Rupp: Severe Weather and Flooding Strike Missouri

Last week on Good Friday, a devastating storm that spawned a series of tornadoes made its way through Missouri and into St. Charles County and St. Louis County. Missouri towns receiving significant damage include New Melle, Bridgeton, Ferguson, and Maryland Heights. More than 200 homes were completely destroyed, and Ameren Missouri reported that more than 47,000 power outages occurred. While the storm has caused overwhelming destruction, I am thankful that no one was seriously injured or killed. That is an absolute miracle, and I am glad that Missourians took all the weather precautions necessary to keep themselves and their families safe.

I am also thankful for the good Samaritans who have gone out of their way to assist storm victims. Hundreds of people have come out to the damaged towns to help victims with everything from recovering belongings from their homes, to handing out meals and clothing. Their kindness is a true example of how Missourians pull together to help each other.

Aside from the tornados that hit Missouri, citizens throughout the state have been dealing with massive flooding as a result of this month’s intense storms. It was predicted earlier this week that the Mississippi River could rise 6 to 10 feet above flood level. This is a very serious situation, and it is important to have a plan in case you and your family are caught in a flood. To protect yourself and your loved ones from flood dangers, please abide by the following tips, provided by FEMA:

During a Flood

• Listen to the radio or television for information.
• Be aware that flash flooding can occur. If there is any possibility of a flash flood, move immediately to higher ground. Do not wait for instructions to move.
• Be aware of streams, drainage channels, canyons, and other areas known to flood suddenly. Flash floods can occur in these areas with or without such typical warnings as rain clouds or heavy rain.
• Secure your home. If you have time, bring in outdoor furniture. Move essential items to an upper floor.
• Turn off utilities at the main switches or valves if instructed to do so. Disconnect electrical appliances. Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water.

After a Flood

• Listen for news reports to learn whether the community’s water supply is safe to drink.
• Avoid floodwaters; water may be contaminated by oil, gasoline, or raw sewage. Water may also be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines.
• Be aware of areas where floodwaters have receded. Roads may have weakened and could collapse under the weight of a car.
• Use extreme caution when entering buildings; there may be hidden damage, particularly in foundations.
• Service damaged septic tanks, cesspools, pits, and leaching systems as soon as possible. Damaged sewage systems are serious health hazards.
• Clean and disinfect everything that got wet. Mud left from floodwater can contain sewage and chemicals.

Thank you for taking the time to read this legislative column, and please continue to keep the storm and flood victims in your thoughts and prayers. To find out more about what you can do to help, please visit the St. Louis Area Chapter of the American Red Cross website at www.redcrossstl.org, or call the St. Charles County service center at (636) 397-1074.

As always, if you have any inquiries regarding this issue or any other matter within state government, please visit my website at www.senate.mo.gov/rupp. Here, you can also subscribe to my RSS feed on the main page of my website; it will keep you up to date on all my columns, press releases, and multimedia postings. Always feel free to e-mail me or call my office toll-free at (866) 271-2844.

Kraus: Congressional Redistricting

Every 10 years, the state Legislature is charged with reapportionment, or redistricting, of congressional districts in Missouri. This year’s task was made much more difficult with the loss of one of Missouri’s nine congressional districts. Last night, the General Assembly approved a new map and sent it to the governor for his signature or veto.

Because there has been a lot of discussion regarding redistricting, and in particular about Jackson County, I wanted to use this week’s Capitol Report to explain the process a little further and address some justified concerns regarding the map.

First, according to the Missouri Constitution, it is the Legislature’s responsibility to draw the congressional district maps. Just like any other bill, we must reach agreement of a majority of our members. All members in the body take this responsibility very seriously. As your elected officials, only we can listen to your voices and make our decisions based on those inputs. However, if we fail to come to an agreement on a map, the task goes to the courts. The courts have no such obligation to you, nor any accountability to you. That is, in my opinion, an unacceptable option.

