Schaefer: Defending Programs That Benefit Education, Legislation In Progress, Capitol Visitors

After a relaxing and joyful Easter break, the Senate continues to discuss bills and budget issues.

The budget continues to be our top priority in the Senate. As Vice-Chairman of the Appropriations Committee, I am fighting hard for programs I believe in. Programs such as Parents as Teachers and Career Ladder are vital to the success of our children. Cutting these programs even more than they have drastically been cut over the last few years is a detriment to our kids' future. I am working hard to maintain the educational programs that will benefit all of Missouri's students.

Legislation In Progress

On Tuesday, Senate Bill 828 was voted out of the Senate Health, Mental Health, Seniors and Families Committee.  This bill allows for the county counselor of Boone County to receive state money for performing duties related to mental health and mental health facilities. The Boone County counselor is the only county counselor that does not currently receive this reimbursement. In addition, a Senate Committee Substitute to Senate Bill 975, a bill regarding electronic death registration systems, was passed by the same committee.

Also on Tuesday, Senate Bill 884, which amends various provisions regarding the Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement, needs the Senate's final approval before it can move to the House for similar consideration.

Two of my bills were heard in House committees this week. On Wednesday, Senate Bill 855, regarding heritage birth and marriage certificates, was considered in the House Special Standing Committee on Children and Families. Additionally, Senate Bill 829, which pertains to nuisance abatement ordinances for Boone County, was heard in the House Crime Prevention Committee on Tuesday.

Capitol Visitors

During Wednesday's Senate Gubernatorial Appoinments Committee hearing, I had the privilege of testifying in support of Jean Leonatti to serve on the Alzheimer's State Plan Task Force.

I also had the opportunity to meet with Dr. Kristin Sohl, a doctor of pediatrics from Columbia, and other pediatricians from the area. Dr. Sohl is the director of the Community Advocacy through Resident Education (CARE) program. The program works with physicians in the Department of Child Health at the University of Missouri-Columbia to improve pediatric care in the area. Additionally, the group works with legislators to make a difference for children in the Columbia area.

At left: Community Advocacy through Resident Education participants


Thank you for your continued interest in the issues that affect the citizens of Boone and Randolph counties. If you have any questions or concerns involving state government, please contact my office.

Rupp: Resolution targets UN Treaty on Parenting, Race to the Top

Senator Scott T. Rupp Files Legislation Calling For Federal Rejection of U.N. “Rights of the Child” Treaty

American parental rights could be trumped by government

In another effort to protect the American family, today I filed legislation that called for the rejection of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) treaty because it would give the government authority over parental decisions.

Federal officials have recently been pushing for the ratification of the UNCRC treaty, which was drafted in the 1990s. The United States has been one of the last countries to sign, as many officials have stated the treaty includes provisions that are in direct conflict with the U.S. Constitution and the Missouri Constitution.

Senate Concurrent Resolution 59, tells the federal government that signing the treaty represents an abandonment of the ultimate sovereignty of the United States. SCR 59 states that only American legislatures and the people themselves have the moral authority to make law for our country, including important parental decisions such as corporal discipline and religious upbringing.

First our federal government sold out our right to choose our own health care, and now they are selling out our rights as parents to make decisions for our child. It’s really frightening, because these are the freedoms we hold dear and the federal government is going out of it’s way to eliminate them, one by one.

According to SCR 59, the United Nations tribunal acknowledges that the treaty:

1. Bans all corporal discipline, including reasonable spanking by parents.
2. Gives the government authority on a broad scope of parental decisions without proving that parents are unfit or have harmed the child.
3. Allows children and the government to override reasonable and ordinary decisions concerning religious upbringing of the child.
4. Allows the government the ability to review any parental decision concerning the education of the child, even if that decision fully complies with Missouri law.
5. Requires socialized spending programs that will bankrupt America.
6. Grants children a legally enforceable right to leisure and other rights that are contrary to American traditions and common sense.

There is a reason that national leaders from both parties have not signed this treaty, and it’s because American citizens know what is best for their children. No matter what your personal beliefs are, I think that most Americans do the best they can for their kids. They don’t need the whole world, or even worse, the government, to tell them differently.

“Race To The Top” Oversight Bill Passed by Full Senate

Senator Rupp’s Bill Ensures Local Control of Education

The Missouri Senate today passed my legislation that keeps any “Race To The Top” education funding under the oversight of the Missouri Legislature. The legislation now goes to the House of Representatives.

The “Race to the Top” fund is a federal grant program from the U.S. Department of Education that is set to distribute nearly $4 billion to the nation’s schools. If its application is approved, Missouri could receive $150 million to $250 million in education funding. While Missouri did not make it past the first round, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) is attempting to secure funds in the second round by strengthening the state’s application.

Included in Senate Bill 976 is language that establishes a special fund in the budget that holds any grant dollars the state is awarded. DESE would have to provide the details of the grant, the reforms it would enact, and the consequences of enacting the terms of the grant.

With the creation of this holding fund, we make sure that Missouri is not bound to strings that are not in line with our vision of education reform. We will maintain the long-term interest and our ability to control the education policy at the local level.

As always, if you have any questions about this week’s column or any other matter involving state government, please do not hesitate to contact me. You can reach my office by phone at (866) 271-2844.

