Neth: Back At Home With The Kids,

The first week after the completion of the regular session has passed and I'm still adjusting to being home during the week - playing with the kids, cooking dinner and the normal weekly responsibilities. I have to admit that it has been difficult to adjust to the new schedule, but I am glad to be back around my family and friends.

I am gearing up to do a lot of constituent outreach this summer and my schedule is filling up with meetings, events, legislative updates, and all sorts of other activities in the community. Some meetings will be reviews of the legislative session and others will address priorities for the coming year. I am also researching and discussing my future legislation with stakeholders both here at home and across the state. It will take a lot of work and input from citizens, like you, to determine what legislation I should file this coming December.

The best part of being back in town is the ability to be an integral part of my community on a regular basis. I enjoy seeing old friends and meeting new people. I plan to make this a priority in summer and fall. If you would like me to attend an event of yours, please let me know and I will do all I can to be there.

Due to the fact that the legislature has adjourned for the summer, my office will not be doing a weekly email report. At a minimum, I will get out something on a monthly basis and if needed, maybe every few weeks. If you are on a more specific contact list, you may get some additional information in the form of news releases.

I do not want to miss the opportunity to thank everyone who has connected with me this first year as your State Representative. I know we may not agree on everything, but more than anything, I want to keep the communication open and ensure mutual respect for all. I am looking forward to the future progress we can make together.

Finally, I want to thank my family who has put up with my absence for the long five and a half months. It is not easy for anyone to be away for extended periods. As a father and husband, there are a lot of additional demands that this role puts on my wife and kids. I want to give a big thank you to my wife, my kids, my parents, my neighbors (who kept an eye on things), and everyone who prayed for me these past five months.

Have a great Summer!
Myron

SAVE THE DATE!!!

Town Hall Meeting - Legislative Wrap Up
June 2, 7:30-8:45 pm
Liberty Community Center - Red Room

I will be hosting a Town Hall Meeting where I will discuss the 2011 legislative session. You will have the opportunity to give me feedback, ask questions, and voice your concerns. I hope you will be able to make it and look forward to seeing you there.

So the news mentioned a lot of legislation this year, but what was actually acomplished?

There were 1060 Bills filed in the House this year. This is down from past years. 102 of these Bills were Truly Agreed to and Finally Passed (TAFP). To view the summaries of all TAFP legislation, please follow this link.

This list is comprehensive and includes Senate Bills as well as House Bills. Once finally passed, the legislation is sent to the governor and he has until August 28, to veto any legislation with which he does not agree. Any bill he refuses or fails to sign by that date automatically becomes law on August 28, 2011. You can check to see if the Governor has signed a specific piece of legislation going the the bill tracking on the House website. You can also use this tool to determine if the legisltation that affects you was actually passed at all.

In the coming weeks, I will be picking out some of the legislation we passed that I feel is noteworthy. I will be sending out more detailed thoughts on each throughout the summer. If you want me to comment on a particular bill, please let me know.

Questions or Comments?

While the legislative session may have ended on May 13, my legislative office is still open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. to address any state related conserns or issues you might have. My contact information is listed below.

Missouri State Representative
Myron Neth (34th District)
201 W. Capitol Ave
Jefferson City, MO 64068

Office: 573.751.1218
Fax: 573.522.0434
Email: myron{dot}neth{at}house{dot}mo{dot}gov

Community Calendar

June 2 - Town Hall Meeting With Myron Neth at the Liberty Community Center - Red Room at 7:30 pm.

June 4 - Liberty Arts Squared Art Festival

June 9 - Mid-Continent Library Stable T. Farms Petting Zoo (virtual)

June 10 - Mid-Continent Library Pet Training: Paws, Claws, Feathers and Fins

June 4 - Downtown Liberty Arts Festival

Visit the Jesse James Bank Museum Monday - Saturday 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Allen: District Notice

Greetings,

Next week, the Missouri House and Senate Apportionment Commissions will be holding three hearings around the state to take public input on legislative redistricting and what the districts will look like for the next decade. If you are interested in this process and would like to attend the hearings or offer input by testifying, the committee will be meeting in St. Louis on Wednesday, May 25th. The full schedule and details are below:

Monday, May 23rd--SPRINGFIELD: Plaster Student Union Ballroom East, Missouri State University, 901 S. National Ave.
Senate Commission: 9am
House Commission: 1pm

Tuesday, May 24th--KANSAS CITY: Auditorium, University Center, University of Missouri – Kansas City, 5000 Holmes
House Commission: 9am
Senate Commission: 1pm

Wednesday, May 25th--ST. LOUIS: Millennium Student Center, University of Missouri -- St. Louis, 1 University Blvd.
House Commission: 9am
Senate Commission: 1pm

Kraus: Watching Your Money

When I see wasteful spending of your tax dollars, your money, I am going to try to fix it.

