Tim Jones: Pro-Business Bills Clearing House

Crisp sunshine burst and shone across the Heartland this week, working hard to push Winter’s mantle off the winter weary hills and hollows of the Show Me State. Inside the People’s House, Floor Activity increased in quantity and substance as bills shouldering deep philosophical and public policy concerns made their way to the Floor for debate as the Missouri Senate likewise worked late into the night on Wednesday evening…

“It is incumbent on every generation to pay its own debts as it goes. A principle which if acted on would save one-half the wars of the world.”—Thomas Jefferson

FLOOR ACTION: Monday, February 28^th

HCR 3, sponsored by Rep. Dwight Scharnhorst (R-93), was read the third time and passed with overwhelming support; 127 to 30. Our nation has a serious problem with a federal government that refuses to operate within its means. The message of fiscal responsibility was sent last November. The people want the federal government to cease out of control spending because we cannot continue on this disastrous course. HCR 3 is one of many measures designed to restore fiscal responsibility.

HCS HB 76, sponsored by Rep. Jerry Nolte (R-33), was perfected and printed. This bill addresses the reduction of the corporate franchise tax over the next five years until the complete elimination of the tax on January 1, 2016. We need to take steps to make the business environment in Missouri more attractive. By making Missouri more attractive for business, companies will choose Missouri as their home and in turn increase the jobs available to all Missourians.

FLOOR ACTION: Tuesday, March 1^st

HCS HBs 276, 233 and 274, was ordered perfected and printed. Sponsored by Ward Franz (R-151), this bill would recognize the rights of families to privately mourn the loss of a family member and picketing or protesting funerals is a violation of these rights. Allowing families to privately grieve the loss of a family member is the right thing to do. I fully supported this bill and I dedicate my support on this bill to Eureka’s own Corporal Riley Baker who perished while serving in action several years ago in the US Marine Corp, sacrificing his life so that the rest of us may continue to live in peace and freedom.

HCS HB 61 was ordered perfected and printed. HCS HB 61, sponsored by Rep. Jerry Nolte (R-33), couples the minimum wage in Missouri with the federal minimum wage and places a minimum wage on workers receiving gratuities at $3.63 per hour which is actually higher than the current federal wage on the same topic. This legislative fix is needed because there are major problems with the current law. Missouri employers are required to pay the higher of the two minimum wages (Missouri vs. Federal); by using the CPI (which can spike) to adjust Missouri’s minimum wage, the Missouri wage could be higher than the federal amount; a Missouri hike based on CPI would make our rate higher than the surrounding states; and the CPI-W reflects the national cost of living average, not necessarily the same as Missouri’s. This places our state at a competitive disadvantage, reduces the number of jobs in Missouri, requires expenditures for the monitoring of the federal rate, could create a double adjustment with a Missouri increase and a federal increase, and creates uncertainty in labor costs for employers. For those arguing for a living wage, the notion that being employed, at the lowest, entry level position, should provide a person enough income to support their family is to completely deny the avenue for hard working individuals to rise up the ladder of success and realize their piece of the American Dream. By attempting to manipulate the free-market and artificially increase wages- “for the good of the poor” – you actually shut those in need out of the market by making the lowest paid positions attractive to more experienced and educated workers.

FLOOR ACTION: Wednesday, March 2, 2011

HCS HB 214, sponsored by Rep. Anne Zerr (R-18), was ordered perfected and printed. This bill enforces and strengthens the laws relating to the horrendous crime of human trafficking.

HB 136, sponsored by Rep. David Day (R-148), was ordered perfected and printed. This bill allows the spouses of certain active military members to be eligible for unemployment benefits and to receive a temporary courtesy license to practice his or her occupation or profession in this state.

HCS HB 116 & 316 as amended, sponsored by Rep. Tom Flanigan (R-127), was ordered perfected and printed. This legislation is related to the collection of monies by the state and the authorization of amnesty for certain penalties assessed on unpaid tax delinquencies. This encourages delinquent taxpayers to become current and meet their legal obligations while providing for much needed revenue for the State.

