Tim Jones: State Of The State Address, Family Enrichment Resource Program

As we journeyed to the Capitol this week with a blast of arctic air at our backs, we can only be thankful that there has been very little snow and ice to affect our commute to and from the Capitol. As the elected officials reconvene underneath the Dome, bills begin to offer themselves for presentment on the Floor after their successful passage through committee. The Capitol is abuzz with activity with murmurings of commentary following the State of the State Address given by Governor Nixon, the GOP Response presented by Senator Kurt Schaeffer and yours truly and the State of the Judiciary presented by Chief Justice Richard Teitelman.

“If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.” –Martin Luther King Jr.

Governor Nixon’s State of the State Address

On Tuesday evening, January 17^th, Governor Nixon, the Missouri State Supreme Court Judges, statewide elected officials, the Missouri Senate and Missouri House welcomed the Governor for his annual State of the State Address. The theme of the address was “Missouri Moving Forward.” Governor Nixon addressed the promise of not increasing taxes, more cuts to government spending by reducing the payroll, and adding jobs to Missouri. Unfortunately these promises will lead to shortfalls elsewhere. The Governor targeted higher education, proposing cuts in their budget of nearly 13%. There is major concern that these cuts could lead to universities raising their tuitions significantly. Nixon encouraged the universities to “cut overhead and administrative costs and to run smarter, more efficient operations.” Senator Kurt Schaefer and I were given the opportunity to deliver the Republican response to the State of the State which you can view at the following link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tv8-omPVuv4&feature=player_embedded

The Judiciary Address

Chief Justice Richard Teitelman was welcomed into the Chamber for the 39^th State of the Judiciary Address on Wednesday, January 18. He urged lawmakers to pass measures to reduce the number of people in prison for parole and probation violations. These changes could save the state $16.6 million over five years and reduce the state prison population by two percent. The legislature has been studiously reviewing such proposals relating to non-violent offenders only, since late last year.

Bill Progress

HCS HJR 43, the Taxpayer Protection Act, sponsored by Rep. Eric Burlison (R-136), places wise limits on state appropriations. I am proud of the fact that this extremely responsible measure was the first substantive bill considered and passed by the Missouri House this year. This bill prohibits appropriations in any fiscal year from exceeding the total state general revenue appropriations for the current fiscal year that exceeds the level for Fiscal Year 2008. The appropriations growth limit is the percentage that is greater than zero for the sum of the annual rate of inflation and the annual percentage change in Missouri’s population. This bill will limit the growth of government spending, provide long-term fiscal planning and rainy day funds, help balance the economic highs and lows, protect programs and funding, reduce income tax rates, and create a stronger business environment. Unlike Colorado’s TABOR, adjustments have been made in the bill to prevent the “ratchet-back” effort. This bill was perfected and third read in the House today with an overwhelming, bipartisan majority, and now moves to the Senate for consideration.

PSA: Family Enrichment Resource Program Upcoming Event

The Family Enrichment Resource Program, an organization that seeks to reduce child abuse and educate parents in all areas related to raising their children, is hosting their Second Annual Children’s Art Auction on Saturday, February 11th from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Fox Run Carriage House in Eureka. All proceeds raised support families in and around the Eureka region. For more information, please visit http://www.familyresourceprogram.com or call (314) 603-5767.

PSA: Seminar Available for Administering Trusts

Your law firm may use some of the most sophisticated tools available to establish strong estate plans for your clients, but the true test of that strategy comes with its implementation. In order to bring all your carefully laid plans to fruition, you need to be up to speed on the issues you may face when called on to administer an existing trust. For more information please visit: http://www.nbi-sems.com/SemTeleDetails.aspx/R-58058ER%7C?ctname=SPKEM

Traveler Information Map App

The Missouri Department of Transportation has made available free apps from the Android Market and the Apple App store. For those of you who travel across this great state and own a smart phone or an iPad, MoDOT has an app available on the Android Market and the Apple App Store. These free apps have the ability to show the road conditions as well as road closings due to traffic accidents or construction.

Upcoming Workshops

The St. Louis Arc Family Workshops are designed to provide in-depth information on topics related to supporting family members with developmental disabilities. The workshops are free and take place at the St. Louis Arc Family Center at 1177 N. Warson Rd., St. Louis, MO 63123. For more information, please visit www.slarc.org or contact Ann Mangelsdorf at amangelsdorf{at}slarc{dot}org or at 314-817-2275. You must be registered to attend. For a complete list of the workshops and support groups available through the St. Louis Arc, visit www.slarc.org.

Fine Arts Grant Available

The Missouri Arts Council Annual Grant Applications can now be accessed online at http://www.missouriartscouncil.org/ under the “Get Funding” tab. This is a one-year grant for dance, established institutions, fold arts, mid-sized arts organizations, minority arts, visual arts and theater. There are separate applications available for art education as well as community arts.

Visiting the Capitol

This week we received many, many visitors at our office including my good friends Mark Schwieder, Dennis Broadbooks, Todd Hamby and Bob Bechtold. I always enjoy when constituents visit the Capitol and want to thank all who make the journey. If you ever find yourself in or around Jefferson City at any time during the year, please feel free to visit us! Stop by the Majority Leader’s Office in Room 302 and we will be happy to meet and greet you! 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.

Mayer: Audio and Video Reaction To State Of The State Speech

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 his reaction to the governor’s annual budget address, commonly referred to as the “State of the State.”

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/12info/mayer/Multimedia.html.

