Kraus: Protecting Our Children

Finally! The weather is warm, the skies are blue, and it will soon be officially summer.  It's time for many of us to get outside to take care of the garden, get in some outdoor exercise, or just sit outside on the patio for rest and recreation after a busy day.

It's time for our children to be outside, too.  Out of school for the summer, it's their time to wander in the park, play ball, hit the swimming pools, and gather with friends away from parents. It is – and should be – a great time for them.  However, as parents, we must also be aware of the dangers that can lurk around our parks, our swimming pools, and other places where children gather.  Child sex offenders, if they are allowed, know where to seek their prey.

We've long had laws on the books that prohibit sex offenders from living or working near schools.  However, only since 2009, when I sponsored HB 105, have we had laws that prohibit them from being within 500 feet of public parks and swimming pools where children congregate in the summer.  I worked to limit their proximity because caring teachers and parents have a harder time keeping an eye on children in these places.  At the same time, I also sponsored legislation, HB 106, to prohibit convicted sex offenders from serving in capacities such as a coach or athletic trainer for youth teams.  When a constituent contacted me about this happening and its horrible consequences, I vowed to not let it happen again.  Both of these provisions passed in HB 62.

Sex Offender Registry

As a parent, you can help to safeguard your children by knowing where convicted sex offenders live in your neighborhood.  Convicted child sex offenders are required to register with the state, and information is available online at www.mshp.dps.mo.gov. Once you have accessed the website, you can look up offenders by entering your address and selecting a search area anywhere within one thousand feet to fifteen miles from your home. The site will map out where all the offenders in your vicinity live. When you scroll down and click on the offender's name, it will bring up a picture, physical description and convictions.  If you do not have access to the internet, you can call the Missouri Sex Offender Registry toll free at (888) 767-6747.

New Legislation

We must remain ever vigilant in protecting our children from these heinous predators.  If protection fails, we must also work to improve health care for child victims of sexual assault. This year, in response to the lack of health care professionals trained to evaluate child sexual assault victims in Missouri, we passed HB 2270.  It improves health care for child victims by educating more health care professionals on how to evaluate and communicate with abuse victims. The legislation also will allow doctors to get a second opinion by consulting with other doctors using advanced video technology. Currently, doctors are barred from sharing information about their patients with anyone, excluding law enforcement.

We as legislators must continue to identify any shortcomings in our system of protections against child sexual abuse, and we must continue to fix those problems with our actions in the legislature.

Legislation Becomes Law

Stiffer Penalties for Drunken Drivers Signed

According to the Missouri Highway Patrol, below are the numbers of alcohol-related driving events in Jackson County.

• In 2009, 24 fatal crashes occurred, killing 28 people.
• In 359 accidents, 531 people were injured in 2009.
• For all law enforcement agencies, DWI arrests totaled 3409 in 2009.
• In the roughly five-year period from 2005 to date, 123 people have been killed.

These deaths are fathers, mothers, husbands, wives, children, and relatives.  The problem touches us all, and we must do what we can to discourage drunk driving.

This session, the General Assembly passed HB 1695, which strengthens laws regarding intoxication-related traffic offenses, and Governor Nixon signed this bill on June 2.

Penalties, including jail time, have been increased for persons who are arrested for driving while intoxicated.  The bill would require drivers with blood-alcohol levels of at least 0.15 percent to spend 48 hours in jail and those with at least 0.2 percent to spend at least five days in jail, unless the person completes the requirements of a DWI court or docket that can require treatment.   In addition, it specifies that drivers with blood-alcohol levels of at least 0.15 percent cannot be granted a suspended imposition of sentence.

The bill also makes greater provision for offenders to choose treatment by allowing any circuit court to set up a DWI docket for repeat offenders or those whose blood-alcohol content exceeds 0.15 percent.  The court may assess costs for participation in a DWI court against the participant.

Legislation That Affects Military Personnel

On May 27, Governor Nixon signed the four pieces of military legislation that I discussed in my last Capitol update.  These were:

• HB 1524 – Enacts several changes regarding veterans and members of the military,
• HB 1893 - Changes the laws regarding the distribution of gaming funds for early childhood education and veterans' programs and requires an annual audit to be conducted on the fund accounts for three years,
• HB 2147 - Exempts certain students who are dependents of recently retired military personnel from the three-year attendance requirement under the A+ Schools Program, and
• HB 2262 - Exempts certain students who are dependents of recently retired military personnel from the three-year attendance requirement under the A+ Schools Program.

I'm very glad to see the successful conclusion of these bills.

Flag Day

Next Monday, June 14, is Flag Day.  After the creation of the flag by seamstress Betsy Ross 233 years ago, Francis Scott Key was inspired to write our national anthem as he saw it still flying in the light of dawn after a night of battle with the British.  To see it still flying continues to be the glory of those who fight for it.  June 14 is the special day for everyone to fly the flag with pride in the history and nation that it represents.

