Brandom: Defending Animal Agriculture in Missouri

In November 2010, Missouri passed Proposition B. We saw an enormous amount of money from the HSUS in Washington D.C. poured into Kansas City and St. Louis in order to influence its passage. True to form, the only areas that saw great support of this bill were in those metropolitan areas.

Without a doubt, Proposition B is the first attempt to end animal agriculture in the state of Missouri. There are over 100,000 agriculture farmers in Missouri – many of them raise livestock. In the words of the organizations that sponsored the
measure:

• “My goal is the abolition of all animal agriculture.” – John “J.P.” Goodwin, HSUS grassroots coordinator, statement made on AR-Views, an animal rights internet discussion group
• “If we could shut down all sport hunting in a moment, we would.” - Wayne Pacelle, president of HSUS, Associated Press
• “The life of an ant and that of my child should be granted equal consideration.” Michael W. Fox, HSUS senior scholar, Associated Press

This week the Missouri House amended Prop B to increase funding for inspections of dog breeders while still allowing legitimate dog breeders to continue their operations [SB113]. The current “puppy mills” in Missouri are already operating in violation of our laws.

Since the launch of Operation Bark Alert, more than 4,300 dogs have been rescued in across Missouri. In 2009, Missouri saw a decrease of 164 commercial breeders thanks to Operation Bark Alert. In 2010, the trend continued with more than 200 commercial breeders no longer in business in Missouri. This was without the measures in proposition B, designed to end animal farming.

We can stop illegal breeders from operating here without hurting legitimate businesses. The Humane Society of the United State thinks that we cannot legitimately raise animals for food; they think that animals are equal to humans. This is insane.

Most of Missouri’s dog breeders are small family operations that raise dogs because they love them, and they want to supplement their income. Proposition B will literally put them out of business – while those already operating illegally will continue to do so. Unchanged, Proposition B hurts all dog breeders. Our proposal increases funding to look for puppy mills and shut them down without hurting legitimate farmers.

If you suspect someone is operating an illegal puppy mill and want to help us shut them down, you can report unlicensed breeders to state officials at from operation bark alert at: http://mda.mo.gov/animals/ACFA/barkalert/reportbreeder.php

Tim Jones: Majority Minute: Senate Yet To Respond On Redistricting

Following a weekend of typical Missouri weather, winter one day and spring the next (!), we returned to the Capitol City to complete our final month of Session, the four week sprint to the finish…

Today in the House: Monday, April 18, 2011

Today the House was in technical session. We are currently awaiting response from the Senate concerning Congressional Redistricting. The Senate rejected the House proposal [HB193] and then has thus far not responded to a request to go to conference to work out a compromise. We await the Senate’s response on this important matter that affects every Missouri citizen.

Later this Week for Debate on the House Floor
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE

House Bills for Perfection

HCS HB 366, sponsored by Rep. Ryan Silvey (R-38), is scheduled to be perfected this week. This bill authorizes tax incentives for technology business facilities and for data storage centers and server farm facilities.

HB 466, sponsored by Rep. Shane Schoeller (R-139), is scheduled to be perfected this week. This bill allows an employer or labor organization to obtain political contributions through a payroll deduction if the employee or member consents to the contribution in writing.

HCS HB 473, sponsored by Rep. Tishaura Jones (D-63), is scheduled to be perfected this week. This bill establishes the Missouri Charter Public School Commission and regulates the operation of public charter schools in certain districts. The idea is to give options to students and help improve school district performance.

HB 491, sponsored by Rep. John Diehl (R-87), is scheduled to be perfected this week. This bill changes the requirements regarding when funds can be released from escrow accounts under the Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement.

HCS HB 562, sponsored by Rep. Jeff Grisamore (R-47), is scheduled to be perfected this week. This bill changes the laws regarding the Missouri Children's Services Commission and establishes the Missouri Task Force on Prematurity and Infant Mortality.

HCS HB 579, sponsored by Rep. Keith Frederick (R-149), is scheduled to be perfected this week. This bill changes the laws regarding fees for medical records, hospital licensure, MO HealthNet dental benefits, and the Missouri Rx Plan and authorizes permanent sickle cell disease standing committees.