Engler: Working to Craft a Balanced Budget

Over the past several weeks, the Senate Appropriations Committee has been working on the 13 bills that make up the state’s core budget. As I have discussed in past columns, this is a particularly tough year for the state’s finances. It was recently announced that March collections are down nearly 18 percent compared to the same time last year, and year-to-date collections of revenue are down 13 percent. The Appropriations Committee is having to shave $500 million off of the governor’s original budget proposal to pass a balanced budget. Once the bills are approved by the Senate Appropriations Committee, they will move to the Senate floor and will soon be taken up for debate before the entire body.

The reality of our fiscal situation is that we have to make cuts in spending because we are taking in less revenue than the year before. The committee already had to make tough decisions to make sure that we stay within our state’s means. As these bills hit the floor, I am sure there will be heated discussions as we work to meet the state’s most pressing needs while reducing costs.

In anticipation of the funding cuts that must be made in the budget process, the Senate Administration Committee, of which I am vice-chair, voted unanimously this week to cut the Senate’s operating budget by 5 percent. The cuts that we agreed upon total $462,100 and include cutting senators’ office budget allotments and/or per diem rates and eliminating current vacant job positions. We also discussed reducing mailing sizes and limiting or ending professional development travel (in and out-of-state). It is only fair that, as we make cuts to programs and services, we find ways to cut our own expenses.

Also this week, we sent House Bill 1498 to the governor’s desk. The bill strengthens Missouri’s prompt pay statutes and is designed to make the medical claims process more efficient by providing clear direction to both insurers and healthcare providers on their roles and responsibilities. Under the legislation, an insurance company has to accept or deny a claim within 30 days. Often, people and healthcare providers are strung along and forced to go through loads of paperwork and hassles in order to get their healthcare costs paid. The bill also addresses electronic filings and makes sure the law is clear on penalties when insurance carriers fail to promptly pay a claim. With the governor’s signature, the bill would go into effect on January 1, 2011.

Roorda: House Approves, Rejects, Approves Spending Bill

HOUSE APPROVES, REJECTS, APPROVES SPENDING BILL

A day after rejecting a supplemental appropriations bill that it previously had approved, the House of Representatives on April 8 switched positions for a second time and voted 96-51 to send the bill to the governor to be signed into law. The House's repeated flipping of positions on HB 2014 resulted from a dispute over a provision in the bill that will spare 152 local school districts from midyear spending cuts but impose even bigger funding reductions on the state's other 371 districts.
 
Because of a funding shortfall, Gov. Jay Nixon in January called for reducing the state's scheduled payment to local districts for current school year by $43 million. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education had planned to deal with the shortfall with a 2 percent funding reduction for all districts. The House Budget Committee, however, added a provision to exempt so-called "hold harmless" districts from the cuts. Hold harmless districts, which are predominantly wealthy suburban districts and certain small rural districts with high local tax levies, don't receive annual increases from the state's education funding distribution formula but still get more money than they would receive under the formula.
 
When the bill initially came before the full House in March, lawmakers defeated an amendment by state Rep. Rachel Bringer, D-Palmyra, to remove the hold-harmless exemption. The House then passed the bill with the exemption intact, and the Senate followed suit. By the time the bill returned to the House for final approval, however, many representatives changed their positions after realizing their initial votes against the Bringer amendment adversely affected their local districts.
 
The House attempted to open negotiations with the Senate to remove the exemption, but the Senate considered the issue settled and refused. As a result, the House on April 7 voted down the bill 75-79. The next day, however, the House again changed positions and granted the bill final approval. Opponents of the exemption are urging Nixon to use his line-item veto authority on appropriations bills to strike the controversial provision.

House Rejects Senate Spending Bill - News Leader

House Changes Mind on Supplemental - MissouriNet

STATE REVENUE COLLECTIONS TAKE ANOTHER HARD HIT

Net state general revenue collections were down 17.8 percent, or $100.2 million, in March 2010 compared to March 2009, according to the latest revenue figures compiled by the Missouri Department of Revenue. Year-to-date general revenue collections for FY 2010, which ends June 30, are down 13.3 percent compared to the same period FY 2009, dropping from $5.4 billion to $4.68 billion.

To read full St. Louis Post Dispatch story click here.

SENATE COMMITTEE ELIMINATES CAREER LADDER FUNDING

The Senate Appropriations Committee on April 8 voted to eliminate the entire $37.5 million for the Career Ladder program that the House of Representatives had approved for next year's state budget. The program provides about 18,000 teachers who perform extra duties with salary supplements ranging from $1,500 to $5,000 a year.

The state splits the cost of Career Ladder with participating school districts. Because the state pays its share a year in arrears, money in next year's budget would reimburse districts for expenses incurred in the current school year. As a result, if Career Ladder funding isn't restored in the final budget, the districts won't be reimbursed. The Senate committee eliminated the program as part of its effort to balance the state budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1.

To read the full KMOX story click here.