Also on June 14, 1775, the Second Continental Congress issued a resolution that formally established the United States Army.  Happy Birthday!

With the ending of the 2010 Legislative Session, the Capitol Report will be issued about twice a month. 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.

Gatschenberger: Missouri's Budget, End of Session Legislative Summary and Town Hall Invitation

Town Hall Report

As promised… the following is a summary of the budget information covered at our last Town Hall Meeting.   Although the material may be a bit technical, I believe it is worth your time to understand our State's Budget.  If you have questions, please don't hesitate to contact my office.

I. FY 2011 MISSOURI STATE BUDGET SUMMARY (May, 2010)

State Fiscal Year 2011 (July 1, 2010 – June 30, 2011)

Total Missouri State Operating Budget	$23,274, 922,486
State General Revenue	7,260,461,973
Federal Budget Stabilization (unrestricted)	572,388,526
Federal Budget Stabilization (education)	287,037,940
Federal Funds	7,035,061,286
Other Funds (Highway & Road Funds; Lottery & Gaming Proceeds; Conservation, Parks Soil & Water; Outstanding Schools Trust Fund, etc)	8,119,972,761

That $7.3 billion Net State General Revenue is derived from:

• $4.8 billion or 66.4% from Individual Income Tax
• $1.8 billion or 24.4% from Sales and Use Tax
• $0.4 billion or 4.9% from Corporate Income Tax
• $0.3 billion or 4.3% from Other Taxes

Largest Expenditures of Net State General Revenue:

• $2.8 billion or 38.9% for Elementary & Secondary Education
• $2.3 billion or 31.9% for Social Services, Health & Senior Services and Mental Health
• $0.9 billion or 12.5% for Higher Education

II. Missouri State Budget History

Normal/Average Net State General Revenue (GR) growth is + 3 to 4% more than the previous year's collections.  Over the last 10 years, it has been as low as (-) 3.2% in FY 2002 and as high as +9.2% in FY 2006

In FY 2009, last year, net tax collections dropped by what was at that time, was "the largest percentage drop" of minus (-) 6.9% below the previous year's revenues.  This drop resulted in actual net GR collections for FY 2009 of $7.4 billion, which is equal to the amount the state collected in FY 2006.

Missouri's Constitution requires that the Governor use line-item vetoes and/or withholding of funds from state agencies and programs when actual revenue collections drop below budgeted collections.  In FY 2009, the Governor withheld and reduced spending authorizations by $272.0 million.

The FY 2010 budget that we are currently getting ready to end on June 30 was built on estimated revenue growth of positive + 1.0%.  However, our national and state economies, driven by record unemployment of nearly 10%, have resulted in revisions that net GR collections could drop by more  than minus (–) 9.0%!  As a result of this shortfall, the Governor has vetoed or withheld more than $900.0 million of GR expenditures by state agencies and programs this year.

The American Recovery & Reinvestment Act of 2009 has provided one-time Federal Budget Stabilization and targeted one-time Federal Stimulus Funds to the states.

Federal Budget Stabilization Funds (FBS) are provided over a 27-month period from Oct 2008 thru Dec 2010.  These one-time funds total approx'ly $2.4 billion that have been used to shore up the state budgets for (last year) FY 2009 and (this year) FY 2010.

Federal Stimulus Funds totaling another $2.6 billion are available for one-time "targeted and competitive" grants for state and local programs such as: job training, law enforcement, energy projects, unemployment benefits and broadband.

III. Special Circumstances for the FY 2010 Missouri State Budget

The original revenue estimate made 18 months previous for the FY 2011 budget was an optimistic + 3.6%.  However, as a result of the drastic reductions in state revenue in FY 2009 and 2010, the more recent revised estimate is a modest +2.2% growth on a much lower base of $6.7 billion of net GR in FY 2010.

On January 20 of this year, the Governor recommended a budget for FY 2011 that assumed the + 3.6% growth.  His spending proposals also included use of an additional $300.0 million of one-time "Extended" Federal Budget Stabilization Funds above and beyond the 27-month period of the 2009 American Recovery & Reinvestment Act.   These additional one-time Extended Federal Budget Stabilization funds had been proposed in federal legislation, but have not yet been approved by Congress.

In March, the Governor asked the House and Senate Budget Committees to cut the budget he proposed for FY 2011 by $500.0 million.  The Governor's request to the General Assembly was to cut $200.0 million due to the FY 2011 revised general revenue estimate from + 3.6 to + 2.2% and his acknowledgement that the state may not receive the $300.0 million of Extended Federal Budget Stabilization Funds that he had included in his budget.  The House and the Senate worked together to make the very difficult and unpopular decisions to cut $484.0 million of GR from the FY 2011 budget that was proposed by the Governor in January.

