Kraus: New Legislation

Saving Taxpayer Dollars

Saving taxpayer money continues to be a priority for me, and this week I am filing four bills to further this goal. The first three, with some modifications, were measures I filed last year, and I will continue to work to get them passed.

Elections

The first bill [SB569] seeks to remove the February and June dates on which an election can be held. Currently, there are five calendar dates that can be used for an election. It costs taxpayer dollars to conduct elections. Often, these dates feature a single election issue that could be easily filed on another election date within two months preceding or following February or June, when other issues may be under consideration. Last year, I was able to get legislation passed that eliminated the June date; however, the bill was vetoed by the governor.

Taxpayer Refunds

This measure [SJR38] proposes a constitutional amendment that, if approved by voters, would require refunds to taxpayers in any fiscal year in which total state revenues increase over the preceding fiscal year’s total state revenue by 7.5 percent or more. In such a case, 25 percent of the excess would be returned to those who pay their income tax.

When the economy recovers and the state starts to pull in better revenue, we need to have controls in place to keep the government from going out and spending all the new revenue. Some of it needs to go back into the pockets of taxpayers rather than to building bigger, more costly government.

Single License Plate Issuance

Simply removing the requirement for a second license plate on motor vehicles would save the state more than $1 million a year. Property-carrying commercial motor vehicle applicants will be eligible to request a second plate. [SB570]

Transparency on Tax Credits

This bill [SB571], if passed, would require that tax credit recipients to file an annual report with the Missouri Ethics Commission (MEC) documenting all contributions and expenditures made to or on behalf of all committees. This information must go on a separate page on the MEC website. In order to maintain accountability for how tax credits are distributed, we must have transparency on who received tax credits, as well as who received political contributions from the recipients.

As always, you can also go to my Senate web page, www.senate.mo.gov/kraus, hover over “Legislation,” click on “Sponsored Bills,” to read, in entirety, each piece of legislation that I file. I welcome any comments from you.

Revised Map Issued for Senate District 8

After the release of my Capitol Report last Wednesday, it was most surprising to me when the Appellate Apportionment Commission filed a second state Senate redistricting plan and map that completely revised District 8. This new map shows the district extending into Lafayette County. There is some question as to whether the courts have the authority to issue yet another map. As the situation becomes more final, I’ll provide more information in this report. An outline of the latest district map can be found at Senate District 8.

We received a few questions from readers that address some general issues, regardless of the final map. I thought the information would be useful to all of my readers. Voters asked what they needed to do, as well as who they would be voting for in the next election. No additional paperwork will be required from voters for 2012 elections. Sometime after April, the Jackson County Election Board will mail voters a new and updated voter ID card, which will contain information on districts in which the voter resides. On Election Day, the ballot that voters receive will name those candidates for office in their new district(s), so voters will be deciding who represents them in their new districts. However, technically, current representation will still be in place until the newly elected official assumes office in 2013.

My focus during this time will continue to be on the current District 8 and those who I represent. My office stands ready to assist residents of District 8 in whatever way we can.

Dugger: Appellate Apportionment Commission Releases New Legislative Districts

Every ten years, following the census, Missouri must redraw its 34 Senate and 163 House districts. This tedious process began several months ago with the appointment of two bi-partisan commissions tasked with the responsibility of creating new districts that reflected the change in Missouri’s population since 2000. Unfortunately, neither the Senate Apportionment Commission nor the House Apportionment Commission was able to agree on new lines and the undertaking was passed on to a panel of six appellate court judges.

Late last week the Appellate Apportionment Commission released the new maps bringing several drastic changes to the layout of Missouri’s legislative districts. For me personally, the 144^th District which I now represent will become 141^st District. My new district will contain all of Wright County and the eastern half of Webster County. Douglas County will become part of the 155^th District which also includes Ozark County and the most of Taney County. Texas County will be entirely in the new 142^nd District along with southern parts of Pulaski County and Phelps County.