We also have an even higher hurdle on redistricting this year. Since we had to eliminate a district, the very real possibility exists that the governor will completely disagree with our choices and veto the map. To override that veto and keep the matter out of the courts, we will need an even higher number of votes - 109 votes in the House and 23 in the Senate. To reach those numbers, the map had to appeal to a wide range of legislators.

We heard from many 8^th District constituents on this issue, and the responses were actually mixed. Many residents felt that Jackson County should be self-contained in one district. However, at all three of my spring break town halls (held in Lee’s Summit, Blue Springs and Independence) an overwhelming majority of residents wanted to maintain some form of the current split of the county.

For those who are not aware, Jackson County has been split since before most people can remember. The 6^th District has been in Jackson County for 20 or 30 years. Having the county split - and having a rural representative - is not new to the county. Many of my constituents strongly support that scenario.

Despite that viewpoint, I voted “no” on the original map that was presented in the Senate due to what I thought was an imperfect split of the county. I hoped that by registering my opposition we might see an alternative split in a conference committee map. However, after weeks of negotiations, the compromise map reflected very little change in Jackson County.

At that point, knowing that the democratic process had been followed and knowing that I did not want to tempt a court decision, I voted for the compromise map. I simply cannot allow judges to draw the map. The map as passed does, in my mind, meet all constitutional requirements and would survive a court challenge.

Like most issues, the redistricting issue is not a black and white one. I have looked at it from every perspective and I am convinced that I voted fairly and in the best interests of District 8.

Welcome Visitors

This has been a busy week as many school groups made their annual trip to the Capitol to learn about state government. Four schools from Blue Springs, Voy Spears, Cordill-Mason, and James Walker elementary schools and Plaza Heights Christian Academy, brought their fourth grade students down. Sunset Valley Elementary, from Lee’s Summit, also came down. Liz Carver from Raytown brought a group of foreign exchange students to the Capitol. I was glad to have the opportunity to visit with all of them.

In addition, Dr. Jim Finley from the Blue Springs School District came down and visited with me and several other lawmakers. It was a pleasure visiting with him. I also appreciated visiting with Beto Lopez about Jackson County issues.

District Activities

This Friday, I’ll be visiting William Bryant Elementary School in Blue Springs to speak with its fourth grade students about state government. I will also be holding a roundtable discussion on business to keep abreast of what is necessary to maintain a positive business climate in Missouri. If you are a business and would like to attend future roundtable events, please provide me with your e-mail and business address.

Nance: "April Is The Cruellest Month"

“April is the cruelest month.” –T. S. Eliot

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to those affected by the flooding and tornados that have hit not only Missouri, but Alabama and other southern states.”

House Action

SB 68 authorizes the issuance of subpoenas for the production of records by the General Assembly and establishes new congressional districts.

HB 708 would change the laws regarding violations of the public policy of Missouri when decisions are based on foreign law or legal code. (102-51)

HB 656 would change the laws regarding unsecured loans of $500 or less, commonly known as payday loans. (96-58)

HCR 42 would urge the United States Congress to prohibit the Environmental Protection Agency from regulating greenhouse gas emissions or to take action on climate change.

HB 473 would change the laws regarding charter schools and establish the Missouri Charter Public School Commission.

HB 579 passed and it addresses inspections of hospital, recovering records, and newborn screenings. (151-0)

SB 113 did make the Governor’s desk. The Governor had to decide which 50 % of the voters he would anger, and thus decided to get several state-based agriculture and animal welfare groups together for what he calls the “Missouri Solution”. The Missouri Humane Society agreed to the solution, but HSUS refuses to accept the Governor’s offer. With little time left in session, the House had to get to work on the proposal quickly. The solution passed (108-42)

HB 193 on redistricting was passed out of the House with 96 votes after a conference with the Senate. The bill left Ray, Saline, and Lafayette counties in the 5th District. The bill will go to the Governor’s desk.

HB 773 dealing with certain insurance products passed on Thursday. The passage of the bill will guarantee $12 million of funding will stay in the state.

HB 525 clarified that electronics coverage is an insurance product.