In May, the Governor announced that he plans to cut $350.0 million more from the FY 2011 budget approved by the Legislature because some proposed budget-related legislation did not pass, the administration does not agree with some assumptions in the appropriations and monthly collections continue to fall below estimates.

IV. Challenges to the FY 2012 Missouri State Budget

The one-time Federal Budget Stabilization Funds totaling $860.0 million (see page 1 – the $572 million and $287 million) will be gone after the state FY 2011 budget.

Even if we get the Extended $300.0 million of FBS, we still have somewhere between $560 to $860 million MORE TO CUT from the base of the FY 2012 budget before we can even consider the increases that will be requested for the School Foundation Formula, Higher Education, Medicaid , Corrections, Public Safety, etc.

V. Highlights of the FY 2011 Missouri State Budget

• Flat funding for School Foundation Formula ($3.4 billion from all Funds)
• $15.0 million reduction to Foundation Transportation ($153.0 million)
• 5.2% or $50.0 million reduction in direct aid to Higher Education Institutions and Community Colleges ($911.0 million)
• $13.0 million cut in funds for Access Missouri need-based Scholarships ($83.0 million)
• $20.0 million reduction to state employee benefits
• $6.0 million reduction on Biodiesel subsidies ($13.4 million)
• $6.0 million reduction to Tourism ($13.9 million)
• $7.5 million additional for Corrections inmate health & mental health care ($136.6 million)
• $5.6 million additional for caseload growth in the Dept of Mental Health
• $16.5 million additional for Medicaid Home & Community Services in the Dept of Health & Senior Services
• $30.6 additional for Medicaid caseload growth in the Dept of Social Services

Please be my guest!

What:  Town Hall Meeting
When:  Thursday, June 24^th – 7:00 pm
Where:  Wentzville City Hall – 310 W Pearce Blvd
Why:  Information on what the University of Missouri Extension Office can do for you as an individual… or as a small business. Scott Killpack from the University of Missouri Extension Office in St. Charles County will explain what is available and how you can take advantage of their services.  For example… did you know they can help you with your yard problems?  Your health & nutrition questions?  Your small business ideas?  Your needs as a dislocated worker?  Your family financial maze?

Also, James Gremaud from the Missouri Department of Transportation will be on hand to give you an update of MoDot projects in the 13^th District and get your thoughts on Truck Lanes.

You won't want to miss this very important information session… so please mark your calendars now!

More than 70 people attended my last Town Hall Meeting in Wentzville

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

Gatschenberger: Legislative Update Points 17-26 and Fun Facts

17. Deadly Force to Protect Unborn Children

House Bill 2081 specifies that a pregnant woman may use deadly force to protect her unborn child if she reasonably believes that deadly force is necessary. The bill comes in response to a Michigan case where a pregnant woman was convicted of manslaughter for killing her boyfriend in defense of her unborn child. The case caused controversy in the Michigan state legislature, as members debated whether Michigan law allowed the woman to claim that she acted in self defense of her unborn child. The court later overturned the conviction and Michigan legislators passed a bill similar to House Bill 2081.

18. Child Abuse Medical Resource Centers and SAFE CARE

House Bill 2270 aims to improve health care for child victims of sexual abuse by educating more health care professionals on how to interact with abuse victims. The 17 medical resource centers that belong to the Sexual Assault Forensic Examination Child Abuse Resource Education (SAFE CARE) network will provide training for medical professionals on how to evaluate and communicate with child victims, and will provide evaluation services for victims as well. The legislation also will allow doctors at these facilities to get a second opinion by consulting with other doctors using advanced video technology. Currently, doctors are barred from sharing information about their patients with anyone, excluding law enforcement. This legislation comes as a response to the lack of health care professionals trained to evaluate child sexual assault victims in Missouri.

19. Girl Scout Day

Senate Bill 649 establishes Girl Scout Day in recognition of the Girl Scout program, which celebrates its 100^th anniversary in 2012. The bill requires the governor to issue a proclamation each year setting apart May 12 as Girl Scout Day. The legislation also recommends that the people of Missouri observe the day in recognition of the Girl Scout program that "seeks to promote the social welfare of young women, build self-esteem, and teach values such as honesty, fairness, courage, compassion, character, sisterhood, confidence and citizenship through activities including camping, community service, learning first aid, and earning badges by acquiring practical skills."

20. Mental Health Safety

Senate Bill 744 creates the crime of endangering the life of any person in a secured mental health facility. The bill applies to crimes against other patients, visitors and Department of Mental Health employees. The crime created by the bill is the equivalent of the current crime of endangerment by a criminal offender against a Department of Corrections employee. In addition, the legislation will particularly punish violent sexual predators who knowingly cause workers or visitors to come into contact with various bodily fluids, such as blood, urine or seminal fluid. These offenders will be charged with a class D felony, which carries maximum penalties of four years in prison or a $5,000 fine. Offenders guilty of the crime who are infected with HIV or hepatitis B or C, will be charged with a class C felony, which has a maximum prison term of seven years.