That is why, during the last week of session, I worked hard to pass Senate Bill 270. The key provision of the bill would have eliminates the February and June election days from the state calendar. Currently, there are five election days in a given year, during February, April, June, August, and November. I chose to remove February and June because they are usually not used unless a political subdivision wants to raise taxes or issue bonds. I also selected these two months because in each case there is another election date within about 60 days.

It costs tax dollars to hold an election – your money. It is wasteful spending to hold two elections within 60 days of each other. For example, a political subdivision recently ran a tax increase in February then had an election to elect political board members in April, about 60 days later. Why not run both issues on the same ballot? It would save taxpayers’ dollars that could be used on better things.

Senate Bill 270 passed both the House and the Senate, but in different versions that had to be reconciled in a conference committee. I successfully shepherded the bill through the conference committee with both dates removed, and the conference committee report was brought to the Senate floor for a vote. However, the conference committee recommendation fell just short of passing the Senate with 16 “yes” and 17 “no” votes.

Despite the loss on SB 270, I am happy to report that we were able to remove the June election date through another elections bill, SB 282, which is on its way to the governor’s desk.

I also sponsored SB 324, which would have required that only one license plate be issued for all motor vehicles instead of the current two plates. Again, this bill would have saved taxpayer money, estimated to be over a million dollars per year. However, it was opposed by the Missouri Highway Patrol and never made it out of committee.

Finally this session, I also sponsored SB 74, which would require drug testing for work-eligible TANF applicants and recipients based upon reasonable cause. I see this as an issue of wasting taxpayer dollars when state assistance goes to people who are going to turn around and use the money to buy drugs. Although SB 74 was combined with another bill, HB 73, the House bill was Truly Agreed to and Finally Passed, sending it on the governor for his signature.

As your taxpayer watchdog, I will continue to look for wasteful spending of your tax dollars and attempt to alleviate it.

District Activities

During the interim, I welcome the opportunity to spend more time meeting with constituents in the district. On Friday, I look forward to attending the Independence Chamber of Commerce meeting to discuss legislation from the 2011 session. Later, I will be at the John Knox Village to speak with residents there.

Rupp: Legislative Recap of the First Regular Session of the 96th General Assembly

Op. note: House Bill 213 is misidentified as House Bill 161. HB161 pertains to a polity's ability to levy certain hotel taxes.

---

The First Regular Session of the 96^th General Assembly finished on a hectic, yet productive note at 6 p.m. last Friday, May 13. In total, the Legislature passed 46 Senate bills and 101 House bills. I’m really proud of the work that my colleagues and I were able to accomplish throughout the last five months, and I’m glad that numerous measures are now awaiting the governor’s signature.

Two of my top priorities throughout session were passing our state’s operating budget, and congressional redistricting. All 13 budget bills were passed by the Legislature, creating an operating budget of $23.2 billion. HB 193 was passed as well, which consolidated Missouri’s nine congressional districts into eight, based on the 2010 Census results. I serve as chair of the Senate Select Committee on Redistricting, and vice-chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and kept very busy with these two matters of importance. However, the hard work has definitely paid off, and now Missourians have congressional districts that fairly represent them, and a dependable state operating budget.

Some other top priority measures passed in the Missouri Legislature, including:

• Measures that, upon voter approval, would require citizens to produce photo identification to vote (SB 3 and SJR 2).
• SB 19, which has been signed by the governor, will gradually phase out the corporate franchise tax over five years.
• SB 54, which will protect our children from sexual predators in schools.
• Measures that will prevent late-term abortions and protect viable fetuses of 20 weeks or more (SB 65 and HB 161).
• HB 73, which would require certain applicants for and recipients of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Program benefits to be tested for illegal drug use.
• HB 294, which would lower the age requirement for a concealed carry permit from 23 to 21 years of age.
• HB 412, which would continue the Missouri Rx program, which helps pay the prescription drug costs of low-income seniors and disabled citizens covered by Medicare.

