Nance: Visits from Statewide Officials,

In the District

Governor Nixon came to Excelsior Springs today to tour Magna Seating and announce the “Missouri Works” project.

Senator Roy Blunt will be at the Richmond Courthouse Thursday at 1:45 for a “Town Hall” type meeting. This event is open to the public.

This Friday I will tour the Kansas City Port Authority with the Kansas City Caucus. The Caucus is a bipartisan group of legislators working together for the betterment of the Kansas City area. T.J. Berry who represents the Kearney area is the chairman of the caucus.

Our Speaker of the House, Steve Tilley opened the second session of the 96th General Assembly by highlighting the proposed agenda for the coming five months.

Education

As legislators, we are expected to insure that tax dollars are being spent properly and that everyone in the public school system is accountable and held to the high standards. St. Louis school districts are unaccredited and Kansas City schools are now the same status. The “Turner Fix” from 2011 would have allowed students in a failing district to transfer to a charter school, virtual school, or an accredited school district, at the cost of the unaccredited district that the student is leaving. Kansas City’s neighboring districts say that this could cause issues due to the fact that their schools “could be” or “might be” at capacity. The mayor of Kansas City has offered a plan, but some suggest dividing the district into separate districts. We must look at what is best for the students as we discuss the different options before us.

Government Transparency

Currently, counties do not have to disclose all of the debt that they owe – even though taxpayers may be held liable for these debts as counties raise taxes to pay them off. The Missouri Accountability Portal has been a wide-ranging success – providing citizens with quick and easy access to what their tax dollars are being spent on in Jefferson City. As an extension of the accountability portal, we want to require county governments to start providing information as well, so that local tax payers can see what their tax dollars are being spent on.

Criminal Justice Reform

The cost of our Correction Facilities and Prisons are out of hand. The General Assembly needs to provide cost saving measures recommended by the Missouri Working Group on Sentencing and Corrections & The House Interim Committee on Criminal Justice.

Jobs

Businesses, small and large have been confronted with rising costs from unemployment taxes, workers compensation insurance, co-employee liability, occupational disease. Missouri must reform these to make a more friendly business climate and also for business retention. Businesses must know we want them here for the long term.

Stouffer: How to Contact Your Elected Officials in 2012

A new year means new activities for elected officials at every level. For your convenience, I have provided a list of contacts for those representing our area in state and federal government. You may want to keep these numbers handy throughout the year.

In the meantime, we expect another intense legislative session in Jefferson City. The Second Regular Session of the 96^th General Assembly started on Jan. 4, 2012. We are looking at approximately a $500 million budget deficit for Fiscal Year 2013, so it will be another year of having to make some tough decisions in order to balance the budget. Rest assured, I will fight for rural Missouri, as I have every year that I have served in the Missouri Legislature.United State House of Representatives:
Congressman Blaine Luetkemeyer, whose district includes Macon County.
3809 South Providence Road, Suite A
Columbia, MO 65203
Phone: (573) 443-1041
Fax: (573) 443-1050

Congressman Sam Graves, whose district includes Carroll, Chariton, Clay, Cooper and Howard counties.
113 Blue Jay Drive, Suite 100
Liberty, MO 64068
Phone: (816) 792-3976
Fax: (816) 792-0694

Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler, whose district includes Lafayette, Ray and Saline counties.
1909 North Commercial Street
Harrisonville, MO 64701
Phone: (816) 884-3411
Fax: (816) 884-3163

United States Senate:
Senator Roy Blunt
911 Main Street, Suite 2224
Kansas City, MO 64105
Phone: (816) 471-7141
Fax: (816) 471-7338

Senator Claire McCaskill
4141 Pennsylvania, Suite 101
Kansas City, MO 64111
Phone: (816) 421-1639
Fax: (816) 421-2562

Missouri House of Representatives:
\Representative Mike Lair (Carroll County)
MO House of Representatives
201 West Capitol Avenue, Room 400
Jefferson City, MO 65101
(573) 751-2917

Representative Randy Asbury (Chariton County)
MO House of Representatives
201 West Capitol Avenue, Room 201CA
Jefferson City, MO 65101
(573) 751-6566

Representative Caleb Jones (Cooper County)
MO House of Representatives
201 West Capitol Avenue, Room 201B
Jefferson City, MO 65101
(573) 751-2134

Representative Bob Nance (Ray County, Excelsior Springs and Lawson)
MO House of Representatives
201 West Capitol Avenue, Room 200A
Jefferson City, MO 65101
(573) 751-1468