21. Urban Farming

House Bill 1848 creates a Joint Committee on Urban Farming to explore ways to provide inner city residents with improved access to healthy food. The 10-member committee is charged with studying and making recommendations regarding the impact of urban farm cooperatives, vertical farming, and sustainable living communities. The committee will also examine various trends in urban farming; existing resources and capacity; the impact on affected communities; and any needed legislation, policies, or regulations.

22. Public Meeting Notice

Senate Bill 851 requires earlier notice for certain public meetings. The legislation requires four days notice for meetings on tax increases, eminent domain issues, zoning, tax increment financing and sales taxes. Currently, the law requires 24 hours notice before a public meeting is held. The bill also requires each public meeting to include time for public comment and prohibits governing bodies from voting on tax issues unless proper notice is given.

23. Sale for Resale Tax

Senate Bill 928 clarifies that certain purchases made for resale are not to be considered as retail items subject to sales and use tax when the subsequent sale is taxed in the state or another state, is for resale, is excluded from tax, is subject to tax but is exempt, or is exempt in another state where the subsequent sale occurs. The bill comes in response to two Missouri Supreme Court decisions that resulted in sellers being forced to pay sales tax on items they purchase for resale to tax exempt entities. Before the ruling, resellers were able to purchase goods to be sold to exempt entities tax-free.

24. Using Gambling Chips on Gaming Boats for Food and Drink

Senate Bill 984 will allow patrons of excursion gambling boats to use their casino chips to pay for food and drinks. Under current law, patrons of casinos must use cash to buy food and drinks from wait staff. In order to stay competitive with other states who allow casino patrons to pay for food and beverages with chips, the legislation will modify state law to allow casino chips to be used to purchase these items while on the gaming floor of excursion gambling boats.

25. Agriculture Land Assessment

Senate Concurrent Resolution 35 rejected a recommendation by the State Tax Commission that would have increased property taxes on Missouri's best agricultural land. In December of 2009, the State Tax Commission recommended increasing the productive values for the highest quality of agricultural land. The productive values are used to determine the amount of property tax paid by land owners. The commission's proposal would have raised taxes on the most productive agricultural land, which generally consists of cropland, by 30 percent and decreased taxes on less productive land. The changes would have resulted in an 11 percent tax increase statewide. The tax changes would have taken effect in 2011 if the House and Senate had not approved the resolution rejecting the commission's recommendation.

26. Bingo

Senate Bill 940 loosens restrictions on bingo to allow charitable organizations to raise additional funds for community service projects.

Under the bill, organizations with abbreviated licenses will be able to conduct bingo games up to 15 times annually. The previous annual limit was four games. In addition, organizations with full licenses will be able to conduct bingo games twice a week instead of once a week. The bill also increases the number of hours that bingo games can be in operation. Current law prohibits bingo games between midnight and 10 a.m. Senate Bill 940 changes the prohibited hours of operation to between 1 a.m. and 7 a.m. In addition, the bill increases the amount of revenue that can be used for advertising purposes.

Similar legislation was passed last year but vetoed by the governor because of a provision that repealed the two-tenths-cent sales tax on pull-tab cards and bingo cards sold by charitable organizations conducting bingo games. SB 940 does not contain that provision.

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

FUN FACTS

Time to bake a pie! Gooseberries ripen through mid-July and Elderberries begin blooming.

Get outside and enjoy the blooms… Lady's slipper orchids, Tulip poplar trees & Butterfly weed… and watch for the hummers… (the bird type that is)… they're quick!

Roorda: Nixon's Economic Development Plan, Liquor Control Downsized, Stronger DWI Penalties

Governor Jay Nixon's Five Year Economic Development Plan

Governor Nixon is seeking to develop a five-year strategic plan for improving Missouri's economy. The plan is expected to be prepared by the end of the year and focuses on industries that are key to the state's economic growth.

Bringing in a number of different perspectives and ideas to strengthen the plans foundation, Nixon appointed an exectutive board to lead the effort. This board includes: Missouri Department of Economic Development Director David Kerr, Ann Marie of United Missouri Bank in Springfield, Paul Combs of Baker Implement in Kennett, Bill Downey of Kansas City Power & Light and David Steward of World Wide Technology in St. Louis.

In supplement to this executive board a larger steering committee that includes industry experts, researchers, labor representatives, economic development officials and business leaders from throughout the state will be named by early June to provide additional input on the strategic plan.

Read more about the plans progression at St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Mr. Nixon's 5-Year Economic Plan

Nixon Tries to Reignite Economic Plan

Liquor Control Division Downsized

Legislation proposed by Gov. Jay Nixon to merge the Missouri Division of Alcohol and Tobacco control into the State Department of Revenue did not win legislature approval, keeping the divisons regulatory operations open but on a smaller scale. Due to budget cuts the continued operations of the divison are to be performed by a smaller staff of full time employees.

