Mayer: Audio On Special Session's Conclusion

Jefferson City — Senate Leader Robert N. Mayer, R-Dexter, recently added new audio/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 talking with members of the media on Tuesday, Oct. 25, 2011, where they discussed the latest developments regarding the First Extraordinary Session of the 96^th General Assembly.

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.

Berry: Not A Normal Year In Missouri

2011 Extraordinary Special Session

Jefferson City in the fall is a beautiful place to visit. I did not for see getting to experience so much of central Missouri this year. The fact is in a “normal” year the legislature is not in session. This year on September 7th we entered into Special Session. We were to talk and pass bills dealing with economic development in the hopes of creating jobs in Missouri.

This past week, the House continued our efforts to come up with a Jobs Package that would be negotiable with the Senate. We overwhelmingly approved a motion to continue efforts to reach a compromise on an economic development bill and send SB8 to conference where selected members from both sides would work together to find common ground. While we have concerns about some of the provisions in the Senate version that prevent us from passing the bill, we are willing to sit down together with our Senate colleagues to work out our differences. I feel the citizens are becoming frustrated with the long process this is taking but I wouldn’t want to rush legislation that would result in a poor outcome. This particular bills effect on the state of Missouri is one that is going to last for many years to come. And I personally would rather pass no legislation at all than pass a piece of bad legislation.

Tracking Legislation

If you would like to track legislation you may log on to www.house.mo.gov and select “Bill Information” and then select Bill Tracking. You may search by topic or bill number. If you want to track the bills that I have either sponsored or co-sponsored, just enter my last name and you will be able to look at each of those also.

Mayer: Missouri Science and Innovation Reinvestment Act Signed into Law

Legislation attracts science and innovation companies to Missouri

JEFFERSON CITY – Designed to create, attract and retain jobs in the field of science and innovation, the Missouri Science and Innovation Reinvestment Act, also known as MOSIRA, sponsored by Senate Leader Robert N. Mayer, R-Dexter, received the governor’s approval Friday (10-21). Senate Bill 7, which passed the Senate chamber on Sept. 14 by a vote of 30-4, attracts science and innovation companies to the state by distributing funds appropriated by the General Assembly from the Life Sciences Research Trust Fund to the Life Sciences Research Board in order to increase the quality and capacity of scientific research at public and private nonprofit institutions.

“This legislation will continue to foster economic growth in our state,” said Sen. Mayer. “The economic trend for today and into the future continues to move toward science and high-tech jobs, and that brings with it highly skilled workers. These types of jobs tend to be higher-paying jobs that can bring many of the best and brightest researchers from around our country right here to Missouri.”

The act replaces the Missouri Technology Fund with the Missouri Science and Innovation Reinvestment Fund, which would receive annual appropriations made by the General Assembly, based upon recommendation made by the directors of the Department of Economic Development and Department of Revenue, as well as contributions made by private entities, the federal government, and local governments.

“This is something lawmakers have talked about as a legislative body for several years,” said Sen. Mayer. “Through this legislation, we’ve passed a beneficial measure that will spur investment in science and technology in our state, while creating much-needed jobs for Missourians in these industries.”

Sen. Mayer is in full support of the state’s efforts toward implementation of Senate Bill 7. The legislation will take effect 90 days after receiving the governor’s stamp of approval, Jan. 19, 2012.

Lant: Neosho Ag Team Wins Nationals, MoDOT Makes More Progress Than Special Session

I just heard great news! Mike Aldridge, Ag instructor at Neosho and his team of students just captured the National Agronomy Championships. We certainly are fortunate to have educators in our area with this kind of expertise and dedication. Those students just participated in something that they can be proud of all their lives. My hat is certainly off to all of them.

Since our last report we spent Sunday afternoon in Kenny Underwood's backyard for a birthday dinner. Kenny is The McDonald County Recorder of Deeds and the only man I've ever known that cooks for two days to provide lunch for everyone that attends his birthday celebration. There were at least 200 people there and everyone got all they wanted to eat plus some of the best desserts in Southwest Missouri! I can't wait for Kenny to be a year older.