HCS HBs 600, 337 & 413, sponsored by Rep. Rodney Schad (R-115), is scheduled to be perfected this week. These bills change the laws regarding public safety, prohibit all drivers, regardless of age, from text messaging while operating a moving vehicle unless the device being used is equipped with technology allowing for voice-recognition hands-free texting, and expand the crime of making a false declaration with the purpose to mislead a public servant in the performance of his or her duty, respectively.

HB 661, sponsored by Rep. Don Wells (R-147), is scheduled to be perfected this week. This bill changes the laws regarding debt adjusters.

HCS HB 664, sponsored by Rep. Mike Leara (R-95), is scheduled to be perfected this week. This bill changes the laws regarding the Firemen's Retirement System of St. Louis.

HB 708, sponsored by Rep. Paul Curtman (R-105), is scheduled to be perfected this week. This bill changes the laws regarding violations of the public policy of Missouri when decisions are based on foreign law or legal code.

HCS HB 828, sponsored by Rep. Barney Fisher (R-125), is scheduled to be perfected this week. This bill revises the definition of "construction" as it relates to prevailing wages on public works projects and abrogates the ruling in Utility Service Co., Inc. v. Department of Labor and Industrial Relations.

HB 1008, sponsored by Rep. Thomas Long (R-134), is scheduled to be perfected this week. This bill allows the Highways and Transportation Commission to enter into infrastructure improvement agreements to reimburse funds advanced for the benefit of a county, political subdivision, or private entity.

House Bills for Third Reading

HB 656, sponsored by Rep. Ellen Brandom (R-160), is scheduled for third reading this week. This bill changes the laws regarding unsecured loans of $500 or less, commonly known as payday loans.

House Joint Resolutions for Third Reading

HCS HJR 5, sponsored by Rep. Darrell Pollock (R-146), is scheduled for third reading this week. This resolution proposes a constitutional amendment guaranteeing citizens the right to hunt, fish, trap, and harvest wildlife using traditionally approved devices or methods.

Throughout Session, I will continue to send the Majority Minute to my constituents, colleagues and friends across the State. If you ever have any questions, feel free to contact my office at 573-751-0562.

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

Tim Jones.

Allen: Anti-Bullying Bills In Committee, Trade Hub Incentive, Glory of Missouri Awards

Anti-Bullying Bill Hearing

Last week, the House Committee on Elementary and Secondary Education heard three anti-bullying bills: my HB 273, HB 460 introduced by Rep. Lampe, and HB 829 introduced by Rep. Weter.

Those testifying in support of my bill were: the St. Louis Junior League, the Wilhelm Family whose daughter has been harshly affected by bullying, and Laura Logsdon whose son tragically took his life in 2000 because of bullying. The outpouring of support and the emotional testimonies were overwhelming.

Following the hearing, I combined the bills into a House Committee Substitute (HCS). HCS 273 & 829 contains all the provisions of my original bill, as well as additional language from HB 829 to help strengthen key areas. It has been a pleasure working with Rep. Weter and the committee to finalize this comprehensive reform. We are currently waiting for a committee vote to move the bill forward.

Strengthening Synthetic Marijuana Laws

HCS HB 641 sponsored by Rep. Ward Franz was passed out of the House last week. This bill would add any synthetic compound acting as cannabinoid receptors to the list of controlled substances.

The most important weapon in the “war on drugs” is education and the battle will be won, or lost, in our homes and communities. I encourage parents to educate their children about the dangers of drug use and be active in your communities with interventional and educational efforts to stop this cycle of drug abuse and dependency.

Redistricting Update

As a result of the 2010 census, Missouri has lost a congressional seat - taking us from 9 to 8. The House Redistricting Committee traveled to each existing congressional district and held hearings to listen to citizen concerns. Below is the link to the Congressional map passed by the House [HB193]. We are currently waiting for a Senate response.

http://monewshorizonblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Screen-shot-2011-03-31-at-7.10.58-AM.png

Trade Hub Incentive Passes House

The House advanced a proposal [HB840] to create a trade hub at Lambert Airport in St. Louis. Our proposal would provide tax incentives to freight haulers who use the airport in international trade. This proposal is essential to create an international marketplace in Missouri and a demand for our products internationally. The creation of this market will bring new jobs and new investment to our state.