Financially speaking, beginning on July 1 the budget for the fiscal year reduces the alcohol divison's appropriation by more than $1 million from the current year. The appropriation cut back has in turn led to the staffing reduction making it difficult for the agency to perform much its field enforcement such as; spot checks and determining whether or not alcohol retailers are serving minors. Collaboration between the now smaller division and local law enforcement will be established in effort to carry out much of the work done prior to the staff reduction.

Additional Information about the Missouri Divison of Alcohol and Tobacco control can be found at this link "Missouri ATC"

Stronger DWI Penalties

Governor Jay Nixon Signs HB 1695, June 2,2010

House Bill 1695, 1742 & 1674 creates stronger penalites for DWI offenders. The bill requires drivers with blood-alcohol levels of at least 0.15 percent to spend 48 hours in jail, and those with at least 0.2 percent to spend at least five days, unless they complete the requirements of a DWI court, docket, or other court-ordered treatment.

In addition, the bill allows any circuit court to set up a DWI docket or court for repeat offenders of those whose blood-alcohol content exceeds 0.15 percent. Several Missouri courts already offer DWI Courts, which allow repeat DWI offenders to avoid jail time while receiving treatment for alcohol abuse.

The bill also requires state courts to handle any DWI case involving a defendant with two or more alcohol related contacts with authorities or intoxication-related traffic offenses. Police and prosecutors also have to adopt policies for reporting information on DWI offenses to a central databank. This databank will serve as reference point for previous offenders, whose jail time will be from 5-10 days, persistent offenders to 30 days.

Read more about the signing and content of this new bill at the links below:

HB 1695

Governor Nixon Cracks Down

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.

Schaefer Announces Signing DWI Reform Bill by Governor

JEFFERSON CITY, MO – Senator Kurt Schaefer is pleased to announce the recent signing of House Bill 1695, which will create sweeping reforms in Missouri’s DWI laws.

The bill received wide bipartisan support not only from lawmakers, but from prosecutors, judges, law enforcement personnel, victims of alcohol-related offenders and citizens involved in DWI issues.

“As the bill’s handler in the Senate, I got to see firsthand how my colleagues on both sides of the aisle pulled together in support of this legislation,” Sen. Schaefer said. “With no opposition in either chamber, we delivered a bill to the governor that emphasizes the fact that it is not safe to drink and drive.”

Among other provisions of the law, the bill allows the creation of DWI courts within municipalities and removes existing leniency towards those with previous intoxication-related offenses. In addition, arrest information from local law enforcement agencies will be forwarded to the highway patrol to centralize information regarding alcohol-related traffic offenses.

“This bill will go a long way towards keeping Missouri’s highways safer,” Sen. Schaefer said. “And, it will help keep offenders who continue to drive under the influence of alcohol, despite previous convictions, off the roads.”

The governor signed the legislation today at the Missouri Highway Patrol Training Academy in Jefferson City. Along with most measures signed by the governor, the bill will become law Aug. 28.

Please contact Sen. Schaefer’s office if you have questions or concerns about this or any other facet of the Missouri Legislature.

Rupp: Honoring Those Who Served

This Memorial Day I attended the beautiful ceremony held at the Lake St. Louis Veterans Memorial Park. It was awe inspiring to see so many people turn out to honor those who have served our country by paying the ultimate price. This kind of event reminds me of the great sacrifices we have made to form this great country of ours, and that it is a tremendous honor and privilege to be an elected leader from the great state of Missouri.

Our surviving heroes of World War I and II, the Korean War, and even the Vietnam War are getting fewer with each passing year. At the same time, we must also remember our heroes in Desert Storm, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom. Many of our state's best men and women continue to defend our freedom in lands all across the world. We must never lose sight of the sacrifices our soldiers make when they put their lives on the line for our freedom. There is no way we can ever repay them for this gift, and the least we can do is treat that sacrifice with the dignity and gratitude that it deserves – and not just on Memorial Day.

This past legislative session, I was proud to vote for House Bill 1524, a large veteran's bill that I believe sets a few things right when it comes to how we treat the defenders of our country. House Bill 1524 requires that service-disabled veteran run businesses in Missouri get a point preference when it comes to state agency bids.

The bill also requires the state to form a Missouri Youth Challenge Academy for at-risk high school age youth. The residential military-based academy will provide work experience and training in life skills, citizenship, life-coping and academic skills, and other personal development skills. It is my firm belief that the discipline and life skills taught in this academy will turn many lives around for the better.

But perhaps most importantly, HB 1524 allows our soldiers currently overseas the option to fill out an absentee ballot and exercise their right to vote. In today's age of electronic information, there is no longer an excuse for not allowing our brave men and women the opportunity to participate in the democracy they work so hard to defend. It's the right thing to do and the right time to do it, and it is good to know that this brave group of Missourians can have a say in their own future with the right to vote.