Visitors

Hardin-Central 4^th graders with Claudia Spooner and Nancy Herring visited the Capitol on Wednesday. (at left)

Lichtenegger: Healthcare Measures Advance, Scholarship Opportunity

The following list represents a few of the most recent House legislative activities:

(Remember when reading the full House bill text only the print in bold font changes current Missouri statutes.)

• HB 193 is the bill that draws the new Congressional district lines. On Wednesday, April 27, House members Truly Agreed and Finally Passed and sent it to Governor Nixon to sign. The following link is to the House website where you can listen to debate and view the final redistricting map: House audio debate & New Congressional District Map.
  
• HB 609, the Show-Me Health Insurance Exchange Act, is a pro-active way in which the State of Missouri can secure its health insurance exchange if Obama’s Federal Health Care is not found to be unconstitutional. If this bill -as currently written- becomes law, no Missourian will be required to purchase their health insurance through the exchange.
  
  The intent of the exchange is to reduce the number of uninsured; provide a transparent marketplace; increase competition in the health insurance market; increase portability of health insurance coverage; reduce health care costs; provide consumer education; and assist individuals with access to programs, tax credits, and cost-sharing reductions.
  
  (Contact my assistant at denia{dot}fields{at}house{dot}mo{dot}gov for additional information on the affects of this bill.)
  
• HB 658 is the bill that requires a physician's prescription to obtain methamphetamine precursor drugs such as pseudoephedrine –found in certain allergy medications. The bill’s provisions are to be known as the Meth Lab Elimination Act. If you currently take an off-the-shelf (OTC) cold or allergy drug, you will not be affected by this legislation. Many constituents are receiving auto-calls that are misleading the public into believing many OTC drugs are included. You can view all House actions on this bill through this link: Legislative Actions on HB 658.
  
• HB 656 is the Payday Loan bill which among other provisions requires a licensed lender to conspicuously post in the lobby of its office in at least 14-point bold type the fee in terms of dollars charged per $100 loaned in addition to the currently required maximum annual percentage rate. It also allows a borrower to enter into an extended payment plan once in any 12-month period. Interest cannot accrue and the amount can be paid in full at any time without penalty. If the borrower fails to pay the amount owed when due, the lender can accelerate the unpaid loan balance. No other payday loan can be entered into until the extended payment plan is paid in full.
  

Constituent Corner

SOUTHEAST MO ROAD CLOSURES

Residents in Southeast Missouri are keenly aware of the flooding. To receive timely updates from MO DOT on road closures call: 1-888-ASK MODOT (243-6636) or link to this MO DOT webpage: MO DOT map.

ATTENTION HIGH SCHOOL JUNIORS AND SENIORS

You have an opportunity to win a $3,000 college scholarship and an all-expenses-paid trip accompanied by their State Representative to The National Foundation for Women Legislators (NFWL) Annual Conference, August 11-15, 2011, at The Marriott in Downtown Des Moines, Iowa. The Bill of Rights Essay Contest for college-bound female high school juniors and seniors is entitled The Impact of the First Amendment on Women Leaders and Social Media. The seven contest winners will each be mentored by, and speak to hundreds of women lawmakers from across the United States.

If you know a high school student who would benefit from this contest please contact my assistant, Denia, at denia{dot}fields{at}house{dot}mo{dot}gov or call 573-751-6662 for an application.

Don’t wait! Entries must be received or postmarked no later than June 3, 2011, after which an NFWL selection committee will judge each essay and determine the seven winners. The judges will primarily weigh the factors of storytelling, understanding of the Bill of Rights, and original insight.

For information about the: NFWL

Three ways to contact me:

• 201 West Capitol Avenue, Room 409B, Jefferson City, MO 65101-6806;
• 573-751-6662; or
• donna.lichtenegger@house.mo.gov

Tilley: House Agrees on Budget, Redistricting

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – This week was very busy for the Missouri House, as we continued negotiating on the state budget and passed a new Congressional apportionment plan.

“This session has been unique – with our current economic climate, it was challenging to craft a budget that would meet the state’s needs without raising taxes. Not only were we able to pass a budget without new job-killing taxes, but we were able to craft a plan in line with our session-long goal of creating new jobs for Missourians,” said Speaker Steven Tilley.