Click here to see the Senate redistricting plan.
Click here to see the House redistricting plan.

These newly drawn districts will not actually become reality until Representatives are elected to serve those new legislative districts in the November 2012 elections. In the meantime, I remain committed to serving the people of the 144^th House District. It has and will remain to be an honor to serve you in the Missouri House of Representatives.

God Bless.

Engler: 2012 Session Preview

I usually don't send a Capitol Report out over the interim, but I thought you would be interested in this Power Point presentation on the 2012 Session.

http://www.senate.mo.gov/media/11info/Engler/multimedia/Engler-2012SessionPreview-121411_files/frame.htm

This is a quick overview of what was discussed during our recent caucus and I wanted to share with you what we are up against this coming year.

Good news is that Missouri (as compared to other states) is doing OK…bad news is that revenue still is not picking up and there will be cuts. Nothing has been committed to yet and discussion and debate will be ongoing.

Session starts on January 4th and my regular Capitol Reports will be sent weekly.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to everyone!

Kevin Engler
Senator

Oxford: Gas Tax Report Connects To Toll Road Proposals

Attached please find a release about a report about the erosion of gas tax and rising construction/maintenance costs issued by the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy (ITEP) today. This is especially relevant here in Missouri where MoDOT has made deep cuts and a proposal for an I-70 toll roll is under discussion.

I am on the executive committee for Missourians for Tax Justice (MTJ) which has joined ITEP in issuing the report. Media contact for this release in MO is Ben Martin.

Here are descriptions of Missourians for Tax Justice and ITEP:

Founded in 1980, the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy (ITEP) is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit, non-partisan research organization, based in Washington, DC, that focuses on federal and state tax policy. ITEP's mission is to inform policymakers and the public of the effects of current and proposed tax policies on tax fairness, government budgets, and sound economic policy
(www.itepnet.org).

Missourians for Tax Justice (MTJ) is a statewide grassroots advocacy organization comprised of more than 30 religious, labor, and community organizations. MTJ Justice supports a fair and balanced state tax structure that will produce adequate revenue for needed public services.
(http://missouriansfortaxjustice.org/)

I have also attached the full text of the report.

Stouffer: New Boundaries Have Been Drawn for State Senate and House Districts

The results of the 2010 census have become reality, as new boundaries have taken effect for Missouri’s 34 senators and 163 representatives. Now, Missourians know more about who will be representing them in Jefferson City at the end of 2012.

These newly drawn districts actually will not become reality until individuals are elected to serve those new legislative districts in the November 2012 elections. However, senators serve staggered terms, so those with even-numbered districts will not be up for re-election next cycle.

In the case of the 21^st Senatorial District, some shuffling did take place. As this is my final term in the Missouri Senate, we already knew every county in our area would be represented by a new senator in 2013.

Macon, Ray and the portion of Clay County in our district will all be moved into even-numbered districts. This means they will be represented by incumbent senators, if they decide to finish their full four-year term. Macon will be represented by Sen. Brian Munzlinger. Ray and Clay’s portion of our current area will be represented by Sen. Brad Lager. In addition, Howard will be paired with Boone County. Livingston, Pettis and part of Johnson will be added to our area. Meanwhile, Carroll, Chariton, Saline and all of Lafayette County except for Odessa and the area north of that community will remain in the 21^st District. That makes seven counties for the new district, total.

The judges released an earlier version of the senate map that kept all of Lafayette County intact. The second map came after the original had already been finalized. Many wonder if it is legal for the new map to be used when the original had already been sent on to the Secretary of State.

The changes to the maps for the House are much more significant: All of Macon County was added to extreme eastern portion of Linn County, including Bucklin and part of Marceline, and the northern half of Randolph, including Moberly, to comprise the new House District 6. The Lawson area was placed with Clinton and Caldwell counties in the new House District 8. Kearney goes west and pairs with Smithville in the new House District 12. Excelsior Springs will be in the new House District 38 in Clay County towards Liberty.