If this bill becomes law, the benefits to will be felt throughout St. Louis County and the 92^nd District.

MOSIRA

The House also passed another economic incentives bill to bring new high-tech companies to Missouri. HB 468 creates the Missouri Science and Innovation Reinvestment Act, or MOSIRA.

By offering incentives to science and technology corporations to locate in Missouri many new jobs will be created around the state in these competitive fields and in other industries with goods or services that support science and technology corporations.

Glory of Missouri Awards

The 8^th Grade Class from St. Joseph Catholic School in Manchester visited
the Capitol on Monday. I was honored to present the Glory of Missouri Awards to students demonstrating the outstanding qualities of knowledge, liberty, equality, law, justice, fraternity, education, progress, honor, truth, virtue, enterprise, charity, and temperance.

As always, it is fun to talk with our young people – the future of Missouri.

Mayer: Audio On Congressional Redistricting

Jefferson City — Senate Leader Robert N. Mayer, R-Dexter, recently added new audio links to his multimedia page, which is located on his Missouri Senate website. This page features audio and video links (both streaming and broadcast quality — when available) for visitors to listen to and watch Sen. Mayer address issues that are important to him and the citizens of the 25^th Senatorial District.

The new audio links include Sen. Mayer discussing congressional redistricting. The latest map [HB193] is back in the Missouri House, awaiting conference hearings with the Senate.

Senator Mayer will continue to add audio and video clips throughout the year. You can download his podcast and listen to it by going to Sen. Mayer’s multimedia page: http://www.senate.mo.gov/media/11info/mayer/Multimedia.htm.

Kelley: Floor Update Continued

Truly Agreed To and Finally Passed

SS SCS HCS HB 163 was truly agreed to and finally passed by the vote off 138 to 13. This bill, which has now been sent to the Governor for signing into law, allows the state to continue to receive extended federal unemployment benefit funds until August 28, 2013. While the overarching goal of the 96th General Assembly is to create an economic environment rich with opportunity, the fact remains, our unemployment rate is still high and the economy still sluggish. We must take measures to provide immediate assistance to those continuing to suffer due to this tough economy. At the same time, our efforts have led to the passage of many bills designed to promote business and create growth in Missouri’s economy.

From passage of tax incentives for the development of international trade routes through HCS HB 840, to protecting farmers rights and restricting undue and burdensome government regulation on Agri-business in HCS HJR 3, every week we are making significant steps toward positioning Missouri for future economic success and prosperity for Missourians.

SS SCS SB’s 113 and 95 was truly agreed to and finally passed by the vote off 85 to 71. This bill is the Senate version designed to address the issues developed in the passage of Prop B. Although I voted, consistent with my District, in support of this bill, many argue that Prop B was designed to put lawful dog breeders out of business and did nothing to stop abusive procedures in unlicensed puppy mills. In addition, it has been argued that the mission of the organization that spent nearly five million dollars to get Prop B passed by a 1.5% margin, the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), which is a separate organization from the Missouri Humane Society and the Missouri Animal Alliance, is to work towards ending animal agriculture completely. HSUS initiatives in other states such as California and Florida have been devastating on the agricultural industries in those states and many fear that Prop B was the initial “camel nose under the tent.” Time will tell where this issue eventually goes in our state.

SCS SB 188 was truly agreed to and finally passed by the vote off 93 to 63. This bill deals with the issue of unlawful discriminatory practices.

SS SCS HB 209, sponsored by Rep. Casey Guernsey (R-3), was truly agreed to and finally passed by the vote of 110 to 45. This bill deals with the regulations surrounding nuisance lawsuits. There is a clear benefit to farmers and the agriculture industry by protecting farmers from continually being served with nuisance lawsuits. Under this legislation, plaintiffs would be required to prove how they were injured, and damages will be limited to fair market values. If we do not take steps to end the assault on farmer and agribusiness (Missouri’s largest industry), the onslaught of regulation and litigation will strangle our farmers into extinction.