Thank you to all of the brave soldiers who have served and who continued to serve, and God bless this great country of ours.

Senator Rupp Announces Partnership to Widen West St. Charles County Roads

On June 1, 2010, I announced that a project is already underway to meet citizen demands for safer and wider roads in West St. Charles County.

In a partnership between the State of Missouri, St. Charles County, and the local quarry operations, the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) recently began engineering work on Highways D, DD, and 94 in West St. Charles County.

I've been working with MoDOT to allocate funds for this project since 2006, and those efforts have paid off thanks to the hard work of many people. There was a tremendous effort from a citizen's group, the county, and many more. Together, we made it happen.

The funding that has been secured will mean 15 miles of paved, three-foot shoulders on each side of the road, making dangerous stretches of Highways D, DD, and 94 safer for travelers. Construction is set to begin in the spring of 2011 with completion by the end of that year.

DWI Bill Signed into Law

Now that the General Assembly is nearly three weeks into the interim, the focus has shifted to one of the final steps in the legislative process: the governor's signature.

Last week (5/25), the General Assembly convened for a technical session to officially send most of the passed 2010 bills to the governor's desk for his signature. The governor has until July 14 to either sign or veto each bill; if he doesn't lend his signature to any piece of legislation by the deadline, it automatically becomes law.

Every bill the governor vetoes is sent back to the sponsoring chamber with his objections. The governor's vetoes, if any, will be considered by the Legislature when it reconvenes for veto session in mid-September. If lawmakers decide to try to override a veto, it will be put to a vote. To overturn a governor's veto, a two-thirds majority vote in both chambers is required.

Most of the passed bills that are signed by the governor become law on Aug. 28, though some contain "emergency clauses" that had to be approved separately from the legislation. Any bill or provision attached to an emergency clause may take effect immediately upon receiving the governor's signature (or at another specified date).

This week, the governor signed into law House Bill 1695, a bill that is intended to strengthen Missouri's DWI laws and crack down on repeat offenders. The legislation makes several changes to the state's laws regarding intoxication-related traffic offenses, including:

• Allowing any circuit court to establish a special DWI court to handle such cases when the driver has a blood alcohol content (BAC) of at least .15, has pled guilty to or been found guilty of one or more intoxication-related traffic offenses, or has two or more previous alcohol-related enforcement contacts.
• Prohibiting any person who operated a motor vehicle with a BAC of .15 or more from being granted a suspended sentence.
• Specifying that for a first offense, unless a person participates and successfully completes the requirements of a DWI court, a person who operated a motor vehicle with a BAC between .15 and .20 will be imprisoned for at least 48 hours, and a person who operated a motor vehicle with a BAC of .20 or more will be imprisoned for at least five days.
• Increasing the minimum amount of jail time from five days to 10 days for a prior offender and from 10 days to 30 days for a persistent offender to be eligible for parole or probation—unless, as a condition, the person performs a certain amount of community service or participates in a court-ordered treatment program.
• Specifying that any DWI case will not be carried out in municipal court if the defendant has been convicted, found guilty, or pled guilty to two or more previous intoxication-related traffic offenses or had two or more previous alcohol-related enforcement contacts.
• Making the reporting of DWI cases more uniform and centralized by requiring the State Highway Patrol, beginning Jan. 1, 2011, to maintain regular accountability reports of alcohol-related arrests, charges, and dispositions based on the data submitted by law enforcement and prosecutors.

Now that it has received the governor's signature, the provisions of HB 1695 will be enacted into law on Aug. 28, 2010.

Other Top Legislative Priorities Await Governor's Signature

The other key priorities that legislators identified at the beginning of the session still await the governor's signature, including bills that institute ethics reform, provide insurance coverage for autism, strengthen regulations for adult businesses, expand informed consent requirements for abortion, and make changes to two of the state's major college scholarship programs. Some of the main provisions of these bills include:

Ethics Reform

Senate Bill 844 , sponsored by Senate President Pro Tem Charlie Shields (R-St. Joseph), allows the Missouri Ethics Commission to investigate ethics violations without an outside complaint being filed; requires contributions of more than $500 to incumbent officials and their challengers during legislative session be electronically reported within 48 hours; and limits the transferring of contributions among most committees.

Autism Insurance Coverage

House Bill 1311, which is my language from SB 618, requires health carriers that issue or renew health benefit plans on or after Jan. 1, 2011, to provide coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders; prohibits health carriers from refusing to cover an individual or dependent solely because the individual is diagnosed with autism; and provides coverage for applied behavior analysis, a common treatment method for autism, up to $40,000 annually through age 18.