Carroll, Ray and Chariton counties will make up a new House district as well. However, Lawson and the southern portion of Chariton County, including Brunswick, will be elsewhere. The new House District 39 will include cities like Richmond, Carrollton, Salisbury and Keytesville.

A small sliver of Cooper County east of Boonville and running along the Missouri River towards Wooldridge was added to the Boone, Howard and Randolph County House District 47, which is centered in Harrisburg. Other towns include Higbee, Rocheport and several residents living near Columbia.

The most significant and confusing district may be House District 48, which includes parts of six counties: Randolph, Howard, Cooper, Pettis, Saline and Chariton. This Booneslick area district will include the communities of Brunswick, Armstrong, Slater, Glasgow, Fayette, Arrow Rock, Nelson, Blackwater, New Franklin, Boonville, Pilot Grove, Otterville and Smithton.

Eastern Cooper County was partnered with Northern Moniteau and Cole, as well as the southern half of Boone. This House District 50 will include the communities of Prairie Home, Jamestown, California, Ashland and Columbia area residents living roughly south of I-70.

Marshall and the western half of Saline County all the way to the northwest portion of Pettis moving toward a portion of Warrensburg in Johnson County will encompass the new House District 51. Other communities included in this district include Hughesville, Houstonia and Malta Bend.

All of Lafayette County will be in the new House District 53, with small portions of Jackson and Johnson counties.

I remain committed to serving the folks in the 21^st Senatorial District, as our next legislative session begins in January. Rest assured, I will be fighting for you in the coming year.

Click here to see the Senate redistricting plan.
Click here to see the House plan.

Rupp: Ensuring Our Children’s Safety

December 1 marked the date prefiled bills for the 2012 regular session received their numbers. I was happy to have the opportunity to prefile several pieces of legislation for the upcoming session, including SB 448. This measure would establish “Sam Pratt’s Law” and “Nathan’s Law,” and modify provisions relating to child care providers. I have addressed this important issue before, and I am determined to see this important bill enacted into law so Missouri families will have the peace of mind knowing their children are safe in daycare facilities.

I became aware of numerous children’s safety issues when I was notified that kids were sustaining injuries, or in some cases, losing their lives, after preventable situations occurred under the watch of irresponsible child care providers. There is no excuse for our children’s safety to be in jeopardy, so I’ve taken action to protect our kids’ well-being. As a parent, the health and safety of my children and family takes precedence before anything else in my life, and I’m sure all Missouri parents and guardians feel the same.

Sam and Nathan, the two children whom my legislation is named for, died tragically while in the hands of unlicensed child care services. I can’t imagine the loss that these boys’ families have had to come to terms with, and they are in my thoughts and prayers. My bill would address many important issues, including the licensure of child care providers and how many children a provider may have under his or her care. I want to do all I can to prevent what happened to Sam and Nathan from occurring again.

The children of Missouri and their families deserve the absolute best care, and I hope the people of our state will support this measure throughout the 2012 legislative session, which will begin at noon on Jan. 4. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this bill, please feel free to share them with me. You are welcome to e-mail me, or call my Capitol office at (573) 751-1282.

Lant: Southwest Legislators Meet To Discuss Common Goals

Well we certainly had a fun filled week! We covered a lot of miles and attended a bunch of meetings and I don't know if I'm any better informed now than when we started. We got a great start on Monday and Tuesday by attending two functions where AT&T presented checks to worthy causes in the Joplin area. AT&T has been most generous in investing in the rebuilding efforts and has an ongoing commitment to us. In an age when big corporations are constantly criticized for making profits it is refreshing to see a company invest some of its profits in the future of our children.

We went to Springfield for a meeting on Tuesday where we heard a presentation on the Ballot Initiative to replace Missouri's State Income Tax with a sales tax. This will be an issue that the voters decide in November and I'm sure it will be well advertised by both sides for months before the election. They had facts and figures from comparable states that have eliminated the income taxes and from what we saw it does look like it would work. I'm looking forward to hearing the other side of the argument as I'm sure they have a compelling case also.