Representative TJ Berry (Kearney)
MO House of Representatives
201 West Capitol Avenue, Room 400CB
Jefferson City, MO 65101
(573) 751-2238

Representative Joe Aull (Saline County, Concordia, Alma and Lexington)
MO House of Representatives
201 West Capitol Avenue, Room 101A
Jefferson City, MO 65101
(573) 751-2204

Representative Stanley Cox (Sweet Springs)
MO House of Representatives
201 West Capitol Avenue, Room 408A
Jefferson City MO 65101
(573) 751-9774

Representative Paul Quinn (Howard County)
MO House of Representatives
201 West Capitol Avenue, Room 101J
Jefferson City, MO 65101
(573) 751-4028

Representative Mike McGhee (Lafayette County)
MO House of Representatives
201 West Capitol Avenue, Room 414
Jefferson City, MO 65101
(573) 751-1462

And, to contact Sen. Stouffer:
201 West Capitol Avenue, Room 320
Jefferson City, MO 65101
Phone: (573) 751-1507 / Toll-Free: (866) 768-3987
Fax: (573) 751-9764
bstouffer{at}senate{dot}mo{dot}gov

Contact any Missouri state employee:
Statewide phone directory, (573) 751-2000
Thank you, and have a blessed 2012.

Mayer: The 2012 Legislative Session Begins

Wednesday, January 4^th we returned to the capitol for the beginning of the second regular session of the 96^th General Assembly. As Senate Leader, I gave the opening day address that outlined the priorities we plan to pass this year to improve your daily lives. (Audio and video of the address are available on my multimedia page by clicking here.)

We want to swiftly pass a balanced budget without a tax increase for the people of Missouri and to help put Missourians back to work in this stagnant and weak economy. Missouri’s taxpayers and workforce deserve nothing less.

One of our toughest challenges this year will again be crafting a state budget that spends no more than the state takes in through revenue collections. As we weather the biggest economic recession since the Great Depression, Missouri is one of a few states in good financial condition. That said, slow revenue growth, increased mandatory expenses in programs like Medicaid, and the end of more than $400 million in one-time federal stabilization dollars means we could be forced to make further reductions in the upcoming budget that begins July 1^st.

We are prepared to make tough decisions. But, we first need a governor that will present an honest budget forecast – no matter how unpopular – and then recommend a budget that is balanced. That includes not basing his balanced budget on special legislation that must pass. At the end of the day, we must all be committed to reducing the size and scope of state government so taxpayers can afford to sustain it without a tax increase.

Education will continue to be a priority for us in funding and resources. Every student deserves an equal opportunity for a world-class education and the Senate will work to make sure that happens for every Missouri student, especially those currently trapped in failing school districts.

We will also continue our efforts to help put Missourians back to work in good paying jobs with benefits. While the number of unemployed Missourians has decreased, it is still too high. That is why we must tear down the walls that are economic barriers to all Missouri businesses –big and small – so they can invest in hiring new employees. Our plan in the Senate starts by curbing excessive regulations, restoring balance to employment law and returning the Workers’ Compensation System as the exclusive remedy for workplace accidents.

We have much to do this year and will work together to do what is in the best interest of all Missourians.

Please feel free to contact me throughout the year with any comments, questions, or issues at the contact information listed below and on my website at www.senate.mo.gov/mayer.

Lant: Budget, Education Reforms Among House Priorities

Well, opening week of session is behind us and much of the rush to get things started is past. We were treated to opening speeches by leadership of both parties. Legislative priorities were spelled out to us and quite honestly, they made pretty good sense. The first and foremost priority is to balance the budget without raising taxes. As our Federal share of Medicaid funds is reduced by 100 million dollars thanks to provisions of the "Affordable Health Care", it becomes ever harder to find the additional funds in our State budget without increases in taxes. We are committed, at least for this year, to accomplish the task.

We have been challenged to create a climate for new jobs in our State and provide employers with tools to retain workers. There will be discussions on Co-employee liability, Occupational diseases, Second Injury Fund reform, Prevailing Wage Reform, and Tort Reform (loser pays). Taxpayer protection legislation will include County Debt Disclosure, Criminal Justice Reform, and open discussions from interim committee reports.

Much attention has been given to Kansas City and St.Louis School Districts being unaccredited. Many feel that constantly throwing more money at failing school districts is the wrong approach. We will be looking at free market legislation regarding tax credits in unaccredited districts and expansion of Charter Schools. Other topics targeted are The Turner Fix, The Teacher Quality Act, and a Foundation Formula Fix. These are sure to draw a crowd at committee hearings.

