Nance: Bills that are now law, In the District

August 28^th just passed and is the day that most bills take effect unless specifically dated or emergency clauses are attached. Many bills passed with great bi-partisan support.

Some of those bills include:

HB 1311
Establishes provisions regarding health insurance coverage for individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders and the licensure of behavior analysts and assistant behavior analysts.

HB 1408
Changes the time period before interest is paid on an overpayment of income tax from four months to 90 days after the last date to file a return, including an extension, or the date the return was filed.

HB 1472
Changes the laws regarding the designation of controlled substances (K-2).

HB 1695
Changes the laws regarding intoxication-related traffic offenses.

HB 1893
Changes the laws regarding the distribution of gaming funds for early childhood education and veterans' programs and requires an annual audit to be conducted on the fund accounts for three years.

Referendum

HB 1764
Prohibits persons, employers, or health care providers from being compelled to participate in any health care system and allows certain domestic insurance companies to dissolve under certain conditions. (Prop C)

HB 2
The Manufacturer's Job Act in an attempt to keep full employment of jobs in the automotive industry.

In the District

I was honored to receive the "Friend of Agriculture Award" from Farm Bureau on Monday evening. It is to recognize legislators serving in the Missouri House of Representatives who have been especially supportive of agriculture.

On Monday the 23^rd, I shared the Bill of Rights and Constitution with 19 scouts at the Methodist Church in Excelsior Springs.

I was the speaker at the Ray County Retired Teachers meeting today.

On Tuesday, September 7^th at 10:00 a.m., there will be a ribbon cutting for Route A Bridge in Hardin. At 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 7^th, there will be a ribbon cutting on N Hwy, south of Excelsior Springs.

Nodler: Bills Go into Effect on August 28

August 28—90 days after the constitutional end of the legislative session—is the day when most bills passed by the Legislature go into effect. For these bills, this is the final step of the legislative process—putting the bills that the General Assembly passed officially into Missouri statute. This session, we passed several major initiatives that affect daily life in Missouri, and I would like to discuss a couple of these measures that will go into effect this Saturday.

House Bill 1695 works to strengthen Missouri’s DWI laws and crack down on repeat offenders. One provision of the bill focuses on the problem of alcohol addiction by allowing any circuit courts to establish a special DWI court to handle certain cases of repeat offenders. It also cracks down on drunk drivers by prohibiting any person who operates a motor vehicle with a BAC (blood alcohol content) of .15 or more from being granted a suspended sentence. The bill also increases the minimum shock time in jail from five days to 10 days for a prior offender and from 10 days to 30 days in order for a persistent offender to be eligible for parole or probation (unless the person performs a certain amount of community service or undergoes a treatment program).

House Bill 1695 also makes reporting DWI cases more uniform. The bill requires the State Highway Patrol, beginning Jan. 1, 2011, to maintain regular accountability reports of alcohol-related arrests, charges, and depositions based on the data submitted by law enforcement and prosecutors. To address the problem of repeat offenders not being held accountable on a local level, the bill also specifies that offenders facing their third DWI offense will be handled by state courts, rather than municipal courts.

Another important bill that was passed by the Legislature and will go into law is Senate Bill 793. The bill expands Missouri’s informed consent requirements, better informing women in the state that are considering an abortion about their options. The bill requires, at least 24 hours prior to an abortion being performed, that a woman be presented with various printed materials detailing the risks of an abortion and the physiological characteristics of an unborn baby; given an opportunity to view an active ultrasound and hear the baby's heartbeat; and provided information regarding the possibility of the abortion causing pain to the unborn baby past 22 weeks. The bill also requires the physician to discuss the medical assistance and counseling resources available, advise the woman of the father's liability for child support, and provide information about the Alternatives to Abortion Program.

For a full list of bills that have been approved by the Legislature during the 2010 regular legislative session click here. All bills not vetoed by the governor without emergency clauses or that note an alternative effective date will become Missouri law on August 28.

Holsman: End of Session Report

Dear Friends,

I want to start by wishing you all a Happy Independence Day! I hope that you and your family have a fun, safe, and relaxing Fourth of July. Let us not forget the sacrifices that have been made throughout the years to protect the liberties and freedoms that we, as Americans, hold dear. From our founding fathers to the soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines, and coast guardsmen currently serving in our armed forces, we all owe a debt of gratitude to those men and women who have helped make this country great.

This End-of-Session newsletter is prepared especially to keep you connected and informed. The budget shortfalls dominated a majority of our legislative efforts. Issues we all care deeply about - education, healthcare, energy and the environment, law enforcement, taxes - were carefully deliberated.

In this newsletter are brief summaries of some successful bills. Detailed summaries and full pdf copies of all the bills that passed can be found at: http://house.mo.gov. All bills are sent to the Governor for his approval before becoming law.

Now that the legislative session has come to a close, I look forward to spending more time at home, talking with constituents and learning about the issues most important to south Kansas City and Grandview. Whether here or in Jefferson City, I am humbled by this opportunity to serve.

Warmest regards,

Jason

Property Assessed Clean Energy

The Property Assessed Clean Energy Act, originally sponsored by Rep. Jason Holsman as House Bill 2178, passed as an amendment on House Bill 1692. Property Assessed Clean Energy, or PACE, grants municipalities the authority to issue bonds to provide homeowners with funding to install energy efficiency improvements or energy-generation systems on their properties. These improvements would be paid for over time by the homeowner through a higher assessment of their property. Therefore the bonds will be paid off only by the citizens who take advantage of the program. The PACE program will allow homeowners and residents to save money on their utility bills by reducing their net energy consumption and will create 'green-collar' jobs by putting people to work building and installing energy efficient improvements.

Urban Farming

House Bill 1848, sponsored by Rep. Jason R. Holsman, creates a Joint Committee on Urban Farming to explore ways to provide inner city residents with improved access to healthy food. The 10-member committee is charged with studying and making recommendations regarding the impact of urban farm cooperatives, vertical farming, and sustainable living communities. The committee will also examine various trends in urban farming; existing resources and capacity; the impact on affected communities; and any needed legislation, policies, or regulations.

Stronger DWI Penalties

House Bill 1695, 1742 & 1674 creates stronger penalties for DWI offenders. The bill requires drivers with blood-alcohol levels of at least 0.15 percent to spend 48 hours in jail, and those with at least 0.2 percent to spend at least five days in jail, unless they complete the requirements of a DWI court or docket or other court-ordered treatment. In addition, the bill allows any circuit court to set up a DWI docket or court for repeat offenders or those whose blood-alcohol content exceeds 0.15 percent. Several Missouri courts already offer DWI Courts, which allow repeat DWI offenders to avoid jail time while receiving treatment for alcohol abuse.

The bill also requires state courts to handle any DWI case involving a defendant with two or more alcohol-related contacts with authorities or intoxication-related traffic offenses, requires police and prosecutors to adopt policies for reporting information on DWI offenses to a central databank, increases the minimum jail time for previous DWI offenders from five to 10 days, and increases the minimum jail time for a persistent offender to 30 days.

Ethics Reform

Senate Bill 844 is an ethics reform package designed to increase transparency and accountability in the political process. One provision of the bill addresses the issue of political money laundering by restricting committee-to committee transfers of campaign donations. The bill limits the number of political committees and makes it a crime to transfer committee funds with the intent to conceal the source of the original funds.

The bill also gives additional authority to the Missouri Ethics Commission to launch investigations. Under current law, the commission can act only after receiving a complaint. Senate Bill 844 allows the commission to launch an investigation after a unanimous vote of all six commission members. The bill also creates the crime of obstructing an ethics investigation.

In addition, the bill requires that campaign contributions made during a legislative session in excess of $500 be reported within 48 hours. The bill also makes it a crime for an elected official to offer a job to a lawmaker in exchange for votes. Senate Bill 844 also creates new crimes for lobbyists who do not properly report how much they spend on meals and gifts for state officials.

Autism Insurance Reform

At left: Representatives Grill & Holsman with Governor Nixon at the signing ceremony of Missouri's Autism Insurance bill.

House Bill 1311 & 1341 requires state-regulated group insurance policies to provide coverage for children with autism spectrum disorders. The legislation requires group insurance policies to provide coverage for applied behavioral analysis services (ABA) for autistic children age 18 and younger. The coverage will have an annual cap of $40,000 and will be adjusted at least once every three years for inflation.

The bill also establishes a state Behavior Analyst Advisory Board under the State Committee of Psychologists within the Division of Professional Registration. The new board will be charged with establishing and overseeing licensure and registration requirements for behavior analysts and assistant behavior analysts who provide therapies for children with autism spectrum disorders.

In addition, House Bill 1311 & 1341 provides an exemption to businesses with 50 or fewer employees that show the mandate increased their premiums by at least 2.5 percent compared to the previous year.

College Scholarships

Senate Bill 733 addresses the discrepancy between scholarship money available to private and public school students through the Access Missouri program. Under current law, students who attend private and public schools are eligible for disparate award amounts. Senate Bill 733 raises the maximum scholarship to $1,300 for community college students and sets it at $2,850 for students at either public universities or private institutions, starting in 2014.

Senate Bill 733 also modifies the Bright Flight scholarship program. Most significantly, the bill ensures that students who score in the top 3 percent with their ACT or SAT scores receive Bright Flight merit scholarship awards before those who score in the top fourth or fifth percent. Bright Flight eligibility will expand to the top 5 percent next year under a new state law.

In addition, the bill addresses students who elect to join the armed forces. These students who qualify for a Bright Flight scholarship may defer their award and receive it at a later date, as long as they return to full-time student status within six months of the end of their military service.