Mayer: Audio and Video Reaction To Redistricting Maps Ruling

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 25th Senatorial District.

The new audio and video links include Sen. Mayer discussing his thoughts on the Missouri Supreme Court’s decision regarding state redistricting maps and what Missouri’s Fiscal Year budget could hold for 2013.

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/12info/mayer/Multimedia.html.

Dugger: Missouri Supreme Court Rejects New State Senate Maps

The Missouri Supreme Court, Tuesday, struck down new state Senate districts and ordered a further legal review of new U.S. House districts.

The Supreme Court rejected new state Senate maps submitted by a special panel of judges. That means the redistricting process must start over, with the governor appointing a new, bipartisan citizens commission to draw Senate boundaries.

The high court also ruled that a trial judge must consider further legal challenges to the boundaries for Missouri's U.S. House districts, which shrank from nine to eight as a result of the 2010 census. The Supreme Court ordered the trial court to act by Feb. 3.

To read more: http://stlouis.cbslocal.com/2012/01/17/missouri-court-sides-with-redistricting-challengers/

Tim Jones: Majority Minute: State Of State Response With Sen. Schaefer

As we begin our second full week in the Missouri House, Governor Nixon will be presenting his State of the State Address this evening at 7:00 p.m. CST. Senator Kurt Schaeffer (R-Columbia) and I will be presenting the Republican response. The Senator and I will be presenting our critique of the Governor’s presentation as well as presenting the positive, pro jobs, pro taxpayer, pro families agenda that the Missouri House and Senate will be pursuing throughout the 2012 Legislative Session. The Address and the Response will be broadcast on various radio and television stations throughout the State. In the St. Louis area you will be able to listen to the address on 90.7 KWMU (St. Louis Public Radio at www.news.stlpublicradio.org), and a live video stream can be found on the State of Missouri website at: http://www.mo.gov/

Monday, January 16, 2011

The House of Representatives was not in Session on Monday to commemorate the 26th Anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was a great American hero whose efforts to correct the injustice of discrimination and racism helped this nation overcome the blindness of bigotry and served as a beacon of hope for millions of Americans longing for the day when we are all united; the day when we view each other as fellow human beings and fellow Americans, with no regard to race or color. This nation has made tremendous strides since that fateful day in 1968 which ended the life of Dr. King. On Monday, we remembered and celebrated the unwavering message of Dr. King.

A Glimpse at the Week Ahead

Several bills are currently on the House Calendar and may be taken up for Perfection by the House this week.

HCS HJR 43, sponsored by Rep. Eric Burlison (R-136), would place limits on state appropriations. Upon voter approval, this proposed constitutional amendment prohibits appropriations in any fiscal year from exceeding the total state general revenue appropriations from the previous year by more than the appropriations growth limit when the total state general revenue appropriations for the current fiscal year exceeds the level for Fiscal Year 2008. The appropriations growth limit is the percentage that is the greater of zero or the sum of the annual rate of inflation and the annual percentage change in Missouri’s population. Supporters say that the bill will limit the growth of government spending, provide long-term fiscal planning and rainy day funds, help balance the economic highs and lows, protect programs and funding, reduce income tax rates, and create a better business environment. The bill does not apply to local governments and will not limit the power of the legislature to appropriate funds between programs. Unlike Colorado's TABOR, adjustments have been made in the bill to prevent the “ratchet-back” effect.

HB 1135, sponsored by Rep. Jason Smith (R-150), will give the Secretary of State the authority to make technical changes to rules. HB 1135 improves transparency in Missouri government by requiring the review of administrative rules. Over time, department rules become outdated or obsolete. By requiring these rules to be reviewed periodically, we can ensure that all agency rules are efficient and effective. This proposal also allows ordinary people the right to request an administrative rule change. The agency must respond to any such request and inform a committee of the General Assembly about the request and their response. Under current law, these administrative rules can stay on the books of a state agency indefinitely. HB 1135 also requires all administrative rules to sunset after 10 years. By including the sunset provision, all rules will have to pass through the public comment process periodically, providing citizens a say in how our executive departments run.

HCS HB 1140 is also sponsored by Rep. Jason Smith (R-150). Currently, information about state spending is available on line at the Missouri Accountability Portal. HB 1140 requires counties and schools to submit their debts and holdings to the Office of Administration for posting on the portal. This gives taxpayers a one stop shop for tracking how their state and local tax dollars are being spent, expanding the information available to them. Under this proposed legislation, school districts and public charter schools must annually collect and submit detailed employee compensation data and the district’s annual operating budget and bonded indebtedness to the Office of Administration for inclusion. HB 1140 also requires each county to collect and annually transmit to the Office of Administration for inclusion on the portal detailed compensation information for all elected county officials, a copy of the detailed financial statement that counties are currently required to publish, and any cash reserves.

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

Lant: House Makes Progress On Three Bills, Yellow Dot On Back Glass Of Vehicle

Last week was busy although there were not a lot of bills passed out of committee. It takes a couple of weeks for the bills to get assigned to committee and another week to hear testimony so by next week we will be increasing in numbers. There were three bills that were voted out of committee for us to debate on the floor this week. The first one was HB 1140. This bill will provide transparency in government by improving public access to financial information about counties and school districts. The premise of the proposal is, when every dollar counts, citizens deserve to know where their tax dollars are going. 1140 allows tracking of tax dollar expenditures by requiring counties and schools to submit information on their debts and holdings to the Office of Administration where they will be posted on the Missouri Accountability Portal for easy access. Counties and schools will also be able to use this new resource to keep track and analyze their current situations. They can compare themselves to other counties and districts throughout the state and share valuable information.