On Wednesday we were again in Springfield for a meeting with other Representatives in this Southwest Region. The purpose for the get together was to explore the advantages of meeting on a regular basis and developing an agenda of issues that will help us to pass legislation that is good for our region. There were 14 Legislators present for the discussion and it was decided that it would be good for us to get our heads together occasionally and talk about our local issues.

Thursday afternoon Bill Reiboldt and I had a meet and greet for Shane Schoeller, the speaker pro-tem who has announced his candidacy for Secretary of State. After a couple of hours of mingling, we went down to the McDonald County High School for a Republican Club meeting. Our dinner was served by the culinary class and from what I can tell they have learned their lessons well! The food was excellent and we heard from some State Senate candidates as well as getting to listen to Shane again. The meeting was well attended and Bill and I got to explain our take on the redistricting results.

The meeting was over about 7:30 after which I started for Jefferson City. We had a Caucus meeting scheduled for 9:00 on Friday morning and I didn't want to get up that early and drive up. As you could probably guess, the Caucus meeting was about all the new districts that have been created from one end of our state to the other. I certainly hope future commissions take note of this mess before they let Appellate Judges decide it for them again. Some of the Districts in Kansas City and St.Louis are completely different from their current configurations. Incumbents who desire to run in the new Districts will be required to move and to campaign in areas they have never been in let alone have any name recognition. Some urban Reps now find themselves thrown into farming communities and vice versa. On closer look, it doesn't even seem to be particularly partisan. The Democrats and Republicans alike are bewildered by the total chaos the Appellate Judges have created. On the bright side of this mess, Bill Reiboldt and I have come out much better than most. I have pledged to help him campaign in some of my district and he has agreed to do the same. We are extremely fortunate to represent a part of the state where everyone has common goals. Newton and McDonald Counties are in my estimation, the finest places in the world to live. Neither one of us are complaining about who we will be representing! The Constitution provides that I can run for my new district and when elected, I have one year to move my place of residence. I must be a resident in the new district by November of 2013. I erroneously reported last week that Jane would probably start looking at house plans soon. It turns out that she has been looking at plans for the past month. There are some things that it is just better not to know!

Saturday evening we were at the Pineville Christmas Parade. The weather was good and there were a lot of happy children. It doesn't get much better than that. This week promises to be a busy one also with another trip to Jefferson City. I'll give you a full report next week. Until then, I am and remain in your service.
Bill Lant

Nolte: Tax Relief Legislation for All Missouri Businesses to Encourage Job Growth

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – State Rep. Jerry Nolte, R-Gladstone, will file legislation for the 2012 session that will provide broad-based tax relief to all Missouri businesses. Following the success of his Manufacturing Jobs Act [HB2], Nolte said the goal of this legislation is to make Missouri more competitive and stimulate job creation.

“Times are tough, unemployment is still too high and Missouri families are hurting,” observed Nolte. “As chairman of the International Trade and Job Creation committee, I have worked to create a pro-job environment where everyone has the opportunity to prosper.”

After the Manufacturing Jobs Act, the next step in creating that pro-job environment is across the board tax relief. This legislation will reduce by 50% the income taxes paid by all companies large and small, including family farms, producing a level playing field for everyone. This incentive will be paid for by reductions in Missouri’s tax credit programs. These targeted tax breaks for a few specific areas have ballooned by over 400% since 1998 (from $102.7 million to $521.5 million).

“Government does not create jobs, private enterprise does,” said Nolte. “The broad based incentives in this legislation will give Missouri one of the lowest tax rates in the country attracting new businesses to Missouri while keeping existing businesses and encouraging job growth.”