KRCG - Senate Panel Cuts Extra Pay For Teachers

NIXON HOPES TO SAVE DEAL FREEZING COLLEGE TUITION

Gov. Jay Nixon says he'll work to get the Senate to go along with a deal he struck with public colleges and universities under which they agreed not to increase tuition for the second consecutive year if the cash-strapped state limited budget cuts to higher education for the 2010-2011 school year to around $50 million. Although the House of Representatives has already agreed to the deal, the Senate Appropriations Committee put it in jeopardy on April 6 by endorsing a $65 million higher education cut.

To read the entire story in the Columbia Missourian click here.

If there is anything I can do for you, please do not hesitate to contact my office.  I enjoy serving my constituents as "their" voice in the Missouri State Capitol.

U.S. Census Increases By One

April 1st is designated as the official US Census Day and on Thursday, April 1st the US Census for Jefferson County increased by one!

Kellan Patrick McKenna
Arrived: Thursday, April 1st
Weight: 7 lbs, 5 oz
Length: 23 inches

Congratulations to Senator and Mrs. Ryan McKenna

Nodler: Advocating for Fairness in School Funding

Last week, the Senate passed House Bill 2014, a supplemental appropriations bill. Every year, the Legislature passes this sort of bill to cover budget issues that were not passed or were not funded to the level of being sufficient for the whole year. However, this year, the House version of the bill contained a provision that would lessen the funding promised to many of Missouri’s school districts. While the Senate Appropriations Committee tried to correct the language, an amendment was passed when the bill reached the Senate floor that returned the language to the House position. The provision negatively affects many of the school districts in Southwest Missouri, which is why I voted “no” on the amendment.

The provision affects 372 of the state’s 523 school districts and relates to foundation formula funding. The foundation formula was revised in 2005 to distribute money to Missouri schools using a formula based on student needs, not property values. The new formula was designed to be phased in over five years. However, the law did not include guidance on how to deal with a shortfall of any sort. The problem we face now is that the state is facing a serious budget crunch, and the Legislature is struggling to find a way to balance the budget while also funding education.

When the new formula took effect, most schools in Missouri received an increase in funding. Some school districts in areas with particularly high property tax revenue did not receive an initial increase in their foundation funding and have not been getting increases since 2005 as the formula has been phased-in. The bill as it currently stands would exempt these schools from having to face any funding cuts, even as most school districts in the state are facing a budget crunch. The $43 million in school funding that is being trimmed from the current fiscal year’s spending will not be spread across all schools, but will instead apply to select districts in the state.

The facts of our fiscal situation are not pleasant. Recent revenue numbers for March show that collections are down 17.8 percent compared to last year and year-to-date revenue collections are down by 13 percent. Spending throughout the state must be cut so that we have a balanced budget for both the current year and the upcoming fiscal year. However, in cases when tough choices must be made, we should act fairly, and exempting 151 schools from having to face cuts every other school in the state has to deal with is unacceptable. We must not let this policy of holding certain school districts to a different funding standard continue as we plan the state’s budget for the coming fiscal year.

Gatschenberger: Town Hall Invitation, Sovereignty Measures Advance, Track Legislation

"Whenever the people are well-informed, they can be trusted with their own government." –Thomas Jefferson

Please be my guest!

What:  Town Hall Meeting
When:  Thursday, April 29^th – 7:00 pm
Where:  Lake St. Louis City Hall – 200 Civic Center Drive
Why:  Attendees of my last Town Hall Meeting requested a Speaker on Cap and Trade Legislation. (Cap and trade is a form of emissions trading used to control alleged pollution by offering economic penalties in order to achieve reductions in alleged emissions pollutants. Cap and trade would put limits on emissions from motor vehicles, coal-fired plants, and factories.)

A representative from Ameren UE will address this issue.  Also attending will be a representatives for the Department of Conservation to discuss current programs.

For questions on the content of this meeting you may contact my Capitol office at (573) 751-3572 or e-mail me at Chuck{dot}Gatschenberger{at}house{dot}mo{dot}gov

Hope to see you there!

Legislative Update

HCR 39 Passes

Today, legislation that I proposed claiming Missouri's sovereignty under the Tenth Amendment to the United States Constitution… over all powers not otherwise enumerated and granted to the federal government under the United States Constitution… passed out of the House and on to the Senate for approval.  One more step in the right direction!

2nd Amendment Rights

House Bill 1787 was passed by the House. (This bill is similar to my HB 1206) This legislation expands and defends our Second Amendment rights.  If this bill becomes law, the age to obtain a concealed carry permit will be reduced from 23 years old to 21 (which is law in most states).  The Castle Doctrine is also expanded to include property that you lease, so if you are renting your residence and someone breaks in you are legally able to use deadly force to defend yourself and your loved ones.  During floor debate, an important amendment was added to the bill to protect gun owners.  Currently, if you are drinking in your home and have a gun in a safe upstairs you could be charged with unlawful possession of a firearm if you are intoxicated, in your own home! This amendment fixes this loophole and allows you to keep firearms in your home and not be committing a crime if you have a glass of wine or beer.  I am proud to continue to support our Second Amendment rights.

Rebooting Government (ctrl-alt-del) – State Spending

A historic downturn in the economy has exposed many of our government programs as bloated and inefficient in many ways, and we will not right this ship by continuing with the status quo. It is well past time that we think differently about the function we want government to take in our lives.