While Washington D.C. continues to tax and spend with no end in sight, Missouri was able to take a common-sense, family style approach, only spending the money that we actually have.

“It’s irresponsible to budget on the backs of our children, and we would never allow that to happen in the State of Missouri.”

In addition, despite some overblown controversy, the Senate and House agreed on a redistricting map [HB193] this week that will now move to the Governor’s desk.

“This has been a cooperative process all along, between the people of Missouri who testified at our local committee meetings, and the Senators and Representatives who served on the redistricting committee. Despite some minor differences, we all knew the goal was to craft a map that ensured all Missourian’s votes would be counted equally, and that they would have the opportunity to elect a candidate of their choice”, said Speaker Tilley.

As the budget and the congressional districts have both been passed out of the House and Senate, the spotlight is now on the Governor to see what, if anything, he will veto, and whether or not the House and Senate will be able to override a veto, should it come.

Tim Jones: Huge Victories On Congressional Redistricting, Budget

At right: With Phantoms of the Lego Team: Jordan Pack, Michael Colletti, Catherine Colletti and Jaime Pack, all from Wildwood.

As the rains continued their drenching torrent over the weekend and floodwaters rose, many of us across the State watched warily as creeks and rivers became engorged with rising floodwaters. Late week sunshine brought a welcome respite as the activity in the Capitol Dome increased to ever heightened levels of tension and concern. Huge victories emerged in Congressional Redistricting and the Budget as Session marched unerringly towards its final two weeks…

“Our defense is in the preservation of the spirit which prizes liberty as a heritage of all men, in all lands, everywhere.” –Abraham Lincoln

Third Reading & Final House Passage

The following bills were given final approval by the House and sent to the Senate for further consideration.
I supported all of the legislation below. For more information regarding any specific bill, please visit www.house.mo.gov.

HCS HB 562, sponsored by Rep. Jeff Grisamore (R-47), was third read and passed unanimously. This bill changes the laws regarding the Missouri Children's Services Commission and establishes the Missouri Task Force on Prematurity and Infant Mortality. The added membership will provide greater opportunity for meaningful work to be accomplished for the children of Missouri.

HCS HB 664, sponsored by Rep. Mike Leara (R-95), was third read and passed unanimously. This bill changes the laws regarding the Firemen's Retirement System of St. Louis. By changing the method the actuaries use to calculate the amount of annual contribution required from the city from the current fixed initial liability method to the entry age normal funding method, St. Louis City will save money.

HCS HB 579, sponsored by Rep. Keith Frederick (R-149), was third read and passed unanimously. This bill changes the laws regarding fees for medical records, hospital licensure, MO HealthNet dental benefits, and the Missouri Rx Plan and authorizes permanent sickle cell disease standing committees.

HCS HB 366, sponsored by Rep. Ryan Silvey (R-38), was third read and passed by the overwhelming majority of 136 to 8. This bill changes the laws regarding economic development. By offering tax incentives for the development and expansion of technology business facilities, data storage centers, and server farm facilities, we will improve the job outlook for Missourians.

HCS HBs 600, 337, and 413, sponsored by Rep. Rodney Schad (R-115), was third read and passed. These bills change the laws regarding public safety, prohibit all drivers, regardless of age, from text messaging while operating a moving vehicle unless the device being used is equipped with technology allowing for voice-recognition hands-free texting, and expand the crime of making a false declaration with the purpose to mislead a public servant in the performance of his or her duty, respectively.

HCS HB 161, sponsored by Rep. Stanley Cox (R-118), was third read and passed by the overwhelming majority of 127 to 24. This would authorize Pettis County, upon local voter approval, to change its transient guest tax from $2 per room, per night to up to 5% and increases the number of members on the Pettis County Tourism Commission. Local control for local decisions is the purpose of this enabling legislation.

HCS HB 523, sponsored by Rep. Chris Molendorp (R-123), was third read and passed by the overwhelming majority of 139 to 8. This bill changes the laws regarding the Missouri Life and Health Insurance Guaranty Association Act, insurance coverage for portable electronics, and residential and home warranty service contracts.