In addition to these beneficial measures passed by the Legislature, Missourians are already hearing good news on the job front. According to the Missouri Department of Economic Development, for the first time in two years, our state’s unemployment rate fell below 9 percent, to 8.9 percent. I know this percentage drop may not seem like much, but it represents thousands of Missourians who have found jobs. Last April, citizens were able to obtain 2,500 jobs in our state, with significant growth seen in the construction, manufacturing, and retail industries. I know many Missourians are still dealing with financial hardship, but the future is looking promising for our great state.

For now, I will be home with my family in Wentzville, but I will remain busy drafting legislation for the next legislative session, and I will be working with my constituents in District 2 to make our community an even better place to live. I encourage you to visit my website at www.senate.mo.gov/rupp to keep up with district and Senate news. As always, please feel free to e-mail me or call my office toll-free at (866) 271-2844 if I can be of any assistance.

Denison: Conceal and Carry, Missouri RX Extension, Road Work Update

“If you don’t know where you are going, you’ll end up someplace else.” – Yogi Berra

Conceal and Carry (HB 294)

One piece of legislation that passed in the final moments of the 2011 legislative session will expand gun rights for Missourians. The bill approved by both the House and Senate will lower the age requirement to carry a concealed gun from 23 to 21.

Missouri put the age requirement of 23 into effect when the original concealed carry law was implemented in 2003. According to the National Rifle Association, that requirement is the highest among states that allow residents to carry a concealed weapon. Most states have an age requirement of 21, while some allow citizens as young as 18 to carry a concealed weapon. If the governor signs the bill we passed this year into law, Missouri will join the majority of other states with the reasonable age requirement of 21. It’s an age when Missourians have earned almost every other right they will obtain. It only makes sense to allow mature, responsible citizens to also have the right to carry a concealed weapon. It has been proven safe and effective in other states. I am certain it will be the same here in Missouri.

To help ensure the safe use of these weapons, the bill also increases the training requirements for an individual seeking a concealed gun permit. Under current law a permit applicant must shoot a total of 50 rounds with any handgun. The change put in place with the bill we passed will require an applicant to gain experience shooting 50 rounds each with a revolver and a semiautomatic pistol.

MO RX Extension (HB 412)

Another bill passed during the final week of the legislative session will help not only disabled Missourians but also low-income seniors. The bill approved by the House and Senate will extend the highly successful Missouri Rx Plan. For those who don’t know about the Missouri Rx plan, it’s a program that helps bridge the gap for approximately 226,000 low-income seniors and disabled residents so they can afford their prescription medications. It’s a plan the House fought fiercely to maintain. The Senate originally planned to cut the approximately $20 million in funding for the plan, but House leaders were adamant that the funding stay in the final budget. I’m proud to say the House position won out in the end.

We built on that success by passing this piece of legislation that extends the program for another three years. It was set to expire this August but now it will continue on until 2014. That’s good news for the many Missourians who rely on the program to offset the high cost of their prescription medications. The program has been a great success in helping seniors and disabled residents to obtain the medications they need to improve their quality of life and now it will continue that success for another three years.

Springfield News

MoDOT, Springfield, District 8 -- The closing of the bridge over Pearson Creek on Greene County Route YY east of Springfield has been rescheduled for Tuesday, May 31, the Missouri Department of Transportation said.

The bridge over Pearson Creek will be replaced. The project is scheduled to be completed in 49 days, with the opening planned for July 18.

The bridge project is part of MoDOT's Safe & Sound Bridge Improvement program that will replace or repair 802 bridges across Missouri by the end of 2013.

Preparing for Route YY Closing

A detour for the Route YY/Pearson Creek project will be signed along Routes 125, Routes OO/744 and Route 65.

State highway traffic normally is not detoured onto county-maintained roads. However, local drivers familiar with the area will be able to use nearby county roads for a shorter route around the closed bridge.

MoDOT and contractors have alerted law enforcement, fire and ambulance agencies so they can plan how to respond to emergency calls with the bridge closed. The school district and post office also have been notified so they can adjust bus routes and mail carrier routes if necessary.

The existing Route YY bridge over Pearson Creek, about two miles east of Springfield, was built in 1954.

The existing bridge will be replaced by a new pre-cast concrete box-beam structure. The new bridge will be 77 feet long and 30 feet wide with two-12 foot wide driving lanes.