Tuesday evening we went to the Developmental Disabilities Banquet in Joplin. One of this year's honorees was Mark Lindquist who was working in a group home in the direct path of the tornado. Mark is unquestionably the most heroic person I have ever met. He took his three patients to an interior room, covered them with a mattress and then laid across the mattress and told the boys to pray. He awoke a week later in the hospital with horrific wounds. His ordeal was only beginning, as he contracted the fungus infection in his wounds and nearly died from the effects of it. Mark was at the banquet with his two rescuers who drove from Alba with what had to be Divine Guidance directly to the pile of rubble covering Mark. One of the young men, Staff Sergeant Michael Byers commandeered a pickup and driver to transport Mark to Freeman Hospital. When they picked him up, bones literally fell from his shoulder! Mark and his two rescuers were sitting with us at a front table and enjoying good food and companionship just five months later. If that's not inspirational, I don't know what is.

Wednesday and Thursday we were in Jefferson City for the continuation of Special Session. We passed a couple of resolutions and voted nearly unanimously to send our Economic Development bill [SB8] to conference committee with the Senate. If the Senate agrees to confer, we may yet get an additional jobs bill. The Capitol maintenance crews have been busy all summer and have completed some much needed repairs. DOT has also been busy and the new by-pass on Highway 5 is nearly complete.

Thursday evening we were at the Civic Center for the Talkington Foundation event. The Talkington Foundation is devoted to drug and alcohol intervention and recovery. The room was filled with civic and business leaders who support the foundation. I feel like it is worth mentioning that their goal is to save lives and families and provide second chances. They are always ready to welcome everyone who has a problem and is ready to solve it. I can't think of many things more worthwhile of our support.

Friday we ended our week at the 75th Anniversary celebration of our Newton County Courthouse. The ceremony was well attended with standing room only in the courtroom for the awards. The celebratory lunch on the lawn was better attended however, with excellent food and enjoyable conversation on a perfect fall day.

It looks like this week is going to be another busy one with a possibility of yet another trip to Jeff City. I'll give you a full accounting next week. Until then, I am and remain in your service.

Allen: Bankers Accountability Act

Bankers Accountability Act of 2012

On December 1, I will prefile the Bankers Accountability Act of 2012. The State Auditor is currently being sued by the Missouri Bankers Association to block attempts by the Auditor to ensure that the Division of Finance is conducting its proper oversight function of Missouri chartered banks. This bill would clarify the Auditors authority to conduct such a performance audit of the Division of Finance as well as performance audits of any state departments and divisions.

The need for an audit of this kind became apparent when a recent audit of the division’s oversight of four failed banks suggested that the division had not performed timely and adequate examinations of savings and loans associations, had not followed established criteria during the examinations, and had overcharged all Missouri chartered banks by a total of $1.5 million over the past 3 years for examinations.

Such an apparent failure on the part of the Division of Finance clearly warrants such action so that the health of our banking system can be accurately gauged. The Act does not thrust new regulations on banks; it simply allows the Auditor to make sure that lawful oversight is done effectively.

Special Session Update

House Continues Efforts to Negotiate with Senate on Jobs Package

This week the Missouri House overwhelmingly approved a motion to continue efforts to reach a compromise on an economic development bill. My colleagues and I approved a motion to send the economic development bill (SB 8) to conference where selected members from both sides would work together to find common ground. While we have concerns about some of the provisions in the Senate version that prevent us from passing the bill, we are willing to sit down together with our Senate colleagues to iron out our differences.

House Approves Constitutional Amendment to Authorize Tax Credit Reviews

The House also approved a constitutional amendment (HJR 1) that would create a tax credit review process if approved by voters. HJR 1 would require an up or down vote on our various tax credit programs every four years. The key difference between this and traditional sunsets is that the amendment we passed would require a vote be taken by the 50th legislative day every four years. This would prevent a Senate filibuster and ensure the will of the majority ultimately determines the fate of each tax credit.

House Members Urge Congress to Continue Support for F/A-18 Fighter Jet

Also this week we approved a resolution (HR 4672) to urge Congress to recognize the importance of the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet program to our state. The plane is made by Boeing, which is one of the biggest employers in our state with more than 15,000 employees. More than 5,000 employees are directly associated with production of the F/A-18. For the year 2010 alone, Boeing contributed significantly to our economy by purchasing more than $764 million of materials from 969 Missouri suppliers. The company’s impact on our economy cannot be overstated and the importance of the F/A-18 Super Hornet to our nation’s security cannot be denied.

Korman: Constitutional Amendment Would Mandate Tax Credit Review Every Four Years

Since early September, the Missouri House has worked diligently to pass a fair and effective economic development package that creates jobs and ensures the effectiveness of our economic development tools. On Thursday, October 20^th, the House took another step toward this goal by passing HJR 1 with a large, bipartisan vote.