HCS HB 174, sponsored by Rep. Mike Thomson (R-4), was truly agreed to and finally passed by the unanimous vote of 151 to 0. This bill changes the composition of the Coordinating Board for Higher Education, the University of Missouri Board of Curators, and the Missouri State University Board of Governors.

For more information regarding any specific piece of legislation, visit www.house.mo.gov.

Visiting the Capitol

I always enjoy it 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.

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

Kelley: Animal Ag Rally, Floor Update

Animal Agriculture Rally to protect Missouri Farmers, our largest industry in the state, is going on tomorrow, Wednesday April 20^th at the Capitol steps in Jefferson City. If you are able to attend or know people in the Jefferson City area that would be able to attend please encourage them! If you have additional questions please contact me or Senator Mike Parson.

Week Thirteen: April 11 – April 14, 2011

April showers and powerful spring storms marched in lockstep across the Great Plains and washed away the remaining remnants of the long, steely gray winter that ensconced us over the past few weeks followed by bright sunshine drenched bright blue skies that arrived mid week making many of us yearn to experience these new found welcoming outdoors as instead we toiled away beneath the Capitol Dome spending longer and longer hours on the House Floor…

“All might be free if they valued freedom, and defended it as they should.”—Samuel Adams

Third Readings

For more information regarding any specific piece of legislation, visit www.house.mo.gov.

HCS HJR 3, sponsored by Rep. Tom Loehner (R-112), was third read and passed by a vote of 120 to 35. This resolution calls for amending the Missouri Constitution to solidify the right of Missouri farmers to raise their livestock without the state imposing any undue burdens or regulations. Agri-business IS the number one industry in the State of Missouri I was very proud to support this bill on the House Floor. If you like to eat, then you are a supporter of HCS HJR 3!

HB 291, sponsored by Rep. Charlie Denison (R-135), was third read and passed by the overwhelming vote of 149 to 4. This bill will require window stickers to show current motor vehicle registration instead of license plate tabs. The current system of placing stickers on your license plates would be phased out and replaced with a window sticker system. With interior stickers, the incidence of theft will be greatly diminished; saving the state time and money by not having to replace them.

HCS HB 840, sponsored by Rep. Caleb Jones (R-117), (who happens to be my cousin from mid-Missouri), was third read and passed by a vote of 142 to 14. This bill establishes the Aerotropolis Trade Incentive and Tax Credit Act to encourage foreign trade by authorizing the St. Louis City Mayor or the executive officer of certain counties to designate a gateway zone. This will help increase international business trade by encouraging the establishment of a hub for international trade routes at the Lambert-St. Louis International Airport. This can only positively impact the economy and create needed jobs for Missourians.

HCR 37, sponsored by Rep. Diane Franklin (R-155), was third read and passed. This resolution gives recognition of every third week of June as Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy Week.

HCS #2 HB 609, sponsored by Rep. Chris Molendorp (R-123), was third read and passed. This bill would establish Missouri’s health insurance exchange. The “Show-Me Health Insurance Exchange Act” places Missouri in compliance with one of the numerous federal mandates imposed on the states in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 (PPACA). Because our Governor has refused to request a waiver for Missouri from ObamaCare, either we establish an exchange or the federal government will create one and force it upon us. As written into PPACA, non-compliance would result in further federal encroachment into what should be state business so it was appropriate for us to create what would be best for Missouri and protect our state sovereignty.

HCS HB 111, sponsored by Rep. Stanley Cox (R-118), was third read and passed. This bill relates to changes in judicial procedures and touches on a variety of issues. For more information about HCS HB 111, visit www.house.mo.gov.

HCS HBs 223 & 231, sponsored by Rep. Wayne Wallingford (R-158) and Rep. Mike Thomson (R-4), respectively, were third read and passed. HCS HB 223 establishes the Nursing Education Incentive Program and authorizes a nonrenewable advanced placement grant to any recipient of financial aid under the A+ Schools or Access Missouri programs. HCS HB 231 requires the Department of Higher Education to make available a nonrenewable advanced placement grant of $500 to certain recipients of financial aid under the A+ Schools or Access Missouri programs.