The prime contractor on the Route YY/Pearson Creek bridge is KTU Constructors, a group of bridge design and construction companies. The group is replacing 554 bridges of the 802-bridge total in the Safe & Sound program for $487 million.

Kiewit Western Co., a KTU Constructors partner, will build the Route YY bridge over Pearson Creek.

As part of the Safe & Sound program, the road is closed where each bridge is being replaced or repaired. Closing the road enables workers to do the bridge project quicker, safer and cheaper.

Information on the Safe & Sound Bridge Improvement Program statewide can be found on MoDOT's web site -- www.modot.org.

For information on 29 bridges being replaced in 11 counties in the Springfield region in 2011, check www.modot.org/springfield.

Capitol Office

I look forward to hearing from you. If you ever have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact my office. Best wishes.

Lichenegger: The Grand Paper Toss

With the traditional Grand Paper Toss the 2011 legislative session finally is over. I wish there had been more legislation passed to boost Missouri’s economy, particularly during a time where employment growth is next to nil and some state residents –especially in Southeast Missouri- have lost their homes and farmland to flooding- so much more could have been done to promote the fiscal well-being of our state.

On a brighter note, religious freedom gained ground in the passage of HJR 2. This legislation proposes a constitutional amendment guaranteeing a citizen's right to pray and worship on public property. The bill’s sponsor, Representative Mike McGhee, worked for five years to see this religious liberty bill become a reality. Personal religious freedoms will be strengthened once the voters approve it as an amendment to the Missouri Constitution in the November 2012 general election. However, Governor Nixon could decide instead to place the measure on the August primary election ballot.

“One of my proudest accomplishments this year was the passing of House Joint Resolution 2.” McGhee said. “The Senate has long been the stopping grounds for the prayer bill. However, in an amazing turn of events, this was the first year that the Missouri Senate passed the bill unanimously with a vote of 34-0!”

The official ballot title of the amendment proposed will be as follows:
"Shall the Missouri Constitution be amended to ensure: That the right of Missouri citizens to express their religious beliefs shall not be infringed; that school children have the right to pray and acknowledge God voluntarily in their schools; and that all public schools shall display the Bill of Rights of the United States Constitution.".

“Students would be assured the right to pray and acknowledge God on a voluntary basis in public schools so long as their religious expression is not disruptive and conforms to the parameters placed on any other free speech in similar circumstances,” Representative McGhee asserts. “Students would also be guaranteed the right to share their religious beliefs in written or oral school assignments free from any recrimination based on the religious content of their work.”

Last night, May 18, I attended the evening MODOT meeting held at the Perryville Park Center. This was an informative meeting, and I think they are making some wise, well-thought-out decisions. It is always hard to loose things in your districts. My district is closing one maintenance shed in Perry County, which I'm not happy about but, if we are truly serious about spending less money, then hard choices have to be made. MODOT is scaling down state-wide from 10 to 7 districts. This will mean significant changes will occur. MODOT is also making changes in Jefferson City. This is a good sign particularly since as citizens we need to know that the MODOT officials making these changes are not staffing state jobs at the expense of local ones. I also want my constituents to know that no jobs in the area of local maintenance personnel will be lost.

Speaking of MODOT, link here to find surplus items for sale: MODOT Surplus Auctions
And for nation-wide items scope out this site, Gov Deals, where you can find all sorts of equipment and items for sale from governmental entities!

STATE –WIDE NEWS

A major change in a specific Medicaid service for those seniors and adults with disabilities is scheduled to take place May 19. The change applies to those who are Medicaid beneficiaries that need and choose services of the Home and Community Based Services Program (HCBS) as an alternative to facility placement. Some examples of these services include assistance with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, housekeeping, etc. The DSDS which functions within the Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) has contracted with SynCare, LLC to assume some responsibilities for the HCBS Program.

If you are a Medicaid recipient of the above mentioned specific services (HCBS), you may have already received a letter in the mail from the Division of Senior and Disability Services (DSDS) regarding this change.

Constituent Corner

I wish to express my heartiest congratulations to all the Saxony Lutheran, Jackson, Oak Ridge and Perryville High School grads. May all your hard work and aspirations produce for you a “dream-come-true” future filled with excitement and success.