HJR 43, The Taxpayer Protection Act passed out of Budget Committee this week. During this economic downturn, we have been dealing with budget shortfalls. In keeping with our promises, we have refused to raise taxes and instead tightened our belts and kept the budget balanced. This hasn't been fun for all those who had to deal with less money to run their departments. The Governor has even withheld appropriations for Higher Ed, K12 education and Social Services. HJR 43 attempts to remedy the situation in the future by tying future increases in budgets to population growth plus the rate of inflation. If successful, this bill will allow us to take advantage of good economic times by setting aside funds for the future when the economy turns down again. This is exactly the same theory many of our parents preached to us!

HB 1135 also targets transparency in government. An administrative rule which is passed today may make perfectly good sense, but give it a few years and sometimes they become very irrelevant. Under current law, rules that make absolutely no sense and are completely out of touch with modern times can remain on the books forever. HB 1135 requires that these rules be periodically reviewed to ensure they are efficient and effective. By including a sunset provision, all rules will have to venture through a public comment process every 10 years which gives all citizens a say in how our executive departments run.

Currently the House Committee on Children and Families is examining our own current Mandatory Reporter Laws to ensure they are adequate to address issues that have arisen across the country. Although I am not a member of the committee, I met with a group of concerned educators on Friday and discussed some of the ways that children in our area are falling through the cracks. As in the above discussion of HB 1135, some rules here appear to make no sense. Sometimes, we can become so obsessed with not crossing over department lines, that the very children we are committed to protect become victims! I have no idea at this point what I can do, but I assure you I will be trying. This is one subject that I promise you will be hearing more about.

Also on Friday, I was honored to have my picture taken receiving a "Yellow Dot" on the back glass of my car. Camille Graves is spearheading a drive to affix a yellow vinyl dot to the back glass of your vehicle to notify emergency responders that there is a packet of information in the glove box containing medical information. Although this program is geared mostly for seniors (I can't imagine why she wanted a picture of me), it will work wonderfully for anyone who has a medical condition that first responders should be aware of. It is extremely simple to fill out the information packet (Jane did it in less than 5 minutes), and Camille tells me that the announcement about when and where they will be available is coming soon. Once again McDonald County is leading the rest of the State!

I'm sure next week will be full of surprises, The Governor's State of the State Address will be Tuesday evening and committees will be meeting nonstop all week. Until next week, I am, and remain, in your service.

Mayer: Senate Gets to Work on Jobs Bills

In my opening day address, I outlined how the Senate’s plan to help put Missourians back to work starts with three measures. These ideas are not what you call “headline grabbing,” but when we talk with small business owners they says its changes like these that will allow them to invest more in growing their businesses and hiring new employees. I am proud to report the Senate has already held public hearings on all three of these priority measures.

The first idea, Senate Bill 469, moves Missouri business owners a step close to greater freedom from excessive and burdensome state rules and regulations. Few things can bring private sector growth to a halt more quickly than overly contrived red tape. That is why this bill would require state agencies to review and reconsider regulations on a regular basis. The bill would give each regulation a limited shelf life of ten years, increase agency accountability, and improve legislative oversight.

The second idea, Senate Bill 592, would change state laws to mirror federal employment laws when it comes to discrimination. We want Missouri employees to be protected from employers who break the law. We can best do this by raising our standards to meet the provisions set out in the historic Civil Rights Act giving employers and workers better certainty across the board when it comes to their day in court. Bringing certainty to these laws means businesses can spend less money on expansive legal fees and instead invest those dollars towards expanding their businesses.

The third idea, Senate Bill 572, would restore protections for co-employees from personal lawsuits for their role in honest accidents at work, return Workers’ Compensation as the exclusive remedy for workplace accidents and address Missouri’s insolvent Second Injury Fund. This bill presents real solutions to problems facing our state’s workforce and their employers. Ending lawsuit abuses, relieving the need for additional insurance to cover honest accidents at work, and protecting injured workers while keeping costs reasonable for employers are all important to making sure Missouri businesses can grow and hire more employees.

I appreciate the swift work by our sponsoring senators and the members of the committees who considered these bills. It is important we act timely on these priorities to help put Missourians back to work in good paying jobs with benefits. I look forward to the full Senate considering these important bills in the coming weeks.

You may have also heard about the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) decision to close 259 offices and labs across the country. This closure of offices includes several here in Missouri and one in our backyard – the Natural Resource Conservation Service Office (NRCS) in Dexter. The USDA says staff will keep their jobs, but work from other area offices that will stay open. These closures may impact my fellow farmers and ranchers and I encourage you to share any concerns you may have with your local USDA officials.

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.

Burlison: Productive Session Underway

January 4th marked the beginning of the 2nd Regular Session of the 97th General
Assembly of the State of Missouri. Although the House has only been in session for one full week, Republicans have set high expectations for the year by introducing a comprehensive Blueprint for Missouri. At the core of this legislative framework is my strong conviction that individual Missourians are the key to moving our State forward. By simply shifting power from government bureaucrats to individual citizens, we will create a better, more prosperous Missouri. Here are some encouraging details on the progress we made last week:

Protecting Our Taxpayers

As our State continues to experience widespread economic turmoil, revenue for 2012 has fallen short of government expectations. Although there is growing pressure to make up for this loss by raising taxes, I am working to protect hardworking Missourians by implementing commonsense budget reforms. Unlike the short-sighted plans that raise taxes on families and businesses, my Taxpayer Protection Bill [HJR43] balances the State budget by saving excess revenue during times of prosperity. Rather than taking more money from taxpayers, it's time for our State Government to take a lesson from Missouri's families and businesses: no more short-sighted, one-year budgeting!