Veterans Omnibus Bill

At right: Representative Jason R. Holsman meeting with a World War II veteran in the Missouri State Capitol.

House Bill 1524 & 2260 will make it easier for military members serving overseas to vote. The bill requires the Secretary of State to establish procedures for overseas voters to request voter registration applications and absentee ballot applications. The legislation also requires that at least one form of electronic communication for use by absent uniformed services and overseas voters must be designated for requesting voter registration applications and absentee ballots.

The bill also authorizes the governor to present a Legion of Merit Medal to individuals who have exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding military service and achievement reflecting honorably and creditably upon the state. In addition, the governor can present a campaign ribbon to individuals who have served in direct support of several military campaigns. The ribbons will include a Missouri Iraq Campaign Ribbon, a Missouri Afghanistan Campaign Ribbon, a Missouri Kosovo Campaign Ribbon, and a Missouri Vietnam Campaign Ribbon.

Other provisions of the bill specify that the State of Missouri recognizes the designations of Prisoner of War (POW) and Missing in Action (MIA) as valid descriptions of casualty status and category classification for military personnel; require the Adjutant General to establish the Missouri Youth Challenge Academy for at-risk high school age youth; and require all state agencies and political subdivisions to give a three-point bonus preference to a service-disabled veteran business operating as a Missouri business when letting a contract for the performance of any job or service.

Downsizing Government

House Bill 1868 reduces the size of state government and authorizes the formation of a committee to study the potential for additional downsizing in the future. The bill will save the state millions of dollars by transferring the powers and duties of the State Water Patrol to the newly established Division of Water Patrol within the State Highway Patrol. The bill also establishes the Joint Committee on the Reduction and Reorganization of Programs within State Government. The 14-member committee must publish a report by December 31, 2010, with recommendations for reducing, eliminating, or combining state programs and departments.

School Safety

At left: Rep. Holsman with a group of students from Boone Elementary

House Bill 1543 contains a number of provisions focused on school safety and improving the working environment for school staff . The bill gives school boards more authority to establish discipline codes. It also expands immunity for school employees who follow established discipline policies. Another provision of the bill defines cyber-bullying to include the use of computers, the Internet, and phones to bully a student.

The legislation also provides school districts with additional budget flexibility during times when funding is limited. For the next three fiscal years, the bill suspends the requirement that school districts spend one percent of state funding on professional development. The legislation allows a school district to spend the money at its discretion. The change will free up approximately $30 million in education funding for schools across the state.

Extraordinary Session

In June, Governor Jay Nixon called the Missouri General Assembly back to Jefferson City for a special "Extraordinary Session" to consider a tax incentive bill to potentially save thousands of jobs at a Ford Motor Company manufacturing plant in the Clay County. The bill has been subject to The Missouri State Capitolsome controversy, as the suggested funding mechanism for these job-saving tax incentives is a reduction in the pensions of Missouri State employees, who are already among the lowest paid state employees in the nation. The House of Representatives was in session June 24th through June 29th discussing this bill. After the bill has worked its way through the Senate, it will return to the House for further consideration on July 7th and 8th. I will keep you updated about the progress of this bill as it moves through the legislative process.

Schaefer: New Audio Clip Discussing Stronger DWI Laws

Jefferson City – State Sen. Kurt Schaefer, R-Columbia, recently added a new audio clip to his multimedia page located on his Missouri Senate website. This page features broadcast-quality audio and video links for visitors to watch and listen to Sen. Schaefer address issues that are important to him and the citizens of the 19^th Senatorial District.

The new audio clip on his page features Sen. Schaefer discussing House Bill 1695, the DWI bill the senator handled in the Missouri Senate. The measure was signed into law on June 2 and will take effect on August 28, 2010.

Senator Schaefer will continue to add audio and video clips periodically throughout the remainder of the year. To view Sen. Schaefer’s multimedia page, visit http://www.senate.mo.gov/multimedia/Schaefer/SchaeferMultimedia.html

Carter: Cooling Sites in St. Louis City, General Revenue Report, Additional Budget Cuts Made

Wow, this has been one hot, humid and wet summer so far.  With temperature readings in the high 90's and heat indexes of 100+, it is imporant to stay hydrated and as cool as possible.  Unfortunately, there are those out there who don't have the ability to stay cool.  If you our someone you know finds yourselves in this situation, please contact one of the cooling sites listed below.

In this report I have addressed the budget, budget cuts and the legislation that is being heard during Special Legislative Session.

If you have any comments or concerns please don't hesitate to let me know.

COOLING SITES IN ST LOUIS

Cooling Sites offer the general public air-conditioned relief and cool water during the hottest part of the day. Sites will be activated if an Excessive Heat Advisory or Warning is issued by the National Weather Service. Heat Advisory issued - when the Heat Index (HI) is expected to reach 105 degrees F or air temperature reaches, at least 100 degrees F. Heat Warning issued - when HI is expected to reach, at least 110 degrees for 2 consecutive days with a minimum HI no lower than 75 degrees at night or if Heat Advisory is expected to last 4 or more days

63107 Divoll Library 4234 N Grand Ave  314-534-0313 Mon & Sat 9-6pm, Fri Noon-7pm,	63107 Little Sisters of the Poor 3225 N Florissant 314-421-6022 Mon-Fri 8-2pm	63108 Schlafly Library Branch 225 N Euclid Ave 314-367-4120 Mon-thurs 9-9pm, Fri-Sat 9-6pm	63109 Buder Library 4401 Hampton Ave 314-352-2900 Mon-thurs 9-9pm, Fri-Sat 9-6pm, Sun 1-5pm
63110 Kingshighway Library 2260 S Vandeventer Ave  314-771-5450 Mon & Sat 9-6, T-Thurs Noon-7pm and Fri 11-6pm	63111 Carondelet Library 6800 Michigan Ave 314-752-9224 Mon&Sat 9-6, T-Thurs Noon-7pm and Fri 11-6pm	63111 Carondelet Senior Center 6518 Michigan Ave 314-664-1008 Mon-Fri 8:30-2:30pm	63111 Grace Hill PATCH Center 7925 Minnesota Ave 314-584-6964 Mon-Fri 8-4pm
63111 Human Development Corp 6827 S Broadway 314-631-0019 Mon-Fri 8:30-5pm	63113 Cabanne Library 1106 Union Blvd 314-367-0717 Mon & Sat 9-6, T-Thurs Noon-7pm and Fri 11-6pm	63113 Northside CommunityCenter 4120 Maffitt 314-531-4161 Mon-Fri 8-5pm	63113 Union Sarah Senior Center 1408 N Kingshighway 314-367-3153 Mon-Fri 9-3pm
63115 Julia Davis Library 4415 Natural BridgeAve 314-383-3021 Mon-Thurs 9-9pm, Fri -Sat: 9-6pm, Sun 1-5pm	63115 Prince Hall 4411 N Newstead 314-877-2182 Mon-Fri 6am-10pm	63115 Wesley House Senior Center 4507 Lee 314-385-1000 Mon-Fri 9-6pm	63116 Bevo Senior Center 4705 Ridgewood Ave 314-352-0141 Mon-Fri - 9-4:30pm
63116 Grand Oak Hill Senior Center 4168 Juanita 314-865-5530 Mon-Fri 8-5pm	63118 Carpenter Library 3309 S Grand Blvd 314-772-6586 Mon-Fri 9-9pm, Sat 9-6pm	63118 Five Star Senior Center 2832 Arsenal 314-664-1008 Mon-Fri 8-5pm	63118 Salvation Army Temple Corps 2740 Arsenal St 314-771-3460 Mon-Fri 8-4pm
63119 Shrewsbury Senior Center 7677 Watson St 314-968-8720 Mon-Fri 9-3pm	63120 San Francisco Temple Multiplex 5341 Emerson 314-381-7819 Mon-Fri 6am-8pm	63120 Walnut Park Library 5760 W Florissant 314-383-1210 Mon-Thurs 9-9pm, Fri -Sa: 9-6pm, Sun 1-5pm	63122 Kirkwood Senior Center 385 S Taylor St 314-965-1002 Mon-Fri 9-3pm
63123 Affton White Rodgers Community 9801 MacKenzie 314-544-5100 Mon-Thurs 8-10pm, Fri 8-5pm. Sat 8-4pm	63125 South County Senior Center 9451 Gentry 314-631-8698 Mon-Fri 8-3:30/	63133 Human Development Corp 6356 Dr. Martin Luther King Dr Mon-Fri 8:30-5:00pm	63136 Northside Senior Center at Northside Christian Church 9635 Lewis and Clark Blvd 314-867-5661 Mon-Fri 9-3pm
63139 Machacek Library 6424 Scanlan Ave 314-781-2948 Mon&Wed Noon-9pm, Tues, Thurs-Sat 9-6pm	63139 Marketplace Library 6548 Manchester Ave 314-647-0939 Tues-Thurs 11-7pm, Fri 11-6pm, Sat 9-6pm	63139 St. Louis Senior Center 5602 Arsenal 314-645-3477 Mon-Fri 8:30-6:30pm	63144 Brentwood Recreational Complex 2505 S Brentwood Blvd 314-963-8689 Mon-Fri 6-10pm
	63147 Baden Library 8448 Church Rd 314-388-2400 Mon&Sat 9-6, T-Thurs Noon-7pm and Fri 11-6pm	63147 Father Tolton Center SeniorProgram 1018 Baden Ave 314-385-3445 Mon-Fri 9-5pm

STATE RELEASES APRIL 2010 GENERAL REVENUE REPORT

State Budget Director Linda Luebbering announced today that 2010 fiscal year-to-date net general revenue collections declined 7.9 percent compared to fiscal year 2009, from $6.82 billion last year to $6.28 billion this year.