The Senate took an extraordinary step toward your concerns and desires during a special "Rebooting Government" event on March 24.  They solicited citizen ideas on how government can cut back, and then they took an entire day to split into committees and determine which suggestions were viable and how we might begin to implement them.

Total Taxpayer Savings Identified: $689.3 MILLION to $789.4 MILLION!

You can view the full report, or continue to submit your suggestions, by clicking on the "Rebooting Government" icon located on the Missouri Senate homepage… www.senate.mo.gov

As we move into the future, I will continue to advocate the reduction of government and taxes and the protection of taxpayer dollars.  By reigning in spending and being smart with your money, we can bring about the economic recovery we need, and establish a better government for tomorrow.

Want to Track Legislation?

Go to:  www.house.mo.gov/billcentral.aspx?pid=26  where you can search by bill number; keyword; sponsor or co-sponsor.

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House and Senate Joint Bill Tracking Bill Number / Keyword / Sponsor-CoSponsor (Help) Search:   Enter Bill Number (ex:  HB1206), keyword , sponsor, or co-sponsor last name and click "search" tab Year / Type: 2010 Basic           Advanced      Bill Summaries 2009 Basic           Advanced      Bill Summaries 2008 Basic           Advanced      Bill Summaries 2007 1st Extraordinary Basic           Advanced      Bill Summaries 2007 Basic           Advanced      Bill Summaries 2006 Basic           Advanced      Bill Summaries 2005 1st Extraordinary Basic           Advanced      Bill Summaries 2005 Basic           Advanced      Bill Summaries 2004 Basic           Advanced      Bill Summaries 2003 Basic           Advanced      Bill Summaries 2003 1st Extraordinary Basic           Advanced      Bill Summaries 2003 2nd Extraordinary Basic           Advanced      Bill Summaries 2002 Basic           Advanced      Bill Summaries 2001 Basic           Advanced      Bill Summaries Spec01 Basic           Advanced      Bill Summaries 2000 Basic           Advanced 1999 Basic           Advanced 1998 Basic           Advanced 1997 Basic           Advanced 1996 Basic           Advanced 1995 Basic           Advanced Full Search Search Type: All Words Any Words Boolean Expression Exact Expression Natural Language Sort Order: Search Rank Document Title Last Modified Ascending Descending

"When a man assumes a public trust he should consider himself a public property." –Thomas Jefferson

STAY IN TOUCH

As always, please let me know your thoughts about these or other matters of concern by calling my office at: (573) 751-3572 or by emailing me at chuck{dot}gatschenberger{at}house{dot}mo{dot}gov

REAL FACTS

Socialism:

the main problem with it… is that sooner or later you run out of other people's money!

FUN FACTS

Pawpaws bloom this month.

American toads begin calling.

Honeybees swarm.

April 15^th is the average day of the last frost in Central Missouri… now plant something!

Purgason: Beware the Bailout Bubble

Government is not reason, it is not eloquence, it is force and force like fire is a dangerous servant and a fearful master. - George Washington

This week the Appropriations Committee in the Missouri Senate is in its final stages of putting together the Senate version of the FY 2011 budget. As you know, the committee is faced with the task of cutting around $500,000,000 (million) from the budget in order to attempt to balance it.

The current Governor has been working with the committee and is recommending many areas where he would support reductions in order to help the House and Senate put a balanced budget on his desk. This is quite a different approach to working on the budget than when Governor Holden was in charge.

In those years we were sent a budget balanced on millions of dollars of new taxes that had not even passed yet. That Governor’s office refused to work with the General Assembly and those actions started a string of special sessions that took up almost all of the summer creating much gridlock.

Although politics have entered the discussion in the press, most of the time we are doing simply what people expect us to do by working together to create a balanced budget for the State of Missouri. One that best serves its citizens and meets its obligations. In the next few weeks the budget will be debated on the Senate Floor and then move to Conference Committee with the House to settle on a final budget.

In dealing with the questions that linger with the impact of federal funds on state budgets, one can see that it is very hard for states that rely on balanced budgets to continue to try to partner with a federal government that has no constraint on how much money it borrows, prints or creates. Everyday the news reports talk about how states are struggling to balance their budgets.

Across the nation today the states deal with over $200,000,000,000 (billion) of shortfalls in their budgets. The current debt to our nation is over $12,000,000,000,000 (trillion) on our credit card. Our debt is over 80% of our Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and still the policies are in place to continue to deficit spend over $1,400,000,000,000 (trillion) this year alone as we continue to borrow our way to prosperity.

The following information is totally my opinion. It is not based on any one piece of information or statistic, but is based solely on my experience in government, my opinion, knowledge of basic economics, government policies, and, I think to a large degree, common sense.

My opinion is that the small bump in the economy that has our government saying we are moving out of the recession is not correct.

I believe what has been created is the bailout bubble. As in the past, we have had bubbles before. First, we had the .com bubble that burst in the late 1990’s and early 2000. We then had the real estate credit crisis that burst in 2003-2007 and now I believe we have the bailout bubble that will burst in the near future.

Over $11,000,000,000,000 (trillion) have been lent, spent, or guaranteed to prop up this market since 2009. With this money being dumped in it looks like things are improving. I think it is more like going to the dentist and getting a pain shot without fixing the tooth. The pain goes away temporarily, but the cavity remains and the tooth begins to hurt again because we did not fix the problem.