HCS HB 473, sponsored by Rep. Tishaura Jones (D-63), was third read and passed. This bill establishes the Missouri Charter Public School Commission and regulates the operation of public charter schools in certain districts. The purpose is to provide options to students and help improve school district performance. We have finally moved forward in a positive, proactive, substantive way to truly place parents in charge of their children’s education, to advance serious education reforms and to address the true problems facing public education in a positive way.

HCS HB 773, sponsored by Rep. Don Gosen (R-84), was third read and passed. This bill changes the laws regarding the regulation of surplus lines insurance to comply with the federal Nonadmitted and Reinsurance Reform Act of 2010.

HCS HB 787, sponsored by Rep. Don Wells (R-147), was third read and passed. This bill changes the laws regarding early distributions from certain annuities or retirement plans, the Missouri Higher Education Saving Program and residential mortgage loan brokers.

HCS SB 161, sponsored by Rep. Casey Guernsey (R-3), was third read and passed. The current regulations allow for loans to be generated for the purchase or improvement of agricultural property. This legislation would allow for the generation of loans for the purchase, expansion, or improvement of an actual agribusiness, not just agricultural property.

HCS SCS SB 366, sponsored by Rep. John Diehl (R-87), was third read and passed by the vote of 146 to 6. This legislation creates cooperative associations and modifies the law relating to the conversion of certain business organizations.

HCS HB 552, sponsored by Rep. Chris Molendorp (R-123), was third read and passed. This legislation facilitates the establishment of rules governing the standard of care for pharmacies dispensing blood clotting therapies. This standard is already being met by specialty pharmacies and the legislation has the purpose of making these standards law.

HCS HB 597, sponsored by Rep. Darrell Pollock (R-146), was third read and passed. This bill establishes the Private Landowner Protection Act which allows for the creation and enforcement of conservation easements to protect the environment and preserve certain historical or cultural property. The landowner and the grantee of the easement would be required to enter into a contract.

Truly Agreed To and Finally Passed

This legislation has been passed by both the House and the Senate and is now headed to the Governor’s desk for consideration. For more information regarding any specific piece of legislation, please visit www.house.mo.gov.

SS SCS HCS HB 45, as amended, sponsored by Rep. Denny Hoskins (R-121), was truly agreed to and finally passed by a vote of 127 to 24. This bill changes the laws regarding the Big Government Get Off My Back Act and provides additional incentives for responsible businesses that provide health benefits to those new, full-time employees. In particular, a $10,000 tax incentive for each new full-time job created or a $20,000 incentive for each new full-time job created when the business offers health insurance and pays at least 50% of the premiums of all full-time employees. The bill also seeks to limit and reduce the amount of regulations that Government forces onto small businesses that simply cause them to spend time doing paperwork instead of growing their enterprise. This bill is a positive step in the direction of strengthening Missouri small businesses.

Congressional Redistricting Update

Most importantly this week, the House and the Senate finally agreed to a final compromise map to complete the constitutional duty of the State Legislature in drafting eight new Congressional Districts for our State. As many of you are aware, it is the duty of the General Assembly to complete the task of Congressional Redistricting, every ten years, following the national census. After weeks of stalemate and tense negotiations, a valuable compromise was finally reached and late last night, both Chambers passed a final proposed map with overwhelming majorities in support. The bill [HB193] is now headed to the Governor’s desk for approval. It is our request to the Governor that he immediately sign the map and heed the work that the Legislature did and not force this issue to go to the Courts and be decided by unelected judges. This is a serious matter that affects every single person in the State, hundreds of hours of time went into the process and the final product is a fair, compact, contiguous map that is good for all of the citizens of our State.