At right: David and Reagan Day met with me on the first day of the 2nd Regular Session. I always enjoy speaking with constituents!

Bringing Jobs to Our State

With Missouri's unemployment rate hovering around an atrocious 8%, it's crucial that we reform the laws that continue to suppress economic prosperity. We know that unemployed Missourians are eager to return to the workforce to provide for their families' needs, so Republicans are working on several bills that will bring jobs to the State by lowering the cost of employing Missourians. Next week, I will introduce a bill that gives Missourians more choice regarding unionization. By acknowledging Missourians' right to work outside of a union, we will begin to unleash the entrepreneurial forces required to bring jobs to our State.

Improving Our Schools

My family has been blessed with the great education that characterizes our schools in Springfield; unfortunately, many families in our State are not afforded the same opportunity. The startling number of schools losing State accreditation has created an education crisis for thousands of Missouri families. While it is important to preserve our excellent schools in Springfield, we must do something to help families avoid the nightmare of sending their children to failing schools. Republican leaders began drafting a bill to assist students in unaccredited schools last year, while officials in Kansas City were bracing for the fallout of a local school district losing accreditation. The bill protects children from failing schools by empowering families to send their kids to accredited districts. I am proud to protect children from a substandard education by creating choices for families in failing school districts.

Defending Our Values

Fair elections are the foundation of healthy governance. Constituents' interests are only represented when politicians are held accountable on Election Day. To strengthen electoral accountability, House Republicans introduced H.B. 1104, a bill that protects Missouri from election fraud by requiring voters to present a government-issued photo I.D. before entering the ballot box. I sincerely hope that Governor Nixon will consider this bill on its own merits when it reaches his desk; though he vetoed a similar bill last session, the current version takes strong precautions to prevent voter disenfranchisement. Regardless of the Governor's final decision, voters will have the opportunity to enshrine these election protections in the State Constitution by passing the Voter ID Amendment in November.

Oxford: Can't Budget-Cut Our Way To Prosperity

The 96^th Missouri General Assembly convened its second regular session on Jan. 4 and will continue through May 18. Elected leaders calling for yet another round of deep budget cuts while offering a fairly modest legislative agenda, perhaps due to uncertainty that still marks relationships between the GOP majorities in the Senate and House of Representatives following the failed Special Session of 2011.

This is a bittersweet time for me as I enter my eighth and final year in the House of Representatives (due to term-limits). I am currently circulating more than a dozen bills and resolutions for co-sponsor signatures and will file most before the end of January. In my next newsletter I will include a link to a summary of this proposed legislation.

Major Issues of the 2012 Legislative Session

• Budget - With no federal recovery/stimulus funds expected to relieve Missouri budget woes, and with House and Senate leaders vowing to block any attempt to increase revenue through tobacco tax increases or other commonsense strategies, a budget shortfall of $550-800 million is anticipated. (For more detail, see: http://www.mobudget.org/files/Missouri_Facing_Major_Budget_Shortfall_in_FY%202013.pdf.) Since Missouri must balance its budget by state constituent, that leaves no alternative but to cut crucial programs that serve our state.
• Job Creation - Unemployment has been sliding down, but many of our neighbors are still out of work. Various "economic incentive packages" failed in both regular session and special session in 2011. Undoubtedly, we will see many of them again in 2012. I am pleased to have been named to the Special Standing Committee on Government Accountability and Oversight which is trying to ascertain why so many of our tax credit programs have performed less well than anticipated. With almost three-quarters of a billion in tax credits being authorized annually, if these were the key to a vibrant economy, one would think Missouri would be near full employment by now.
• Education Funding Problem - This is the year that the "new formula law" that passed in 2005 was supposed to be fully phased in, increasing funding for many school districts. However, the General Assembly has not managed to keep pace with the new formula, and many legislators are now promising yet another re-write. I voted against the new formula in 2005 because it seemed to me that the real problem was that we were not adequately funding the old formula. I hope advocates throughout the state will now call for Missouri to address its inadequate revenue problem instead of constantly moving the targets, often at the detriment of the well-being of our communities. After all, when the state fails to adequately fund education in order to keep a "no new taxes pledge," in reality we are simply punting the tax hike to local districts where bond issues often go on the local ballot.
• Students Transfers - State law allows students whose home school districts lose their state accreditation to transfer to the accredited district of their choice in the same or an adjacent county, with their "home" district obligated to pay tuition to "receiving" districts. After the St. Louis Public Schools lost its accreditation, however, suburban districts in St. Louis County refused to accept transfer students, but, in 2010, the Missouri Supreme Court ruled that transfer law means what it says. Now that the Kansas City School District has lost its accreditation, there will be a bigger push to rewrite the law to allow districts the discretion to refuse transfers from unaccredited districts. Such changes are expected to be fiercely opposed by school choice advocates.
• I-70 Toll Road - The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) will ask lawmakers to approve a plan to allow a private contractor to lease I-70, rebuild it, and recoup their investment by operating a toll road. It is not clear if this plan could clear constitutional hurdles in court or the lukewarm reception it is receiving from our governor and lawmakers.
• The Everything Tax - Republican lawmakers are again expected to pursue a proposed constitutional amendment to eliminate Missouri’s income tax and replace it with a substantially higher sales tax on nearly all goods and services.The everything tax would shift the state’s tax burden from the wealthy to the poor and middle class and also could bankrupt the state since higher sales tax isn’t expected to cover lost revenue.
• Sexual Abuse Reporting - Attorney General Chris Koster is asking the General Assembly to enact a law that would require any person who witnesses the sexual abuse of a child to report it to authorities or face criminal prosecution for failing to do so. (This is partly in response to the Penn State scandal.)