Net general revenue collections for May 2010 increased by 53.1 percent compared to those for May 2009, from $400.9 million to $613.8 million.

GROSS COLLECTIONS BY TAX TYPE

Individual income tax collections

• Decreased 8.2 percent for the year, from $5.50 billion last year to $5.03 billion this year.
• Decreased 0.2 percent for the month.

Sales and use tax collections

• Decreased 4.4 percent for the year from $1.71 billion last year to $1.63 billion this year.
• Increased 18.2 percent for the month.

Corporate income and corporate franchise tax collections

• Decreased 8.0 percent for the year, from $453.7 million last year to $417.3 million this year.
• Increased 2.8 percent for the month.

All other collections

• Decreased 10.7 percent for the year, from $458.0 million last year to $409.1 million this year.
• Decreased 28.7 percent for the month.

Refunds

• Decreased 5.7 percent for the year, from $1.28 billion last year to $1.21 billion this year.
• Decreased 86.3 percent for the month.

GOVERNOR NIXON CALLS FOR SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE SESSION

The Governor has called a special session during the week of June 28 in order to pass the Manufacturing Jobs Act, similar to House Bill 1675 from last session.  This legislation [HB2] is primarily designed to save the 3700 jobs at the Ford plant in Claycomo, and the thousands of related jobs at auto suppliers throughout the state.  As a cost offset for this legislation, the Governor is also considering including in the call a state employee retirement reform package similar to Senate Bill 714 from last session.  These two pieces of legislation are summarized below.

Manufacturing Jobs Act ($15m cap/year for 10 years)

Under this bill, a qualified automobile manufacturer that creates or retains jobs may retain 100% of employee withholding taxes for ten years, up to $10 million/year for each company, if it meets the following criteria:

• manufactures goods in Missouri
• derives more than ten percent of its total sales from goods produced at the facility which are ultimately exported outside the United States or derives more than twenty percent of its total sales from goods produced at the facility which are exported outside of Missouri
• manufactures a new product that has not been manufactured in Missouri by the company
• makes an additional capital investment of at least $100,000 per full-time employee retained at the facility for a new product line, and
• continues to manufacture such goods for a period of at least five years.

A qualified supplier that creates new jobs may retain 100% of employee withholding taxes for three years if it:

• derives more than 10% of its total annual revenues from sales to a qualified manufacturing facility
• adds five or more new jobs
• pays wages for new jobs that are equal to or exceed either the county wage or industry average wage for Missouri (but not less than 60% of the statewide average wage), and
• provides health insurance to employees and pays at least 50% of the insurance premiums.

State Employee Retirement Reform Package (MOSERS savings over ten years = $566m)

This package does NOT in any way impact teacher retirement, and specifically exempts PSRS, PEERS and LAGERS.  It contains the following components:

• New employees hired after January 1, 2011 will be eligible for retirement at age 67 with 10 years of service, or Rule of 90 (currently age 62 with 5 years of service or Rule of 80)
• New employees contribute 4% of pay on a pretax basis
• Establish a public Investment Board to manage assets of MOSERS and MPERS to provide investment management and advisory services, and MOSERS and MPERS Board of Directors remain in place to address business affairs, including benefit management.

GOVERNOR NIXON MAKES ADDITIONAL $301.4 MILLION IN BUDGET CUTS

Gov. Jay Nixon signed the $23 billion state operating budget for the 2011 fiscal year into law on June 17 but cut $301.4 million in general revenue spending approved by Missouri lawmakers when they passed the budget in late April. These cuts, which potentially could be restored if the state's financial outlook improves but realistically probably won't, are in addition to massive cuts Nixon and lawmakers had already made for the upcoming fiscal year, which begins July 1.

One of the most significant cuts made by Nixon is a $70 million reduction in state reimbursements to local school districts for student transportation costs. Combined with reductions made by the General Assembly, the state will reimburse about 30 percent of schools' transportation costs for the 2010-2011 school year compared to more than 40 percent in 2009-2010. The governor, however, didn't touch legislative appropriations for basic state aid to local schools.

Another budget action of note included reducing funding for the need-based Access Missouri Scholarship Program by $50 million. However, the Missouri Higher Education Loan Authority has pledged $30 million for need-based scholarships that will largely offset this cut. The governor also cut the much smaller merit-based Bright Flight Scholarship program by one-fourth, or $4.1 million.

The administration is also banking on $47 million in savings from the state's more than 60 tax credit programs. State Budget Director Linda Luebbering said the savings will come from enhanced scrutiny of requests for tax credits that should result in fewer being granted and lower-than-expected redemptions of credits already issued.

OTHER STATE HAPPENINGS

NIXON SEEKS FIVE-YEAR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PLAN

Gov. Jay Nixon is seeking to develop a five-year strategic plan for improving Missouri's economy. The plan, which is expected to be prepared by the end of the year, will include targeting existing and future industries that are key to the state's economic growth.

Nixon on May 21 appointed an executive board to lead the effort that consists of Missouri Department of Economic Development Director David Kerr, Ann Marie of United Missouri Bank in Springfield, Paul Combs of Baker Implement in Kennett, Bill Downey of Kansas City Power & Light and David Steward of World Wide Technology in St. Louis.

A larger steering committee that includes industry experts, researchers, labor representatives, economic development officials and business leaders from throughout the state will be named by early June to provide additional input on the strategic plan.

LIQUOR CONTROL DIVISION SURVIVES BUT SMALLER

Because legislation sought by Gov. Jay Nixon to eliminate the Missouri Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Control and merge its regulatory operations into the state Department of Revenue failed to win final legislature approval, the agency will survive. However, thanks to significant budget cuts lawmakers did approve, the division's staff will be cut by more than half.

The budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1 reduces the alcohol division's appropriation by more than $1 million from the current year. As a result, the number of full-time employees at the agency will drop from 41 to 17.

Because of the staffing reduction, the agency will no longer be able to carry out much of its field enforcement work, such as spot checks to determine if bars and liquor retailers are serving minors. The responsibility for such enforcement will instead shift to local law enforcement.

REPORT SHOWS POLICE STOPPING BLACKS AT HIGHER RATE

Black motorists were 70 percent more likely to be stopped by Missouri police in 2009 than white drivers and twice as likely to be stopped as Hispanic drivers, according to the 10^th annual analysis of statewide traffic-stop data released on June 1 by Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster. The statistics covered more than 1.7 million traffic stops made by 642 law enforcement agencies, which are required by state law to record the racial demographics of motorists from every traffic stop.

The statewide data show a growing disparity in traffic stops since the first report was released in 2001. That report, which covered stops in 2000, showed that black drivers were 30 percent more likely to be pulled over than white drivers. "These findings continue a disturbing trend for African-American drivers in Missouri," Koster said a in a statement attached to the report.

The report also found that police searched Hispanics at a higher rate than blacks or whites, who were searched at the lowest rate. However, of those three groups, Hispanics were the least likely to be found with contraband following a search and whites the most likely.

GOVERNOR SIGNS OVERHAUL OF DWI STATUTES INTO LAW

Gov. Jay Nixon on June 2 signed into law legislation that seeks to make it harder for repeat drunken drivers to avoid enhanced punishment while also directing more offenders into alcohol treatment programs. The push to revise state DWI laws resulted from a St. Louis Post-Dispatch investigation last year that showed record keeping difficulties often allows repeat offenders to avoid being charged with felonies and local practice in some municipal courts enable offenders to avoid getting another DWI conviction on their records even those they aren't eligible for such deals.

Under the overhaul legislation, HB 1695, offenders with at least two prior DWI convictions must be tried in state – not municipal – court. It also sets new standards for prosecutors and law enforcement to enter DWI offenses into a statewide database and requires municipal judges to undergo training regarding the proper disposition of cases.

In addition, the law authorizes local judicial circuits to set up special DWI courts to handle offenses in which the driver registers a blood alcohol content of at least .15 – nearly double Missouri's legal limit of .08 BAC. Participants would undergo intense supervision and alcohol treatment, but successful completion could allow them to regain limited driving privileges sooner than is normal.

STATE REVENUE SHOWING SIGNS OF IMPROVEMENT

Missouri's financial situation continued to show signs of improvement in May, although revenue collections were still well below where they were a year ago. Through the first 11 months of the 2010 fiscal year, which ends June 30, year-to-date net general revenue collections were down 7.9 percent compared to the same period in FY 2009. That's good news, however, when one considers that through April collections were down 11.7 percent for the year, which was an improvement from March when year-to-date collections were down 13.3 percent from the previous year.

May 2010 general revenue collections increased a whopping 53.1 percent compared to May 2009, from $400.9 million to $613.8 million. This was due in large part to an 86.3 percent decrease in tax refunds during May 10 compared to May 2009.

NIXON APPOINTS ST. LOUISIAN TO HIGHWAYS COMMISSION

Gov. Jay Nixon on June 1 appointed Republican Kenneth Suelthaus, a lawyer from St. Louis, to Missouri State Highways and Transportation Commission, the independent governing authority of the state Department of Transportation. Suelthaus can begin serving on the six-member commission immediately, but the Senate must ultimately approve his appointment once it reconvenes.