Value based issues are also in the crosshairs. These include Veterans Home Funding, Pharmacist and Healthcare Provider Conscience Bills, Mandatory Reporter Reforms, Expanded College savings Plans, and Voter ID Legislation. If you have any desire to witness some lively debates and animated discussions, this would be the session to come visit. We will be starting early with committee hearings and hopefully be able to send bills to the senate early enough to get some significant measures passed.

We will have a pretty light week next week while we await the Governor's State of the State Speech. Shortly after his speech we will get the long awaited Governor's suggested budget. He has been floating trial balloons on funding cuts and adding to and subtracting from his recommendations according to polling opinions. To me, this is not the way to approach the budget process. Last year, after the budget was finalized, the Governor withheld 170 million dollars from Education, Social Services, and other allocated funds. This was immediately challenged by the Auditor and the lawsuit he filed has yet to be heard. The Governor has repeatedly promised Joplin financial assistance in the way of Tax Credits etc. but of the 122 Million promised, only about 90 million found its way to low and medium income housing, and the Governor controlled Housing Commission for the first time in history, requires that prevailing wages are to be paid for residential construction. That means that less than half of his promised funds will replace much needed housing. Meanwhile, he has spent over 45,000 of our tax dollars in fuel for the State Airplane flying back and forth to Joplin for photo opportunities. This, by the way, has been charged to Public Safety, not the Governor's account. Don't take this wrong, I think his presence at first was comforting, but enough is enough. The Governor needs to get behind some of the jobs measures and reforms that are being proposed. I know we are in an election year, but the needs of the people of Missouri should be our first priority. Thanks to the redistricting done by the Appellate Court, many Representatives and Senators find themselves pitted against one another in the upcoming elections. This is going to add a lot of work and a lot of cost to the process. While it is far too late to do anything about the redistricting, I sure hope that the distraction of the elections doesn't take us away from our first responsibility which is to our constituents.

The Adult Sunday School Class at Racine Christian Church is planning an April trip to the Capitol. Many folks have never visited the Capitol and they are sure in for a wonderful experience. I encourage everyone young and old, to make the trip to Jefferson City to visit what is arguably the most beautiful Capitol Building in the United States. With a little notice of your coming, I can arrange for tours of the Capitol, the Supreme Court, and the Governor's Mansion. I felt especially honored this morning in Church when the Pastor asked the Congregation to keep me and the entire Legislative Body in their prayers. Believe me, with your prayers and Jane watching my every move, I can't go wrong! Until next week, I am, and remain, in your service.

Davis: No Government Better Than Bad Government

“Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind.” ―Dr. Seuss

As we begin a new legislative session, I want to thank you all for your support through my first year in the Missouri House of Representatives. I believe last year was a fairly successful year. I firmly hold true to my belief that:

NO GOVERNMENT IS BETTER THAN BAD GOVERNMENT and NO BILL IS BETTER THAN A BAD BILL.

We saw some good things happen and saw some bad things stopped. Even though not all our positive legislation made it to the governor’s desk, those that did will make a positive impact on our state.

A look at the new year:

With the Missouri unemployment rate hovering around 9%, the House will debate how we can create the right climate for job creation in our State and what tools employers need to retain workers and add new employees to their payrolls. We will discuss Workers Compensation Reform (Co-employee liability, Occupational Disease, Second Injury Fund Reform), Prevailing Wage Reform, the Missouri Entrepreneur Virtual Resource Network, and a tort reform measures that will include Employment Discrimination Law Reform, Loser Pays proposals, and Joint and Several Liability Reform.

To maintain Missouri’s AAA bond rating (one of only 7 states) and to protect Missouri Taxpayers, we will focus on advancing the Taxpayer Protection Act and will once again adhere to our “No New Taxes” pledge together with a Balanced Budget as well as requiring County Debt Disclosure. Criminal Justice Reform (which can dramatically reduce excessive economic drags on the State Budget) will also be on our docket and will consist of recommendations from working groups and interim committees.

With attention being drawn to the now unaccredited Kansas City School District (joining the decades long unaccredited City of St. Louis School District), there will be free market legislation advanced regarding tuition tax credits in unaccredited districts and expanding charter schools. Other topics regarding improving Missouri’s public schools, which are funded by your tax dollars and should be accountable to every taxpayer in the State, will include the Turner Fix, the Teacher Quality Act and a Foundation Formula Fix. My goal is to make control of school districts as local as possible and the only way to accomplish that is to truly give parents and the local school districts the power and choice to control the tax dollars that fund the education of their children in Missouri’s public schools.

Last but not least, value based issues will also come to the fore. These include Veterans Home Funding, Pharmacist & Health Care Provider Conscience Bills, Mandatory Reporter reform, Expanded College Savings plans and Voter Photo ID-enabling legislation.