FLOOR ACTION: Thursday, March 3, 2011

Today, the House Third Read and gave Final Passage to all of the afore-mentioned perfected bills: HCS HBs 276, 233, and 274, HCS HB 76, HCS HB 61, HCS HB 214, HCS HB 116 and 316, and HB 136.

Public Service Announcement!

The Eureka Chamber of Commerce will hold its annual Swap Meet/Garage Sale in the Six Flags Parking Lot on March 26, 2011. This is a huge event and a great advertising opportunity for your business in the event map. There are only a limited number of spots available, so, if you are interested, please contact Joy Sauter, the Membership and Marketing Director for the Eureka Chamber of Commerce, at joysauter@eurekachamber.us.

Important Tax Information

Taxpayers making $58,000 or less can visit http://www.irs.gov/efile/ to prepare and E-File federal tax returns, for FREE, through a landmark partnership between the IRS and tax software providers.

Michelle Moore Needs Your Help!

Michelle Moore is a great friend and colleague back in the St. Louis region. This week we found out that she is projected to be on the kidney donor wait list for 3 years. Do you know someone who can help? Please visit http://www.atraditionallifelived.com and/or http://twitter.com/Michelle_Moore for more information. IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN BEING TESTED FOR DONATING YOUR KIDNEY TO MICHELLE, PLEASE CALL 314-362-5365 OR 800-633-9906 - OPTION 2 - BEFORE APRIL 25TH.

“If liberty and equality, as is thought by some, are chiefly to be found in democracy, they will be most attained when all persons alike share in government to the utmost.” —Aristotle

Visiting the Capitol

I always enjoy it when constituents come visit me at the Capitol and want to thank all who make the journey. A special thanks to; Eileen Tyrrell, her daughter Haley (from Eureka), and friend Maddie Seiler (from Wildwood), here with the Federated Republican Women’s Club of St. Louis; Greg Brown (Eureka Fire Chief), Mike Wiegand (Eureka Chief of Police), and Dr. Patrick Feder, all from Eureka; Ken Schmidt of the National Association of Health Underwriters from Eureka; Deborah Willis with the Alzheimer’s Association from Wildwood; Coach Ron Colletti, his daughter Catherine, and the rest of the F.I.R.S.T. LEGO League team #6056 here for the METS week robotics demonstration from Wildwood; Jennifer Fisher, from Eureka, an MU student presenting at the University of Missouri Undergraduate Research Day; and Sabrina Dawn Reed, from Wildwood, recognized as a Joanne Breckenridge Scholar by the Missouri Federation of Republican Women. 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!

Personal News & Notes

On Monday, I made a very special trip to my grade school alma mater, Most Sacred Heart Catholic School and met with the 7^th graders in Connie Bachmann’s class. I was very impressed with the young men and ladies of the 7th grade and their insightful questions. And finally, if we can ever be of any assistance to you at your State Capitol, do not hesitate to contact us at: 573.751.0562 or you can reach my primary assistant, Jody, at: jody{dot}williams{at}house{dot}mo{dot}gov.

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

Kraus: Use Of Federal Funds

This week, the issue of spending federal funds attracted a lot of attention in Jefferson City.

In recent years, the federal government’s stimulus funding has tempted state and local governments to use “found” money to fund such things as teacher salaries and other ongoing expenditures. The problem is that when the one-time funding runs dry, the expense continues and must be funded in other ways. The source of that continued funding is non-existent.

I have been consistent in my votes against such use of one-time funds, and have been vocal in the past about that opposition. My belief is that Missouri citizens would be better served if government dealt with the shortfall in funding immediately instead of putting off the decision by using one-time funds.

