Lichtenegger: Social Security and the Federal Budget, DNR Resources and Information

IMPORTANT Legislative Update

Most citizens do not realize the complexity of the federal Social Security system. You can visit the U.S. Treasury website and read about Social Security and the Federal Budget and learn about how the funds are obtained, handled and distributed. However, what you’ll not read are the details of what money is available for the government to continue to distribute the Social Security checks as usual. I wanted you to read the below article by Stanford Law Professor, Michael McConnell, as an incentive to call your U.S. Representative (Congresswoman Jo Ann Emerson for most readers) and encourage them to put the pressure on the Administration to stop threatening to withhold funds due our senior citizens. Politics has its place, but it is not in the pockets of the elderly.

Contrary to Obama’s Scare Tactics, Social Security Checks are Not at Risk

The PJ Tatler ^ | July 23, 2011 | Belladonna Rogers

Posted on Saturday, July 23, 2011 9:48:40 PM by 2ndDivisionVet

In a clearly written analysis on the website of Stanford’s Hoover Institution, Stanford Law Professor Michael McConnell, the director of the Stanford Constitutional Law Center and a Hoover senior fellow, corrects the president’s groundless threats:

In his Friday night press conference, for the second time, President Obama raised the specter that Social Security checks might not go out if Congress does not raise the debt ceiling. His words: “Well, when it comes to all the checks, not just Social Security — veterans, people with disabilities — about 70 million checks are sent out each month — if we default then we’re going to have to make adjustments. And I’m already consulting with Secretary Geithner in terms of what the consequences would be.” Earlier he said in an interview on CBS News: “I cannot guarantee that those [Social Security] checks go out on August 3rd if we haven’t resolved this issue. Because there may simply not be the money in the coffers to do it.”

He must not be consulting with his lawyers, because this attempt to scare Social Security recipients is without legal foundation.

As recently explained in much more detail by legal scholars Mark Scarberry and Nancy Altman, and by the aptly-named Thomas Saving, a former public trustee of the Social Security and Medicare Trust Funds, in an op-ed in the Wall Street Journal, reaching the debt ceiling will not affect the ability of the Social Security Administration to pay its obligations.

The Social Security trust fund holds about $2.4 trillion in U.S. Treasury bonds, which its trustees are legally entitled to redeem whenever Social Security is running a current account deficit. Thus, if we reach the debt ceiling (which I continue to think is a remote prospect, even if less remote than it seemed a week ago), this is what will happen. The Social Security trust fund will go to Treasury and cash in some of its securities, using the proceeds to send checks to recipients. Each dollar of debt that is redeemed will lower the outstanding public debt by a dollar. That enables the Treasury to borrow another dollar, without violating the debt ceiling. The debt ceiling is not a prohibition on borrowing new money; it is a prohibition on increasing the total level of public indebtedness. If Social Security cashes in some of its bonds, the Treasury can borrow that same amount of money from someone else.

To be sure, a small portion of the money due from Treasury to the trust fund on the bonds is accrued interest. Payment of this portion will not have an effect on the debt ceiling, because the ceiling is calculated according to amount borrowed, not amount to be paid. That amount, however, is too trivial to affect the bottom line. Interest rates are low, and interest was last paid at the end of June.

President Obama is therefore wrong when he says that failure to raise the debt ceiling might result in not sending out Social Security checks. Many bad things might happen, but not that.

Now that I’ve spoken my peace, let’s continue with our series on Missouri State Departments.

Knowing Your Missouri State Departments: #1 Department of Natural Resources (DNR)

#1.3 Resources and Information

The Department of Natural Resources –as with all state departments- has a mission statement which is “to protect, preserve and enhance Missouri's natural, cultural and energy resources. The department serves all the state's citizens through its involvement in environmental and resource-related issues of the day. The department deals with the critical area of energy; helps develop mineral resources in an environmentally safe manner; protects Missouri's land, air and water resources; and works to preserve the state's historic and natural heritage through state parks and state historic sites.”