Suelthaus earned a bachelor's degree in engineering from the University of Michigan and a law degree from the University of Missouri. If confirmed by the Senate, Suelthaus would serve for a term that expires March 1, 2015. He replaces fellow Republican Duane Michie of Hayti, whose term expired in March 2009 but who continued to serve until his replacement was named.

LINN STATE TO RESCIND TUITION HIKE THAT VIOLATES DEAL

The Linn State Technical College Board of Regents plans to rescind a $3 per credit hour fee that it recently voted to impose for 2010-2011 academic year, The Associated Press reported on June 2. The hike violated a deal Linn State and other public colleges and universities made with Gov. Jay Nixon in which they agreed to hold tuition flat for the upcoming school year in exchange for limited cuts in state funding for higher education.

A Linn State official told the AP the board thought it was in technical compliance with the deal by labeling its revenue-boosting move a "fee" until informed by the governor's office that any increase in tuition, no matter what they called it, violated the deal. The board is scheduled to revoke the increase at its June 25 meeting.

GOVERNOR SIGNS AUTISM INSURANCE BILL INTO LAW

Gov. Jay Nixon on June 10 signed into law long-sought legislation that will require state-regulated health insurance companies to offer policies that provide at least $40,000 a year in coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of children age 18 and younger with autism spectrum disorders. Insurance policies typically have excluded coverage for behavioral therapy for autistic children, which has proven effective but is financially out of reach for many Missouri families.

A similar bill appeared on track for easy passage during the 2009 legislative session until blocked by House Speaker Ron Richard, R-Joplin. This year legislative leaders of both parties declared the legislation a top priority and the bill, HB 1311, passed with overwhelming majorities in both the Senate and House of Representatives. The autism coverage mandate, however, isn't universal as it doesn't apply to insurance plans that are federally regulated, such as those of large businesses that self-insure their employees.

RESTRICTIONS PLACED ON STATE EMPLOYEE TRAVEL

Gov. Jay Nixon's administration is placing tight restrictions on out-of-state travel by state employees to reduce expenses, The Associated Press reported on June 8 citing an administration memo to state department directors. The new policy generally prohibits state workers from traveling out of state, though there are exceptions for transporting prisoners, emergency responses and travel that is legally required, privately paid for or essential to conduct an audit or collect taxes or fee due to the state.

MOSERS EMPLOYEES COULD GET HUGE HIKES IN BASE PAY

Bowing to intense criticism after it was revealed that employees of the Missouri State Employees Retirement System received lucrative bonuses in 2008 despite the fact that the system lost $1.8 billion that year from its investments, MOSERS agreed to eliminate bonuses for all but the system's top managers starting later this year. But the MOSERS Board of Trustees this month will consider a proposal to offset the loss of bonuses by increasing their employees' base pay.

Although MOSERS' investment staff received the bulk the bonuses, support staff, such as secretaries, also were given more modest bonuses. Under the proposed pay plan, the approximately 70 employees who are no longer eligible for bonuses would receive pay increases equal to 90 percent of what they used to get in bonuses. MOSERS oversees the pension system for most state employees.

RESPECTED CHILDREN'S ADVOCACY GROUP CLOSES DOORS

After 25 years, Citizens for Missouri's Children, a respected child advocacy group that produces the annual Kids Count report, has ceased operations. In June 4 letter to supporters, CMC Director Scott Gee cited a lack of sufficient funding as the reason for the group's demise.

CMC was best known for its Kids Count report, which annually compiled comprehensive date on child poverty rates, health issues and other matters affecting Missouri children. Gee told the Missourinet that he hopes another group will take over the report.

UM SYSTEM OFFICIAL TO HEAD HIGHER ED DEPARTMENT

The Missouri Coordinating Board for Higher Education on June 10 appointed University of Missouri System Vice President David Russell as the state's interim commissioner of higher education. Russell, who has worked for the UM System for 19 years, will replace retiring Commissioner Robert Stein effective July 1 and hold the post indefinitely.

The board likely chose a temporary replacement for Stein because the future existence of the Department of Higher Education is uncertain. Gov. Jay Nixon has proposed merging the higher education department and the much larger Department of Elementary and Secondary Education into a single agency. The Senate passed pair of proposed constitutional amendments to create a single Department of Education earlier this year but neither cleared the House of Representatives before the legislative session ended. Another effort to combine the departments is expected next year.

UM CURATORS SEEKING 30 PERCENT FUNDING HIKE

After enduring a decade of state funding cuts, the University of Missouri Board of Curators on June 11 voted to request a 30 percent increase in the UM System's state appropriation for the 2012 fiscal year, which begins July 1, 2012. System officials justified the request as necessary to give employees their first raise in three years and to pay for numerous other needs that have been neglected in recent years due to repeated cuts in state funding.

It is highly unlikely that the General Assembly will be in a position to honor the curators' request, even if inclined to do so, since substantial additional cuts are expected throughout state government when lawmakers begin work on the FY 2012 budget next year. As a result, instead of a funding increase UM System schools and the state's other public colleges and universities will likely endure another round of cuts.

BANK OF AMERICA TO PAY FINE FOR NO-CALL VIOLATIONS

Bank of America has agreed to pay the state $195,000 to settle complaints that it violated Missouri's telemarketing solicitation laws by calling Missourians who have signed up for the state's No-Call List. In announcing the settlement on June 10, Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster said the company also agreed to establish a comprehensive do-not-call program to ensure future compliance with state and federal telemarketing laws.

Kraus: Protecting Our Children

Finally! The weather is warm, the skies are blue, and it will soon be officially summer.  It's time for many of us to get outside to take care of the garden, get in some outdoor exercise, or just sit outside on the patio for rest and recreation after a busy day.

It's time for our children to be outside, too.  Out of school for the summer, it's their time to wander in the park, play ball, hit the swimming pools, and gather with friends away from parents. It is – and should be – a great time for them.  However, as parents, we must also be aware of the dangers that can lurk around our parks, our swimming pools, and other places where children gather.  Child sex offenders, if they are allowed, know where to seek their prey.

We've long had laws on the books that prohibit sex offenders from living or working near schools.  However, only since 2009, when I sponsored HB 105, have we had laws that prohibit them from being within 500 feet of public parks and swimming pools where children congregate in the summer.  I worked to limit their proximity because caring teachers and parents have a harder time keeping an eye on children in these places.  At the same time, I also sponsored legislation, HB 106, to prohibit convicted sex offenders from serving in capacities such as a coach or athletic trainer for youth teams.  When a constituent contacted me about this happening and its horrible consequences, I vowed to not let it happen again.  Both of these provisions passed in HB 62.

Sex Offender Registry

As a parent, you can help to safeguard your children by knowing where convicted sex offenders live in your neighborhood.  Convicted child sex offenders are required to register with the state, and information is available online at www.mshp.dps.mo.gov. Once you have accessed the website, you can look up offenders by entering your address and selecting a search area anywhere within one thousand feet to fifteen miles from your home. The site will map out where all the offenders in your vicinity live. When you scroll down and click on the offender's name, it will bring up a picture, physical description and convictions.  If you do not have access to the internet, you can call the Missouri Sex Offender Registry toll free at (888) 767-6747.

New Legislation

We must remain ever vigilant in protecting our children from these heinous predators.  If protection fails, we must also work to improve health care for child victims of sexual assault. This year, in response to the lack of health care professionals trained to evaluate child sexual assault victims in Missouri, we passed HB 2270.  It improves health care for child victims by educating more health care professionals on how to evaluate and communicate with abuse victims. The legislation also will allow doctors to get a second opinion by consulting with other doctors using advanced video technology. Currently, doctors are barred from sharing information about their patients with anyone, excluding law enforcement.

We as legislators must continue to identify any shortcomings in our system of protections against child sexual abuse, and we must continue to fix those problems with our actions in the legislature.

Legislation Becomes Law

Stiffer Penalties for Drunken Drivers Signed

According to the Missouri Highway Patrol, below are the numbers of alcohol-related driving events in Jackson County.

• In 2009, 24 fatal crashes occurred, killing 28 people.
• In 359 accidents, 531 people were injured in 2009.
• For all law enforcement agencies, DWI arrests totaled 3409 in 2009.
• In the roughly five-year period from 2005 to date, 123 people have been killed.

These deaths are fathers, mothers, husbands, wives, children, and relatives.  The problem touches us all, and we must do what we can to discourage drunk driving.

This session, the General Assembly passed HB 1695, which strengthens laws regarding intoxication-related traffic offenses, and Governor Nixon signed this bill on June 2.

Penalties, including jail time, have been increased for persons who are arrested for driving while intoxicated.  The bill would require drivers with blood-alcohol levels of at least 0.15 percent to spend 48 hours in jail and those with at least 0.2 percent to spend at least five days in jail, unless the person completes the requirements of a DWI court or docket that can require treatment.   In addition, it specifies that drivers with blood-alcohol levels of at least 0.15 percent cannot be granted a suspended imposition of sentence.

The bill also makes greater provision for offenders to choose treatment by allowing any circuit court to set up a DWI docket for repeat offenders or those whose blood-alcohol content exceeds 0.15 percent.  The court may assess costs for participation in a DWI court against the participant.

Legislation That Affects Military Personnel

On May 27, Governor Nixon signed the four pieces of military legislation that I discussed in my last Capitol update.  These were:

• HB 1524 – Enacts several changes regarding veterans and members of the military,
• HB 1893 - Changes the laws regarding the distribution of gaming funds for early childhood education and veterans' programs and requires an annual audit to be conducted on the fund accounts for three years,
• HB 2147 - Exempts certain students who are dependents of recently retired military personnel from the three-year attendance requirement under the A+ Schools Program, and
• HB 2262 - Exempts certain students who are dependents of recently retired military personnel from the three-year attendance requirement under the A+ Schools Program.