Therefore, I am opposed to HB 15, which is a supplemental funding bill for secondary and elementary education. The bill uses $189 million in federal stimulus funds to supposedly hold education funding flat. In reality, the bill is a smoke and mirrors attempt to use federal funds to hide a more serious problem with the state’s ability to fund local school districts. I voted against this bill in committee and will vote against it on the Senate floor. Missouri must fix the underlying gap now, instead of increasing the problem by hiding behind the use of stimulus funds. I realize that many will disagree with my position on this.

Let me be clear — I adamantly support full funding of our public schools. I have been consistently supportive of our public schools. I just do not believe that HB 15 is the best option for Missouri. Instead, I am fighting for a tax credit reform program to free up general revenue funds for education.

Almost every one of my constituents has had to cut back on spending in one way or another. State and federal governments must do so as well. The second objective of the District 8 Mission Statement calls for me to be conservative with the taxpayer’s money. I will continue to lead in that effort.

First Senate Bill Passed

This week I was privileged to pass my first bill on the Senate floor. SB 180 designates several state bicycle and pedestrian days. I am glad to support healthy activities for both children and adults. It was nice to get that first bill passed. It was an opportunity to learn the process and take the congenial ribbing from my colleagues that goes with passing your first Senate bill.

Welcome Visitors

Again this week, constituents from District 8 visited this office, which I am always happy to see. Jerri Whiting, Donald Hicks, Aaron Cook, Nate Alexander, Ina Lewis, Mariah Sterling, Madison Clark and Dr. Robert Riley stopped by. I was glad to be able to attend a breakfast sponsored by the United Methodist Women and talk with several constituents there.

Students of Franklin Smith Elementary of Blue Springs travelled to the Capitol, and I was happy to talk with them about state government. Dr. James Finley and representatives from the Blue Springs School District also stopped by the office to discuss issues related to schools. It was a productive discussion.

New Committees

My Senate duties continue to increase as I have been appointed to the following committees or commissions:

Joint Review Committee on Downtown & Rural Economic Stimulus Act,
Joint Committee on Government Accountability,
Joint Committee on Tax Increment Financing,
Joint Committee on Terrorism, Bioterrorism and Homeland Security,
Missouri Emergency Response Commission,
Missouri Military Preparedness and Enhancement Commission, and
Missouri Personal Independence Commission.

I look forward to serving in these additional capacities.

Upcoming Elections

The following elections are scheduled in Eastern Jackson County. I encourage you to remember the dates for your area and get out and vote!

Date	Election
Mar. 22	Kansas City Mayor/City Council General Election
Apr. 5	Municipal Elections for the following: Kansas City (Earnings Tax Question) Blue Springs Grain Valley Greenwood Lake Lotawana Lake Tapawingo Levasy Lone Jack Oak Grove Raytown Sibley
Apr. 5	School Board Elections for the following: Lee’s Summit R-VII School District Blue Springs R-IV School District Grain Valley R-V School District Oak Grove R-VI School District Lone Jack C-6 School District Raytown C-2 School District

Nance: Northland Legislative Awards, Visitors Tout Schools

At left: Representative Bob Nance and Representative Jerry Nolte

"Burn down your cities and leave our farms, and your cities will spring up again as if by magic; but destroy our farms and the grass will grow in the streets of every city in the country." –William Jennings Bryan

Northland Coalition Presents Annual Legislative Awards

At their Annual Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast and Prevention Conference the Northland Coalition (NC) recognized several legislators for their continuing support of the coalition’s prevention programs. NC has received statewide and national accolades for their success. The coalition, which serves Clay, Platte and Ray counties, with the support of Tri-County Mental Health Services, is celebrating its 10th anniversary.

The Commitment to Prevention Legislative Awards were presented to the legislators at the Feb. 25 conference held at the Pleasant Valley Baptist Church in Liberty, Mo. (Left to right above) Representative Bob Nance, Dist. 036 and Jerry Nolte, State Representative for Dist. 033.