Three ways to contact me:

• 201 West Capitol Avenue, Room 409B, Jefferson City, MO 65101-6806;
• 573-751-6662;
• or donna{dot}lichtenegger{at}house{dot}mo{dot}gov

Dempsey: Missouri Senate Completes Successful Legislative Session

Last Friday marked the end of the 2011 regular session of the Legislature in Jefferson City. Looking back over the past five months, I am pleased to report that by the time the final gavel fell, the Senate had accomplished many of our objectives.

One of the main achievements of this session was the passage of a $23 billion state budget. Not only was this budget passed on time and without increasing taxes, it also reflected the Legislature’s strong commitment to education – even in a historically poor economic environment. The same could not be said for some of our sister states who found it necessary to balance their budgets on the backs of their citizens by raising taxes. For example, both Illinois and Connecticut have raised taxes this year.

From the outset, it was our priority to improve Missouri’s economic climate and help create jobs for our citizens. The Senate moved with purpose and speed to pass legislation to do just that by our spring break in mid-April.

One such measure was a bill [SB19] to eliminate regressive double taxation on businesses that will help create much-needed jobs. This bill has been signed by the governor and will soon begin to take effect.

Two other proposals we acted on promptly this session were bills to curb lawsuit abuses against Missouri employers and legislation to protect employees from being sued by their coworkers. Unfortunately, in spite of our work on these measures, they will not ultimately become law this year. The first bill [SB188] was vetoed by the governor and the other [SB8] did not receive a final vote by the Missouri House of Representatives. While these outcomes were disappointing, I am hopeful these subjects can be revisited in the near future.

On the positive side, we were able to hammer out a compromise bill [HB163] that will help restore Missouri’s unemployment fund to solvency. This move will reduce the inevitable pressure by some to increase the fees on Missouri employers, large and small.

We were also able to pass bills [SB3] to shore up the integrity of our elections by requiring voters to show a photo ID – a measure [SJR2] that will be put before voters at the ballot box next year. As part of this effort, we also changed the law to make it more convenient for voters who need to vote prior to Election Day.

In addition, bills were sent to the governor’s desk to prevent late-term abortions in Missouri [HB213], require welfare recipients to be tested for drug use [HB73], and crack down on those who engage in the forced trafficking of other human beings [HB214].

This is only a sampling of the important Legislative proposals that were approved by the House and Senate over the past few months. Space does not permit a more thorough discussion, but I will continue to share highlights of the 2011 session in future columns.

I always appreciate hearing from you. If you have any questions about these or any other issues, please do not hesitate to contact my office.

Engler: Final Gavel Falls on 2011 Legislative Session

The 2011 legislative session is officially over. Unless the governor decides to call back the Legislature for a special session, Senate and House members will not return to the Capitol as a group until veto session in September. In the following weeks, the main focus will be the actions of the governor, who must veto or sign the legislation passed by the General Assembly before the constitutional July 14^th deadline. Any legislation that he does not sign or veto will go into law on its effective date.

The Legislature gave final approval to 147 bills this session: 46 Senate bills and 101 House bills. These bills include omnibus transportation (HB 439) and crime (HB 111) legislation, as well as legislation dealing with voter ID (SB 3 and SJR 2), lowering the age for concealed carry permits (HB 294), and phasing out the corporate franchise tax (SB 19). A full list of legislation that has been approved by both the House and Senate is available here. You can also view the governor’s actions on these bills here.

Of the legislation I proposed this year, I am proud that several key measures were passed by the General Assembly and now await action from the governor. This includes Senate Bills 282 and 226, which I discussed in my column last week. Other legislation that I proposed that was sent to the governor includes:

• Senate Bill 96, which conveys state property, including several properties in St. Francois County. This bill contains an emergency clause and will go into effect with the governor’s signature.
• Senate Bill 97, which conveys property located at the Southeast Missouri Mental Health Center to the city of Farmington and the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission.
• Senate Bill 117, which addresses an issue in Iron County. It allows the county hospital to ask the voters to approve a sales tax to pay down debt acquired in the hospital’s first years. This is essential to the viability of the county and the hospital, which is why I support letting this issue go to the people for a vote.
• House Bill 552, which I handled in the Senate, would establish rules governing the standard of care for pharmacies dispensing blood clotting therapies. The bill would also add blood clotting product-related services to those covered under MO HealthNet.

Throughout the interim, please feel free to contact my office if you need any assistance with a service of state government or have any questions about legislation we have passed.