To fulfill their mission they provide a variety of services to Missourians and other state departments, plus they work closely with the “matching” federal departments to ensure that natural state resources are developed and preserved. One of its finest avenues for meeting its obligation is through DNR Publications. Link to the webpage at left and you’ll find annual reports, permit manuals, fact sheets, brochures and much more. Be sure to use the drop-down menu to find your subject of interest.

Their Missouri Resources magazine (the hyperlink to the left is the magazine index) is published three times a year and is available to Missourians free of charge. Clink on the pictures below to view those issues:

Summer 2011 issue                                                Winter 2011 issue

A Regional Offices Map can assist you in locating any DNR services anywhere in the state. And the following link is to local information for Cape Girardeau and Perry Counties: (South) East Missouri Action Agency, Inc.

If you are in need of contact information for a variety of resources & information link below left to the DNR Directory of Services. For example if you are a school teacher and want to order educational materials for teaching soil and water conservation look up the contact information for Envirothon. And if you or someone you know, say in Joplin, has been a victim of a natural disaster you’ll want a contact list (link below right) that will help you zero in on the exact division to contact for your particular situation.


And there is assistance and information available for homeowners: link here for home Weatherization Assistance!

Teachers can order a variety of Educational Resources to enhance your classroom teaching.

Miscellaneous Notes

If you missed receiving the July 14 and/ or July 21, Capitol Report #1.1 DNR Overview and #1.2 State Parks and Historical Sites and would like a copy please contact me via email.

Nance: Special Session?

Missouri’s Republican legislative leaders traveled through Columbia, St. Louis, and Kansas City Wednesday to announce a proposed agenda for a potential Special Session to run concurrent with Veto Session. The proposal is similar to the package offered during the recent legislative session. It involves economic development packages and adjustments to many of our state’s tax credit programs. The package is intended to attract and enhance jobs for our state. This bill covers the Aerotropolis in St. Louis to bring in jobs and the retention of Missouri businesses which might intent to move to Kansas.

It also provides funding of Missouri Science and Reinvestment (MOSIRA) to attract science and innovative companies to Missouri. Language is provided to create more Data Centers for high tech next-generation IT jobs to the state.

There has been some discussion of tapping the”Rainy Day Fund” to cover many costs in Joplin. By law, the money used must be put back in the fund within a three year period.

Moving the date of Missouri’s presidential preference primary to March 6, from its currently scheduled February date was vetoed by the Governor because of other issues in SB 282. Both parties are threatening sanctions if the move isn't made. The Governor may request that we take that issue up in Special Session.

In the District

I continue to share my experiences with groups throughout the district and for constituents who encounter bureaucratic problems.

I attended a Senior Fair event for Clay County residents with Representative Jerry Nolte on July 9^th and a Tri-County event for seniors at the Ray County Health Center on the 21^st.

Congratulations to Carl and Eileen Looman on their 75^th Wedding Anniversary July 23^rd, and John and Kathy Goode were honored for their 50^th Wedding Anniversary recently. I can provide a resolution from the state for that special anniversary for your loved ones.

There was plenty of heat, but the Ray County Fair provided an excellent opportunity for 4-H members to show their prize animals last week.

Denison: Eco Devo Agreement Reached, Disaster Funding Update, Road Work In District

“Every artist was once an amateur.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Agreement on Economic Development Package Reached; Special Session Likely

The biggest news out of Jefferson City in recent weeks has been the agreement reached by leaders in the Missouri House and Senate on a massive economic development package designed to bring new businesses and jobs to our state and to save our state approximately $1.5 billion over the next decade. It’s a piece of legislation the House passed multiple times during the regular session but failed to secure passage in the Senate. Now, the two bodies have worked together to reach a compromise that has widespread support. It now seems likely the governor will call us back for special session in September to pass this important bill.

One of the key components of the bill would authorize approximately $360 million tax credits to help turn Lambert Airport in St. Louis into an international cargo hub. The idea has support from legislators from all around the state because the creation of an international trade hub in our state would create an incredible increase in demand for all of the products and goods produced here in Missouri. It’s a plan that could create jobs not only in St. Louis but in every part of our great state.