With the new district lines drawn, it is unfortunate that I will lose some areas that I have been proud to server and picked up some areas that I will be honored to server next year. The new district number will be 162. I lost Duquesne, Carterville (north of 71), Webb City north of Broadway St., everything south of 7^th street in Joplin. I did pick up Briarbrook south of Center Creek in Carl Junction, Everything north of 7^th street in Joplin and most of the area west of Schifferdecker all the way to the state line and south to Newton County. For a full map, visit .. http://oa.mo.gov/bp/redistricting/newlegislativedistricts/

Click on the agree button, select the HOUSE APPORTIONMENT PLAN and then zoom in on the Joplin area. This will give you a street level view of the new district.

We will be honoring KZRG Radio and Zimmer Radio Group this Wednesday at the capitol for their wonderful service to our community after the May 22^nd tornado. We will be reading the resolution Bill White and I will be presenting to them at 10 AM on the House Floor. Thank you to Josh Marsh and Chad Elliott as well as the entire Zimmer Radio Group for your wonderful dedication and service to our community.

I am excited about the new year and hope each one of you will come to the capitol this year and let me show you around.

Thank you for allowing me to server as your representative in Jefferson City.

Tilley: Blueprint For Missouri

The New Year is a time for new beginnings, and, here in the Missouri House, we started our second legislative session with a fresh perspective and a renewed sense of purpose by releasing our Blueprint for Missouri.

The Blueprint is our plan to move Missouri forward. The program rests on four important issues: protecting taxpayers, creating jobs, reforming schools and protecting our values.

Putting Missourians back to work will be a priority again this session. Last session, we took several steps to create jobs. We cut taxes on small businesses adding new employees, eliminated the franchise tax and adopted several measures to improve the business climate. But with an unemployment rate still above 8%, there is still work to be done.

One innovative idea to spur job creation is the Entrepreneur Virtual Resource Network. This new program would provide resources to the Department of Economic Development for a website that pools the information needed to start a small business in the state.

Entrepreneurs are the lifeblood of job creation, but they often need assistance in navigating the regulatory hoops necessary to create their business from scratch. This website will give them a one-stop shop on how to get their idea to the marketplace.

We will also continue working to improve the business climate by enacting a loser pays law this session. Attorney’s fees racked up due to frivolous lawsuits can be burdensome or even bankrupt small businesses. Loser pays will lower the number of frivolous suits and cut litigation costs businesses have to pay. That money can then be used to hire new employees or expand the business.

Job creation will remain a top priority for us in the Missouri House this session. By helping entrepreneurs cut through bureaucratic, red tape and improving the business climate, we can continue to get Missourians back to work.

It is an honor to serve you in the Missouri House. As always, I welcome your comments. You may reach me at 573-751-1488, send your e-mails to steven{dot}tilley{at}house{dot}mo{dot}gov or write to me at the Missouri House of Representatives, State Capitol, Room 308, Jefferson City, MO 65101. If you know of anyone who would like to receive my Capitol Reports electronically, please contact me with their e-mail address.

Engler: 2012 Legislative Session Underway

This week was the beginning of the 2012 legislative session and, due to term limits, my last year representing the 3^rd Senatorial District. It’s been an amazing seven years, and an incredible honor. I’m proud of the work I've done in the Missouri Legislature.

The beginning of session is always interesting. Numerous bills are introduced, many which promise to be high-profile and dominate a lot of our time. You also get a feel for how the rest of the session may go and what issues will take center-stage.

A major priority for this session is crafting a balanced budget. Like last year, this is going to be a difficult process. Despite some goods news on falling unemployment and a slight increase in revenue growth, we’re still facing a pretty big shortfall. We’re going to have to make hard decisions to find ways to cut state spending without hurting education.

Next week legislation will be sent to committees. One measure I introduced this week is Senate Bill 525, which addresses the partisan election of judges. In most counties in Missouri, circuit court and associate circuit court judges are elected in partisan races as a Republican or Democrat. Yet, we expect our judges to be beyond political parties and base their decisions on the facts of the case and their understanding of the law. I think it’s very important to maintain the impartiality of the courts. They’re meant to be above politics.

We have a challenging session ahead of us, but I’m hopeful we can work together to do what’s best for the people of Missouri. I will continue to keep you posted.

In the meantime, visit my Senate website, www.senate.mo.gov/engler to view a complete list of my sponsored legislation for 2012, as well as other helpful links.