We have not fixed the problems that created this trouble in the first place. We have only addressed the symptoms. We are still printing money because no one wants to buy our bonds at low interest rates. We are continuing to deficit spend at a rate of $1.60 for every dollar that comes in from taxpayers. We continue to expand government when we can’t pay for the one we have.

As we struggle to balance this year’s state budget with over $500,000,000 (million) in reductions, we continue to keep an eye on next year’s deficit of over $1,000,000,000 (billion). We continue to fear the foot soldier as the horseman cometh.

It is a problem that is real, it will not go away, and we might as well begin planning for it. For myself, I will continue to work for a balanced budget, but on the side you can find me working in my vegetable garden.

As always, I appreciate hearing your comments, opinions and concerns. I can be reached in Jefferson City at (573)751-1882, e-mail to chuck{dot}purgason{at}senate{dot}mo{dot}gov or by regular mail at 201 West Capitol Avenue, Room 420, Jefferson City, MO 65101.

Burlison: House Endorses State Sovereignty Measure, Attacks "Cap And Trade" Proposals

Hello, in this week’s Capitol Report I would like to discuss with you HJR 88 and the “Cap and Trade” legislation the House is working on.

House Takes Measure to Protect 10th Amendment Rights of Missouri Citizens

This week, the House of Representative passed House Joint Resolution 88, sponsored by Representative Brian Nieves.

This proposed constitutional amendment, which requires voter approval, reinforces Missouri citizen’s constitutional sovereignty under the Tenth Amendment to the United States Constitution. We firmly believe the federal government should be limited only to powers granted in the Constitution – without exemption. Although at this point HJR88 is non-binding, it serves as a warning to the federal government that we do not approve of any unconstitutional mandates and federal laws forced on Missouri.

The main provisions in HJR 88 are as follows:

If any action by the three branches of government, executive, legislative, or judicial, exceeds the limited powers outlined in the United States Constitution, such action will be prohibited and not recognized by Missouri. This includes federal law, executive orders, judicial or administrative rulings, collection or dispersal of revenue, and so forth.

It prohibits the executive, judicial, and legislative branches of Missouri's government from recognizing, enforcing, or acting on federal restrictions on the right of private citizens to bear arms; federal laws legalizing or funding abortions or the destruction of human embryos; certain specified federal actions involving health care including a federal public option (which is outlined in our Health Care Freedom Act); federal actions requiring the sale or trade of carbon credits or the taxing on the release of carbon emissions (Cap and Trade); federal actions mandating the recognition of same sex marriages; federal actions increasing the penalty for a crime based on a perpetrator's thoughts or designating hate crimes; federal actions regarding the Establishment Clause based on a "wall of separation" between church and state; and federal actions restricting the right of parents or guardians to home school or enroll their children in a private or parochial school or placing restrictions on the school's curriculum.

The resolution also requires Missouri courts to interpret the United States Constitution based on its language and the intent of its signers at the time of its passage, rather than leaving interpretation up to sponsors and co-sponsors of bills.

Finally, HJR 88 allows Missouri solid ground to bring suit to enforce the provisions of the resolution.

House Urges Congress to Put a Stop to “Cap and Trade” Legislation

Cap-and-trade is a massive hidden energy tax being pushed by the President and Congress which will crush Missouri families, farmers, and businesses. In fact, the Wall Street Journal called it the “biggest tax in American history.” As energy rates rise, everyone who flips on a light switch or drives a car will be affected. This will act as a regressive tax, impacting those who spend larger portions of their incomes on energy and other necessities.

If the bill passes, Cap Energy rates will rise exponentially. In fact, the Missouri Public Utility Alliance estimated electric bills could increase by 82% by 2030— they stress this is an optimistic estimate. Estimates vary, but one thing is clear: Cap and Trade will cost Missouri thousands of jobs and raise electricity rates on the average family hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars.

President Obama admitted the legislation would cause electricity rates to “skyrocket.”

"When I was asked earlier about the issue of coal, you know, under my plan of a cap and trade system, electricity rates would necessarily skyrocket," Then Sen. Barack Obama, in an interview with San Francisco Chronicle Editorial Board, 1/17/08.

By supporting the cap-and-trade energy tax, Democrats have directly attacked Missouri’s two largest industries—agriculture and tourism—along with every business in the state. One version of the bill (H.R. 2454 in 2009) would have established a national building code for commercial and residential buildings, requiring a 30 percent reduction in energy use immediately after passage and an additional 50 percent reduction in energy use by 2014—meaning that bureaucrats in Washington will tell you how to build your house.

Republicans in the Missouri House of Representatives recently took a stand against Cap and Trade, sending a clear message to President Obama and Congress.

House Concurrent Resolution 46, sponsored by Representative Doug Funderburk, passed out of the House and was sent to the Senate in late March. HCR 46 opposes the Cap and Trade bill – urging Congress to stop their progress on the legislation and urges the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to put an end to the pressure they put on Congress and the President.

We are also asking the EPA rescind the recent decision made regarding the formal endangerment finding on greenhouse gases, seeing as the evidence was deemed to be flawed by the scientific community.