HJR 1 is a proposed constitutional amendment requiring the General Assembly to review all tax credit programs every four years. If approved, it would require the Majority Floor Leaders of the House and Senate to propose a separate bill or concurrent resolution ending each individual tax credit program. Each bill or resolution is required to quickly move through the legislative process to the floor of the House or Senate for a vote.

All tax credit programs should be reviewed periodically to make sure they are working as designed. However, the programs deserve an up or down vote by the General Assembly. HJR 1 ensures that each program lives or dies on its own merit by requiring the House and Senate to vote on each program with a recorded vote by the fiftieth legislative day. This keeps one representative or senator from killing a program for political reasons.

I enjoyed Missouri Day on Wednesday, October 19, 2011, by visiting schools in the 99^th District and talking with approximately 495 4^th grade students about Missouri Day. Thanks to all the students for making it a great Missouri Day.

There are still openings for free counseling for the Medicare Part D enrollment event on Wednesday, October 26, 2011 from 10 a.m. till 1 p.m. at the Warren County Scenic Regional Library, 912 South Highway 4 in Warrenton. Please call toll-free 1-800-390-3330 to reserve a time slot for expert and personal assistance. The open-enrollment period for Medicare Part D, the federal prescription-drug program, is from October 15 to November 7, 2011.

Please feel free to stop by or contact your 99^th District office at:
201 W Capitol Ave., Office 114C, Jefferson City, MO 65101 573-751-2689
Bart{dot}Korman{at}house{dot}mo{dot}gov

Lichtenegger: Know Your Missouri State Departments: Department of Social Services

As you can imagine the Missouri Department of Social Services (DSS) is a large State Department. Its services are included in the Human Services portion of the state’s operating budget. The below pie chart –obtained from the Office of Administration’s Budget & Planning division- indicates this to be 44.9% of Missouri’s total 2012 Fiscal Year operating budget. Link here for a downloadable copy of The Missouri Budget Fiscal Year 2012. The breakdown of the budget particulars for the Department of Social Services starts on page 11-1.

Given the large portion of the state expense for social services, it would benefit all taxpayers to report suspected public assistance fraud. Fraud is first reported to local DSS offices. The investigative office for the Southeast region is located in Sikeston.

The department’s most used services reflect the most needed: Child Support Enforcement, Children’s Services, Food Stamps. MO HealthNet (Medicaid) and the low income home energy assistance program.

It has three main divisions: the Program Divisions, Office of the Director and the Support Divisions each contains sub-divisions that handle certain programs and services.

Only the Program Division handles the public services; its sub-divisions include - Children's Division: Adoption, Foster Care, Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline, Family Centered Services, Intensive In-Home Services; Family Support Division: Food Stamps, Child Support Enforcement, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (Welfare), Rehabilitation Services for the Blind, Eligibility Determination for MO HealthNet and MO HealthNet for Kids; MO HealthNet Division: Families, Kids, Pregnant Women and Infants, Blind, Elderly and Disabled, MoRx; and the Division of Youth Services: Juvenile Justice.

The Office of the Director harbors the department’s Human Resources; the Research and Evaluation Units that produces departmental reports and handles the Child Fatality Review Program; and finally the Support Division supports the administrative and legal aspects of the department and the state (not individuals).

You can link here to explore the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) which has two components: Energy Assistance/Regular Heating (EA) and Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP). The EA is designed to provide financial assistance to help pay heating bills for Missourians during the months of October, November, December, January, February, and March. Eligibility requirements for EA are based on income, family size, available resources and responsibility for payment of home heating costs. Eligibility for EA may also qualify individuals for additional financial assistance through ECIP.

Constituent Corner

I visited this class of third-grade students at Jackson Elementary last week. This school year the Encore teachers set a Missouri state theme, so all the Encore classes revolve around state information. For example in physical education they have a climbing wall with Missouri landmarks; in music, the students will learn songs from Missouri; and during library time they hear about Missourian authors.