Neth: You're Invited! Town Hall Forum

Please mark your calendar and plan to attend the
TOWN HALL FORUM - End of Session Wrap Up
Hosted By: State Representative Myron Neth

Liberty Community Center - Red Room
Thursday, June 2, at 7:30 pm
Open to the Public

Representative Neth will give an overview of the session and will take questions from the public. This will be an excellent opportunity to learn about what your state government did or did not get accomplished this year. A constituent case worker will be available for any issues or problems with state government you may have.

Torpey: Partial List of Truly Agreed Bills

At left: My wife Julie and sons, Hayden and Dawson, were able to join me for the end of my first session in the Missouri House.

A Special Note

It’s hard to believe that session has already come to an end. After hitting the ground running as a freshman legislator, I have come to realize that time in Jefferson City seems to run on a completely different schedule. It seems as though we put in endless hours on the floor, while only churning out a few pieces of passed legislation. As I continue my time in the House next session, I truly hope that we can continue to pass meaningful legislation for the state of Missouri and the great people who reside here.

With tremendous bipartisan effort and countless hours of debate and conference meetings, we were able to garner huge support for the FY 2012 Balanced Budget, with no tax increases, and pass Redistricting in historic fashion. I am so proud off all the efforts put forth to make this year’s session a success. Both sides of the aisle worked diligently to make this happen and all deserve credit. Missourians should be proud of the leadership displayed to the entire state by our elected legislators.

2011 Legislative Session continues

Truly Agreed To and Finally Passed

At right: It is a longstanding tradition for legislators to throw all of their papers in the air once session has ended on our final day.

• HB 73, which would require certain applicants for and recipients of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Program benefits to be tested for illegal drug use and the benefit card to include a photo of the recipient or payee.
• HB 213, which would specify that no late-term abortion of a viable unborn child can be performed or induced except in certain specified situations.
• HB 214, which would change the laws regarding human trafficking, creating harsher penalties for offenders.
• HB 641, which would change the laws regarding controlled substances.
• HJR 2, which proposes a constitutional amendment guaranteeing a citizen’s right to pray and worship on public property and reaffirming a citizen’s right to choose any or no religion.
• HB 294, which would change the laws regarding firearms, ammunition, and concealed carry endorsements.
• SB 3, which would establish photo identification requirements for voting and requirements for advance voting.
• SJR 2, which would allow enabling legislation for advance voting and photographic identification for voting.
• SB 54, which would create the Amy Hestir Student Protection Act and establish the Task Force on the Prevention of Sexual Abuse of Children.
• HB 89, which would change the laws regarding deposits into the State Park Earnings Fund, notice requirements of the Clean Water Commission, and certain water pollution control fees.
• HB 458, which would establish the Missouri Farmland Trust Act to receive donated land to preserve it as farmland and provide beginning farmers an opportunity to farm through low and variable cost leases on the land.
• HB 101, which would allow any winery, distillery, manufacturer, wholesaler, or brewer or designated employee, to provide beverage samples on certain licensed retail premises for tasting purposes.
• HB 151, which would authorize an individual or corporation to designate all or a portion of his or her income tax refund to the Organ Donor Program or to send a separate check with the payment of his or her taxes.
• HB 412, which would define “legend drug” as it relates to regulating wholesale drug distributors.
• HB 223, which would establish the Nursing Education Incentive Program and authorize a nonrenewable advanced placement grant to certain recipients of financial aid under the A+ Schools or Access Missouri programs.
• HB 300, which would establish the Interscholastic Youth Sports Brain Injury Prevention Act which requires the Department of Health and Senior Services to develop guidelines on the risk of concussion and brain injury.
• HB 344, which would establish the Farm-to-Table Advisory Board to increase awareness of local agriculture and promote the incorporation of locally grown agricultural products into school and state institution cafeterias.
• HB 431, which would change the laws regarding foster care and adoption and establish the Missouri State Foster Care and Adoption Board and a task force on foster care recruitment, licensing, and retention.
• HB 555, which would change the laws regarding individuals with disabilities.
• HB 1008, which would allow 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.
• SB 118, which would modify provisions relating to loans available for sprinkler system requirements in long-term care facilities.
• SB 187, which would modify the laws regarding nuisances and junkyards.
• SB 320, which would modify provisions relating to domestic violence.
• SB 282, which would move the presidential primary from February to March.
• SB 62, which would allow providers to include any retrieval fee for outsourced records storage service in the fee for release of medical records.
• HB 45, changes the laws regarding the Big Government Get Off My Back Act which provides an income tax deduction for certain small businesses that create new full-time jobs.