The legislative package agreed to by House and Senate leaders also would include incentives to attract high-tech businesses, data centers and college sporting events. When taken in its entirety the bill contains some very powerful tools we believe will bring in new businesses, create high-paying jobs and provide a significant boost to our economy.

Other critical components to the compromise bill include numerous new accountability measures on existing economic development programs. The proposed reforms include capping the amount programs can spend and instituting a process of legislative renewal or mandatory reviews required by sunsets of programs of four to seven years. These renewals would require the programs to justify their value and economic impact to the full legislature or face automatic elimination. With these accountability measures in place we believe we can save the state approximately $1.5 billion over the next decade.

House Committee Calls on Governor to Include Disaster Relief Funding in Special Session Call

Another piece of news coming out of the Capitol this week is the recommendation of the Interim House Committee on Disaster Recovery to include disaster recovery as a topic of discussion in any special session the governor calls. Specifically, the committee wants the House and Senate to discuss the potential use of the state’s Rainy Day Fund to pay for disaster recovery. House Speaker Steven Tilley formed the committee to take a closer look at the state’s options to help areas devastated by tornadoes and flooding. After weeks of traveling around the state to take testimony, the committee has decided the issue should be a priority in any special session that may happen. Missouri is able to use up to $250 million from the Rainy Day Fund to pay for disaster recovery, but repayment has to begin in the next year with the total amount to be repaid in three years with interest. There is concern this could lead to further budget problems down the road. Because of these concerns, it’s an issue that needs to be discussed by the full legislature.

In the District

Following is the work being accomplished this week on some of the road construction projects in Springfield, the information is from MoDOT:

Route 60/65 Interchange Reconstruction, Springfield

• Pouring concrete for bridge walls along eastbound Route 60 bridge over Lake Springfield and for the northbound Route 65 bridge over Route 60
• Grading rock and dirt to build up areas for new westbound Route 60 bridge over railroad tracks
• Building columns for new eastbound and westbound Route 60 bridges over railroad tracks west of Route 65
• Paving shoulders along the new northbound lanes of Route 65

Route 65 Six-Laning Project, Springfield

• Pouring concrete for median wall and paving shoulders between Kearney Street and I-44
• Pouring concrete approaches to the bridge over Chestnut Expressway
• Pouring concrete for approaches to the bridge over railroad tracks south of Chestnut Expressway

Campbell Avenue (Route 160/13) Six-Laning Project, Springfield

• Pouring concrete for ramp widening and new pavement at Campbell Avenue/Route 60 (James River Freeway) interchange
• Placing rock in ditch along Campbell Avenue at Lakewood Street

Weaver Road Relocation at Campbell Avenue (Route 160/13), Springfield

• Hauling rock and dirt to raise elevation of Weaver Road west of Campbell Avenue
• Periodic blasting rock and dirt on east side of Campbell Avenue north of Weaver Road
• Relocating utility lines in areas

Interim Office Hours

Interim office hours are Tuesday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Normal schedule will resume December 1, 2011. If you need to call me at home, my number is 417-887-3353.

I look forward to hearing from you. If you ever have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact my office. Best wishes.

Dempsey: Balancing the Federal Budget: A “Show-Me State” Solution

For weeks now, the news out of Washington, D.C. has centered on attempts by Congress and the President to reach a compromise on raising our national debt limit – essentially the amount of money we are allowed to borrow to continue to operate the government. One side proposes more spending and higher taxes while the other attempts to extract promises of cuts to bloated federal programs. Giving urgency to these negotiations is the fear that the looming failure to meet our financial obligations will seriously undermine confidence in the economy.

While the details of the negotiations are often lost in the fog that seems to hover over Capitol Hill, this impasse points to one very obvious fact – it is high time to bring our runaway debt under control. The solution to this problem is to bring a healthy dose of common sense from the Show-Me State to Washington.

For many years, state legislators here in Jefferson City have been required by Missouri’s Constitution to balance our annual budget. If we run out of money, we tighten our belts and make cuts to programs. It’s that simple.

Unfortunately, the President and Congress are not bound by the same rules. When they run out of money, they just print more or write an “IOU” to be paid by future generations. For the sake of our nation’s health and stability, this kind of irresponsible spending must stop.