Dugger: Speaker Outlines House's Priorities

We have a tendency to get too caught up in the fights– and forget just how awesome it is to have the opportunity to be here serving the people. And how, despite our differences in opinion, we all share a commitment to public service that brings us together. –Steven Tilley

With the New Year comes a new legislative session in Jefferson City. The second regular session of the 96^th General Assembly was called to order on January 4^th by Speaker of the Missouri House of Representatives, Steven Tilley. With his opening remarks, Speaker Tilley outlined his “Blueprint for Missouri.” The four pillars of the Blueprint consist of advancing legislation in support of: Missouri taxpayers, Missouri jobs, Missouri schools, and Missouri values.

First and foremost, the biggest challenge facing Missouri is the economic status of the state. During these difficult economic times the Missouri taxpayer must be protected from “big” government with the establishment of constitutional restrictions that will limit the growth of government. This also means balancing the budget without new taxes while also improving government transparency by requiring county disclosure of debt.

Secondly, in order to revive Missouri’s economy we must create a job friendly environment. Without a doubt, the entrepreneurial spirit is vital to the economic well-being of Missouri and we must support the development of small businesses by establishing a resource network to ensure ideas become reality. By helping Missouri’s entrepreneurs and reforming existing business regulations such as prevailing wage laws, workers’ compensation law, and employment discrimination laws an economic climate can be created in Missouri that is good not only for businesses but for the individual worker as well.

While it is important to make Missouri more business friendly, it would all be for nothing without a skilled workforce to fill job openings. It is paramount that Missouri’s school children receive a world-class education. Simple measures can revitalize Missouri’s education foundation formula and reforming student transfer laws can make it easier for students in unaccredited districts to receive a worthwhile education.

As the Missouri Legislature sets out to make Missouri a better place in which to work and raise a family, we cannot turn a blind eye to the core values upon which the state and our nation were built. We must protect the right of conscience for Missouri pharmacists when it comes to the distribution of abortion drugs. Recent events have highlighted the need for Missouri to review its mandatory reporting laws to protect our children from predators.

Without a doubt, Missouri will face numerous challenges in the near future. However, Missourians never turn away from a challenge, no matter how overwhelming it might seem at first. Time and time again the drive and determination of those that call Missouri home exemplify the power of working together. I look forward to working alongside my fellow Representatives and Senators to develop meaningful legislation that will help our great state prosper and grow.

As always, it is a privilege and an honor to represent you in the Missouri House of Representatives. I am grateful for the opportunity to be your voice in Jefferson City.

Keaveny: Expanded Early Childhood Education Programs, HIV/AIDS Awareness, MSD Low-Income Assistance Program

The Second Regular Session of the 96^th General Assembly Begins

On Wednesday, Jan 4., the Second Regular Session of the 96^th General Assembly will commence. Throughout the 2012 regular session, which will continue until May 18, I will be sponsoring several measures, some focusing on vital issues that I have addressed before in previous sessions. Some of the governmental matters I will focus on include:

• Allowing the City of St. Louis to control its own police force without state intervention (SB 461);
• Reforming aspects of the payday loan industry to prevent Missourians from acquiring excessive debt (SB 462);
• Increasing fines for seat belt violations from $10 to $50, encouraging citizens to put safety first (SB 463);
• Expanding early childhood education programs to ensure our children are on the path to a solid education and future;
• Analyzing the death penalty and its fiscal impact on Missouri;
• Examining spousal trusts and trust protectors; and
• Establishing the Non-Human Primate Act, which will address the ownership of non-human primates, such as chimpanzees and gorillas.

Please visit my Missouri Senate website at www.senate.mo.gov/keaveny and click on the "Legislation" tab at the top of the page to view my sponsored bills for the 2012 regular session.

Expanding Early Childhood Education Programs

Increasing access to early childhood education programs is one of my top legislative priorities. In a news release issued Dec. 12, it was announced that the St. Louis Public School District plans to further expand access to early childhood education programs in the City of St. Louis.

The release further states, "Under a proposal outlined by the St. Louis Public Schools and approved by the U.S. District Court last month, the school district will invest $23.1 million from the Desegregation Capital Fund to dramatically expand access to early childhood education programs. This investment in early childhood education is one part of the district’s comprehensive plan to improve student performance and ultimately return to full state accreditation."

The funding will be dispersed as follows:

• $15.9 million over three years to open and fund 25 additional preschool classrooms throughout the district, two of which will be early childhood special education classrooms;
• $4.7 million over three years to provide before- and after-care for preschoolers at 30 sites throughout the district; and
• $2.5 million to expand the Parent Infant Interaction Program to Roosevelt, Beaumont, and Sumner high schools. This program provides child care and related support services that allow teen parents to continue their education.