The 2010 Manufacturing Jobs Act sponsored by Representative Nolte was the catalyst for the $1.1 billion investment by Ford at its Claycomo location, the retention of 3,700 existing jobs and an additional 1,600 new jobs. In addition, GM announced it will invest $384 million with over 1600 jobs saved and created at its plant in Wentzville. Jobs and investment related to the auto company suppliers and other businesses are not included in these figures.

“We have an opportunity to take another bold step forward in Missouri by creating an environment that will help us keep the businesses we have as well as attract new businesses from all over the country,” said Nolte. “Anyone who is willing to work hard must have the opportunity to succeed and benefit from their hard work.”

Davis: Heart of Gratitude

“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You're on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the one who'll decide where to go...” –Dr. Seuss

Thanksgiving was and is a time to take stock; a time to count our many blessings a time to express our gratitude.

There is a tendency in life to dwell on the negative. As example, it would be easy to look to Washington D.C. to witness our dysfunctional political process, although democracy has always been noisy, as opposed to neat and orderly. In our homes, our TV's seem to be a window onto a world in chaos. Admittedly, there are real problems and challenges that must be met, but the sense of a troubled world is magnified by the ability of television news and the Internet to quickly aggregate and bombard us with images of chaos.

In these harsh times perhaps we should return to the basics and appreciate all we have. Many of us will sit down to a meal surrounded by family and friends. Our Davis family experienced that on Thanksgiving at home where we gathered to celebrate. Did each of us sincerely give thanks for all we have received?

Most of us have roofs over our heads and food on our tables. We have family that is a great blessing when others are lonely. We give thanks for friendship and what it means in our lives. Our good health contributes to our joy of living. We have the freedom to apply our skills and talents in pursuit of happiness.

We should give thanks for living in a democracy where we can express our feelings through the ballot box. We should be thankful for the fact that we can walk down the street without fearing a hand on our shoulder snatching us off to imprisonment and torture. We must also remember and praise those who keep us safe: our soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines, as well as our law enforcement officers and first responders.

As American's our blessings far outweigh our burdens. Let us reflect this Thanksgiving and praise God from whom all blessings flow.

“Thanksgiving Day comes, by statute, once a year; to the honest man it comes as frequently as the heart of gratitude will allow.” –Edward Sandford Martin

I hope everyone had a Happy Thanksgiving

Missouri families won a major victory in our state courts. The Supreme Court upheld, in a unanimous ruling, the state's new law regulating sexually oriented businesses. That law was adopted by the Missouri Legislature last year to limit the negative secondary effects from businesses such as strip clubs, "adult" video stores and video arcades, and so-called "gentlemen's clubs." Believe me, there is NOTHING “gentlemen” about them. The law was challenged by operators of sexually oriented businesses around the state, who claimed that it violated their First Amendment rights to freedom of expression. The State Supreme Court ruled, consistent with numerous federal court decisions, that the new provisions are constitutional.

As we prepare for session this January, please feel free to contact me with issues you think we need to address this coming year. Here is what I plan:

1. Right to Work
   
2. Prevailing wage reform
   
3. REAL tax reform
   
4. Regulatory reform. We simply have to get off the backs of our businesses and allow them to grow
   
5. Disaster relief legislation, rainy day fund usage, commercial property tax relief
   
6. We must have the Turner Fix in education
   
7. We must redo the funding formula for K-12 education so as not to create huge numbers of Hold Harmless districts and let the others take the full brunt of any cuts
   
8. FUND OUR VETERAN HOMES AND CEMETARIES.
   

I encourage you to contact me with any suggestions that you may have for Missouri legislation. Also, if you should experience problems in contacting or resolving an issue with a Missouri state agency, please feel free to call my Capitol office at (573) 751-7082 or email at charlie{dot}davis{at}house{dot}mo{dot}gov. Thank you for the honor to serve as your Representative in the Missouri House of Representatives.