HCS HB 61 passed out of House. It allows the Missouri minimum wage to mirror the federal minimum wage.

HB 276 passed with a huge majority. It changes the laws regarding unlawful picketing or protesting of a funeral. It relates to the Kansas church that pickets funerals of soldiers.

The House third read and passed HB 107 by a vote of 105- 50. The bill would require special elections to fill certain vacancies in the positions of United States Senator, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, State Auditor, and State Treasurer.

The House Health Care Policy Committee voted do pass HB 196, which would extend the expiration date on the provisions regarding the Missouri Rx Plan from August 28, 2011, to August 28, 2016.

The House Tax Reform Committee voted do pass HJR 8, which would Proposes a constitutional amendment replacing the individual and corporate income tax, corporation and bank franchise taxes, and sales and use tax with a fair sales tax on certain property and services.

Visitors

Mike Arnold, Jim Proffitt, and Darrell Aldrich came to the Capitol in support of Farm Bureau issues for the coming year.

Joy Farnan, Dana Cravens, Felicia Powell, and Janet Rowe represented the MSTA and the Richmond R-XVI School District at the Capitol on Tuesday.

Stet School Board members visited my office on Wednesday as they try to solve issues with small school funding. Those attending were Superintendent John Wiggans; Board of Education President, Larry Hall and Board Member, Glen Waters.

Sater: Reminder: Barry County Route E Bridge Public Meeting and Online Meeting

MoDOT, Southwest District - Just a reminder, the Barry County Route E bridge meeting is tonight from 4-6 p.m. at the Eagle Rock-Golden-Mano Fire Station 1 in Eagle Rock. Residents who can't attend can go to http://www.modot.org/southwest/PublicMeetings.htm and leave comments on the online meeting page.

The bridge was scheduled to be replaced later this month, but the project will now start in early July.

Kelley: Franchise Tax Axed, Funeral Protest Bill Advances

This week we voted to phase out the corporate franchise tax in Missouri over a five-year period [HB76]. I did not know what the franchise tax was until I was elected. I would venture most people in the state do not know either. One of my predecessors, former representative Bubs Hohulin confessed he did not know what it was until he asked one day as a member of the House Ways and Means Committee. He said the chairwoman asked if anyone else didn’t know and about half the members of the committee raised their hands.

In Missouri, citizens and businesses pay real estate and property taxes. These are paid at the end of each year and the money goes to pay for things such as schools, libraries, hospitals, county road maintenance, and other local entities and services. In addition to paying property and real estate taxes, many businesses in the state pay the franchise tax. This is another tax levied on tangible property such as buildings and equipment.

Right now we are doing everything we can to entice businesses to come to our state. This is made more difficult when we impose taxes on businesses that other states do not. Kansas recently voted to phase out their franchise tax and have used that as a tool to lure businesses to their side of the state in the Kansas City area.

In addition to luring businesses from other states, we also try to encourage existing Missouri companies to expand. This can be a hard sell if we tell them their expansion will result in an immediate tax increase. Rather than paying more in taxes, the money would be better used to construct new facilities, buy new equipment, and hire new employees.

We also passed a bill [HB276] limiting where and when protestors may picket at funerals in Missouri. It is not a secret this legislation is aimed at the group from Kansas who came to Lamar to protest the funeral of Dylan Reid. The legislature has previously addressed this issue, but the laws were struck down as unconstitutional. I suspect if this measure becomes law, it will also be challenged. Hopefully it is enough different to pass a constitutional case. I understand the importance of free speech in our society. I also understand and agree with the necessity of the right for a family to grieve in peace without interference from severely misguided individuals.

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

Sater: Anglers welcome opening day of trout season at three Missouri state parks

JEFFERSON CITY, MO, MARCH 2, 2011 – Clear blue skies and streams stocked with rainbow trout greeted anglers at three state parks for Tuesday’s opening day of trout fishing. More than 5,400 fishermen took advantage of the opportunity to catch their first trout of the season at Roaring River State Park near Cassville, Bennett Spring State Park near Lebanon and Montauk State Park near Salem.