I am convinced that despite the political rhetoric, voluntary (i.e. superficial) budget cutting will not work. It is time that Washington adopt Missouri’s model of a balanced budget amendment that will require the federal government to live within its means.

I am pleased to say that some in Congress do understand our nation’s dire financial straits and are proposing just such an amendment to the U.S. Constitution. If this amendment were to pass both the U.S. House and Senate, it would need to be ratified by at least 38 of the 50 states. As I have mentioned before, I have written to the sponsors of this legislation in the U.S. Senate to let them know I will work to secure its ratification here in Missouri.

Also, when the Missouri General Assembly reconvenes in January, I intend to sponsor an official resolution calling on Congress to send the states a balanced budget amendment so that we can quickly ratify and put it into effect.

It is important that balance be brought to our national budget. The current levels of federal spending and borrowing cannot be sustained. Rather than sit idly by as our children and grandchildren are saddled with mounting levels of debt, we must take action to bring some common-sense reform to Washington.

I always appreciate hearing from you. If you have any questions about the topic discussed above, or any other issues, please do not hesitate to contact my office.

Lant: Meetings In Jeff City, Joint Resolution On Religious Freedom, McDonald County Fair Recap

Wow, what a busy week! I hardly know where to start. I drove to Jeff City Sunday afternoon to get an early start on Monday's Interim Work Group. I had agreed to host the meeting and I wanted to be sure everything was going to be smooth. We began at 9:00 A.M. with a series of presentations by the Director of Mental Health, Department of Health and Senior Services, and Department of Social Services. Each director was to make a presentation on their departments' duties and responsibilities followed by a question and answer session. I asked each of the directors to address four questions.

1. How many employees do you have now compared to a year ago?
2. What groups or individuals do you serve?
3. What changes have been made to your budgets over the past several years?
4. What is your perception of the impact of Obama care now and in the future?

We had a very informative day and a half. There was a two fold purpose for our meetings. First off, we were able to get factual information from the departments that will help us to make better decisions on appropriations and future legislation, but just as importantly, we were able to ask questions in an informal setting where both we and the department heads were able to get a better understanding of what the impact of our budgets would be on the people who are being served.

Our next Interim Work Group will take up Workforce Development issues and is planned for mid August.

Last Session Representative Mike McGhee invited me and many others to co sponsor HJR2. This Joint Resolution was an effort to place on the ballot a religious liberty amendment. The central provision of this amendment is a constitutional guarantee that students have the right to pray and express their religious beliefs on a voluntary basis in the public schools. The amendment also assures adult citizens and elected officials the right to pray and acknowledge God on public property and governmental premises. It also protects the right of government bodies to invite ministers and clergypersons to offer invocations before government meetings. It also requires a copy of the Bill of Rights be posted in every public school in Missouri. This legislation was approved by a vote of 126 to 30 in the House and by a unanimous vote of 34 to 0 in the Senate. Please be prepared for attempts by the ACLU to confuse the issue. My prediction is that Missouri voters will overwhelmingly approve this legislation!

Last week Missouri House and Senate leaders came to agreement on a comprehensive jobs agreement. The economic development bill includes an International trade hub proposal for St. Louis Airport, incentives for Data Centers to locate in our state, funds to help Kansas City retain jobs, new job training programs, a Science and Innovation Reinvestment act to help attract high tech industries, and incentives to attract sporting events and the large economic impact they bring with them. The effort to call a special session to deal with economic issues and the over 9% unemployment we have in Missouri was helped by the Governor who, after hearing about the Senate and House announcement, called a press conference and jumping on the bandwagon by calling for a special session. We should have the opportunity to deal with this bill in August or September.

We ended our fun filled week at the McDonald County Fair. It really doesn't matter how hot it is at the fair, you can have plenty of fun and see some really great livestock and exhibits. I will never grow tired of watching the young people show their animals. They put an amazing amount of time and effort into raising their animals, preparing them to show and training them to lead just right. My favorite story of the week was the 7 year old exhibitor whose pig jumped out of the truck on the way to the fair. Naturally he was very upset, he even thought the pig was dead, but after reviving him, they went on to show him and despite some road rash, he placed second! I don't care who you are, that's a great story! Congratulations to everyone who put up with the heat and dust; now start getting ready for next year.