Can't Budget Cut Our Way to Prosperity
It should be obvious by now that Missouri cannot simply continue to cut the budget year after year. Those who serve persons with disabilities, senior citizens, children, veterans, and other vulnerable populations have already squeezed every drop out of every penny of state funding. There is no "pork" left to trim in almost every area of state government; we have gone past bone into muscle and tendons. We are currently $4 billion below the Hancock revenue caps. Surely it is time to raise the tobacco tax to near the national average (we are at 17 cents per pack, and the national average is $1.46) and to collect sales tax that is owed on internet sales. Let the following leaders know that you support raising the tobacco tax and the "Main Street Fairness Act" (to level the playing field between bricks and mortar stores and online sales):

• Gov. Jay Nixon - constituent{dot}services{at}mo{dot}gov, 573-751-3222 - The State of the State speech is Tuesday evening, January 17, so let the governor know your thoughts immediately.
• President Pro Tem of the MO Senate Rob Mayer - rob{dot}mayer{at}senate{dot}mo{dot}gov, 573-751-3859
• Speaker of the House Steven Tilley - steven{dot}tilley{at}house{dot}mo{dot}gov, 573-751-1488
• Chairman of the Budget Committee Ryan Silvey - ryan{dot}silvey{at}house{dot}mo{dot}gov, 573-751-5282

For more information, see: http://www.tobaccofreekids.org/research/factsheets/pdf/0222.pdf

Community Announcements

• Missourians for Single Payer invites us to hear Dr. John E. Morley of St. Louis University Medical Center speak on "Why Can't America Be More Like France?" (France ranks at the top in healthcare quality worldwide.) The program is at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 19, in the Hanke Room of the Ethical Society, 9001 Clayton Road (west of Brentwood). Enter from the rear parking lot, and the Hanke Room is just inside the west end door.
• Thanks to a partnership between the Missouri Department of Mental Health, the Missouri Foundation for Health, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and Pathways, Mental Health First Aid courses will be made available to faith communities throughout Missouri. On February 4-5, 2012, Epiphany United Church of Christ (UCC) in Benton Park, 2911 McNair, will host a twelve-hour training with these goals: 1) Increase participants’ knowledge about common mental illnesses; and 2) Train participants to assess a situation and gently guide affected individuals toward ongoing professional help. The training hours are 8 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 4, and 1-5 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 5. Thanks to grants and collaboration, there is no cost to receive the Mental Health First Aid training, but attendance is capped at 25, so registration is required. Lunch will be provided on Saturday as well as beverages and snacks on both days. Call 314-775-8940 or e-mail epiphanyucc{dot}1{at}juno{dot}com to request a registration form.
• Many of my constituents and supporters are progressives and will enjoy these new resources from Progress Missouri: 1) High Five at Five emails. A evening clip service with the top stories in Missouri politics sent out every weekday around 5pm. To sign up, e-mail http://progressmissouri.org/highfive. 2) MOLeg.org messaging and research hub. Check http://www.moleg.org often for updates and info. 3) MOLeg.org text messaging service. Sign up by texting MOLEG to 30644.
• Music is a major part of my self-care and soul-refreshment. This Saturday night, Jan. 21, a wonderful singer/songwriter, Lydia Ruffin, will perform at Epiphany UCC, 2911 McNair, Benton Park, from 5-7 p.m. with her band Mayor Taylor and special guest Peter Ruthenburg. A flyer for that event is attached. The refreshment break will include the opportunity to win fun raffle prizes, including a sweatshirt autographed by Sheryl Crow, Missouri native and rock star.
• Another musical event, but this one I'll miss due to being in Jefferson City - The St. Louis Low Brass Collective performs at the Sheldon Concert Hall (on Washington just west of Grand) on Tuesday, Jan. 17, 7:30 p.m. Admission is free, but donations are accepted, and a reception will follow.
• April Ford Griffin, Director of the Civil Rights Enforcement Agency for the City of St. Louis, will be the guest speaker at the Sunday, Jan. 22 meeting of Stonewall Democrats of Eastern Missouri. The meeting will begin at 3 p.m. at the Obama campaign headquarters at 1925 Washington. (There is no fee for parking at meters on Sundays.) Please come learn what the City of St. Louis is doing to fight discrimination against LGBT residents and to promote equality.

Martin Luther King Jr.'s Birthday Celebration

As a friend says, MLK's Birthday is not a day off; it's a day on. It's a day on practicing gratitude for all who fought/fight to win equality. It's day on to speak out and stand up for racial and economic justice. Happy Birthday, dear Martin. Thank you for being a major inspiration and influence in my life.

JMO

Newman: 2012 Session Gearing Up

The first full week of 2012 session is behind us…bills are beginning to be heard in committees and appropriations committees will start this next week.

THE BEST PART ABOUT THIS LAST WEEK? The swearing in of four new House members who were elected in November in special elections throughout the state. Brandon Ellington (D-Kansas City), Tracy McCreery (I- St. Louis), Judy Morgan (D-Kansas City) and Chrissy Sommer (R-St. Charles) were officially sworn in Tuesday January 10 with family and friends filling the House chamber balconies and then immediately took their seats on the floor with us.