The Missouri Solution: Reaching a Complete Compromise Regarding Proposition B

Also yesterday, the Missouri House led the way in approving a final piece of legislation that has resolved the Proposition B issue for nearly all of the stakeholders involved. After weeks of negotiations, in which I participated and which were led by Representative Tom Loehner, we successfully passed SB 161 which EVERY MISSOURI GROUP involved in this debate signed off on. The groups representing animal rights, animal agriculture, dog breeders, the Governor’s office and agencies and many others, finally all came together on a good, solid, constitutionally defensible piece of legislation that is fair to all. The consensus from both sides of the issue was that leaving the fix to Prop B alone (SB 113) would result in a solution that did not satisfy the majority of those involved. That is why we continued to work towards the ultimate compromise, known as The Missouri Solution, contained in SB161. As I mentioned, every Missouri based group, on all sides of this issue, came together, signed an open, mutual letter urging the General Assembly to take this final action. I was very happy to be a part of this solution which finally puts this issue to rest for the Session. I want to thank all involved for all the hard work they did and for not resting until the best bill was passed, legislation good for the entire State of Missouri.

Michelle Moore Needs Your Help

Michelle Moore is a great friend and colleague back in the St. Louis region. We found out that she is projected to be on the kidney donor wait list for 3 years. Do you know someone who can help? Please visit http://www.atraditionallifelived.com and/or http://twitter.com/Michelle_Moore for more information. IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN BEING TESTED FOR DONATING YOUR KIDNEY TO MICHELLE, PLEASE CALL 314-362-5365 OR 800-633-9906 - OPTION 2 - BEFORE APRIL 25TH.

Visiting the Capitol

I always enjoy it when constituents visit the Capitol and want to thank all who make the journey. If you ever find yourself in or around Jefferson City at any time during the year, please feel free to visit us! Stop by the Majority Leader’s Office in Room 302 and we will be happy to meet and greet you!

Personal News & Notes

If you know anyone who would be interested in receiving this Capitol Report, they can click the “Capitol Report Signup” button on my member home page at www.house.mo.gov and enter the appropriate information to receive the Capitol Report. As the days grow a great deal longer under the Capitol Dome, we want to encourage you to keep up with the flurry of legislative activity.

As the Session moves speedily towards its end, the days do continue to grow longer and are filled with ever increasing tension and stress. During these most trying days of Session, I remain ever thankful to my entire Capitol staff, Jody, Tom and Tad, for continuing to deal with me on a daily basis! I also am ever grateful to the folks who continue to patiently await my complete “return home” and who keep everything running smoothly in my absence, Suzanne, Katie and Abby at the homestead, and of course, my great partners and colleagues at my law firm of DosterUllom, LLC. Finally, if we can ever be of any assistance to you at your State Capitol, do not hesitate to contact us at: 573.751.0562 or you can reach my primary assistant, Jody, at: jody{dot}williams{at}house{dot}mo{dot}gov.

Until our next update, I am, and remain, in your service.

Engler: Economic Development Measure Debated and Approved

With only two weeks left of the 2011 regular session, there are several measures we worked to approve this week. In these final weeks, there is sure to be a lot of activity in the Capitol as lawmakers push to get their priorities passed before the May 13 deadline.

There has been a lot of talk about economic development this year. This week, the Senate gave initial approval to House Bill 116, a bill that makes necessary reforms to the state’s tax credit system while also supporting programs that will make a positive impact on our economy. We can’t spend our way out of this recession, and HB 116 gives us the opportunity to grow our economy. From provisions which would sunset a variety of tax credit programs with a low return on investment to a measure to encourage international trade in St. Louis, the bill presents the right mix of economic development and reform.

This week, the Senate also gave first-round approval to a bill that would drug test suspected drug users receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits. The program provides cash assistance to families that are facing hard times and are unable to find work. House Bill 73 would require individuals receiving TANF benefits to submit to and pass a drug test to avoid losing payments, if there is reasonable cause to believe they are using drugs. If a person is found to be using drugs or refuses to be tested, they would be ineligible for TANF for a three-year period. If, however, the individual successfully completes an approved substance abuse treatment program and does not test positive for illegal use of a controlled substance in the six-month period beginning on the date the individual enters such treatment program, he or she could continue to receive TANF benefits.