HCS HB 430, sponsored by Rep. Eric Burlison (R-136), was third read and passed. This bill deals with the laws regarding special license plates, municipal streets, traffic light change interval times, and household goods motor carrier regulations.

HB 591, sponsored by Rep. Donna Lichtenegger (R-157), was third read and passed. This bill authorizes the Missouri Dental Board to issue a limited teaching license to a dentist employed as an instructor in an accredited dental school located in this state.

HCS HB 407, sponsored by Rep. Paul Wieland (R-102), was third read and passed. This bill would prohibit a person from preparing or issuing a certificate of insurance form unless it has been filed with the Department of Insurance, Financial Institutions, and Professional Registration.

HB 211, sponsored by Rep. Andrew Koenig (R-88), was third read and passed. This would prohibit the Department of Health and Senior Services from enforcing or enacting a rule or regulation relating to lead abatement that is stricter than those required by federal law.

HB 257, sponsored by Rep. Stanley Cox (R-118), was third read and passed. This would repeal the provisions regarding the Sentencing Advisory Commission. Sentencing should be based on the case at hand and not the average sentencing of other cases. It strikes me that we would hold our rights to be judged on an individual basis and by our own merits so sacred, and then allow our individual sentencing to be poisoned by sentencing from separate cases.

HCS HB 697, sponsored by Rep. Jason Smith (R-150), was third read and passed. This bill would specify that any administrative rule proposed, adopted, or amended by a state agency after August 28, 2011, must automatically terminate six years after its effective date.

HB 305, sponsored by Rep. Chuck Gatschenberger (R-13), was third read and passed. This bill establishes the 2011 State Employee Retirement Incentive Program. This bill incentivizes eligible state employees to retire. This helps minimize state worker lay offs. Promoting the retirement of long-term employees opens up positions for individuals seeking new employment.

HCS HB 555, sponsored by Rep. Grisamore (R-47), was third read and passed. This bill deals with the laws regarding individuals with disabilities.

HCS HB 464, sponsored by Rep. Cole McNary (R-86), was third read and passed. This bill would eliminate, combine, and revise certain state boards, commissions, committees, and councils; and change the laws regarding articles of incorporation by business entities.

HBs 300, 334, 387, sponsored by Rep. Chuck Gatschenberger (R-13), Rep. Jay Barnes (R-114), and Rep. Zach Wyatt (R-2), respectively, were third read and passed. These bills provide clear guidelines and procedures surrounding brain injuries sustained by our young athletes during training and competition. The goal is to improve outcomes and minimize the possibility of aggravating an existing injury.

Ridgeway: The Future of Missouri Unemployment

After a filibuster which dragged on for several weeks, the Missouri Senate passed a measure [HB163] extending unemployment benefits to Missourians who have been out of work for an extended period of time. The newly passed legislation was signed by Governor Nixon and will become law.

The filibuster was conducted by four senators wanting to send a message to the federal government to quit spending money it does not have. During the lengthy debate it was also mentioned 79 weeks was enough time for someone to find a job, even if not in their chosen field. In Missouri, employers pay for the first 26 weeks of unemployment through taxes paid to the Missouri Department of Labor. Additional weeks may be applied for which are paid for through the federal government. Without the new law, 79 weeks was the maximum amount of time Missourians could draw unemployment. If the federal funds were accepted, a person could collect unemployment for 99 weeks.

Proponents of extending the benefits argued the money would go to other states if not spent in Missouri. Their stance was if it was not going to applied to the national debt, it may as well go to Missourians who would then spend it for items such as groceries and rent. The four senators remained resolute and the bill remained in limbo.

A two pronged compromise was reached this week after which the four senators agreed to stand down and allow a vote on the bill. First, a provision was added which reduced the number of weeks for which Missouri employers would be liable from 26 to 20. Extensions could still be applied for after the end of 20 weeks. There was some question as to whether the House would go along with this change since they were not part of the discussions.