I am most pleased to be serving with my longtime friend, Rep. McCreery who is my new chamber seat mate. As colleagues, we have worked on many issues since 2000 – domestic violence, equality rights, reproductive justice and fighting to protect children/families from gun violence. As new members of the Progressive Caucus, I look forward to working with her and Reps. Ellington and Morgan as we work to protect rights and justice for all Missourians, not just for those who can afford it.

TASK FORCE FOR THE PREVENTION OF SEXUAL ABUSE OF CHILDREN MEETS

Concerns about child sexual abuse were suddenly forced to the forefront of the public consciousness as news of the Penn State scandal surfaced. Despite the horrific details of the case, it's good timing for members of the Task Force for the Prevention of Sexual Abuse of Children.

I am a legislative-appointed member of the 16-member group which held its first meeting Friday, January 6 in Jefferson City.

The Task Force was created via the passing of SB54 during the 2011 legislative session to study the issue of sexual abuse of children, will meet monthly and will issue a final report with recommendations to the Governor, General Assembly and State Board of Education by January 1, 2013.

Drawing attention to child sexual abuse in past years has been difficult at best because of its ghastly nature. The arrest of former Penn State football coach Jerry Sandusky in November has allowed more public dialogue on the issue.

"People, because of Penn State, seem willing to listen," said Joy Oesterly, executive director of Missouri Kids First.

The statute creating the task force dictated that a wide array of stakeholders,from school officials and police to children's advocates and sexual assault counselors, be included on the membership roster.

Portions of Friday's meeting were spent discussing what issues should be tackled and what types of remedies should be considered. An additional worry among members was that, with the state continuing to struggle with budget deficits, any recommendations the task force produces requiring funding may not be picked up by lawmakers.

"It's hard to do anything without money, but it's hard to get any money in this budgetary climate," said Emily van Schenkhof, deputy director of Missouri Kids First.

A model of how to tackle a complicated subject like child abuse and present meaningful results may be the Attorney General's Task Force on Domestic Violence, on which I also served. That panel found specific policy recommendations that could help to curb domestic violence in Missouri that didn't require a lot of additional funding by "piggy-backing" off existing resources.

In 2010, around 80 percent of the child sexual abuse reports in Missouri came from mandated reporters. The largest category of reporters was law enforcement and social workers, according to the Missouri Department of Social Services.

NIXON TO DELIVER STATE OF THE STATE SPEECH - TUESDAY, JANUARY 17

Gov. Jay Nixon will deliver his 2012 State of the State address to a joint session of the General Assembly at 7 p.m. on Jan. 17. In the speech, Nixon will offer his proposed state operating budget for the 2013 fiscal year and outline his legislative agenda for the year, which is expected to focus on job creation. The speech will be streamed live at www.mo.gov.

STATE OF THE JUDCIARY BY SUPREME COURT CHIEF JUSTICE RICHARD TEITELMAN - WEDNESDAY JANUARY 18

The address will also be streamed live at the joint session of the General Assembly at 10am at www.mo.gov.

Please feel free to come to the State Capitol in Jefferson City and visit us in action. We normally go into session at 4pm on Mondays and adjourn for the week Thursday afternoons. Let me know if you are coming so I can be sure to meet with you - either via scheduled appointment or by me stepping briefly off the floor.

I will be back home in my district in St. Louis on Fridays so please contact Carla Luebbert, my assistant if I can be of any assistance to you then.

I would love to hear from you so please don't be shy!

Holsman: Apppointment To House Rules Committee, Tours of Kansas City Star and Milbank Manufacturing

The 2012 legislative session is officially underway. It's good to be back in the capitol working for Missouri citizens.

This session I will be dividing my time between leading on the issues of Renewable Energy and Urban Agriculture, as well as, learning the ropes as a new member of the Rules committee.

Today we pause to celebrate the achievements of Martin Luther King Jr. It's hard to imagine and easy to forget the courage it took for Dr. King to protest in peace when violence appeared to be expedient. For love to be victorious it needed a superior spokesperson and for his efforts we commemorate the preacher with a dream. The entire world is a better place when peace becomes a precedent.

It is my honor to serve you in our state capitol. Thank you for reading.

Sincerely,
Jason

Welcome our Legislative Intern Christopher Vick

Our new legislative intern Christopher Vick, is a junior English major at Truman State University. Chris originally from Southaven, Mississippi has come to Jefferson City to learn the inner workings of state politics.

Vick is one of 20 full time Truman State interns at the capitol this session, selected to participate under the Missouri Government Internship program, supervised by political science professor Candy Young.

He will be working closely with legislative assistant Dan Bryar and is looking forward to assisting the constituents of the 45th district.

Opening Day of the Legislative Session

The 96th Missouri General Assembly convened for its second regular session on January 4th, 2012. House Speaker Steven Tilley kicked off the session with a speech promoting cooperation between not only the Democrats and Republicans, but also the House and Senate. Tilley then addressed the key issues this year's legislation will face, which includes education, job creation, and balancing the state budget.

Speaker Tilley's vision is elaborated in his "Blueprint for Missouri" plan, which would monitor the state's future revenue spending, as well as reform laws governing student transfers, give tuition tax credits to students in unaccredited districts, and expand charter schools.

House Minority Leader Mike Talboy agreed on Tilley's list of important issues facing the legislative body, though differed on the approaches to solving our state's difficulties.