The Senate and House also worked this week to resolve conflict on the new congressional district map. The compromised map puts less of northern Jefferson County in the 2^nd Congressional District than the House’s proposed map. The bill now moves to the governor’s desk. If he vetoes the map, it is our hope that we will have enough time to override the veto before the end of the regular session.

If the rain does not end soon, I may begin construction on an ark. In all seriousness, though, my thoughts and prayers go out to our fellow Missourians recovering from tornado damage in St. Louis and dealing with flooding concerns in Southeast Missouri. This is truly a time to band together and help our neighbors. I encourage you to contact the Red Cross and United Way in these areas to see how you may be able to help the families facing hardship.



Emergency assistance for those affected by the tornado is being provided by:
· The Red Cross St. Louis Disaster Relief headquarters at 314-516-2800.

Emergency assistance for flood victims is being provided by:
· Greater Ozarks Red Cross Chapter in Springfield at 866-206-0256.
· The Southeast Missouri Red Cross Chapter in Cape Girardeau at 888-335-9471

I tried to give up cussing for Lent and asked for ideas on where to donate the money. St. Vincent De Paul Food Pantry was randomly picked out of many entries for my “cussing” fund. The last few weeks the cost went up to $10.00 and it was really tough. The pot at the end was $240.00, but then I thought “what the HELL” and made it $250.00.

Kelley: Short But Productive Week

I hope everyone had the opportunity to enjoy Easter weekend with their loved ones. What a blessed time of year this is.

This week was short but productive as several issues advanced in the legislature. Following a decades old practice of taking the Monday after Easter off, we did not convene until Tuesday afternoon. Last week we stayed an extra day and worked Friday to address the issue of congressional redistricting. This is something we have been wrestling with the entire session. It has been complicated by the loss of a congressional seat, taking us from nine districts to eight. This meant every district had to absorb a significant number of voters in order to reach the new optimum population number.

Since this process occurs every ten years, no current members of the General Assembly were in office the last time this happened. I am told that in the past much of the negotiations took place between incumbent members of Congress even though the Missouri Constitution specifically charges the legislature with drawing the districts. While all members of Congress provided input, negotiations between the House and Senate sometimes reached intense levels.

Thursday of last week it looked like we were close to coming up with a map that would pass both the House and Senate. Negotiations continued into the night until they fell apart in the early hours of Friday. We went back into session on Friday and passed a map, attaching it to an existing senate bill [SB264].

On Wednesday it began to look as though a compromise map was within reach. By afternoon, a compromise map [HB193] was passed in the House and sent to the Senate. Following a short debate, the Senate also passed the map, so it now heads to the governor’s desk.

There is considerable speculation as to whether he will sign or veto the map. I suspect the two congressional Democrats will urge him to sign it into law. At this point, it is difficult to say if there would be enough votes to override a veto during the September session.

Locally, the most significant change is the fact that all of Polk County being contained in the Seventh District. Jasper County will remain in the Seventh District while Barton and Dade stay in the Fourth District.

HB199, my bill to clarify the definition of a community service day, was voted out of committee placed on the Senate calendar for debate. I am hopeful they will take it up sometime next week.

Rupp and Mayer: Legislature Advances New Map of Congressional Districts to Governor

Republicans and Democrats Vote “Yes” for Map that Fairly Represents Missourians

Jefferson City — Crafting a map that is fair and equitable to Missouri citizens when it comes to their representation in the United States Congress, the Missouri General Assembly today gave its final approval to the Conference Committee Report for House Bill 193. The bill now moves to the governor for his consideration.

This legislative session, the General Assembly is constitutionally charged to redraw Missouri’s Congressional Districts based on the most recent data from the 23^rd Decennial Census. In December, the U.S. Census Bureau concluded, based on 2010 Census data, that Missouri’s population grew 7 percent to 5,988,927 people. Despite this growth, Missouri will lose a Congressional seat in the U.S. House of Representatives, resulting in a drop from nine to eight seats.

Sen. Scott T. Rupp, R-St. Charles County, is chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Redistricting and said the adopted map reflects the best interests of all Missourians.