By the end of the day, the official count of fishermen at the three parks was 5,431 with 1,901 at Roaring River State Park, 1,813 at Montauk State Park and 1,717 at Bennett Spring State Park. A total of 624 youths spent the day experiencing a traditional outdoor pleasure with 364 at Roaring River State Park where schools are closed for opening day of trout season.

Governor Jay Nixon was one of the anglers who enjoyed the day at Bennett Spring State Park. An avid fisherman who often fished at Montauk State Park during his childhood, the Governor decided to try his luck this year with the other anglers at Bennett Spring. He was accompanied by First Lady Georganne Nixon. Sara Parker Pauley, director of the Department of Natural Resources also joined the Governor and First Lady for the first day of trout season at Bennett Spring.

The opening of trout season is a great day for fishermen and it is also a good day for the state parks and the surrounding communities. It’s been estimated that trout anglers spend an average of $82.54 each for opening day. “Today has been a very successful opening and is a tremendous shot in the arm for local economies, especially in the surrounding communities of Salem, Cassville and Lebanon,” said Bill Bryan, director of the department’s Division of State Parks. The opening of trout season also means the traditional start of the busy season for Montauk, Roaring River and Bennett Spring state parks so it is welcomed every year in the state park system, according to Bryan.

For information and photos from opening day and to watch a live video from Bennett Spring State Park, visit the Missouri state park website at mostateparks.com.

Mayer: Senate Votes to Bring Missouri Law in Line with Federal Civil Rights Act

Measure Marries State Employment Law with Federal Standards

JEFFERSON CITY – The Missouri Senate gave first round approval today to a measure that would bring Missouri employment law provisions in line with the federal Civil Rights Act of 1964. Senate Bill 188, sponsored by Sen. Brad Lager, R-Savannah, would have state laws changed to mirror federal employment laws when it comes to discrimination. The bill must receive a second vote of approval before advancing to the House for similar consideration.

“We want Missouri employees to be protected from employers who break the law,” Lager said. “We can best do this by raising our standards to meet the provisions set out in the historic Civil Rights Act. Senate Bill 188 simply mirrors Missouri employment law with federal employment law so employers and employees have certainty across the board when it comes to their day in court.”

The bill changes Missouri law to state that discrimination must be “a motivating factor” rather than “a contributing factor” in wrongful termination lawsuits, which is identical to language in the federal Civil Rights Act. It would also allow for summary judgments, guarantee jury trials, limit awards as outlined in federal law, and exclude managers and supervisors from being held individually liable.

Lager noted Missouri’s employment law originally resembled federal law, but differences have surfaced through case law.

“Unfortunately, Missouri courts have drastically changed Missouri employment law over the years,” said Lager. “It is important that the people of Missouri, through their elected representatives, ultimately shape our laws.”

Senate Leader Robert N. Mayer, R-Dexter, said bringing certainty to employment law is an important step in legislative efforts aimed at putting Missourians back to work.

“Currently there is no harmony in how employment law is treated between federal standards, state law and how our three appellate courts in Missouri have ruled on the law,” said Mayer. “By harmonizing our state employment law with federal employment law, Missouri companies can invest more in hiring new employees rather than expansive legal fees to navigate a current system riddled with uncertainty.”

The bill also addresses Missouri’s Whistleblower Protections by clarifying that the protections only apply to those employees who call attention to wrongdoing that is illegal, rather than allegations of wrongdoing where no law was broken.

To learn more about the bill, visit www.senate.mo.gov.

Dugger: Survey

I have set March 15^th as the Deadline for the survey as I feel we will be voting on many of the issues such as: Teacher Tenure, Open Enrollment, Right to work, and Fair Tax that the Survey deals with soon after that date. Please click on the link below and take a few minutes to complete the Survey.

http://www.house.mo.gov/district/144

Schupp: Don't miss this great science and technology opportunity in our district!