I am thrilled that this funding will be used to generate more opportunities for the young people of the City of St. Louis.

New Missouri Senate and House District Boundaries Announced

At right: New legislative districts pertaining to the St. Louis area.

The new legislative boundaries for the Missouri Senate and House, drafted by members of the Missouri Appellate Apportionment Commission, were announced on Nov. 30. On Dec. 9, however, the commission filed a revised redistricting plan and map, due to a constitutional provision regarding multi-district counties.

Since the new district maps were released, questions have been raised regarding representation. The redrawn boundaries will coincide with any newly elected or re-elected individuals sworn into office in January 2013. I will continue to proudly represent the current 4th Senatorial District, and will be happy to welcome new constituents in 2013.

To view the new legislative maps, please click here, or visit the Missouri Office of Administration’s redistricting website at oa.mo.gov/bp/redistricting.

If you have any questions regarding the redistricting process, please don't hesitate to contact me.

Raising Awareness for HIV/AIDS

At right: Panelists from the World AIDS Day convention. From left to right: Sheila Jackson, Sherrill Wayland, Dr. Katherine Mathews, Steve Houldsworth, and Lawrence Lewis.

HIV/AIDS in St. Louis

According to a report published by KMOV in October 2011, more than 5,000 people in the St. Louis region are living with HIV/AIDS. The article further states that, according to the Missouri State Health Department, 300 new HIV/AIDS cases were documented in the St. Louis area in 2010.

On a national level, it's estimated that more than one million people are living with HIV in our country, and that more than half a million have died after developing AIDS. It is important that we address the HIV/AIDS epidemic by stopping HIV/AIDS discrimination, discussing how to prevent the disease, and advocating for HIV/AIDS programs and services.

On Dec. 1, I had the honor of attending the World AIDS Day ceremony at the Missouri History Museum in St. Louis — I thank my hosts for inviting me to discuss this imperative health issue.

Syringe Exchange Programs

One of the most effective ways to help prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS is promoting Syringe Exchange Programs (SEPs), which are designed to help prevent the transmission of HIV and Hepatitis C. The programs allow injection drug users to acquire sterile syringes and dispose of used syringes at no cost.

Since the epidemic began, injection drug use (IDU) has directly and indirectly accounted for more than one-third (36 percent) of AIDS cases in the United States. This disturbing trend appears to be continuing. Of the 42,156 new cases of AIDS reported in 2000, 11,635 (28 percent) were associated with IDU, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

A study conducted by the World Health Organization showed an 18.6 percent annual decrease in the HIV rate in 36 cities with SEPs, compared to an 8.1 percent annual increase in 67 cities that didn't have these programs.

Currently, there is only one SEP offered in Missouri. We need your support to advocate for the establishment of more SEPs in our state and help prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS. For more information about AIDS awareness, please visit www.aids.gov or facing.aids.gov.

Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District's Low-Income Assistance Program

The Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District (MSD) offers a low-income assistance program for qualified low-income, elderly, and disabled customers. Eligible customers will receive a rate reduction equal to 50 percent of the current charges on their monthly sewer bill.

In order to qualify for the low-income assistance program, a customer's total annual income for the previous year must be less than 150 percent of the most recent Health and Human Services’ (HHS) poverty guidelines by size of household, and less than 175 percent for disabled individuals and seniors who are at least age 62. These guidelines can be found on the MSD website, www.stlmsd.com, in the section titled "Low Income Assistance," located under the Customer Service tab at the top of the page.

Additional qualifications include:

• A person's liquid assets and real estate are less than $3,000, excluding his or her house of residence. Senior homeowners who are older than 62 — or disabled individuals — are not subject to the liquid asset guideline.
• A customer must own and/or reside as a tenant in the property for which he or she is applying to receive a rate reduction.
• Property must be a single family residence or multi-unit properties up to six units.

You may download an application at www.stlmsd.com, or receive one by calling (314) 768-6200.

Once the application is accepted, rate reductions begin on the first full month following approval. The rate reduction will remain in effect for a period of one year from the date of approval, and all applicants must reapply annually.

New applicants with a prior past due balance will need to establish payment arrangements with MSD in order to qualify for the low-income assistance program.

Motor Vehicle Extended Service Contracts

As many of us depend on our automobiles for transportation, consumers will often purchase motor vehicle extended service contracts, which are designed to cover the cost of vehicles' repair, replacement, or maintenance when they age or encounter a problem.

Most new automobiles come with a factory warranty that is included in the price of the vehicle; however, some consumers buy motor vehicle extended service contracts on cars with expired factory warranties.