I'm very glad to see the successful conclusion of these bills.

Flag Day

Next Monday, June 14, is Flag Day.  After the creation of the flag by seamstress Betsy Ross 233 years ago, Francis Scott Key was inspired to write our national anthem as he saw it still flying in the light of dawn after a night of battle with the British.  To see it still flying continues to be the glory of those who fight for it.  June 14 is the special day for everyone to fly the flag with pride in the history and nation that it represents.

Also on June 14, 1775, the Second Continental Congress issued a resolution that formally established the United States Army.  Happy Birthday!

With the ending of the 2010 Legislative Session, the Capitol Report will be issued about twice a month. During this time, if you have an event that you would like me to attend or speak at, please contact my office at 1 (573) 751-1459 or e-mail at will{dot}kraus{at}house{dot}mo{dot}gov.

Gatschenberger: Missouri's Budget, End of Session Legislative Summary and Town Hall Invitation

Town Hall Report

As promised… the following is a summary of the budget information covered at our last Town Hall Meeting.   Although the material may be a bit technical, I believe it is worth your time to understand our State's Budget.  If you have questions, please don't hesitate to contact my office.

I. FY 2011 MISSOURI STATE BUDGET SUMMARY (May, 2010)

State Fiscal Year 2011 (July 1, 2010 – June 30, 2011)

Total Missouri State Operating Budget	$23,274, 922,486
State General Revenue	7,260,461,973
Federal Budget Stabilization (unrestricted)	572,388,526
Federal Budget Stabilization (education)	287,037,940
Federal Funds	7,035,061,286
Other Funds (Highway & Road Funds; Lottery & Gaming Proceeds; Conservation, Parks Soil & Water; Outstanding Schools Trust Fund, etc)	8,119,972,761

That $7.3 billion Net State General Revenue is derived from:

• $4.8 billion or 66.4% from Individual Income Tax
• $1.8 billion or 24.4% from Sales and Use Tax
• $0.4 billion or 4.9% from Corporate Income Tax
• $0.3 billion or 4.3% from Other Taxes

Largest Expenditures of Net State General Revenue:

• $2.8 billion or 38.9% for Elementary & Secondary Education
• $2.3 billion or 31.9% for Social Services, Health & Senior Services and Mental Health
• $0.9 billion or 12.5% for Higher Education

II. Missouri State Budget History

Normal/Average Net State General Revenue (GR) growth is + 3 to 4% more than the previous year's collections.  Over the last 10 years, it has been as low as (-) 3.2% in FY 2002 and as high as +9.2% in FY 2006

In FY 2009, last year, net tax collections dropped by what was at that time, was "the largest percentage drop" of minus (-) 6.9% below the previous year's revenues.  This drop resulted in actual net GR collections for FY 2009 of $7.4 billion, which is equal to the amount the state collected in FY 2006.

Missouri's Constitution requires that the Governor use line-item vetoes and/or withholding of funds from state agencies and programs when actual revenue collections drop below budgeted collections.  In FY 2009, the Governor withheld and reduced spending authorizations by $272.0 million.

The FY 2010 budget that we are currently getting ready to end on June 30 was built on estimated revenue growth of positive + 1.0%.  However, our national and state economies, driven by record unemployment of nearly 10%, have resulted in revisions that net GR collections could drop by more  than minus (–) 9.0%!  As a result of this shortfall, the Governor has vetoed or withheld more than $900.0 million of GR expenditures by state agencies and programs this year.

The American Recovery & Reinvestment Act of 2009 has provided one-time Federal Budget Stabilization and targeted one-time Federal Stimulus Funds to the states.

Federal Budget Stabilization Funds (FBS) are provided over a 27-month period from Oct 2008 thru Dec 2010.  These one-time funds total approx'ly $2.4 billion that have been used to shore up the state budgets for (last year) FY 2009 and (this year) FY 2010.

Federal Stimulus Funds totaling another $2.6 billion are available for one-time "targeted and competitive" grants for state and local programs such as: job training, law enforcement, energy projects, unemployment benefits and broadband.

III. Special Circumstances for the FY 2010 Missouri State Budget

The original revenue estimate made 18 months previous for the FY 2011 budget was an optimistic + 3.6%.  However, as a result of the drastic reductions in state revenue in FY 2009 and 2010, the more recent revised estimate is a modest +2.2% growth on a much lower base of $6.7 billion of net GR in FY 2010.

On January 20 of this year, the Governor recommended a budget for FY 2011 that assumed the + 3.6% growth.  His spending proposals also included use of an additional $300.0 million of one-time "Extended" Federal Budget Stabilization Funds above and beyond the 27-month period of the 2009 American Recovery & Reinvestment Act.   These additional one-time Extended Federal Budget Stabilization funds had been proposed in federal legislation, but have not yet been approved by Congress.

In March, the Governor asked the House and Senate Budget Committees to cut the budget he proposed for FY 2011 by $500.0 million.  The Governor's request to the General Assembly was to cut $200.0 million due to the FY 2011 revised general revenue estimate from + 3.6 to + 2.2% and his acknowledgement that the state may not receive the $300.0 million of Extended Federal Budget Stabilization Funds that he had included in his budget.  The House and the Senate worked together to make the very difficult and unpopular decisions to cut $484.0 million of GR from the FY 2011 budget that was proposed by the Governor in January.

In May, the Governor announced that he plans to cut $350.0 million more from the FY 2011 budget approved by the Legislature because some proposed budget-related legislation did not pass, the administration does not agree with some assumptions in the appropriations and monthly collections continue to fall below estimates.

IV. Challenges to the FY 2012 Missouri State Budget

The one-time Federal Budget Stabilization Funds totaling $860.0 million (see page 1 – the $572 million and $287 million) will be gone after the state FY 2011 budget.

Even if we get the Extended $300.0 million of FBS, we still have somewhere between $560 to $860 million MORE TO CUT from the base of the FY 2012 budget before we can even consider the increases that will be requested for the School Foundation Formula, Higher Education, Medicaid , Corrections, Public Safety, etc.

V. Highlights of the FY 2011 Missouri State Budget

• Flat funding for School Foundation Formula ($3.4 billion from all Funds)
• $15.0 million reduction to Foundation Transportation ($153.0 million)
• 5.2% or $50.0 million reduction in direct aid to Higher Education Institutions and Community Colleges ($911.0 million)
• $13.0 million cut in funds for Access Missouri need-based Scholarships ($83.0 million)
• $20.0 million reduction to state employee benefits
• $6.0 million reduction on Biodiesel subsidies ($13.4 million)
• $6.0 million reduction to Tourism ($13.9 million)
• $7.5 million additional for Corrections inmate health & mental health care ($136.6 million)
• $5.6 million additional for caseload growth in the Dept of Mental Health
• $16.5 million additional for Medicaid Home & Community Services in the Dept of Health & Senior Services
• $30.6 additional for Medicaid caseload growth in the Dept of Social Services

Please be my guest!

What:  Town Hall Meeting
When:  Thursday, June 24^th – 7:00 pm
Where:  Wentzville City Hall – 310 W Pearce Blvd
Why:  Information on what the University of Missouri Extension Office can do for you as an individual… or as a small business. Scott Killpack from the University of Missouri Extension Office in St. Charles County will explain what is available and how you can take advantage of their services.  For example… did you know they can help you with your yard problems?  Your health & nutrition questions?  Your small business ideas?  Your needs as a dislocated worker?  Your family financial maze?

Also, James Gremaud from the Missouri Department of Transportation will be on hand to give you an update of MoDot projects in the 13^th District and get your thoughts on Truck Lanes.

You won't want to miss this very important information session… so please mark your calendars now!

More than 70 people attended my last Town Hall Meeting in Wentzville

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

Roorda: Nixon's Economic Development Plan, Liquor Control Downsized, Stronger DWI Penalties

Governor Jay Nixon's Five Year Economic Development Plan

Governor Nixon is seeking to develop a five-year strategic plan for improving Missouri's economy. The plan is expected to be prepared by the end of the year and focuses on industries that are key to the state's economic growth.

Bringing in a number of different perspectives and ideas to strengthen the plans foundation, Nixon appointed an exectutive board to lead the effort. This board includes: Missouri Department of Economic Development Director David Kerr, Ann Marie of United Missouri Bank in Springfield, Paul Combs of Baker Implement in Kennett, Bill Downey of Kansas City Power & Light and David Steward of World Wide Technology in St. Louis.

In supplement to this executive board a larger steering committee that includes industry experts, researchers, labor representatives, economic development officials and business leaders from throughout the state will be named by early June to provide additional input on the strategic plan.

Read more about the plans progression at St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Mr. Nixon's 5-Year Economic Plan

Nixon Tries to Reignite Economic Plan

Liquor Control Division Downsized

Legislation proposed by Gov. Jay Nixon to merge the Missouri Division of Alcohol and Tobacco control into the State Department of Revenue did not win legislature approval, keeping the divisons regulatory operations open but on a smaller scale. Due to budget cuts the continued operations of the divison are to be performed by a smaller staff of full time employees.

Financially speaking, beginning on July 1 the budget for the fiscal year reduces the alcohol divison's appropriation by more than $1 million from the current year. The appropriation cut back has in turn led to the staffing reduction making it difficult for the agency to perform much its field enforcement such as; spot checks and determining whether or not alcohol retailers are serving minors. Collaboration between the now smaller division and local law enforcement will be established in effort to carry out much of the work done prior to the staff reduction.