Until next week, I am and remain in your service.

Nolte: Special Session on Jobs Welcomed

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - After months of work the Missouri House and Senate have reached an agreement on a comprehensive job creation package, which will be taken up in a Special Session later this year.

“I am excited to roll up my sleeves and address the most important issue to Missouri families, job creation,” said state Rep. Jerry Nolte, R-Gladstone. “We must level the playing field for businesses in Missouri and especially in Kansas City by providing the necessary tools to allow us to effectively compete to keep and expand jobs for Missouri workers.”

Included in this jobs package are bills that Nolte sponsored or supported including Job Retention for Kansas City, Data Center Incentives, Tax Amnesty and MOSIRA. The package is very similar to the proposal passed by the Missouri House on the final day of session and is estimated to save the state of Missouri $1.5 billion over the next fifteen years.

“While government does not create jobs, we can improve the economic environment where entrepreneurs can expand the opportunity for all our citizens to prosper,” observed Nolte. “Missouri families are suffering in these hard economic times and expect us to work together and bring down unemployment and under employment.”

Stouffer: Why the Flood of 2011 Is Different

As I write, the floods affecting so much of our area is heavy on my mind. Unlike in 1993, we are not piling sandbags in the rain. Today’s floods are the direct side effect of government gone wild.

Today, boils and seep water have already ruined thousands of acres of crops. And tired levees, not built to withstand weeks of the Big Muddy’s current volume, are at a daily risk of giving way.

Unlike most “natural disasters,” this one could have been avoided. That reality makes this a tougher pill to swallow on neighbors who have homes and livelihoods threatened by the water. Soon, local residents may boat their way alongside the tops of electric poles to find their century farm, while bureaucrats continue to put fish and birds over the needs of everyday Missourians.

The 2011 flood started in late May, when the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced they would begin dumping thousands of gallons of water every day at Gavins Point Dam, along the Nebraska-South Dakota border.

On June 1, the Corps was releasing 80,000 cubic feet of water per second. By June 15, the amount nearly doubled to approximately 150,000 cubic feet per second. In addition, the 150,000 cubic feet per second release will continue through August.

There are 7.48 gallons in every cubic foot of water. For a visual, consider the water towers in the local communities of Atlanta, Slater, Waverly, Norborne and Lawson. All that water storage is near the amount the Corps will purposefully release into the river EACH second. Hopefully, by then, the threat will have passed, but the damage will already be done.

Corps officials blamed this year’s flood on the excessive rainfall between May and June, farther upstream. Why the water was not released earlier from these dams is beyond me. And, if cold weather and ice are to blame, appropriate measures should be taken now to invest in proper plans and technology to avoid this from ever happening again.

While many Missourians have been leery about reviewing the way the river is managed, it does not seem it could get much worse. The current management plan that the Corps has in place is also a culprit. Every year, we talk about the spring rise and every year, and there is a clash of ideas between the Corps and just about everybody else.

It is important to note, the federal government is spending $73 million on wildlife restoration, but only $6 million on operations and maintenance of the Missouri River. I do not mind taking care of God’s creation, but putting humans last is no way to operate.

This year’s flooding puts the spotlight on the Corps once again, and a lot more folks are listening than ever before. I am sure a solution will be reached, but it is sad that it will take another prolonged, man-made flood to get something done.

Mayer: Audio On Economic Development Legislation

Jefferson City — Senate Leader Robert N. Mayer, R-Dexter, recently added new audio and video 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 and video links include Sen. Mayer discussing economic development legislation. Both Missouri Senate and House leadership have worked on a compromise proposal intended to create jobs in 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.