During the Democratic caucus press conference, Talboy proposed the ideas to raise state revenue, instead of relying soley on cuts to needed social services and education.

Talboy offered examples to raise state revenue, such as increasing the cigarette tax, and taxing goods sold over the internet.

In the area of job development, Talboy stated "we need to make sure that, again, in our haste to become more business friendly, we do not become anti-worker." This is the balance that needs to be struck in order to ensure that Missouri protects its most valuable asset, its citizens, while at the same time competing for jobs in the global marketplace.

Welcome Newly Elected Representatives

Congratulations to the newly elected members of the Missouri House of Representatives.

Representative Tracy McCreery (Independent, St. Louis) is taking over for now St. Louis County Assessor Jake Zimmerman in the 83rd district, Representative Brandon Ellington (Democrat, Kansas City) was elected to the 41st district to replace now Senator 'Kiki' Curls, Representative Judy Morgan (Democrat, Kansas City) takes over the 39th district for now Kansas City Prosecutor Jean-Peters Baker, and Chrissy Sommer (Republican, St. Charles), enters the statehouse in the 15th district replacing St. Charles Mayor Sally Faith.

Congratulations to Representatives McCreery, Ellington, Morgan, and Sommer and best of luck to you in representative your constituents in Jefferson City.

Representative Holsman Appointed to the House of Representatives Rules Committee

The 2012 legislation session has brought changes to the legislative committee assignments to House members. Representative Holsman, who serves as Chairman of the Joint Committee on Urban Agriculture as well as the Chairman for the Special Standing Committee on Renewable Energy, was recently appointed by Minority Leader Mike Talboy (D-Kansas City) to the House Rules committee. The Rules Committee is charged with reviewing all bills which are passed out of their committee of origin, and assigning the time of debate to each bill before its can be taken up on the House floor for debate.

"Being placed on the House Rules Committee is a tremendous honor and speaks to the level of trust that I have developed with fellow members to thoroughly and objectively work on legislation. I appreciate the opportunity extended by Democratic Minority Leader Mike Talboy." commented Rep. Holsman.

Holsman also serves on the Joint Committee on Education, Utilities and the Interim Committee on Disaster Recovery.

Holsman Attends 2nd Fridays with Councilmen Sharp and Taylor

Representative Jason Holsman attended the 2nd Fridays meeting with Councilmen Sharp and Taylor on Friday January 13th. The meeting was also attended by Grandview Mayor Steve Dennis, and Senior Advisor for State and Federal Government Affairs to Mayor Sly James Sammy Panettiere. The main topic of discussion at the meeting was legislative priorities for Kansas City in the newly minted 2012 legislative session.

2nd Fridays is a bi-monthly meeting hosted by Councilmen John Sharp and Scott Taylor at the Trailside Center located at 9901 Holmes Road, in Kansas City, Mo.

Missouri American Water to Deliver Presentation to the Special Standing Committee on Renewable Energy

Chairman Holsman wasted no time calling the inaugural meeting of the 2012 legislative session for the Special Standing Committee on Renewable Energy for a presentation to be delivered by Missouri American Water.

American Water delivers utility services to approximately 15 million people in more than 30 states in the U.S., as well to some parts of Canada. Learn more about Missouri American Water at: http://www.amwater.com/moaw/

Joint Committee on Urban Agriculture to Host 5th Informational Hearing on January 24th in Jefferson City

At left: Members of the Joint Committee on Urban Agriculture touring the Columbia Center for Urban Agriculture

The fifth informational hearing hosted by the Joint Committee on Urban Agriculture will take place on January 24th in the State Capitol building in Jefferson City.

The scope of this hearing has been expanded to include experts in this emerging industry from across the country. The committee will hear presentations from: Sweet Water Organics Co-Founder Jim Godsil, Sweet Water Foundation Executive Director Emmanuel Pratt, Columbia University Professor and author of "The Vertical Farm: Feeding Ourselves and the World in the 21st Century" Dr. Dickson Despommier, AquaRanch Founder Myles Harston, as well as a presentation from St. Charles based corporation Novus International.



"The Joint Committee on Urban Agriculture, alongside the Advisory Sub-Committee and statewide activists in the industry have worked throughout the summer and winter months to develop a wealth of knowledge on this subject. What we have found is extremely promising. This movement has the power to mitigate urban blight, repurpose abandoned buildings, bring fresh nutritious foods into food deserts, and most importantly infuse good jobs that cannot be out-sourced into a recovering economy," said Representative Holsman who serves as Committee Chairman.

What:	Joint Committee on Urban Agriculture, Fifth Informational Hearing
When:	Tuesday January 24th 12:00PM
Where:	State Capitol Building 201 West Capitol Avenue Jefferson City, Missouri 65101 House Hearing Room 7

The content discussed in this meeting, as well as the previous four meetings will form the foundation to a report along with legislative recommendations to be delivered to the Governor, President Pro Tem of the Senate, and Speaker of the Missouri House of Representatives before the year's end.

Kansas City Star Tour

Representative Gail McCann-Beatty (D-Kansas City) joined Representative Jason Holsman (D-Kansas City) on a tour of the Kansas City Star printing presses.

The tour was a part of an ongoing effort of House members to meet with and learn from the Kansas City business community. If you would like to organize a visit to your facility with Rep. Holsman or any member of the Kansas City Caucus please contact Dan Bryar.

Milbank Manufacturing Tour

Milbank Manufacturing welcomed a visit from Rep. Jason Holsman to their North Kansas City plant location. Milbank builds utility electrical boxes and a host of alternative energy devices.