Adult Business Regulations

Senate Bill 586, sponsored by Sen. Matt Bartle (R-Lee's Summit), prohibits a person from establishing a sexually oriented business within 1,000 feet of certain entities; prohibits nude performances and restricts semi-nude activity within sexually oriented businesses; prohibits adult establishments from operating between the hours of midnight and 6 a.m., and bans the use, sale and consumption of alcohol on the premises.

Expanded Informed Consent for Abortion

Senate Bill 793, sponsored by Sen. Rob Mayer (R-Dexter), requires, at least 24 hours prior to an abortion being performed, that a woman be presented with various printed materials detailing the risks of an abortion and the physiological characteristics of an unborn baby; given an opportunity to view an active ultrasound and hear the heartbeat; and provided information regarding the possibility of the abortion causing pain to the unborn baby past 22 weeks.

The bill also requires the physician to discuss the medical assistance and counseling resources available, advise the woman of the father's liability for child support, and provide information about the Alternatives to Abortion Program.

College Scholarships

Senate Bill 733, sponsored by Sen. David Pearce (R-Warrensburg), changes and equalizes Access Missouri scholarship amounts for public and private universities; protects Bright Flight scholarship eligibility for students who serve in the military, and expands Bright Flight scholarship eligibility to those who have received a GED, or completed a homeschooling program of study, secondary coursework through Missouri's Virtual Public School, or any other academic program that satisfies the compulsory attendance law.

All of the above bills will become law Aug. 28, 2010, upon receiving the governor's signature with the exception of SB 733, which contains an emergency clause that applies to certain provisions.

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.

Nance: Memorial Day Weekend Recap, Unclaimed Property

In the District

Ray County Senior Center’s “Before Hours” was held on Friday. I visited the site on Thursday and the Excelsior Senior Center the week before.

This past weekend I was busy posting flags with the Rotary Club of Lawson honoring the Memorial Day Holiday.

Sunday evening was the ribbon cutting for the Mormon History Room at the Ray County Museum. More than 200 people were in attendance.

Monday, I was in Richmond to speak at Woodland and Memory Gardens Cemeteries. I want to thank the Ray County veterans for their efforts to honor those who gave their lives for the freedoms we enjoy.

I met with Magna (Excelsior Spring’s seat assembly supplier for Ford) and other interested parties on Wednesday. Rick Woods and Lana Fletcher set the meeting for discussion of HB 1675. Our concern is keeping Ford and its suppliers in Kansas City.

I will be in Orrick on Sunday as volunteers will have a fundraiser for the Community Center. A free will donation will be accepted.

Unclaimed Property

You may have unclaimed property with the state. To check, use the link http://www.treasurer.mo.gov/

Hit the unclaimed property icon and type in your last name. While you are there, check for parent and grandparent claims.

Nodler: Consequences of Federal Healthcare Already Felt

One of the first programs approved in the federal healthcare bill will begin July 1, but many of the Missourians that could have benefited from the program will be left paying higher premiums because of the way the law is written. The program is a federally run high-risk insurance pool that would allow patients with pre-existing medical conditions to qualify for affordable insurance. However, since Missouri already has a similar program, some in the state are being blocked from accessing the federal version of the program.

The Missouri Health Insurance Pool (MHIP) was established in 1991. The program offers individual health coverage to those high-risk individuals who cannot otherwise get health insurance. The pool is managed by the Missouri Department of Insurance, Financial Institutions, and Professional Registration and receives some federal and state funding. Individuals pay premiums to cover the remaining costs of the pool, which amount to about 150 percent of the state average premium. For example, a 44-year-old man with a $500 deductable pays a rate of $683. Our state’s insurance pool covers about 3,000 Missourians who would not otherwise be able to qualify for health insurance.

A new lower-cost federal program will begin on July 1. This program, using $5 billion in taxpayer dollars, offers premiums at a standard rate in an effort to offer affordable insurance to more Americans that are otherwise unable to become insured. Missouri is set to receive $81 million in federal funds to implement the program. However, since the law specifies that eligible patients have to have been uninsured for the previous six months before applying for coverage, Missourians currently covered by MHIP are excluded. This effectively penalizes these individuals who have been paying to maintain their coverage. There are 35 states facing similar problems because of their own state high-risk pool programs.

When looking at the federal healthcare bill, there is no lack of concern for the future. The escalating costs of mandated healthcare, the cost of Medicaid expansion on the states, and the concerns of many Americans that do not want to see their healthcare freedom infringed upon have come to light since Congress began discussing the bill. However, this issue will affect thousands of Missourians within a month. The consequences of the federal healthcare bill are already clear for these citizens, and I fear we will continue to see the negative effects of this legislation as time goes on.

Davis: Memorial Day 2010

This is better than any barbecue---joining together with the Veterans and citizens at the O'Fallon Memorial Ceremony.  It was hot, but our hearts and souls were united for one cause -remembering those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our liberty.