Lichtenegger: Important Legislative Update, State Parks & Historic Sites

IMPORTANT Legislative Update

A long-time concern for many of my constituents has been the plan for an additional quarry near Saxony Lutheran High School.* The good news is that Governor Nixon signed into law HB 89 which among its many provisions (page 10 -11; sections 444.771 & 444.773) prohibits the Department of Natural Resources and the Land Reclamation Commission within the department “from issuing a surface mining or a water or air quality permit to any person whose mine plan boundary is within 1,000 feet of any property where an accredited school has been located for at least five years prior to the permit application. This provision does not apply to a request for an expansion to an existing mine or to any underground mining operation. Currently, the commission may deny a surface mining permit if it finds in any hearing, based on competent and substantial scientific evidence, that the interested party's health, safety, or livelihood would be unduly impaired by the issuance of the permit. The bill specifies that it must be in a public hearing and removes the provision placing the burden of proof on the permit applicant.”

*Although this bill has been signed into law there may be a legal issue specific to the proposed Strack Quarry near Saxony LHS.

Knowing Your Missouri State Departments: #1 Department of Natural Resources (DNR)

#1.2 State Parks & Historic Sites

My objective for reporting on the Missouri State Parks & Historic Sites is for you to explore resources and services available so that you can enjoy what our state has to offer for your outdoor enjoyment. The state has more than 200,000 acres of parks in every geo-region. Missouri’s state parks system ranks as one of the top four in the nation. It has been recognized as a finalist in the 2011 National Gold Medal Awards for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management program. (For more information on this award see Miscellaneous Notes below.)

Considering the beautiful, vast state park acreage and DNR’s State & Parks programs, we should get out there and enjoy the scenery! Using The Missouri State Park System you can, for example, sign up for a Historic-site Tour; plan a family picnic; reserve a campsite for an overnight outing at a State Park; or find special state-sponsored events such as kayaking, nature hikes and archery through the Show-Me-WOW-Weekends webpage. If you do not have internet access you can call the MO State Parks & Historic Sites information toll-free line 1-800-334-6946 to get any of the same information by speaking with a State Parks staff person. You should keep this toll-free number with you as to travel to and during your state park visit in case you need additional information. And talk about making it easy for you, link here to choose a state park with the amenities you’re looking for! Don’t know all the state parks and their geo-regions? You can choose a region of interest without choosing the specific amenities and it will still give you a list!

And the events aren’t just for the spring and summer seasons. For example you could attend the Christmas on the Farm event at Watkins Mill State Park in Lawson, December 3. On the webpage, you can view all the information you need to plan the event including travel directions right from your home to the event-site!

If you want to stay in touch with park & site activities follow this link and subscribe to the State Parks e-newsletter (you can unsubscribe at any time).

And for you techies out there DNR just announced this week an easy way to access information about Missouri state parks and historic sites. A new free mobile application for smartphones is designed to provide visitors with convenient access to detailed state park information. The app is currently available for the Apple iPhone and is coming soon for Android smartphones. Innovative features within the app are sure to enhance any visit to a Missouri state park or historic site. The Pocket Ranger™ Mobile Tour Guide can be downloaded from the iTunes Store and Android’s Market, or directly at State Parks apps. Download your Official Guide for Missouri State Parks & Historic sites today.

To add to your state park adventure, how about participating in the first ever amateur photo contest sponsored by MO State Parks and Rural Missouri magazine!

Miscellaneous Notes

If you missed receiving the July 14, Capitol Report #1.1 DNR Overview and would like a copy please contact me via email.

Link here to read an article about Trail of Tears State Park written by Denise Dowling, DNR’s Facility Manager for the Trail of Tears State Park.

The National Gold Medal Awards program for state parks is held every other year by the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration, the National Recreation and Park Association and Musco Lighting LLC. The Gold Medal Awards honor communities throughout the United States that demonstrate excellence in parks and recreation through long-range planning, resource management, volunteerism, environmental stewardship, program development, professional development and agency recognition. Agencies are judged on their ability to address the needs of those they serve through the collective energies of citizens, staff and elected officials.