Denison: House Forwards Proposed Constitutional Amendment Regulating Tax Credits

“Do not forget small kindnesses and do not remember small faults.” – Chinese Proverb

In the Capitol

House Continues Efforts to Negotiate with Senate on Jobs Package

Just days after the Missouri Senate declared it was no longer willing to negotiate on a vital jobs package, the Missouri House overwhelmingly approved a motion to continue efforts to reach a compromise. House members approved a motion to send the economic development bill (Senate Bill 8) to conference where selected members from both sides would work together to find common ground. Just weeks ago the Senate indicated they wanted to send the bill to conference but then changed course this week by refusing to approve a motion similar to the one approved in the House. They have now given us a take it or leave it ultimatum to adopt their version of the bill. While we have concerns about some of the provisions in the Senate version that prevent us from passing the bill, we are willing to sit down together with our Senate colleagues to iron out our differences. Our hope is that the Missouri Senate will come to its senses and decide to do what is right for the people of Missouri by saving the thousands of good-paying jobs that are on the line.

House Approves Constitutional Amendment to Authorize Tax Credit Review Process

The House also approved a constitutional amendment (House Joint Resolution 1) that would create a tax credit review process if approved by voters. The Senate has asked for each of our tax credit programs to have sunset clauses – something that would set them to expire unless a vote of the legislature extends the sunset. While we in the House believe in the idea of reviewing our tax credit programs on a regular basis, we are far less excited by the prospect of one senator having the ability to filibuster a vote to preserve a tax credit the majority of legislators overwhelmingly support. That is why the House approved HJR 1, which would require an up or down vote on our various tax credit programs every four years. The key difference between this and traditional sunsets is that the amendment we passed would require a vote be taken by the 50th legislative day every four years. This would prevent a filibuster by a particular senator and ensure the will of the majority ultimately determines the fate of each tax credit. It’s something we believe is good public policy and we hope our colleagues in the Senate will support an idea they should have no reason to oppose.

House Members Urge Congress to Continue Support for F/A-18 Fighter Jet

Also this week, we took time to approve a resolution (House Resolution 4672) to urge Congress to recognize the importance of the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet program to our state. The plane is made by Boeing, which is one of the biggest employers in our state with more than 15,000 employees. More than 5,000 employees are directly associated with production of the F/A-18. For the year 2010 alone, Boeing contributed significantly to our economy by purchasing more than $764 million of materials from 969 Missouri suppliers. The company’s impact on our economy cannot be overstated and the importance of the F/A-18 Super Hornet to our nation’s security cannot be denied.

In the District

On Monday, October 17^th, I was honored to speak about the legislative process and transportation issues at the Annual Missouri Recreational Vehicle Dealers Association Convention that was held in Branson.

Following is the work being accomplished this week on two of the road construction projects in Springfield. The information is from MoDOT:

Route 60/65 Interchange Reconstruction, Springfield

• Demolish and remove westbound U.S. 60 bridge over Lake Springfield
• Install taller bridge columns for southbound U.S. 65 bridge over U.S. 60
• Installing girders for new westbound U.S. 60 bridge over railroad tracks west of U.S. 65

Route 65 Sound Wall Project, Springfield

• Building shoulders and installing guardrail along Ingram Mill Road north of Sunshine Street
• Building footings and clearing areas on the east side of Route 65 between Sunshine Street and Chestnut Expressway
• Installing columns and panels for sound wall near Route 60

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.

Nolte: Historic Announcement Regarding Ford’s Investment in Claycomo Plant

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – State Rep. Jerry Nolte, R-Gladstone, will join Governor Jay Nixon as well as leaders from Ford and the United Auto Workers for an announcement regarding a $1.1 billion investment in the Claycomo assembly plant. The announcement is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 21 at 10 a.m. at the intersection of Garrison and Plummer near the Kansas City Assembly Plant.

Nolte, who sponsored the Manufacturing Jobs Act [HB2] that paved the way for Ford’s renewed commitment to the plant, said the move will result in an investment of approximately $1.1 billion. The investment and deal agreed to by Ford and the UAW will create approximately 1,600 more jobs in addition to the 3,800 currently at the plant. Nolte noted that the figure does not include the additional jobs created by area suppliers and small businesses.

“This is a great day for the Kansas City area and for the state of Missouri,” said Nolte. “We’re talking about thousands of new good-paying, family-supporting jobs at a time when our area desperately needs them. I’m proud that the Legislature was able to pass the Manufacturing Jobs Act to help make this happen.”

The Manufacturing Jobs Act sponsored by Nolte allows qualified automobile and transportation manufacturers and their suppliers to retain a percentage of their withholding taxes when creating or retaining certain jobs. Nolte indicated the legislation can be deemed a huge success now that Ford has decided not only to keep jobs at the plant but to expand the workforce significantly.