Additional Information about the Missouri Divison of Alcohol and Tobacco control can be found at this link "Missouri ATC"

Stronger DWI Penalties

Governor Jay Nixon Signs HB 1695, June 2,2010

House Bill 1695, 1742 & 1674 creates stronger penalites for DWI offenders. The bill requires drivers with blood-alcohol levels of at least 0.15 percent to spend 48 hours in jail, and those with at least 0.2 percent to spend at least five days, unless they complete the requirements of a DWI court, docket, or other court-ordered treatment.

In addition, the bill allows any circuit court to set up a DWI docket or court for repeat offenders of those whose blood-alcohol content exceeds 0.15 percent. Several Missouri courts already offer DWI Courts, which allow repeat DWI offenders to avoid jail time while receiving treatment for alcohol abuse.

The bill also requires state courts to handle any DWI case involving a defendant with two or more alcohol related contacts with authorities or intoxication-related traffic offenses. Police and prosecutors also have to adopt policies for reporting information on DWI offenses to a central databank. This databank will serve as reference point for previous offenders, whose jail time will be from 5-10 days, persistent offenders to 30 days.

Read more about the signing and content of this new bill at the links below:

HB 1695

Governor Nixon Cracks Down

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

Schaefer Announces Signing DWI Reform Bill by Governor

JEFFERSON CITY, MO – Senator Kurt Schaefer is pleased to announce the recent signing of House Bill 1695, which will create sweeping reforms in Missouri’s DWI laws.

The bill received wide bipartisan support not only from lawmakers, but from prosecutors, judges, law enforcement personnel, victims of alcohol-related offenders and citizens involved in DWI issues.

“As the bill’s handler in the Senate, I got to see firsthand how my colleagues on both sides of the aisle pulled together in support of this legislation,” Sen. Schaefer said. “With no opposition in either chamber, we delivered a bill to the governor that emphasizes the fact that it is not safe to drink and drive.”

Among other provisions of the law, the bill allows the creation of DWI courts within municipalities and removes existing leniency towards those with previous intoxication-related offenses. In addition, arrest information from local law enforcement agencies will be forwarded to the highway patrol to centralize information regarding alcohol-related traffic offenses.

“This bill will go a long way towards keeping Missouri’s highways safer,” Sen. Schaefer said. “And, it will help keep offenders who continue to drive under the influence of alcohol, despite previous convictions, off the roads.”

The governor signed the legislation today at the Missouri Highway Patrol Training Academy in Jefferson City. Along with most measures signed by the governor, the bill will become law Aug. 28.

Please contact Sen. Schaefer’s office if you have questions or concerns about this or any other facet of the Missouri Legislature.

Rupp: Honoring Those Who Served

This Memorial Day I attended the beautiful ceremony held at the Lake St. Louis Veterans Memorial Park. It was awe inspiring to see so many people turn out to honor those who have served our country by paying the ultimate price. This kind of event reminds me of the great sacrifices we have made to form this great country of ours, and that it is a tremendous honor and privilege to be an elected leader from the great state of Missouri.

Our surviving heroes of World War I and II, the Korean War, and even the Vietnam War are getting fewer with each passing year. At the same time, we must also remember our heroes in Desert Storm, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom. Many of our state's best men and women continue to defend our freedom in lands all across the world. We must never lose sight of the sacrifices our soldiers make when they put their lives on the line for our freedom. There is no way we can ever repay them for this gift, and the least we can do is treat that sacrifice with the dignity and gratitude that it deserves – and not just on Memorial Day.

This past legislative session, I was proud to vote for House Bill 1524, a large veteran's bill that I believe sets a few things right when it comes to how we treat the defenders of our country. House Bill 1524 requires that service-disabled veteran run businesses in Missouri get a point preference when it comes to state agency bids.

The bill also requires the state to form a Missouri Youth Challenge Academy for at-risk high school age youth. The residential military-based academy will provide work experience and training in life skills, citizenship, life-coping and academic skills, and other personal development skills. It is my firm belief that the discipline and life skills taught in this academy will turn many lives around for the better.

But perhaps most importantly, HB 1524 allows our soldiers currently overseas the option to fill out an absentee ballot and exercise their right to vote. In today's age of electronic information, there is no longer an excuse for not allowing our brave men and women the opportunity to participate in the democracy they work so hard to defend. It's the right thing to do and the right time to do it, and it is good to know that this brave group of Missourians can have a say in their own future with the right to vote.

Thank you to all of the brave soldiers who have served and who continued to serve, and God bless this great country of ours.

Senator Rupp Announces Partnership to Widen West St. Charles County Roads

On June 1, 2010, I announced that a project is already underway to meet citizen demands for safer and wider roads in West St. Charles County.

In a partnership between the State of Missouri, St. Charles County, and the local quarry operations, the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) recently began engineering work on Highways D, DD, and 94 in West St. Charles County.

I've been working with MoDOT to allocate funds for this project since 2006, and those efforts have paid off thanks to the hard work of many people. There was a tremendous effort from a citizen's group, the county, and many more. Together, we made it happen.

The funding that has been secured will mean 15 miles of paved, three-foot shoulders on each side of the road, making dangerous stretches of Highways D, DD, and 94 safer for travelers. Construction is set to begin in the spring of 2011 with completion by the end of that year.

DWI Bill Signed into Law

Now that the General Assembly is nearly three weeks into the interim, the focus has shifted to one of the final steps in the legislative process: the governor's signature.

Last week (5/25), the General Assembly convened for a technical session to officially send most of the passed 2010 bills to the governor's desk for his signature. The governor has until July 14 to either sign or veto each bill; if he doesn't lend his signature to any piece of legislation by the deadline, it automatically becomes law.

Every bill the governor vetoes is sent back to the sponsoring chamber with his objections. The governor's vetoes, if any, will be considered by the Legislature when it reconvenes for veto session in mid-September. If lawmakers decide to try to override a veto, it will be put to a vote. To overturn a governor's veto, a two-thirds majority vote in both chambers is required.

Most of the passed bills that are signed by the governor become law on Aug. 28, though some contain "emergency clauses" that had to be approved separately from the legislation. Any bill or provision attached to an emergency clause may take effect immediately upon receiving the governor's signature (or at another specified date).

This week, the governor signed into law House Bill 1695, a bill that is intended to strengthen Missouri's DWI laws and crack down on repeat offenders. The legislation makes several changes to the state's laws regarding intoxication-related traffic offenses, including:

• Allowing any circuit court to establish a special DWI court to handle such cases when the driver has a blood alcohol content (BAC) of at least .15, has pled guilty to or been found guilty of one or more intoxication-related traffic offenses, or has two or more previous alcohol-related enforcement contacts.
• Prohibiting any person who operated a motor vehicle with a BAC of .15 or more from being granted a suspended sentence.
• Specifying that for a first offense, unless a person participates and successfully completes the requirements of a DWI court, a person who operated a motor vehicle with a BAC between .15 and .20 will be imprisoned for at least 48 hours, and a person who operated a motor vehicle with a BAC of .20 or more will be imprisoned for at least five days.
• Increasing the minimum amount of jail time from five days to 10 days for a prior offender and from 10 days to 30 days for a persistent offender to be eligible for parole or probation—unless, as a condition, the person performs a certain amount of community service or participates in a court-ordered treatment program.
• Specifying that any DWI case will not be carried out in municipal court if the defendant has been convicted, found guilty, or pled guilty to two or more previous intoxication-related traffic offenses or had two or more previous alcohol-related enforcement contacts.
• Making the reporting of DWI cases more uniform and centralized by requiring the State Highway Patrol, beginning Jan. 1, 2011, to maintain regular accountability reports of alcohol-related arrests, charges, and dispositions based on the data submitted by law enforcement and prosecutors.

Now that it has received the governor's signature, the provisions of HB 1695 will be enacted into law on Aug. 28, 2010.

Other Top Legislative Priorities Await Governor's Signature

The other key priorities that legislators identified at the beginning of the session still await the governor's signature, including bills that institute ethics reform, provide insurance coverage for autism, strengthen regulations for adult businesses, expand informed consent requirements for abortion, and make changes to two of the state's major college scholarship programs. Some of the main provisions of these bills include:

Ethics Reform

Senate Bill 844 , sponsored by Senate President Pro Tem Charlie Shields (R-St. Joseph), allows the Missouri Ethics Commission to investigate ethics violations without an outside complaint being filed; requires contributions of more than $500 to incumbent officials and their challengers during legislative session be electronically reported within 48 hours; and limits the transferring of contributions among most committees.

Autism Insurance Coverage

House Bill 1311, which is my language from SB 618, requires health carriers that issue or renew health benefit plans on or after Jan. 1, 2011, to provide coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders; prohibits health carriers from refusing to cover an individual or dependent solely because the individual is diagnosed with autism; and provides coverage for applied behavior analysis, a common treatment method for autism, up to $40,000 annually through age 18.

Adult Business Regulations

Senate Bill 586, sponsored by Sen. Matt Bartle (R-Lee's Summit), prohibits a person from establishing a sexually oriented business within 1,000 feet of certain entities; prohibits nude performances and restricts semi-nude activity within sexually oriented businesses; prohibits adult establishments from operating between the hours of midnight and 6 a.m., and bans the use, sale and consumption of alcohol on the premises.