Denison: Observing Pearl Harbor, Tax Credits for Storm Shelters, ALEC Summit Recap

“The very best Christmas trees come very close to exceeding nature.” – Andy Rooney

Observing Pearl Harbor Day

This week our nation once again paused to observe Pearl Harbor Day and to honor and remember those brave Americans who endured that tragic event. For those who survived, and those who did not, it is our solemn duty to never forget the sacrifices they made for our nation. And while we have holidays like Veterans Day, Memorial Day and this one, it is also our responsibility to recognize the contributions of the men and women of our armed forces on each and every day of the year, rather than just a few.

We are a great nation and a great people and that greatness stems from our devotion to the ideals that have made this nation what it is today. That devotion leads to selfless men and women sacrificing their lives to keep our freedoms intact. That devotion also means those who do not serve should support and honor those who do. Whether it is on Pearl Harbor Day or any day of the year, I ask you to support our troops and our veterans in any way that you can.

Storm Shelter Tax Credit Legislation

The many natural disasters that devastated areas across the state this year brought more attention to the fact that Missouri families could greatly benefit from a safe place to go when dangerous weather strikes. One bill already filed for the 2012 legislative session (HB 1035) would establish a tax break to help Missouri families construct storm shelters. Specifically, it would grant income tax deductions to Missourians who construct storm shelters at their residences. The legislation would authorize an individual deduction of $5,000 or the cost of the construction, whichever is higher. We know that storm shelters help save lives and the tornadoes that hit Missouri this year emphasized the fact that we need more of these safe structures where families can go in times of need. The idea is to make it an affordable option for a Missouri family to build a shelter. This is a bill that has been passed by the House in past years but has failed to make it through the Senate.

Legislative Conference

On November 30^th through December 2^nd, I attended the American Legislative Exchange Council’s (ALEC) annual States & Nation Policy Summit in Phoenix, Arizona. There were several legislators from Missouri in attendance as well as legislators from 49 states and the District of Columbia. ALEC is a resource for state legislators to learn from each other and to discuss policy that will lead to more individual freedom and economic growth. Keynote speakers at ALEC’s summit included Arizona Governor Jan Brewer; Former Attorney General Edwin Meese III; Dr. Tony Bennett, Superintendent of Public Instruction in Indiana; David Walker, Founder and CEO of Comeback America Initiative; and, Premier Brad Wall, Saskatchewan, Canada.

In the District

As I am sure many of you experienced our first taste of winter, our friends at MoDOT put out a press release reminding us of the on-line and toll free road condition information that is available from the Department. Below is the information from MoDOT:

MoDOT Traveler Information Map Reports Winter Road Conditions

Toll-free Customer Service Line Also Available

JEFFERSON CITY – With the first snow of the season hitting several parts of the state, the Missouri Department of Transportation reminds travelers that road condition information is easy to access by using the MoDOT Traveler Information Map online or by calling its toll-free, 24-hour customer service center.

Located at www.modot.org, MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map gives drivers an up-to-the-minute view of road conditions for state highways and interstates. Conditions for these routes are color-coded to give visitors the information they need at a glance.

“It’s as easy as looking out the window,” said Beth Wright, State Maintenance Engineer. “One click on the map and you can see what’s happening on the roads and determine your plan of action.” By using the zoom function, users can learn the condition of local city and county arteries that receive continuous attention from MoDOT crews. More specific information is available by viewing state highway conditions by city, county or route. As users narrow the view to specific areas, interstate exit numbers and lower-volume highways appear.

A text report and links to road condition maps for surrounding states are also featured on the site. In addition, users can access traffic cameras, view message boards or see if any highway sections are closed by incidents.

Motorists can also contact MoDOT’s customer service representatives 24-hours a day by calling 1-888 ASK-MODOT (1-888-275-6636), toll-free. In addition, MoDOT uses Facebook and Twitter to provide weather-related information and tips. Visit www.modot.org and click on the Facebook and Twitter icons.