Sheldon Hartsfield, Vice Chair of the Veterans Commission, was the Master of Ceremonies and brought his grandchildren.  His granddaughter in the red dress, Vanessa Holtzer, is five years old and led us in the Pledge of Allegiance.


We decided to build the Veterans Walk Memorial while I was serving my fourth term on the O'Fallon Board of Aldermen.  This annual Memorial Day ceremony has grown every year and is now one of the best in the area.  We are fortunate to have so many fine veterans living here.  Here I am with Jerry Studstill, Chairman of the O'Fallon Veterans Commission and behind me (in the blue blazer) is Dan Turner, the keynote speaker of the morning.


I was surprised when I was asked to speak, but honored to be a part of such a touching ceremony.  The Mayor of O'Fallon is behind me with Jerry Studstill.  Jerry did the benediction at the conclusion of the ceremony. Perhaps some of my warm feelings for veterans come from the fact that my father was in World War II and the Korean War.  We all have family members who were in the military.  I am so grateful my father survived, yet we should honor the bravery for those who didn't return.


Bill and Madolena Key came to the Memorial Day Ceremony with me.  Bill is in the United States Coast Guard and was called upon to help with part of the ceremony as well.

Your thoughts are important to me, so please let me know what you did on Memorial Day. You can send me your opinion by clicking here: Cynthia Davis

Ruestman: A Time for Remembering

Memorial Day is a day that touches every one of us.  I hope everyone took the time to remember our fallen soldiers over the Memorial Day weekend.  This holiday is one of the most important our nation celebrates because it honors our nation's heroes.  While it is always great to spend time with family and friends to unofficially kick off summer, we must not forget those whose service protected these freedoms.

My family was able to spend some quality time together over the holiday.  We paused to visit cemeteries and to decorate the graves of our deceased relatives, many who fought for our nation.  While Memorial Day is a somber time of remembrance, happy memories were shared, along with thoughts of our loved ones who have passed away.

At times, it seems our nation is torn beyond repair, but this holiday brings us together as one nation.  We each have an individual story, but beyond that we share a history.  Some of you fought in wars to protect our nation and our freedoms.  Some of you have lost loved ones in a war or conflict.  Some of you are serving our nation now and some of you have family or friends currently serving.  Our thanks go out to each of you for your sacrifices.

On behalf of the Missouri House of Representatives, I would like to extend our sincere appreciate to those who died serving our nation.

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: Welcoming a Partner in Community Health Fair

North City Farmers' Market Set to Open

I am pleased to announce the opening of the North City Farmers' Market on June 5, 2010.  The market is located at North 14th Street and St. Louis Avenue across from Crown Candy Kitchen, and features local, organic food at low prices.

The North City Farmers' Market will host an inaugural "Eat.Right.Now!" parade and community health fair on Saturday, June 5.  This one-of-a-kind event will celebrate healthy eating, eating locally, physical activity and sustainability.  The parade begins at 9:30 a.m. at Hyde Park on Salisbury Street, winds down Parnell Street, and completes the last leg along St. Louis Avenue, concluding at the North City Farmers' Market across from Crown Candy Kitchen.

Following the parade, everyone is invited to join the opening celebration of the North City Farmers' Market and enjoy the health fair.  The health fair features free food, a free cooking demonstration, live entertainment and children's activities.

The North City Farmers' Market is a partner in the free health fair I am sponsoring for our community on July 10, 2010, at Forest Park Community College.  I just want to let the citizens of the 4th District know this valuable resource exists to promote healthy eating and healthy living in our community.

The free Community Health Fair I am sponsoring will run from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Forest Park Community College, 5600 Oakland Ave., St. Louis.

When it comes to our health, I think that knowledge is one of the most important factors, right along with proper diet and exercise. We need to know the vital information that constitutes our health, such as cholesterol, glucose, and body mass index, to name a few.  Learning what these numbers are and what they mean for your health is just as important as knowing the genetic factors of your family history.

Healthy eating habits promote long life and reduce the risk of disease, and our farmers' markets are sources of nutritious products and valuable information. I hope you have an opportunity to visit the North City Farmers' Market this summer.  It will remain open until October 16.  For more information, visit www.northcityfarmersmarket.org.

Bon appétit!

Roorda: Community Meetings: Your Input Matters

JOIN JEFF FOR AN END OF SESSION REPORT

Town hall meetings will be held to discuss the following issues:

Transportation, June 21, 2010 at 6:00pm
Antonia Fire House #2
6633 Moss Hallow Road
Barnhart, MO 63012

Children's Safety, June 22, 2010 at 6:30pm
Simpson Elementary
3585 Vogel Road
Arnold, MO 63010

OR FOR YOUR OWN MEETING, CONTACT:
Representative Jeff Roorda
201 West Capitol Avenue, Room 115A
Jefferson City, MO 65101
Phone: 573-751-2504
Email: Jeff{dot}Roorda{at}house{dot}mo{dot}gov