Denison: New Grain Dealer Requirements, Farm-To-Table Advisory Board, Best Older Worker of 2011

“The ability to concentrate and to use your time well is everything if you want to succeed in business—or almost anywhere else for that matter.” –Lee Iacocca

New Grain Dealer Requirements Implemented to Protect Missouri Farmers

Governor Nixon signed a piece of legislation that will prevent future incidents similar to what we saw a few years ago when approximately 180 Missouri farmers were defrauded out of roughly $27 million. Cathy Gieseker of T.J. Gieseker Farms in Martinsburg is now in federal prison after an audit done by the state Agriculture Department found a host of fraudulent activity. In effect, Cathy Gieseker had lied to farmers by telling them she had lucrative contracts that allowed her to sell grain above market prices. Instead, she failed to make payments to farmers because she had no contract and instead sold grain at lower prices. The bill we passed this year (SB 356) will ensure history doesn’t repeat itself by modernizing our grain dealer laws and improving the protections our agriculture department provides to farmers. Under the new law, grain dealers will have to set aside a larger pool of money in order to remain solvent. Specifically, their assets will have to meet or exceed their liabilities. In addition, the bill will bring Missouri laws for grain elevators in line with national standards. The end goal is to ensure hardworking farm families aren’t cheated out of their money by irresponsible, fraudulent activity. I’m confident SB 356 gives us protections that will prevent what happened in Martinsburg from happening again.

Farm-to-Table Advisory Board

Governor Nixon also signed HB 344 into law. The bill establishes the Farm-to-Table Advisory Board to bring produce grown in Missouri to schools and other institutions more efficiently. The advisory board will look at current obstacles and make recommendations for statute and rule changes to make it easier for schools to purchase fresh, locally grown produce. The advisory board will help schools and other institutions find ways to provide fresh, healthier food choices that could encourage healthier eating behaviors and lifestyles.

Clean Water Fees

Another bill signed into law (HB 89) reinstates fees that provide the funding necessary for the state to carry out its federally delegated duties under the Clean Water Act. Commercial developers, home builders, manufacturers, utility companies, and livestock operations pay the fees for permission to discharge wastewater into streams and lakes. For the last budget year, the fees generated more than $4 million for clean water programs in Missouri. The fees expired in December, but HB 89 reinstates them until September 2013.

State Seeks Best Older Worker of 2011

Missouri’s annual Older Worker of the Year contest seeks to honor a Missouri resident who is 60 or older, employed at least 20 hours a week, and displays dependability and new skills on the job. The winner and regional finalists will be recognized at a two-day awards ceremony in November in Jefferson City.

Nomination forms for 2011’s Older Worker of the Year are available on the Department of Health and Senior Services’ Web site, http://www.health.mo.gov/ownomform.pdf. Completed nomination forms must be postmarked or faxed by August 31, 2011.

The completed entry forms can be faxed to (573) 522-3024. They also can be mailed to: Missouri Outstanding Older Worker Contest, Division of Senior and Disability Services, Bureau of Senior Programs, P.O. Box 570, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0570. Nomination forms must include a narrative explaining why the nominee deserves to be selected Older Worker of the Year. For more information, please call 573-526-4542.

Interim Office Hours

Interim office hours are Tuesday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Normal schedule will resume December 1, 2011. If you need to call me at home, my number is 417-887-3353.

I look forward to hearing from you. If you ever have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact my office. Best wishes.

Dempsey: The States: Laboratories of Healthcare Reform

Last week, this column discussed the importance of maintaining the delicate balance of shared responsibilities between the federal government and the states - much of it focusing on healthcare.

In response, I received reader feedback expressing concern that attempts to rein in federal spending and mandates meant keeping the status quo. I welcome these comments and believe that Missouri must be proactive in implementing real reform.

It has been said that the states are like laboratories, where solutions to social problems can be developed. I know this to be true and have benefited from the work of legislators outside of Missouri, especially as it relates to healthcare.

However, any successful plan, developed locally or in a sister state, must address several main issues. First, it must aim to expand coverage and be transparent (in order to keep quality high and costs low). But the heart of any successful program is to be found in the incentives it creates. A viable plan will encourage personal responsibility for one’s own health and provide incentives to all involved to reduce the costs associated with care.

During my time in the Legislature, I have sponsored several healthcare bills that proposed to do the following:

Senate Bill 306 (2009) – “Show-Me Health Coverage” Plan

• Partners the state and the private sector to provide health coverage to low-income Missourians for a limited amount of time with the goal of providing both a safety net for those in need and incentives to move beyond government programs
  
• Stresses preventive services (not emergency room visits) and healthier lifestyles.
  