It is imperative we allow proven scientific measures and technological advances to help guide us in our environmental decisions. Direction to the federal government from the EPA should not be the sole source – especially when they try to control legislative objectives coming out of Congress which have harmful effects on our state and our citizens.

Just like the auto bailouts, the so-called stimulus bill, and the proposed government takeover of health care, the government is using ‘global warming’ as an excuse to assert more control over private business, industry, and on families – and in the Missouri House of Representatives, we won’t stand for it.

Joe Smith: House Urges Congress to Put a Stop to “Cap and Trade” Legislation

Cap-and-trade is a massive hidden energy tax being pushed by the President and Congress that will crush Missouri families, farmers, and businesses. In fact, the Wall Street Journal called it the “biggest tax in American history.” As energy rates rise, everyone who flips on a light switch or drives a car will be affected. This will act as a regressive tax, impacting those who spend larger portions of their incomes on energy and other necessities. If the bill passes, Cap Energy rates will rise exponentially. In fact, the Missouri Public Utility Alliance estimated that electric bills could increase by 82% by 2030— they stress that this is an optimistic estimate. Estimates vary, but one thing is clear: Cap and Trade will cost Missouri thousands of jobs and raise electricity rates on the average family hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars.

President Obama admitted that the legislation would cause electricity rates to “skyrocket.” ("When I was asked earlier about the issue of coal, you know, under my plan of a cap and trade system, electricity rates would necessarily skyrocket." Then Sen. Barack Obama, in an interview with San Francisco Chronicle Editorial Board, 1/17/08)

By supporting the cap-and-trade energy tax, Democrats have directly attacked Missouri’s two largest industries—agriculture and tourism—along with every business in the state. One version of the bill (H.R. 2454 in 2009) would have established a national building code for commercial and residential buildings, requiring a 30 percent reduction in energy use immediately after passage and an additional 50 percent reduction in energy use by 2014—meaning that bureaucrats in Washington will tell you how to build your house.

Republicans in the Missouri House of Representatives recently took a stand against Cap and Trade, sending a clear message to President Obama and Congress. House Concurrent Resolution 46, sponsored by Representative Doug Funderburk, passed out of the House and was sent to the Senate in late March. HCR 46 opposes the Cap and Trade bill – urging Congress to stop their progress on the legislation and urges the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to put an end to the pressure they put on Congress and the President. We are also asking that the EPA rescind the recent decision made regarding the formal endangerment finding on greenhouse gases, seeing as the evidence was deemed to be flawed by the scientific community. It is imperative that we allow proven scientific measures and technological advances to help guide us in our environmental decisions. Direction to the federal government from the EPA should not be the sole source – especially when they try to control legislative objectives coming out of Congress that have harmful effects on our state and our citizens.

Just like the auto bailouts, the so-called stimulus bill, and the proposed government takeover of health care, the government is using ‘global warming’ as an excuse to assert more control over private business, industry, and on families – and in the Missouri House of Representatives, we won’t stand for it.

Stouffer: Pray for Missouri

For audio and images from the prayer rally and Anne Graham Lotz, click here.

More and more each day, folks are getting involved in government and we are starting to see the results of this at the Missouri Capitol.

Hundreds of folks came to Jefferson City at the end of March to ask everyone to pray for our state, our leaders and our budget. People like you and me stood outside legislators’ doors and prayed for them. We have tough decisions ahead of us and consulting our Creator is the perfect place to start.

Missouri’s budget is in a tight spot. When there was a panic over budget shortfalls nearly 10 years ago, we were about $250 million short. Now, the figure is closer to $1 billion, and growing. The folks in the Missouri House cut as much as they could from the governor’s proposed $23 billion budget for fiscal year 2011. Now, it is in the hands of the Missouri Senate.

The Missouri Family Network sponsored the effort to get folks to pray for lawmakers. They have been around for 26 years and have never put together such an enormous event at the state Capitol. They realize, just like the rest of us, government can only go so long before it has to re-examine how it spends taxpayer dollars. Leaders from every denomination came together to quietly rally lawmakers in our offices to drive home the importance of passing a balanced budget which will continue to provide only the necessary services for our state and its citizens.

The timing of the 40 days of fasting and the day the General Assembly has to have the budget finished coincides with the National Day of Prayer. As I said earlier, the budget has to be finished and on the governor’s desk by 6 p.m. on Friday, May 7. The National Day of Prayer falls one day before this deadline. The theme for this year’s National Day of Prayer follows suit with not only the challenges we are seeing in Missouri, but all throughout the country.

The Missouri Family Network is asking folks to be creative with getting friends and neighbors together. Churches throughout rural Missouri are hearing about the efforts and are ready to accommodate everybody who wants to take part or pray for their leaders. This comes at a time when we hear so many news stories about church membership declining and fewer people believing in God. However, this is far from the case, especially in rural Missouri, where folks’ deep-rooted beliefs go hand-in-hand with their day-to-day values.

I was able to take the time to pray with citizens who stopped by my office this week during session. They believe strongly in the power of prayer, and so do I. As I have said before, we have a tremendous opportunity in Missouri to make government work better and spend less money. Getting to this stage will take some time and will not be easy. With your help and with all the prayers that are being offered, I have no doubt we will make it through this challenge and leave a better future for the next generation of Missourians.