The Missouri Department of Insurance lists a number of guidelines how motor vehicle extended service contract providers must conduct business.

Providers are required to offer a “free-look” period. Consumers may receive a full refund within 20 business days from the time the contract is issued or mailed. Any refund not paid in full within 45 days of the return of the contract will be assessed a 10 percent penalty each month until the refund is paid.

In addition, motor vehicle extended services providers may not:

• Use the word “warranty” in sales and marketing materials;
• Claim a false affiliation with a motor vehicle manufacturer or dealer;
• Falsely claim to know the status of the consumer’s factory warranty; or
• Use deceptive practices in any term or provision of a motor vehicle extended service contract.

For more information about how to wisely purchase a motor vehicle extended service contract, please click here, or call the Missouri Department of Insurance at (573) 751-4126.

Helpful Information For Small Business Owners

I have the utmost respect and admiration for Missourians who own and operate their own businesses. The success of a small business requires determination, a dutiful work ethic, and a lot of pride. As a lawmaker, I want to do all I can do help small businesses thrive in our state.

Featured on the Missouri Department of Revenue website is a source dedicated to serving small businesses' tax requirements. The website offers information regarding:

• How to research the tax requirements for your business and registering the business with the department;
• Ongoing requirements for filing and paying tax in Missouri; and
• Access to additional state resources, including access to the Missouri Business Portal.

The website also offers several tools that you can utilize to help your business grow and prosper, including tax help and information about business tax training seminars. You can visit the website at smallbiztax.mo.gov, or call the Business Tax Registration phone number at (573) 751-5860 to learn more about tax help.

Another helpful website is the MOSourceLink, which can help you create a plan for your business, register your company, and expand your market. You can visit this website at www.mosourcelink.com.

Dick Gregory Place Apartments Offer Affordable Housing Options

In October, the completion of Dick Gregory Place Apartments was celebrated, and I was happy to participate in the ribbon-cutting ceremony. The Dick Gregory Place Apartments project was shepherded by Northside Community Housing Inc. and the Greater Ville Neighborhood Preservation Commission.

I'm also pleased to say that a piece of St. Louis history was preserved in this project, as 15 of the buildings are historic rehabs. Funding sources for the project included Low-Income Housing Tax Credits, Historic Tax Credits, HOME funds, and ARRA funds.

Thanks to this project, numerous St. Louis families will be able to live comfortably and affordably.

Missouri Arts Council: Grant Applications Now Online

Art plays an important role in our lives, and it is my pleasure to serve on the Missouri Arts Council and Cultural Trust Board.

The Missouri Arts Council (MAC) is a state agency and a division of the Missouri Department of Economic Development, and provides more than $6.5 million a year to nonprofit organizations that are dedicated to emphasizing the importance of the arts. In addition to promoting the arts, MAC provides expertise in community development, fundraising, marketing, grant writing, and arts education, among other skills.

I'm happy to announce the FY 2013 Missouri Arts Council Annual Grant applications are now online, and can be accessed at mac.cgweb.org. In order to apply for MAC funds, you must have an active online profile. Guidelines and forms regarding the grants may be found here. The deadline for draft reviews is Jan. 30, 2012. You can contact your program specialist with questions at (314) 340-6845 or toll-free (866) 407-4752.

Studies have shown that children who are involved in arts education have higher standardized test scores, higher attendance and graduation rates, and lower disciplinary rates, according to a news release issued in March 2010 by the Missouri Alliance for Arts Education (click here for the full release). Please support the arts in our state, and visit www.missouriartscouncil.org to learn more about how you can get involved in arts education.

Berry: Redistricting, Assessor Makes Second Request To Use Alternate Values

I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and I wish you the best in the New Year.

Session

Missouri legislative session begins each year at noon on the first Wednesday after the first Monday in January. We will be in session through the second week in May.

Redistricting

The newly drawn redistricting maps were completed in early December. There has been a drastic change across the state. The 35^th district has been split by our Appellate Court Judges into the new 12^th and 38^th House Districts. I now reside in the new 38^th District. Redistricting lines will not take effect until the election of 2012. I will continue to represent the 35^th District for twelve more months.

The Smithville area of Clay County has been added to the 12^th Senatorial District. The district now includes over 183,000 people and all of Ray, Caldwell, Clinton, Andrew, Holt, Atchison, DeKalb, Nodaway, Gentry, Harrison, Worth, and Davies Counties.

Links to the new maps are below; Please take a look to see which of the new districts you live in.