Although the Traveler Information Map and the reports used by MoDOT customer service are updated around the clock during winter events, road conditions can go from bad to worse in an instant. Drivers are strongly urged to consult other sources before heading out in questionable weather. Tune in to television and radio stations for additional local information.

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.

Kraus: Senate District 8 Redrawn

After the 2012 general election, the boundaries of the state Senate District 8 will change, due to modifications in the state’s population according to the latest census. It may mean a change in who represents you in the Missouri Senate.

District 8 will still encompass Blue Springs, Buckner, Grain Valley, Greenwood, Lake Tapawingo, Lee’s Summit, and Levasy. I look forward to continuing to serve these great cities. Unfortunately, District 8 will no longer contain Independence, Lake Lotawana, Lone Jack, Oak Grove or Sibley. The 8^th Senatorial District is the third largest district with regards to population; therefore, I will lose representation of about 30,000 people. I have enjoyed serving these areas and greatly regret that I will no longer be their senator.

The Missouri Constitution calls for 34 Senate districts. It also requires that the lines be drawn to create districts that are almost equal in population. The population of District 8 has grown greatly over the last 10 years, and, therefore, some of this population needed to be redistributed to other districts. It says a lot about eastern Jackson County that people want to move and remain here; it is a great place to live and raise a family.

Earlier this year, the job of redrawing the state’s 34 Senate districts and 163 House districts was assigned to two bipartisan commissions appointed by the governor. However, since the commissions failed to agree, the responsibility of state legislative redistricting was placed in the judicial system. Released on Nov. 30, the maps were drawn by a six-member panel of Court of Appeals judges, called the Appellate Apportionment Commission.

For an interactive map of the new and old district lines, click here. By using the “more” button, the map allows you to decide what information is contained on the map that you see. You can also zoom in and out to enlarge or minimize the area that you see on one screen. The map below, taken from this website, shows the basic outline of the new district.

In addition, you can always go to the Senate Home page, www.senate.mo.gov, and use the Legislator Look-Up section on the lower left to determine who currently represents you. You will need your entire nine digit zip code. It is a useful tool that is easy to use.


These newly-drawn maps can be confusing. It will take some time to adjust and re-learn new boundaries, names of elected officials, office phone numbers, and other pertinent information. Please rest assured that the 8^th District office and its members will do their very best to help with the transition and to answer any questions you might have.

Allen: Redistricting A Low Blow, Plain & Simple

As many of you may have already seen in the media, the Appellate Apportionment Commission released the new House and Senate district maps. The 92^nd District has been erased. My residence has now been carved into the Northeast corner of the 100^th House District. The rest of the 92^nd now lies mostly in the new 89^th and 99^th districts. About 300 of my current constituents are in the 100^th district. This is a low blow, plain and simple.

Nonetheless, I am still your state representative until January 2013 and I will continue to serve the District to my fullest capacity. Remember that my office door is always open and you can always give my office a call to voice your concerns or if
you need help facilitating state business. My Legislator Assistant, Matt Schumann, can always be reached at the office during business hours.

Although I look forward to continuing my service to our state and meeting the
people in my new district, I will miss the 92^nd and the friends I have in it. It is an honor and a privilege to serve you.

For those who would like to view the new map, click on the below link to see the
interactive map:
http://oa.mo.gov/bp/redistricting/newlegislativedistricts/

We reconvene the final session of the 96^th General Assembly on January 4, 2012. God Bless and have a Merry Christmas, Happy Holiday, and a Happy New Year!

Meetings with our Local Senators

Over the past two weeks I have met with Senators Jane Cunningham and Eric Schmitt who each serve a portion of the 92^nd District. More dialogue and cooperation must occur between the House and Senate so that our State government can function more effectively. We discussed upcoming issues and legislation of mutual interest, including my Cyber-Bullying bill which will be filed December 1. These meetings were very productive. Senators Cunningham and Schmitt are not the obstructionists we often read about in the newspapers and I am proud to have them as colleagues within the 92^nd District.