Joe Smith: House Takes Measure to Protect 10th Amendment Rights of Missouri Citizens

This week, the House of Representative passed House Joint Resolution 88, sponsored by Representative Brian Nieves.

This proposed constitutional amendment, which requires voter approval, reinforces Missouri citizen’s constitutional sovereignty under the Tenth Amendment to the United States Constitution. We firmly believe that the federal government should be limited only to powers granted in the Constitution – without exemption. Although at this point HJR88 is non-binding, it serves as a warning to the federal government that we do not approve of any unconstitutional mandates and federal laws forced on Missouri.

The main provisions in HJR 88 are as follows:

• If any action by the three branches of government, executive, legislative or judicial exceeds the limited powers outlined in the United States Constitution, that action will be prohibited and not recognized by Missouri. This includes federal law, executive orders, judicial or administrative rulings, collection or dispersal of revenue and so forth.
• It prohibits the executive, judicial, and legislative branches of Missouri's government from recognizing, enforcing, or acting on federal restrictions on the right of private citizens to bear arms; federal laws legalizing or funding abortions or the destruction of human embryos; certain specified federal actions involving health care including a federal public option (which is outlined in our Health Care Freedom Act); federal actions requiring the sale or trade of carbon credits or the taxing on the release of carbon emissions (Cap and Trade); federal actions mandating the recognition of same sex marriages; federal actions increasing the penalty for a crime based on a perpetrator's thoughts or designating hate crimes; federal actions regarding the Establishment Clause based on a "wall of separation" between church and state; and federal actions restricting the right of parents or guardians to home school or enroll their children in a private or parochial school or placing restrictions on the school's curriculum.
• The resolution also requires Missouri courts to interpret the United States Constitution based on its language and the intent of its signers at the time of its passage, rather than leaving interpretation up to sponsors and co-sponsors of bills.
• Finally, HJR 88 allows Missouri solid ground to bring suit to enforce the provisions of the resolution.

Tim Jones: Creating a Balanced Budget, States' Rights Measure Passes

Tumultuous spring weather marched briskly across the Midwest this week bringing, in turns, balmy, windy summer like weather, followed by rolling storm clouds and hard rains, followed by crisp, cooler sunny skies by week's end.  Inside the Capitol, moods matched the weather as we calmly and steadily moved through some bills and had passionate, more earnest debate on other legislative matters.  As we continued to work on bills in the House this week relating to strengthening your 2^nd Amendment rights and continuing to urge the Federal Government to restrain itself as intended by our Founding Fathers, many eyes were on the Senate as they worked long hours into the night dissecting and making necessary cuts to our State's budget to reach the constitutionally mandated balanced budget bills…

"The greatness of America lies not in being more enlightened than any other nation, but rather in her ability to repair her faults." –Alexis de Tocqueville

Creating a Balanced Budget

Missourians are well-aware of the effects of the economic downturn and how it has required them to tighten their household budgets. The recession has affected our state in the same way, as lawmakers are currently working to create a budget for the upcoming fiscal year that falls within our means and maintains our commitment to fiscal responsibility.

What makes this dramatic economic slump different from previous ones is that the problems we face will not be fixed with temporary solutions. We must consider dramatic changes to the way our state government operates, to make it more efficient and effective while reducing spending. Our state's conservative values and wise financial decisions in recent years have allowed us to weather the storm better than many other states, but difficult budget choices are forthcoming as the Senate begins work this week on its version of the fiscal year 2011 budget.

One of the most important duties of the Legislature each session is to allocate money for state programs, projects and services for the coming fiscal year. In fact, creating a budget is the only constitutionally required task lawmakers must complete every year by a certain deadline. This year, we must submit a balanced budget for FY 2011 to the Governor by May 7^th, which means that in addition to facing historic revenue declines, we are also in a race against time to put together a balanced budget before that deadline.

The budget process is long and complicated, and it requires a great deal of compromise amongst nearly 200 legislators. First, the Governor submits his budget recommendations to the Legislature early in the year (which he did in January). Lawmakers take into consideration the Governor's recommendations, as well as the testimony heard in the House Budget Committee and Senate Appropriations Committee from various state departments and agencies, as well as the public, in the first weeks of session. The budget is divided into several bills according to state department, which originate in the House. Appropriations bills must first be passed by the House Budget Committee, then by the House as a whole, before they head to the Senate.

Once the bills reach the Senate, they are sent to the Senate Appropriations Committee, which then combs through the House's budget allocations, and develops its own version of the bills (this is where we are currently in the process). The bills must be passed out of committee before moving to the full Senate for debate. After they are passed by the Senate, the appropriations bills go back to the House for approval; however, since changes are typically made to the House's budget in the Senate, both chambers must work out their differences. This usually happens in a conference committee, which consists of members from both the House and Senate. Compromises are made, and then the bills return to each chamber for one final vote of approval. Finally, the budget is sent to the Governor. As you can see, it is a time-consuming, complex process, but it is designed to ensure that the budget is created with thoughtfulness and deliberation.

This year, we must make cuts on a much larger scale than previously thought. However, let me assure you: we are all committed to creating a budget that will make state programs and services operate with more efficiency, but will not further threaten Missouri's future financial standing. We will fulfill our constitutional obligation to create a balanced budget, but we must understand that serious cuts are unavoidable.