  State Senate: New Senate Districts
  State House: New House Districts

Personal Property Tax

Everyone should have recently received a letter from the Clay county assessor’s office dealing with vehicle property tax assessment. This is the second year the Assessor has requested the ability to use either the Kelly Blue Book or NADA value. It is important to use the same standard across the state’s 114 counties. The Assessor would like to make this decision at the discretion of their office. I have a reluctance to grant politicians the ability to manipulate tax revenues during election cycles. I would welcome your input on this matter.

Bill Information

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.

Capitol Reports

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 always if you have any questions or concerns feel free to contact my office at (573) 751–2238 or by email at TJ{dot}Berry{at}house{dot}mo{dot}gov.

Korman: Controversial Issues Await House, Including Tolls On I-70

The bells rang and the gavel banged in the Second Regular Session of the 96^th General Assembly at 12 noon on Wednesday, January 4, 2012.

I was honored to join my colleagues in the reading of The Preamble and Article I of the Missouri State Constitution as well as the Bill of Rights.

These first couple days starting the Session allow a gradual transition from spending time with family over the holidays to what will be most likely a hectic and contentious session due to the dynamics of the office holders, redistricting, elections, court rulings along with budget shortfalls. The budget shortfall is projected to be around 500 million dollars mainly due to declined federal funding and revenues.

Speaker Steve Tilley outlined his vision called the Blue Print for Missouri. The goals for this legislative session are not to increase taxes, to pass a balanced budget, put limits on the growth of government, legislation to protect pharmacists’ right of conscience not to administer abortion drugs, creating a stable funding source for Missouri veteran’s homes, ensuring Missouri law protects our children from predators, work to create an economic climate where businesses can prosper, and on improving the prospects of long-term growth for education. These issues will affect Missourians in many different ways and the details of these ideas will definitely be debated in the upcoming months.

An issue that may prove to be controversial is I-70 being converted into a toll road. On Tuesday, January 17 at 1:00 p.m. the Joint Committee on Transportation Oversight will hold a forum to discuss I-70. There will be a time for public testimony. Any citizen may present public testimony either in person on in writing. Our office can send you a copy of the proper witness form for testimony. Depending on the amount of public testimony the hearing may be continued until Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. If you have a desire to have your feelings heard on I-70 then I encourage you to call Chairman, Representative Charlie Denison at (573) 751-2210 so that he will know you want to speak or submit written testimony and he can provide further information. Give his office your name and contact information in case of weather issues.

I am happy to be here serving the constituents of Montgomery and Warren counties. Please feel free to stop by or contact your 99^th District office at:

201 West Capitol Avenue
Room 114C
Jefferson City, MO 65101
573-751-2689
Bart{dot}Korman{at}house{dot}mo{dot}gov

Rupp: A New Chapter of History Begins: The 2012 Regular Session

As the clock chimed at noon on Wednesday (Jan. 4), the Second Regular Session of the 96^th General Assembly was set in motion. The atmosphere in the chamber was optimistic and confident, as the first bills of 2012 were introduced in the Missouri Senate. My prayer is that lawmakers will be able to band together to pass beneficial legislation that will make Missouri an even better place to live, work, and raise a family.

The Legislature has many goals for the 2012 legislative session. Some of those priorities include passing a balanced budget without increasing taxes on hardworking Missourians — Senate leaders would like the governor to present his plan for a balanced budget at his State of the State Address scheduled for Jan. 17 — and passing initiatives that will encourage job creation in our state.

Currently, an estimated 8.5 percent of Missourians are out of work. In addition to unemployment hardships, studies show that 1 of every 6 Missourians is currently receiving food stamps. I’m committed to do all I can to endorse measures that will bring jobs back to Missouri, allowing families to serve meals on the table and keep a comfortable home.

Another top priority is cementing our commitment to education. Last year, we voted to maintain the school funding formula at its current level. In addition, we voted to restore $30 million in funding for ACCESS Missouri scholarships, after the governor cut the program by $48 million. Our children are our future, and they deserve to seize every opportunity possible to discover new and innovative ideas, and build leadership skills to serve them in their future.

Throughout session, you can utilize the Missouri Senate website (www.senate.mo.gov) to follow our legislative accomplishments. On the left-hand side of the screen is a window that states the meeting status of the Senate. You can also listen to live debate, follow dates of committee hearings on the hearing calendar, and view the Senate journal to keep up with our day’s work.

Please feel free to reference my Senate website, www.senate.mo.gov/rupp, as well. There, you will find links to my sponsored legislation, news releases, legislative columns, and multimedia postings. As always, please don’t hesitate to call or visit my Capitol office if I can be of any assistance to you.