Holsman: Committee hears bill to help Prop C implementation

Disputes over wording have held up2008 renewable energy law

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - The House Special Committee on Renewable Energy on Tuesday held a hearing on legislation sponsored by State Rep. Jason Holsman that would fix flaws in a voter-approved law to expand and promote renewable energy in Missouri.

Proposition C, which 66 percent of Missouri voters approved in November 2008, requires that minimum percentages of electricity sold in Missouri by investor-owned utilities be derived from renewable sources such as solar, wind, biomass and hydropower. Differences over how certain provisions of the law should be interpreted, however, have kept the measure from being implemented.A series of electricity-generating windmills.

House Bill 613 sponsored by Holsman, D-Kansas City, would clarify that utility companies would only get credit for renewable energy generated and delivered to Missouri customers. Some companies have claimed the existing law allows energy created and sold in other states to count toward its Missouri obligations under Proposition C.

"If this fix doesn't pass, utility companies could have Missouri consumers pick up the tab for renewable energy generated and delivered to California customers," said Holsman, who chairs the House Renewable Energy Committee. "The intent of Missouri voters was to promote renewable energy in Missouri, not other states, and it is my goal to ensure that intent is followed."

The bill also would establish a hard 1 percent annual cap on costs that utilities can pass on to consumers. The change is expected to save ratepayers $1.8 billion from what the Missouri Public Service Commission estimates the existing wording of Proposition C would allow companies to pass on to their Missouri customers.

The committee will vote on the legislation next week.

Sater: Route K in Aurora Closed Wednesday

MoDOT, Southwest District - BNSF Railroad is repairing the crossing on Route K in Aurora Wednesday. The crossing will be closed all day. Motorists should plan alternate routes this week.

Brandom: More Accountability for County Governments and Schools

This week in Jefferson City, we have been working hard to keep Missourians as the highest priority. We have successfully passed legislation to requiring more accountability to institutions utilizing taxpayers’ money, as well as continuing to work toward increasing jobs.

To help Missouri citizens understand their state’s expenditures, we have passed a bill [HB139] allowing the public more access to information on how their money is being spent by county governments and school districts. As a part of the House agenda called the “Show Me Solutions Initiative,” we are proud to say we have accomplished more government accountability than ever before.

Because counties and school districts are the two largest groups in Missouri receiving funding from taxes, we are now requiring these groups to disclose balance statements and debt on the Missouri Accountability Portal. In addition, the institutions will have to provide a school calendar, district budget, salaries and school policies. By establishing this initiative, we are hoping to find more ways to save money for the citizens of Missouri.

I encourage you to access this information online at www.mapyourtaxes.mo.gov to keep track of how your tax dollars are being spent.

As representatives of the people, we are aware of and are working toward increasing jobs for Missourians. In these tough economic conditions, we know the importance of rapid job creation and we are focused everyday as a united front to improve these
conditions in the state.

We passed a bill [HB209] this week to protect family owned farmers from “nuisance” lawsuits that might be made concerning the daily functions of the farm. In order to defend daily operations of farms from being threatened, we have placed a cap on damages being recovered if a lawsuit were to take place. Currently, there is no concrete definition of what may be defined as a “nuisance,” so this cap is a first step in putting a limit on these claims.

On a personal note, I would like to thank Kelly Ivy of Kelly Elementary for drawing a beautiful picture that is now hanging on my office wall. She was selected by the Arts Council of Southeast Missouri out of over 150 entries from 14 different schools to have her drawing displayed. The artwork was presented on her behalf by Amy Pool, the executive director of the Arts Council of Southeast Missouri.

As always, please contact me if you have questions on this or any other issue. My toll-free number is 866-834-9219 or you can email me at Ellen{dot}Brandom{at}house{dot}mo{dot}gov