Expanded Informed Consent for Abortion

Senate Bill 793, sponsored by Sen. Rob Mayer (R-Dexter), requires, at least 24 hours prior to an abortion being performed, that a woman be presented with various printed materials detailing the risks of an abortion and the physiological characteristics of an unborn baby; given an opportunity to view an active ultrasound and hear the heartbeat; and provided information regarding the possibility of the abortion causing pain to the unborn baby past 22 weeks.

The bill also requires the physician to discuss the medical assistance and counseling resources available, advise the woman of the father's liability for child support, and provide information about the Alternatives to Abortion Program.

College Scholarships

Senate Bill 733, sponsored by Sen. David Pearce (R-Warrensburg), changes and equalizes Access Missouri scholarship amounts for public and private universities; protects Bright Flight scholarship eligibility for students who serve in the military, and expands Bright Flight scholarship eligibility to those who have received a GED, or completed a homeschooling program of study, secondary coursework through Missouri's Virtual Public School, or any other academic program that satisfies the compulsory attendance law.

All of the above bills will become law Aug. 28, 2010, upon receiving the governor's signature with the exception of SB 733, which contains an emergency clause that applies to certain provisions.

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

Schupp: Session Recap, Happy Memorial Day, Visitors To The Capitol

The second session of the 95th General Assembly ended Friday, May 14, at 6:00 PM. I have read accounts of the session on blogs and in print and listened via radio and television. It is fascinating to hear the perceptions about the session.
We all seem to walk away with varying impressions.

That stated, you can each draw your conclusions by looking at the bills that were and those that were not passed. The Governor will have to work to balance the budget, the one area most agree still requires significant overhaul.

Thank you for keeping in touch with me as I work to serve our district and state. I so appreciate the opportunity.

Truly,

Jill

Session Recap

AUTISM INSURANCE BILL SENT TO GOVERNOR

If you read my bulletin, you are aware that the General Assembly passed legislation [HB1311] that will require state-regulated insurance companies to provide coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorder. The legislation passed with overwhelming support in both chambers.

Key provisions of the bill would require insurers to provide up to $40,000 a year in coverage for behavioral therapy for children with autism through age 18.

STATE DWI LEGISLATION PASSES

Unanimous approval was given to a top legislative priority that was brought front and center through a St. Louis Post Dispatch series on persistent drunken driving offenders. The legislation [HB1695] is a good start. It helps move offenders to the state court system in an attempt to identify repeat offenders and keep them from plea bargaining their way back behind the wheel.

It prohibits offenders caught driving with a blood alcohol content of .15 or higher from receiving a suspended imposition of sentence. The bill would allow some offenders to have their driving privileges partially reinstated earlier if they successfully complete a treatment program.

The final version of the bill removed a section characterized as the "vampire provision" that would allow police to forcibly extract a blood sample from DWI suspects without a warrant. It was argued successfully that this provision would violate constitutional protections against warrantless searches.

ETHICS REFORM

Conspicuously absent from a final passed version of the Ethics Reform legislation [SB844] are provisions that would cap campaign contributions, prevent the revolving door concept of legislators moving right into the role of lobbyist, and keep legislators from serving as paid campaign consultants during their legislative term.

Included in the final legislation was passage of a provision that will make it harder to obscure the sources of campaign contributions.

OMNIBUS EDUCATION BILL

Noteworthy for what it did not do as well as what it did, the Education bill did not expand the amount of time for implementation of the school funding formula, which was of great concern to many districts throughout the state. It does not allow school construction to be exempt from prevailing wage law.

It revises the Parents as Teachers program to focus on high-needs families. It also allows districts to charge for Parents as Teachers services on a sliding scale based on income. With the significant budget cut for Parents as Teachers, this is likely one of the few ways we can continue to provide the program.

The bill exempts school districts from MSIP (Missouri School Improvement Plan) resource standards, professional development spending requirements and teacher fund placement requirements for the next three years. These cost cutting measures can have the effect of undermining ongoing improvement at our schools around the state.

That stated, I believe that the school districts within the 82nd state house district: Ladue, Parkway and Pattonville, will use their resources to continue to make the best decisions in support of providing quality education to students.

SCHOLARSHIP EQUALIZATION FOR 4-YEAR COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES

Students who receive need-based scholarships from our State to attend either Missouri's public or private colleges and universities will begin receiving equal amounts starting in the 2014-2015 school year.

Currently, private school participants in the Access Missouri Scholarship program receive up to $4,600 annually while students attending public colleges and universities get less than half that amount -- $2,150 a year. The amount will equalize at a maximum of $2,850 per year regardless of the four year institution, subject to appropriations. [SB733]

GENERAL ASSEMBLY IMPOSES BAN ON K2 (SYNTHETIC MARIJUANA)

A synthetic substance that is supposed to mimic the effects of marijuana will be banned if the Governor signs the bill [HB1472] into law. The substance is applied to a mixture of dried herbs and sold under several brand names, one of the most common being K2.

Punishment for possession would be similar to that for marijuana, with possession of 35 grams or less a misdemeanor and possession of larger amounts elevated to a felony.

LESS CAN BE MORE

At a college graduation event, friends and I discussed the idea that the press was characterizing this as an unproductive session because of the relatively lower number of bills passed. I do not subscribe to the idea that more is better, but I do believe that fact that we did not pass an economic development bill...a "jobs" bill leaves us wanting this session. I look forward to reviewing our cuts versus revenue opportunities, and reinvigorating our economy.

Schaefer: End of Session Report

The end of the session has finally arrived! I am happy to report that, despite a tough budget year, we have worked hard to pass legislation that will improve our state in a fiscally responsible way. In my position as the vice-chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, my colleagues and I made some extremely tough decisions. It is always disheartening to cut funding to important state programs and agencies, but I was encouraged by the manner in which the Missouri Legislature worked together in these tough times.

There were a number of bills I was involved in since the start of the year that passed in the final days of legislative session. House Bill 1472, regarding the banning of possession of spice cannabinoids, commonly known as K2, was passed. This bill was sponsored by Rep. Franz, and I was proud to sponsor it in the Senate and help shepherd it through the legislative process. The final bill made the possession of spice cannabinoids a misdemeanor.

Additionally, changes to the Access Missouri Scholarship program, which included equalizing the amount ($2,850) students receive for attending a public or private four-year institution was passed in Senate Bill 733. I worked very hard with Universities and private institutions to come to an agreement that would please all those involved. I am happy that we were able to find a solution before this important scholarship ran its course.

I am also pleased to report that my legislation concerning DWI courts also passed. House Bill 1695, which I handled in the Senate, was passed during the last week of session. The bill creates, among other provisions, DWI courts for those accused of intoxication-related traffic offenses. Law enforcement agencies and prosecuting attorneys must now adopt a policy to report the arrest information for all intoxication-related traffic offenses to the State Highway Patrol, and the State Highway Patrol must maintain regular reports of alcohol-related arrests, charges, and dispositions based on this data. I am hopeful that this legislation will help keep first-time offenders from driving under the influence in the future and solve any problems with multiple DWI offenders receiving little punishment.

I was also happy to help pass HB 2070, this session. This bill allows any town or fire protection district to use funds derived from the central fire and emergency dispatching services tax to purchase equipment, especially updated communications equipment. Currently, the funds can only be used for establishing and providing services.

Senate Bill 884, which I introduced at the beginning of session, also passed. This bill requires all tobacco manufacturers selling cigarettes in Missouri to report to the Department of Revenue and the attorney general’s office each year to ensure they are in compliance with the Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement. This bill closes a loophole that will better protect Missouri citizens.

House Bill 2201, which I handled in the Senate, was also passed. Currently, a conservator of an estate can only invest liquid assets in a Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) insured financial institution. This bill revised the probate code to allow conservators to also invest in credit unions insured by the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund.

I was very pleased with what the Legislature was able to accomplish this year, but as always, there is much more work to be done. The citizens of Boone and Randolph counties, and all Missouri residents, are extremely important to me. As your state senator, I seek to represent you fairly and honestly. I will continue working on your behalf during the interim, and I look forward to the next legislative session. If you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact my office.

Purgason: A Summary Of Legislation Passed

The work of your 95^th General Assembly second regular session has come to a close with the passage of 94 policy bills and 13 budget bills which now await the Governor's signature.  For the first time in many years lawmakers have succeeded in limiting the number of bills truly agreed and finally passed to less than 100 pieces of legislation.

Yes, some new laws and improvements to old laws are need from time to time, however, we do not need a law for everything or government to hold our hand in everything we do.

After putting forth a smaller budget without a tax increase, which dominated the majority of the legislative session, lawmakers pushed forward to truly agree and finally pass some important legislation.

In the last week of session the House and Senate agreed to send the "Health Care Freedom Act" [HB1764] to a vote of the people in upcoming August 2^nd primary election.  This August 2^nd ballot proposal will ask voters to decide whether to amend state statutes to deny the federal government's new found authority to penalize citizens and businesses for refusing to purchase health insurance.  Now, you can decide with your vote and send a meaningful message to Washington regarding the federal government's recent takeover of your healthcare.

Missouri is the first state in the union to put the new federal health insurance mandate before a vote of the people. At this time, similar measures are scheduled to appear on statewide ballots in Arizona, Florida and Oklahoma.