This is a highlight of bills TAFP, not a complete list. For a complete list of bills passed by the House, visit the Missouri House of Representatives, information page by clicking here.

Actions This Session: By the numbers

# House Bills Filed: 1,060
# House Bills Reported Do Pass: 214
# House Bills Reported Do Pass with Consent: 100
# House Bills Perfected: 207
# House Bills Third Read: 111
# House Bills Reported Do Pass in the Senate: 161
# House Bills Third Read in the Senate: 72
# House Bills Truly Agreed and Finally Passed 102

Word of the Week

Special Session: A convening of the Legislature called by the Governor or a majority of the members of the Legislative Assembly, at a time other than during a regular session. Typically, special sessions of the Legislature are called for the purpose of addressing a specific state problem or issue. The Missouri House of Representatives will be meeting for a special session in September, also known as Veto Session.

In Other News

At right: We were sad to say goodbye to my 2011 legislative intern, Stephanie. We wish her much luck in the future as she plans to study abroad in the Netherlands.

Although I will be in district nearly all of the summer months, you are more than welcome to visit my office in Jefferson City. My legislative aide, Amanda, will be in town to aid you in tours, scheduling, and so on. Please feel free to call my office to schedule a visit or if you have any questions.

If you know anyone who would be interested in receiving this Capitol Report, they can click the “Capitol Report Signup” button on my member home page at www.house.mo.gov and enter the appropriate information to receive the Capitol Report.

Serving you as always,
Noel Torpey

Mayer: Town Hall Tour in 25th Senatorial District Scheduled

JEFFERSON CITY – Senate Leader Robert N. Mayer, R-Dexter, will soon begin holding town hall meetings across the 25^th Senatorial District to take citizens’ questions and discuss the General Assembly’s accomplishments during the 2011 legislative session.

“I hope people will come out and meet me during these meetings, which will provide beneficial information to Missourians about the laws passed by their elected officials in Jefferson City this year,” said Sen. Mayer. “I will also be available to answer questions about your state government and take your recommendations on how we can better serve you in the State Capitol.”

For more information on the town hall meetings listed below, please contact Sen. Mayer’s Capitol office at (573) 751-3859.

Thursday, May 19 Portageville Police Department 201 E. Main St. 10:00 a.m. New Madrid Community Building 1199 Mill St. 1:00 p.m. Dexter Chamber of Commerce 515-B W. Market St. 4:30 p.m.

Monday, May 23 Malden Chamber of Commerce 607 N. Douglas 10:00 a.m. Kiwanis (American Steakhouse) in Dexter 1422 W. Business Hwy. 60 12:00 p.m. First Methodists Church Hospitality Room in Kennett 300 College 2:30 p.m. Caruthersville Community Center 1101 Carlton 4:30 p.m.

Tuesday, May 24 Caring Communities Building in Doniphan 209 Highway St. 10:00 a.m. TRCC in Poplar Bluff 2080 Three Rivers Blvd. 1:30 p.m. Piedmont Chamber of Commerce 215 S. Main 4:30 p.m.

Nolte: Kansas City, Missouri, Selected for Google Fiber Launch

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – State Rep. Jerry Nolte, R-Gladstone, joined Mayor Sly James in the announcement today that Kansas City, Missouri has been selected as one of the first locations for Google’s new fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) service. Kansas City was selected from among nearly 1,100 communities that submitted applications for the service. Nolte said Kansas City was selected because Google sees the location as an opportunity to build efficiently, make an impact on the community and work collaboratively with local stakeholders.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for the Kansas City metropolitan area and something I am extremely excited about,” said Nolte. “To be selected from among the many applicants is a great accomplishment for Kansas City and a great indicator of the potential we have as a city. Google is making a significant investment in our community that will greatly improve our Internet capabilities. In turn I am hopeful it will lead to additional economic growth and job creation as new businesses and entrepreneurs relocate here.”

Nolte said Google plans to break ground by the end of the year and plans to begin offering the service in 2012. The plan must still be approved by the city council.

Nolte said the Google Fiber service will provide communities with access more than 100 times faster than what most Americans have today.