I am encouraged that so many of my colleagues are committed to being fiscally responsible and NOT raising taxes on hard-working Missouri families. Our budget situation is not to be taken lightly, but with restraint and innovation, it is not impossible to turn around. The economy may be cyclical, but our actions during the tough times are what will shape our state for years to come.

The Tenth Amendment & State's Rights

Over the years, the federal government has continued to grow out-of-control through wide-ranging federal programs, overreaching regulation, and costly unfunded mandates that infringe on the sovereignty of our states.  As a result, many states have stood up for their rights by proposing numerous measures aimed at reasserting the state sovereignty that is provided by the Tenth Amendment of the Constitution.  This week, the Missouri House passed House Joint Resolution 88, which is a proposed amendment to the Missouri Constitution that reasserts the sovereignty of the State of Missouri and its citizens under the Tenth Amendment.

The powers of the federal government are clearly established in the Constitution.  They include establishing currency, post offices and roads, creating federal courts, entering into treaties, declaring war, and providing for our national defense.  Under the Tenth Amendment, those powers not delegated to the federal government are reserved for the states.  But unfortunately, through unfunded entitlements like the new federal health control law, the federal government has continued to expand beyond its constitutional authority and infringe on the rights of the states.  Entitlements like this are not only beyond the authority of the federal government and infringe on the rights of the states, but the billions of dollars in unfunded mandates within them are financially devastating for state governments.

We believe it is time for the federal government to respect the authority of the states provided by the Tenth Amendment by returning to its constitutional responsibilities.  With the passage of House Joint Resolution 88, we sent Congress a message that Missourians have had enough of Congress' continued neglect of the protections of the Tenth Amendment of the Constitution.

HEALTH CARE FREEDOM ACT UPDATE

As many of you know, I am the chief sponsor of HJR 57, the "Health Care Freedom Act". As I have discussed, if it is passed and approved by the voters, it will secure the current rights and freedoms that Missouri citizens have to choose to participate in whatever health care system or health care that they want.  As we have seen, the disastrous aftermath of the passage of ObamaCare continues to dominate our headlines and continues to show us how truly flawed this new federal entitlement is.  HJR 57 was "third read and passed" out of the House several weeks ago by a vote of 109-46.  The bill is now pending in the State Senate and the Senate is also debating their version of the Health Care Freedom Act (SJR 25).  You may view the legislation at this link:  http://house.mo.gov/content.aspx?info=/bills101/bills/HJR57.htm Thank you all very much for your continued support of this very important proposed constitutional amendment, and I will continue to keep you posted on its progress!

SIX FLAGS ST. LOUIS IN EUREKA IS HIRING!!

I am very excited to report that Six Flags St. Louis, which is located in the heart of the 89^th District, is hiring more than 3,000 employees to fill positions for the 2010 season. Six Flags is NOW OPEN on the weekends!  Six Flags will be hosting job fairs to fill these positions on April 10^th and 17^th.  For more information, please visit:  http://www.sixflags.com/stLouis/index.aspx

The St. Louis Cord Blood Bank

The St. Louis Cord Blood Bank provides an opportunity for new mothers to save someone's life by donating the blood left over in the umbilical cord and placenta after her baby is born.  Cord blood is a rich source of adult stem cells (which are non controversial).  If not donated, this valuable resource is merely discarded as waste.  Thousands of people are alive today thanks to caring moms who have donated their baby's cord blood.  More information is available at: www.slcbb.org

Tim's Legislative Platform for 2010

I have sponsored and filed sixteen individual pieces of legislation this Session.  I have co-sponsored numerous other bills.  To review all of the bills that I have sponsored or co-sponsored, please follow this link:  http://www.house.mo.gov/content.aspx?info=/bills101/spon/spn089.htm

Personal News & Notes

Whether you celebrated Passover or Easter this past week, I do hope that you and your family had a blessed and happy celebration relating to these two important and sacred holy times.  We are now entering the final six weeks of Session and the pace and length of time we will experience on the House Floor will greatly intensify.  This weekend, the West St. Louis County Lions (of which I am a member!) will begin their annual Spring BBQ's, yet another sign that spring is fully upon us and summer is right around the corner.  Enjoy the weather, get ready to start that lawn work again and enjoy spending time with your friends and families this weekend!

Visitors at the Capitol

I had many visitors at the Capitol this week including my good friends Adam and Chad Wallis and their mom, Lynn, Robert Forsyth, Dan Kappel (from the regional YMCA), Mike Gavosto (from the Wildwood YMCA),  and Tom Walsh (from the St. Louis Police Officers' Association).  If you are ever in or around Jeff City, please stop by!

Feel Free to Contact Us!

If my extremely dedicated (and very busy!) Legislator Assistant, Jody Williams, or I can be of any assistance throughout the year, please do not hesitate to contact us at 573.751.0562 or by email at jody{dot}williams{at}house{dot}mo{dot}gov or at tim{dot}jones{at}house{dot}mo{dot}gov.  We have had many visitors to the Capitol so far this year; if your travels find you anywhere in or around Jefferson City, please do not hesitate to stop by and visit us in Room 114!  Until our next report, I remain, in your service.