The Senate also agreed with the House to add the synthetic "marijuana like" drug found in K2 or "Spice" to the list of Schedule I controlled substances. As you may know, the use of K2 has become widespread among teens and young adults in recent months. This dangerous drug, which is sold over the counter in potpourri, is not safe and will soon be illegal to sell in Missouri. [HB1472]

Your lawmakers also agreed to strengthen Missouri's informed consent requirements for an abortion which will allow women to better understand the abortion procedure and be made aware of the resources available to help after the birth of her child. [SB793]

In addition, lawmakers also sent the "Mother Child Protection Act" to the Governor for his approval. This important measure will give a pregnant mother the right to defend her unborn child with the use of deadly force if necessary. As you know, violence against women and their unborn children is far from rare with thousands of pregnant women hurt each year by their spouse, boyfriends, ex-husbands or even other women. [HB2081]

And last, but not least, important revisions to our state's DWI laws were approved which requires state courts to handle any DWI case involving a defendant with two or more alcohol offenses as well as mandatory jail time for offenders who refuse to complete the requirements of a DWI court. [HB1695]

As your General Assembly adjourns each legislative session, I am always reminded of Mark Twain's humorous quote, which says, "The only time the people can rest is when the legislature is not in session".  Thankfully, your 95^th General Assembly has taken its job seriously and worked diligently to help move our state forward in the very difficult challenge of navigating our ship of state through the financial wreck of our national economy.

As always, I will listen to you and I appreciate any suggestions you may have that will help improve the lives of the people of this state. You are welcome to contact me at: 201 West Capitol Avenue, Room 420, Jefferson City, MO 65101, call me at 573-751-1882 or email at Chuck{dot}Purgason{at}senate{dot}mo{dot}gov.

Brandom: End of Session Legislation

Over the course of the next few weeks the focus of these Capitol Reports will be to inform the reader of additional pieces of legislation that passed the General Assembly this past session.

Auto-Dealer Franchise Protection

The Missouri General Assembly has passed legislation that keeps the “playing field” level for Missouri’s local, new vehicle franchise dealerships and their respective manufacturing companies. This bill [HB2198] changes the laws regarding the Motor Vehicle Franchise Practices Act and designs a compromise of rules and regulations for franchises and their franchisees.

Contacts between manufacturers and dealers are currently non-negotiable and make it difficult for franchisees to stay in business. Because of this problem, legislators worked to find common-ground through negotiable contracts between the two parties.

Missouri’s had an unfortunate series of terminations of family-owned and operated General Motors and Chrysler franchise dealerships, and we need to protect the over 400 remaining dealers in the state. Something had to be done for these dealers.

By protecting business owners, we protect thousands of good jobs in our state.

Strengthening DWI Laws

According to studies, about three in every ten Americans will be involved in an alcohol-related accident at some time in their lives. Many times, these accidents result in serious injuries and even death. In Missouri, we made it a priority to strengthen the existing drunk driving laws, taking a further step to help safeguard our citizens.

This legislation [HB1695] moves DWI cases to state courts in any case involving defendants with at least two alcohol related contact with authorities. State courts, in comparison to municipal courts, have more severe penalties for drunk-drivers.

Also, municipal judges must report all DWI case dispositions to a centralized databank. This in turn holds them more accountable to the process and ensures all courts have access to a defendant’s complete background.

This bill adds penalties to the DWI laws and encourages some DWI offender to go to special courts. Additionally, it removes the requirement that no test can be given when a person stopped for an alleged DWI refuses to submit to a chemical test at the request of a law enforcement officer.

I am confident that the steps we have taken will go a long way in protecting the citizens of Missouri and the residents of the 160^th district.

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

Roorda: Session "Mercifully" Closes, Watered-Down Bills, Merger Made In Heaven

The 2010 legislative session mercifully came to a close last week, with the Republican-controlled House of Representatives passing little of importance and not even making the pretense of an effort to do so, with the fewest number of bills since 2000 winning final approval.

"The Missouri Constitution requires the General Assembly to do only one thing - pass the state budget, and this year that's basically all it did," said House Minority Leader Paul LeVota, D-Independence. "From the outset, House Republicans made debating inconsequential non-binding resolutions to Congress their top priority. They set out to do nothing and got their wish - a non-binding legislative session that produced little of substance."

Perhaps the session's biggest disappointment was the General Assembly's failure to put the state on sound financial footing. Despite reducing spending authority by about $800 million from current appropriations, the $23.27 billion state operating budget lawmakers passed for the upcoming fiscal year isn't balanced and will require the governor to impose additional cuts.

House Democrats pushed for a balanced approached to break the cycle of declining revenue collections and reductions in vital state services that Missouri has been trapped in for most of the last decade under Republican control of the legislature. In particular, House Democrats sought reform of the more than 60 tax credit programs, which cost the state about $600 million a year in lost revenue, and elimination of various special tax exemptions, such as that granted on the purchase of luxury yachts.

"Cutting alone may get the state through the year, but it leaves lawmakers with the same problem next year only worse," said Assistant House Minority Leader J.C. Kuessner, D-Eminence. "The legislature cannot continue putting off the hard work of establishing long-term financial stability."

The session's few accomplishments included passing a bill to require state-regulated insurance companies to provide coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of children with autism -- a long-time priority of House Democrats - and enacting legislation to crack down on repeat drunken drivers.

And although lawmakers approved modest improvements to state ethics laws, the bill failed to include several key reforms such as reinstating campaign contribution limits, closing the revolving door between the legislature and special interest lobbying and banning elected officials from simultaneously working as paid political consultants

Drink. Drive. Go to Jail.  Really?

"If mixed drinks were as watered down as this bill, we'd have a lot less drunks on the street." –Jeff Roorda

Missouri lawmakers on May 13 unanimously approved an overhaul of the state's driving while intoxicated statutes that seeks to crackdown on repeat drunken drivers while diverting more offenders into treatment programs. Gov. Jay Nixon, who had asked lawmakers to reform Missouri's DWI laws, is expected to sign the bill [HB1695] into law.

The bill would require municipal DWI violations to be tried in state court, where punishments tend to be higher, rather municipal court if a driver has two or more previous offenses and prohibits offenders caught driving with a blood alcohol content of .15 or higher from receiving a suspended imposition of sentence, which allows offenders to avoid a conviction by completing probation. Missouri's legal BAC limit is .08. But the bill would allow some offenders to have their driving privileges partially reinstated earlier if they successfully complete a treatment program.

Lawmakers removed from the final bill a section dubbed by opponents as the "vampire provision that would have allowed police to forcibly extract a blood sample from DWI suspects without a warrant. Opponents argued the provision would violate constitutional protections against warrantless searches. Citing statistics from the Missouri Highway Patrol, The Associated Press reported that nearly 35,000 motorists were arrested for driving while intoxicated in Missouri in 2009.

Read St. Louis Post Dispatch May 14th article:  Bill that creates DWI courts headed to Gov. Jay Nixon's desk

Final Ethics Reform Bill a Modest Improvement Over Existing Law

The House of Representatives today voted 153-5 to grant final passage to ethics reform legislation that strengthens state law in several areas but fails to include important reforms championed by House Democrats, such as reinstating campaign contribution limits and prohibiting lawmakers from doing paid political work.

The final version of SB 844, which the Senate passed 32-1, was stripped of dozens of controversial provisions that House Republicans had loaded it up with, such as requiring Missourians who attempt to contact lawmakers other than their own to register as lobbyists and imposing stringent identification requirements designed to disenfranchise voters.

"Passage of this bill serves as a resounding repudiation of the sham ethics legislation House Republicans attempted to foist upon Missourians under the guise of reform," said House Minority Leader Paul LeVota, D-Independence. "Although this bill leaves several vital reforms unaccomplished, it is a modest improvement over existing law. However, in the universe of possibilities, this is nowhere near the best bill that could have passed."

The House version of SB 844 resulted in uniform statewide criticism of House Republicans. The Warrensburg Daily Star-Journal called the House version "a perversion of ethics," while The Kansas Star said it "set a new bar for skullduggery and cynicism" and the St. Louis Post-Dispatch dubbed it the "Omnibus Bad Idea Act of 2010."

Unfortunately, key reforms didn't make it into the final bill. One would have outlawed the practice of lawmakers simultaneously running political consulting businesses, a practice that creates inherent conflicts of interest when a lawmaker/consultant can control the fate of his client's legislation. Another called for imposing a waiting period before lawmakers who leave the General Assembly can become lobbyists. And most importantly, the bill fails to reinstate campaigns contribution limits, which were originally imposed by Missouri voters but repealed by Republican lawmakers in 2010.

"This bill is a small step forward, but much remains to be done to improve accountability and integrity in state government," said Assistant House Minority Leader J.C. Kuessner, D-Eminence.

Read the St. Louis Post Dispatch May 14th article:
Ethics chairman calls bill headed to Gov. Jay Nixon "ethics lite"

Read the Kansas City Star May 14th article: "Ethics Reform On A Diet"

Merger Made In Heaven

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- The Missouri State Water Patrol would become a division of the State Highway Patrol under legislation [HB1868] heading to the governor. Lawmakers gave the merger final approval Friday in the final hours of their annual session.

Gov. Jay Nixon suggested combining the Highway and Water patrols to save money. Supporters say the move could save millions of dollars.

The bill also would create a committee to consider other ways to reduce government services and spending. The 14-member committee will meet over the summer.

Lawmakers removed a provision that would have greatly changed the role of the state Alcohol and Tobacco Control division from enforcement to mainly regulation.

K2 Ban Bill Sent to Governor

A synthetic substance that law enforcement officials say mimics the effects of marijuana would be banned under legislation [HB1472] the General Assembly sent to Gov. Jay Nixon on May 13. The substance is applied to a mixture of dried herbs and sold under several brand names, one of the most common being K2. The punishment for possession would be similar to that for marijuana, with possession of 35 grams or less a misdemeanor and possession of larger amounts elevated to a felony.

To Read the KPLR story click here.

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