Engler: A Slow and Painful Special Session

There was little accomplished this special session, a session that probably shouldn’t have been called in the first place. It was all good and well for legislative leaders to tour the state in July, promising the passage of an economic development bill, but they failed to let the rest of the General Assembly in on their plan.

When we convened in early September, we were presented with a massive bill few of us were familiar with that would have serious consequences for the future of our state. This led to weeks of debate in the beginning of the special session, where from most perspectives it probably looked like we were accomplishing nothing in the Capitol. It was a slow and painful process to watch, and even more so for those of us who participated in it.

Through compromise, however, the Senate was able to pass a tax credit reform and economic development bill that was fiscally responsible and would have gone far in creating good jobs for Missouri. The Senate remained committed to making sure we could pay for our legislation by putting caps and sunsets on two of the most costly, and ineffective, tax credit programs in the state, the Low-Income Housing and Historic Preservation tax credits. Our legislation would have saved taxpayers nearly $1 billion over the next 15 years, a necessary move if we’re going to avoid making painful cuts to our budget in the future.

The Legislature also failed to address the problem of Missouri’s presidential primary. Earlier this year, the national political parties mandated Missouri move its primary back from February to March or risk losing the number of our convention delegates.

It is imperative Missouri citizens have a voice in deciding who their presidential candidate will be. During the regular session, I sponsored Senate Bill 282, which, among other things, would have moved our primary back to comply with the national party guidelines. It was vetoed by the governor.

We approached the topic again during the special session, but legislation wasn’t passed before the Oct. 1 deadline set out by the national Democratic and Republican parties to move the date of the primary. In response, the state’s Republican Party chose to move to a caucus system to avoid having our number of delegates cut back.

Although I supported moving the primary back, at this point, the decision is moot, as we are picking our delegates through a caucus system. So, I sponsored an amendment to House Bill 3 that would have eliminated the primary this year and then returned Missouri to the primary election system in 2016, saving our state from spending money we can’t afford on an election that will decide nothing.

The amendment came down to a tie vote on the Senate floor, resulting in a deadlock. This February, Missouri citizens will vote in a primary election that will mean absolutely nothing, as Missouri’s delegates for the national convention will be picked by a caucus process. Yet the state will spend approximately $8 million on a primary that is, by most accounts, completely pointless, and the citizens of Missouri have another example of legislative leaders not having a plan, or a consensus, on how to approach the issues facing our state. And the taxpayers pay the price, both literally and figuratively.

We are anticipating about half a billion dollars in cuts next session, so some of these issues may be separated out and looked at again

In the next few months, I will be putting together legislation to file for next year’s regular session, but if we can’t have a clear plan and better consensus then it might not even be worth it.

Mayer: Citizens Urged to Share Comments Concerning House and Senate Redistricting

Website now available to Missourians to submit input

JEFFERSON CITY – To ensure public comment remains a valuable part of the House and Senate redistricting process, Senate Leader Robert N. Mayer, R-Dexter, urges Missourians throughout the state to go online and submit their thoughts on how the state’s 163 House and 34 Senate district boundaries will be drawn to reflect the state’s population shift over the past decade.

Currently, Missouri’s redistricting process is in the hands of an Appellate Apportionment Commission that is made up of six state appellate judges. Compared to the previous Appellate Apportionment Commission that met 10 years ago and held four hearings across the state in Columbia, St. Louis, Kansas City and Springfield, the Jefferson City hearing last week held by the current commission appears to be the only hearing that will be held during the redistricting process.

“This is a break from precedent set by apportionment commissions,” said Sen. Mayer. “As such, I believe that it is important to get word out to Missourians that they may still share their thoughts and voice their opinions on how lines will be drawn regarding the elected officials they send to the State Capitol to represent their best interests, despite the reduction in public hearings.”

An email address is now available to accept further public comment; all comments received will be reviewed by all six justices: redistrict{at}courts{dot}mo{dot}gov. The deadline to submit comments is the close of business day on Friday, Oct. 21, 2011.

“Public input has already been submitted by previously dissolved apportionment commissions and various state officials,” said Sen. Mayer. “I urge anyone who is interested in the redistricting process to share their thoughts by emailing the commission — public opinion should remain a factor when going forward with drawing new district boundary lines.”

Mayer: Audio On Ongoing Special Session

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 the First Extraordinary Session of the 96th General Assembly.

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.