“We were committed to a redistricting process that was open and transparent,” said Rupp. “By staying true to this process, we crafted a map that both Republicans and Democrats voted yes for because it appropriately and fairly represents Missouri’s citizens.”

Senate Leader Robert N. Mayer, R-Dexter, commended Rupp for his leadership in redrawing the district lines in a fair and balanced way.

“Because we are losing a voice in Congress, it was an especially difficult task to accomplish this year,” said Mayer. “I trusted Sen. Rupp’s leadership, preparation and knowledge. His actions led our legislature to draw new district lines that are above board and best represent Missourians.”

Missouri’s current nine Congressional Districts include the following: 1^st District held by Rep. William “Lacy” Clay, Jr., 2^nd District held by Rep. Todd Akin; 3^rd District held by Rep. Russ Carnahan; 4^th District held by Rep. Vicky Hartzler; 5^th District held by Rep. Emanuel Cleaver; 6^th District held by Rep. Sam Graves; 7^th District held by Rep. Billy Long); 8^th District held by Rep. Jo Ann Emerson; and the 9^th District held by Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer.

The map adopted by both chambers will be available online at http://oa.mo.gov/bp/redistricting/.

Mayer: Audio On Redistricting, Flood Damage

Jefferson City — Senate Leader Robert N. Mayer, R-Dexter, recently added new audio links to his multimedia page, which is located on his Missouri Senate website. This page features audio and video links (both streaming and broadcast quality — when available) for visitors to listen to and watch Sen. Mayer address issues that are important to him and the citizens of the 25^th Senatorial District.

The new audio links include Sen. Mayer discussing the latest on congressional redistricting and flooding in Southeast Missouri.

Senator Mayer will continue to add audio and video clips throughout the year. You can download his podcast and listen to it by going to Sen. Mayer’s multimedia page: http://www.senate.mo.gov/media/11info/mayer/Multimedia.htm.

Nolte: Missouri House Approves Resolution Encouraging Foreign Trade and International Business

Resolution sponsored by Rep. Jerry Nolte recognizes Kansas City as host of FUTURALLIA KC 2011

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The Missouri House has given overwhelming approval to a resolution that calls on the state Department of Economic Development to take advantage of opportunities to showcase Missouri as an ideal location for foreign trade and international business. Sponsored by state Rep. Jerry Nolte, R-Gladstone, HCR 46 would officially recognize Kansas City as the host of Futurallia KC 2011 – an event that will bring hundreds of entrepreneurs from more than 30 countries together for pre-arranged one-on-one business meetings. The resolution was approved by a voice vote Wednesday.

“As our nation’s largest foreign trade zone, Kansas City represents an ideal location for this prestigious event. We’re proud and excited to have this golden opportunity to help businesses in our state establish connections with their counterparts from around the globe to promote international business,” said Nolte. Recent editions of Futurallia have been held in Belgium, Poland, Canada, Qatar and France. This is the first time Futurallia has been held in the United States.

“We appreciate Representative Nolte’s efforts in sponsoring HCR 46 which emphasizes the importance of this extraordinary global trade event and the great benefits it will have for our city and state,” said Jody Edgerton, Executive Director of Futurallia KC 2011.

“I have been in many trade shows, but this one is very unique, like one I have never experienced before. I am so proud that 2011 will be hosted by Kansas City,” said Benny Lee, chairman, Duracomm Corp.

Nolte’s resolution calls on the Missouri Department of Economic Development to take every advantage of the opportunities presented by the Futurallia event. Nolte noted that department director David Kerr has discussed the importance of international trade for the economic future of the state of Missouri.

The Futurallia KC 2011 event is scheduled to run from Wednesday, May 18 to Friday, May 20 at the Kansas City Convention Center.

HCR 46 now moves to the Senate for approval.

Sater: Route 39 Bridge Rumors Barry County

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Barry County - MoDOT is not closing the Larry Gene Taylor bridge on Route 39. Rumors stating the bridge is unsafe because of the force of the rising water are false. Crews are monitoring the lake levels, and if water begins to flow over the bridge it could be closed, but as of 10 a.m. Wednesday, there are no plans to close the bridge.