The visit consisted of a facilities tour and a sit down meeting with CEO Lavon Winkler to discuss Renewable Energy legislation in the General Assembly as well as potential ballot initiatives for the 2012 general election.

Schupp: First Six Bills of 2012

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

This year's start to the session seems to have moved into high gear quickly. Perhaps because of last year's failed special and general sessions, we are already seeing bills voted out of a few committees, when most committees have not yet even met for the first time! Look for some real controversy early on. That stated, I will continue my work to help ensure my caucus is up to the challenge of vetting and supporting legislation that puts Missourians back to work, takes care of our vulnerable children and seniors, and provides a quality education for all of our kids. Thank you for allowing me to serve you in Jefferson City.

Truly,
Jill

ANNOUNCEMENT

Governor Jay Nixon will deliver the State of the State Address before the General Assembly on Tuesday, Jan. 17.

Look for information on Missouri Works, the job creation initiative; and budget shortfall details estimated between $400 and $800 million depending upon the source you use.

My First 6 Bills in 2012

The first six bills I am sponsoring continue making their ways to legislators’ offices for co-signing. Look for these bills to be filed in the next week or so. The links take you to last year's bill since unfiled bills are not yet online. (There is no link for the Term Limit legislation.)

Nathan’s Law [HB603] makes essential changes to how unlicensed in-home child-care facilities can operate. It counts all non-school age children, including relatives, toward the total number of four children allowed in this type of setting. It requires that notification be given to parents using the in home care about the home’s licensure status. It imposes greater financial penalties for non-compliant providers, and it allows the Department of Health and Senior Services to close non-compliant home facilities. With over 40 deaths in home care facilities since 2007, it is time the legislature steps in to protect our children. This legislation is garnering bi-partisan support and will be filed with co-sponsors from both sides of the aisle.

Tax Deferral for Senior Citizens [HB380] on fixed incomes follows a legislative model utilized in Oregon. This legislation would allow our state’s senior population to defer a portion of their taxes until after they either choose to sell their property or pass it onto heirs. At that time, the deferred taxes would be repaid from the estate. This legislation will have a net zero effect on the state, and would allow Missouri’s seniors to age in their homes.

The Missouri Indoor Clean Air Act [HB438] will be submitted again to promote healthy conditions in public places throughout the state. With what we know about second-hand and even third-hand smoke, it is time for the legislature to support good health policy and cut healthcare costs by enacting this legislation.

In order to emphasize what is implicit but seemingly ignored in existing law; I will re-file a bill stipulating that a student of the University of Missouri may serve as a voting member on the Board of Curators.

During this past session, almost half of the Representatives in the House entered as freshmen. Many of the newly elected Representatives won their seats because their predecessors were term-limited out. When we lose so many legislators at once, we tend to lose important institutional knowledge. Meantime, newcomers are required to step in and make critical policy decisions without the opportunities to learn from many experienced legislators around them. Term Limits, in their current form, do not bode well for the people of Missouri. Rather than having so many people “term out” at the same time, AND without changing the total number of years of service allowable under today's law, this legislation allows an elected member to continue running to serve for a maximum number of 16 years in either the House or Senate or some combination thereof.

I will be continuing, with bipartisan support, efforts to label foods as Kosher and Kosher for Passover including listing the certifying agent. [HB933]

Legislation Moving Forward...HB 1135

House Bill 1135 has soared through House committees very early on this session. In its most egregious section, it terminates all rules created by departments and agencies which provide direction for implementing our state laws. Ironically, this bill originated in the "Downsizing Government" Committee. On the contrary, in an effort to minimize duplication, inconsistencies or outdated rules, we will be tossing out the proverbial baby with the bathwater, and starting again. Sounds as if we will be providing government with lots of additional work. The costs are yet to be estimated, and the opportunity for special interests to interfere with good policy and practice is of concern. Read the legislation here.

House Joint Resolution 43

Also being pushed forward with disturbing speed is HJR 43, a constitutional amendment which caps state spending each year so that it mirrors spending levels of 2008. The only increases will be for inflation as calculated by the CPI, and to adjust for increases in population. Should this pass, levels of spending for essential services that many are finding inadequate will continue into the future. Read the legislation here.

A New Year "Feel Good" Story... Puppies for Parole

This past Fall, many of you attended the Town Hall meeting featuring Director of Corrections, George Lombardi. He talked about how the hearts and minds of inmates have been changed when they are given the privilege of training dogs to put up for adoption. He recently forwarded this story that I know you will take pleasure in reading:

Our Prison dog handlers are taking their dogs who have advanced in the their socialization skills into the prison infirmaries, hospices and mental health units as a means to give some solace to those who are very needy.

Here is a quote from an inmate at Crossroads Correctional Center who has done so:

“I took Penny to the hospital to see all the sick guys that wanted to see her. There was one very sick person there, I cannot mention his name here. I asked if he wanted to meet Penny and he said, “Yes.” So I led her up to meet him. He put his hand on the side of the bed. He petted and felt her fur. He said she was soft and asked if she could jump on the bed. She was a little anxious at first, but she did with a little coaxing. She went up and laid down by his side. He started petting her and said that til we got the dogs in here, he had not seen or petted a dog for some thirty years. He got a smile on his face and you knew he went back in time in his mind to better days.

After a while we left. Later I asked how he was and found out that he had died that weekend in this sleep with a smile on his face. I think that Penny knew that he was not well and she didn’t care. To her, he was someone else to share her love, hugs and enjoyment of petting her to make them feel better.”