• Makes state-sponsored programs less costly for all taxpayers by ensuring they are the payor of last resort. Other non-public sources of payment would be used first.
  

Senate Bill 149 (2009) - Seeks to establish transparency in the pricing and quality of healthcare services.

Senate Bill 415 (2009) - Removes regulatory barriers to offering flexible, fully insured Health Savings Accounts. These accounts will help dramatically lower the number of uninsured in Missouri with a unique free-market solution.

SB 1283 (2008) - “The Missouri Health Transformation Act”

• Designed to improve individual health, modernize care delivery and transform public healthcare financing to improve access and affordability.
  
• Expands an existing $2,500 tax credit to assist seniors and the disabled to modify their homes as an alternative to institutional care.
  
• Steers people who are using expensive emergency rooms for non-emergency care to primary care physicians through web-based technology.
  
• Includes Telehealth (phone-based) practitioners in efforts to modernize care delivery and expand access in rural areas.
  
• Helps the working poor gain access to affordable health insurance. Participants make contributions to a health savings account based on their income. Provides essential medical services, similar to commercial insurance plans and stresses preventive care.
  

The ideas discussed above are examples of ways Missourians can make healthcare more accessible and affordable. If you have suggestions for commonsense reforms, please do not hesitate to share them with me. I welcome your feedback.

Kraus: Bills Become Law

Governor Fails to Sign Three Bills That Become Law

The deadline has passed for the governor to sign or veto bills passed by the General Assembly– it was last Thursday, July 14. Legislation not receiving action automatically becomes law on its effective date, typically Aug. 28 – this is sometimes referred to as a “pocket signature.” Gov. Nixon allowed three bills passed by the General Assembly to become law in this manner.

Two of these bills, HB 213 and SB 65, ban late-term abortions after 20 weeks of gestation unless the mother’s life is at risk or she faces a risk of substantial and irreversible physical impairment of a major bodily function. This legislation was passed by large bi-partisan majorities in both chambers.

The third, HB 423, authorizes Missouri to adopt the provisions of the Health Care Compact to improve health care policy within the state by returning authority to regulate health care to the state legislatures. It would require the consent of the U.S. Congress to return that authority to the states.

The next legislative action occurs on September 14, when the General Assembly reconvenes during its annual veto session to consider overriding any gubernatorial vetoes. We may also be looking at holding a special session at around the same time. I’ll keep you informed in this newsletter.

Please Come to Town Halls

Don’t forget our town hall meetings next week. I would love to see large crowds at each of them and hear your feedback and ideas.

Lee’s Summit

When: Monday, July 25, 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Who: Sen. Kraus and Reps. Jeff Grisamore Mike Cierpiot, Gary Cross
Where: Lee’s Summit City Hall, City Council Chambers (220 SE Green St., Lee’s Summit)

Reps. Jeff Grisamore (House District 47), Mike Cierpiot (House District 56), and Gary Cross (House District 48) and I will be in attendance, so it is a great chance for you to talk with your elected state officials. We will be there to discuss this year’s legislative session and answer any questions that you might have about state government.

Blue Springs

When: Tuesday, July 26, 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Who: Sen. Kraus, Rep. Sheila Solon, Mr. Ron Fowler, and Mr. Grant Bowerman
Where: Moreland Ridge Middle School (900 SW Bishop Drive, Blue Springs)

Rep. Sheila Solon (House District 55) and I will be available to discuss this past legislative session and address any questions that you might have about state government. In addition, Blue Springs City Council members Ron Fowler and Grant Bowerman will be available to answer questions about local government.

Legislative Activities

My summer schedule includes a number of interim committee meetings. I met with the Senate Urban Agriculture committee last week. In the coming weeks, I will be in Springfield and Jefferson City to meet with the Senate Interim Emergency Response Subcommittee. I also took part in a recent meeting to discuss Early Site Permit legislation for the construction of nuclear power plants. I’ll have more information on that in a later report.