The second part of the compromise is quite a bit tricker as not all senators have signed off on the agreement. Some members of Senate leadership have agreed to work with the four senators in an effort to identify and eliminate spending of federal stimulus money in other areas of the budget.

Only four weeks remain in this year's legislative session. The budget must be completed one week prior to adjournment and appears to be on track. The Senate Appropriations Committee has finished its work and the full Senate will begin debating the budget bills next week. Any differences between versions passed by the House and Senate will be reconciled in Conference Committees before heading to the governor's desk.

Unlike the federal government, Missouri's Constitution requires us to have a balanced budget. How I wish we had a balanced budget amendment in the U.S. Constitution!

Mayer: Clarifying Prop B, Redistricting and a Best Practices Audit

The Missouri General Assembly last week gave its final approval to a measure that would create a new crime targeting unlicensed dog breeders, as well as strengthening the guidelines and increasing the number of inspections of licensed dog breeders in Missouri. The bill now moves to the governor’s desk for his signature.

Many of you know last fall, by a very narrow margin, urban voters in Missouri passed Proposition B — a citizen-led petition against dog breeders in the state of Missouri. It was important the Legislature clarify provisions in Proposition B to allow this industry to continue.

We all want puppies and dogs to be bred and raised under healthy and safe conditions. That is why we have created a new crime and funding mechanism to hire more inspectors to go after and shut down unlicensed breeders in our state. We also build on the will of the people by making sure licensed breeders must follow common-sense guidelines to protect the health and well-being of their dogs and new puppies.

It is estimated there are more than 1,500 unlicensed breeding facilities in Missouri. Senate Bill 113 & 95 makes it a crime to operate without a license, allowing the Attorney General, circuit attorney, or local prosecutor to file charges against offenders. The bill also dramatically increases veterinarian involvement and breeding facilities must keep sale and veterinarian records for two years on every dog. Important to other livestock producers, the measure changes the definition of "pet" to only apply to dogs.

This week the Legislature will continue their work on the congressional redistricting process. This task is especially difficult this year because Missouri has lost a seat of congressional representation as our state’s population grew by only 7 percent in the last census. This takes us from nine to eight seats in the U.S. House. It is our job to decide how to divide the state evenly to reflect shifting populations. Every legislative district will change in some way in order to ensure that each district has 748,615 people, or as close to that number as feasible.

Last week, the Senate adopted a substitute map when debating HB 193, the map submitted by the House. I believe the map adopted by the Senate, of the two, best represents the people of the 8th Congressional District. I would like to see our community mindedness and area values remain intact. I look forward to advancing a map that is fair and equitable and protects the core values of our district. For more details or to view the maps, visit www.oa.mo.gov/bp/redistricting.

In addition, the Senate passed a bill I support last week that now moves to the House for similar consideration. Senate Bill 323 would have the state auditor conduct a one-time comparative audit of several of the largest state agencies in Missouri. Then, the auditor would compare the fiscal practices of these agencies and submit a report recommending cost-saving measures to be used in all state agencies. This comparative audit has the potential to identify millions in taxpayer savings.

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

Dugger: Urgent: Capitol Rally

From: Sandy Schanzmeyer
Sent: Monday, April 18, 2011 10:46 AM
To: Bill Reiboldt; Billy Wright; Bob Nance; Delus Johnson; Ed Schieffer; Glen Klippenstein; Joe Aull; Paul Fitzwater; Paul Quinn; Sue Entlicher; Terry Swinger; Tom Shively; Tony Dugger
Subject: FW: Urgent- Capitol Rally
Importance: High

Just in case you all didn’t receive this…

From: [Don Nikodim]
Sent: Sunday, April 17, 2011 3:22 PM
Subject: Urgent- Capitol Rally
Importance: High

This past week, the legislature passed Senate Bill 113 to amend Proposition B and it’s now on the Governor Nixon’s desk. Missouri agriculture has been strongly advocating for this measure and is now urging Governor Nixon to sign it into law. It is very important we let the Governor know how vital this legislation is to Missouri agriculture.

