a particularly tough year for the state’s finances. It was recently announced that March collections are down nearly 18 percent compared to the same time last year, and year-to-date collections of revenue are down 13 percent. The Appropriations Committee is having to shave $500 million off of the governor’s original budget proposal to pass a balanced budget. Once the bills are approved by the Senate Appropriations Committee, they will move to the Senate floor and will soon be taken up for debate before the entire body.

The reality of our fiscal situation is that we have to make cuts in spending because we are taking in less revenue than the year before. The committee already had to make tough decisions to make sure that we stay within our state’s means. As these bills hit the floor, I am sure there will be heated discussions as we work to meet the state’s most pressing needs while reducing costs.

In anticipation of the funding cuts that must be made in the budget process, the Senate Administration Committee, of which I am vice-chair, voted unanimously this week to cut the Senate’s operating budget by 5 percent. The cuts that we agreed upon total $462,100 and include cutting senators’ office budget allotments and/or per diem rates and eliminating current vacant job positions. We also discussed reducing mailing sizes and limiting or ending professional development travel (in and out-of-state). It is only fair that, as we make cuts to programs and services, we find ways to cut our own expenses.

Also this week, we sent House Bill 1498 to the governor’s desk. The bill strengthens Missouri’s prompt pay statutes and is designed to make the medical claims process more efficient by providing clear direction to both insurers and healthcare providers on their roles and responsibilities. Under the legislation, an insurance company has to accept or deny a claim within 30 days. Often, people and healthcare providers are strung along and forced to go through loads of paperwork and hassles in order to get their healthcare costs paid. The bill also addresses electronic filings and makes sure the law is clear on penalties when insurance carriers fail to promptly pay a claim. With the governor’s signature, the bill would go into effect on January 1, 2011.

Roorda: House Approves, Rejects, Approves Spending Bill

HOUSE APPROVES, REJECTS, APPROVES SPENDING BILL

A day after rejecting a supplemental appropriations bill that it previously had approved, the House of Representatives on April 8 switched positions for a second time and voted 96-51 to send the bill to the governor to be signed into law. The House's repeated flipping of positions on HB 2014 resulted from a dispute over a provision in the bill that will spare 152 local school districts from midyear spending cuts but impose even bigger funding reductions on the state's other 371 districts.
 
Because of a funding shortfall, Gov. Jay Nixon in January called for reducing the state's scheduled payment to local districts for current school year by $43 million. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education had planned to deal with the shortfall with a 2 percent funding reduction for all districts. The House Budget Committee, however, added a provision to exempt so-called "hold harmless" districts from the cuts. Hold harmless districts, which are predominantly wealthy suburban districts and certain small rural districts with high local tax levies, don't receive annual increases from the state's education funding distribution formula but still get more money than they would receive under the formula.
 
When the bill initially came before the full House in March, lawmakers defeated an amendment by state Rep. Rachel Bringer, D-Palmyra, to remove the hold-harmless exemption. The House then passed the bill with the exemption intact, and the Senate followed suit. By the time the bill returned to the House for final approval, however, many representatives changed their positions after realizing their initial votes against the Bringer amendment adversely affected their local districts.
 
The House attempted to open negotiations with the Senate to remove the exemption, but the Senate considered the issue settled and refused. As a result, the House on April 7 voted down the bill 75-79. The next day, however, the House again changed positions and granted the bill final approval. Opponents of the exemption are urging Nixon to use his line-item veto authority on appropriations bills to strike the controversial provision.

House Rejects Senate Spending Bill - News Leader

House Changes Mind on Supplemental - MissouriNet

STATE REVENUE COLLECTIONS TAKE ANOTHER HARD HIT

Net state general revenue collections were down 17.8 percent, or $100.2 million, in March 2010 compared to March 2009, according to the latest revenue figures compiled by the Missouri Department of Revenue. Year-to-date general revenue collections for FY 2010, which ends June 30, are down 13.3 percent compared to the same period FY 2009, dropping from $5.4 billion to $4.68 billion.

To read full St. Louis Post Dispatch story click here.

SENATE COMMITTEE ELIMINATES CAREER LADDER FUNDING

The Senate Appropriations Committee on April 8 voted to eliminate the entire $37.5 million for the Career Ladder program that the House of Representatives had approved for next year's state budget. The program provides about 18,000 teachers who perform extra duties with salary supplements ranging from $1,500 to $5,000 a year.

The state splits the cost of Career Ladder with participating school districts. Because the state pays its share a year in arrears, money in next year's budget would reimburse districts for expenses incurred in the current school year. As a result, if Career Ladder funding isn't restored in the final budget, the districts won't be reimbursed. The Senate committee eliminated the program as part of its effort to balance the state budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1.

To read the full KMOX story click here.

KRCG - Senate Panel Cuts Extra Pay For Teachers

NIXON HOPES TO SAVE DEAL FREEZING COLLEGE TUITION

Gov. Jay Nixon says he'll work to get the Senate to go along with a deal he struck with public colleges and universities under which they agreed not to increase tuition for the second consecutive year if the cash-strapped state limited budget cuts to higher education for the 2010-2011 school year to around $50 million. Although the House of Representatives has already agreed to the deal, the Senate Appropriations Committee put it in jeopardy on April 6 by endorsing a $65 million higher education cut.

To read the entire story in the Columbia Missourian click here.

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.

U.S. Census Increases By One

April 1st is designated as the official US Census Day and on Thursday, April 1st the US Census for Jefferson County increased by one!

Kellan Patrick McKenna
Arrived: Thursday, April 1st
Weight: 7 lbs, 5 oz
Length: 23 inches

Congratulations to Senator and Mrs. Ryan McKenna

Nodler: Advocating for Fairness in School Funding

Last week, the Senate passed House Bill 2014, a supplemental appropriations bill. Every year, the Legislature passes this sort of bill to cover budget issues that were not passed or were not funded to the level of being sufficient for the whole year. However, this year, the House version of the bill contained a provision that would lessen the funding promised to many of Missouri’s school districts. While the Senate Appropriations Committee tried to correct the language, an amendment was passed when the bill reached the Senate floor that returned the language to the House position. The provision negatively affects many of the school districts in Southwest Missouri, which is why I voted “no” on the amendment.

The provision affects 372 of the state’s 523 school districts and relates to foundation formula funding. The foundation formula was revised in 2005 to distribute money to Missouri schools using a formula based on student needs, not property values. The new formula was designed to be phased in over five years. However, the law did not include guidance on how to deal with a shortfall of any sort. The problem we face now is that the state is facing a serious budget crunch, and the Legislature is struggling to find a way to balance the budget while also funding education.

When the new formula took effect, most schools in Missouri received an increase in funding. Some school districts in areas with particularly high property tax revenue did not receive an initial increase in their foundation funding and have not been getting increases since 2005 as the formula has been phased-in. The bill as it currently stands would exempt these schools from having to face any funding cuts, even as most school districts in the state are facing a budget crunch. The $43 million in school funding that is being trimmed from the current fiscal year’s spending will not be spread across all schools, but will instead apply to select districts in the state.

The facts of our fiscal situation are not pleasant. Recent revenue numbers for March show that collections are down 17.8 percent compared to last year and year-to-date revenue collections are down by 13 percent. Spending throughout the state must be cut so that we have a balanced budget for both the current year and the upcoming fiscal year. However, in cases when tough choices must be made, we should act fairly, and exempting 151 schools from having to face cuts every other school in the state has to deal with is unacceptable. We must not let this policy of holding certain school districts to a different funding standard continue as we plan the state’s budget for the coming fiscal year.