A rally has been scheduled for 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 20 at the State Capitol in Jefferson City. The “Stand Up for Animal Agriculture Rally” will take place on the Capitol steps. Senator Mike Parson and other key legislators will lead the rally.

Missouri Farmers Care, a broad coalition of agriculture and allied organizations around the state, is coordinating the rally and all farmers, agribusiness partners and industry supporters are strongly encouraged to participate in Wednesday's event.

This is our chance to prove to the Governor that agriculture is united in fighting the broad agenda being advanced by the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and its allies such as People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA).

We must do everything we can to show the Governor how much agriculture means to Missouri. Please do your part and be there. Share this message with your neighbors, family and friends and make plans now to be in Jefferson City Wednesday afternoon. We look forward to seeing you on Wednesday.

We’ve just learned that HSUS will be holding an anti SB 113 rally on the other side of the Capitol beginning at 4:30 pm that same day. This makes the need for a large number of participants at our rally even more important!! Please make every effort to participate!! Call 573-445-8375 or 573-289-0088 if you have any questions. Thanks. Don

Purgason: Redistricting Synopsis

Every ten years a new census is taken, causing a domino effect in the political world. When new population numbers are finalized, districts must be redrawn for state legislative seats as well as members of Congress. Every state has its own unique process for accomplishing this. In Missouri, legislative seats are drawn by two separate commissions chosen by the governor, while congressional districts are the responsibility of the legislature.

The process moved ahead this week when both the House and Senate redistricting committees passed out their respective maps for new congressional districts. This year has been more challenging due to Missouri losing one of its nine congressional seats. Since our population did not grow as fast as other states, our representation in Congress will be lessened. At our high water mark, Missouri had 16 seats in Congress. The last time we lost a seat was in 1980, when we lost a seat in Southeast Missouri.

When we lost that seat, two congressmen were drawn together setting up a showdown between incumbents. Congressman Wendell Bailey (R-Willow Springs) moved and ran in the 4^th District against Congressman Ike Skelton (D-Lexington). Bailey was lost and two years later was elected state treasurer. Skelton served until last year when he was defeated by Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler (R-Harrisonville). Later, in 1988, Bailey won reelection over Bob Holden who would go on to become governor.

This time it looks as though Congressmen Lacy Clay (D-St. Louis) and Russ Carnahan (D-St. Louis) might end up in the same district. This could change if Governor Nixon vetoes the map and the legislature doesn’t over ride him. If this happens, the process of drawing new districts will go to panel of judges. They will not be bound by any past considerations of the legislature.

Each district will change dramatically since the remaining eight districts must absorb the population of the eliminated district. Except for a district in St. Louis, most areas will likely be more competitive between political parties.

On a related topic, the Senate debated legislation this week which would reduce the number of legislators in the House of Representatives. With 163 seats, Missouri has the fourth largest House in the nation. Any change in this number would have to go to a vote of the people. If approved, House membership would drop to 103 seats. Supporters say it would save money while opponents argue it would further reduce representation in rural areas. This issue has been debated at various times since the 1990s and will likely attract much attention again this year.

As always, you may contact me at 573-751-1882, e-mail to chuck{dot}purgason{at}senate{dot}mo{dot}gov or write to me at State Capitol, Room 416, 201 West Capitol Avenue, Jefferson City, MO 65101.

Stouffer: Legislative Alert: Wednesday Rally

[Op. note: this missive was also forwarded by Tony Dugger (H144) on 18 April 2011, 12:59.]

There will be a “Stand Up for Animal Agriculture” Rally on Wednesday, April 20 at 5:00 PM on the Capitol steps. This rally will focus on Senate Bill 113.

Senate Bill 113 is a compromise that makes some changes to new laws passed in November known as “Proposition B.”

Come show your support for this bill and help the cause for Animal Agriculture.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact my office at 573-751-1507 or at bstouffer{at}senate{dot}mo{dot}gov

The 21^st district serves the counties of Macon, Saline, Lafayette, Ray, Cooper, Carroll, Chariton, Howard and part of Clay.

Sater: This Week In The Missouri House, Issue 14

FYI…DS

[Click here to read]