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

Carter: End of Session Newsletter

It's hard to believe that this legislative session is over. It's been a very busy couple of weeks and the House has passed lots of legislation, some good, some bad, and some very controversial. I have included an overview of the legislation below.

I will be back in St. Louis on Monday, May 17, so please feel free to contact me in the district. My assistant Cheri, will be in the Capitol office, so please feel free to contact her there as well.

Once again, this is a pretty lengthy newsletter, but there was a lot of information to share:

1. State Budget Fails to Deliver Financial Stability
2. State Releases April 2010 General Revenue Report
3. Missouri House Finally Approves Autism Insurance
4. House Shows Less Activity in 2010
5. House Floor Actions
   1. Wide-Ranging Ethics and Elections Reform Bill
   2. Reduce Cost of Some Intrastate Long DistanceCalls
   3. Improve Efficiency and Generate Additional Revenue
   4. Expanded Public Notice of Certain Meetings Given Final Approval
   5. Protect Mental Health Workers Moves to Governor's Desk
   6. Allow Pharmacies to Refuse to Sell Certain Drugs
   7. Create Girl Scout Day
   8. State Budget Finalized
   9. Prompt Pay Legislation Signed into Law
   10. Clarify Sales Tax Laws Receives Final Approval
   11. Protect a Mother's Rights to Defend Her Unborn Child
   12. School Funding Bill
   13. Business Premises Safety Act
   14. Improve Care for Child Victims of Sexual Abuse
   15. Establish Women's Heart Health Program
   16. Allow Gamblers to Use Casino Chips for Food and Drinks
   17. Create Silver Alert System
   18. House Members Pays Tribute to Veterans
6. Other State Happenings
   1. Supporters of Four Ballot Measures File Petitions
   2. State Revenue Collections Go From Worse to Bad
   3. Tourism Commission Won't Fund Tour of Missouri
   4. Missouri May Soon Have Nation's Lowest Cig Tax

Tim Jones: House Republicans Lead Ethics Reform Efforts, Health Care Freedom Act Returns To House

Brilliant sunshine and cooler temperatures prevailed during this entire second to last week of Session.  Calm weather belied the passionate and intemperate moods within the confines of the House and Senate Chambers as both bodies worked several days late into the evening and night hours.  Major pieces of historic legislation moved closer to passage as hope lifted relating to subjects such as the Health Care Freedom Act, Telecommunications Access Rate Reform and Government Accountability and Ethics Reform…the end of Session draws ever nigh…

I hope I shall possess firmness and virtue enough to maintain what I consider the most enviable of all titles, the character of an honest man." –George Washington

House Republicans Lead the Way on Ethics Reform

After making ethics reform a top priority for the 2010 Legislative Session, House Republicans delivered today on our pledge to restore integrity to state government by giving initial approval to Senate Bill 844, a sweeping overhaul of Missouri's ethics laws.  Unfortunately, while House Republicans voted unanimously for it, House Democrats failed to recognize the need for ethics reform and voted unanimously against it.  While we have spent most of the session carefully working to craft common-sense reforms, Democrats have, throughout the current legislative session, used the ethics reform debate to play politics with this extremely important issue.

The proposal comprehensively addresses the many concerns raised this year following the ethical and legal troubles of a number of Democrat elected officials in Missouri.  We believe that there must be public trust in elected officials for state government to work effectively.  Because of this, we have spent months carefully crafting ethics reform legislation that will overhaul the existing ethics laws and add new penalties, restrictions, and reforms that will help eliminate and appropriately punish unethical and illegal behavior by Missouri's elected officials.

While the proposal contains numerous important provisions, some of the most important measures would:

• place a two year moratorium on legislators becoming lobbyists,
• require elected officials and certain staff members to submit to an annual drug test,
• place a reasonable cap on campaign contributions and make the process more transparent,
• add the act of using a political appointment to bribe an elected official to the crime of corruption,
• require political appointees to disclose campaign contributions,
• create a felony crime for obstructing a Missouri Ethics Commission investigation,
• require forfeiture of state benefits for those elected officials convicted of a felony,
• place a cap on lobbyist gifts for elected officials,
• and finally force an end to the fee office patronage system.

We made ethics reform a priority of the 2010 Legislative Session because we take the trust that is placed in us by Missouri voters very seriously.  Today, with the initial passage of these measures, House Republicans, without the support of House Democrats, led the way on ethics and government accountability reform by passing the strongest, most comprehensive bill in our state's history to restore accountability in state government and forever change the way business is done in Jefferson City.

HEALTH CARE FREEDOM ACT PASSES THE SENATE & RETURNS TO HOUSE FOR FINAL PASSAGE!

As many of you know, I am the chief sponsor of HJR 57, the "Health Care Freedom Act".  Unfortunately, the Health Care Freedom Act had been filibustered for nearly the entire Session by a small group of liberal, left wing Senators.  It is extremely difficult to break a filibuster in our State Senate and a Senator risks great peril to their future effectiveness in serving their constituents if they attempt to permanently break a filibuster and do not succeed.  Fortunately, due to the courageous work of two of my Senate colleagues and friends, Senator Jane Cunningham and Senator Jim Lembke, the Senate succeeded in voting out a version of the Health Care Freedom Act and sending it back to the House for final passage. Although the Senate version is not as strong or wide-ranging as I had wished, in the legislative process I have learned that you must make lemonade out of lemons every day and that the perfect cannot be the enemy of the good.  We will pass a version of the Health Care Freedom Act, Missouri voters will have the opportunity to cast their vote this August in the FIRST voter referendum on ObamaCare in the nation and the voice of the PEOPLE of the State of Missouri will be heard loud and clear in Washington D.C.  Most importantly, this version of the HCFA will spark the constitutional show down that we all are ready and willing to have between the rights of the States and the overbearing hostility of the federal government relating to YOUR health care freedom choices and rights.  We could not have made it to this point without the help of THOUSANDS of Missouri patriots and tea party groups who led the way during this fight to keep our freedoms.  Thank you all very much for your continued support of this very important legislation, and I will continue to keep you posted on its progress!

Legislation That Has PASSED the General Assembly

The House Truly Agreed and Finally Passed the following Senate Bills. These bills have been sent to the Governor for signature or veto. The Governor has until July 14^th to sign or veto the bills.

• SB 928, which would modify provisions of law regarding the sales tax treatment of sales for resale.
• SB 984, which would repeal the provision of law which makes it a class B misdemeanor for any gaming licensee to exchange tokens, chips, or other forms of credit used on gambling games for anything of value.

The Senate Truly Agreed and Finally Passed the following House Bills:

• HB 1270, which would change the name of the Crippled Children's Service to the Children's Special Health Care Needs Service and specifies the services are for a child who has a physical disability or special health care need.
• HB 1840, which would change the membership of the Rice Advisory Council and creates the Missouri Rice Certification Fund.
• HB 1898, which would establish the Women's Heart Health Program to provide heart disease risk screenings to certain uninsured and underinsured women.
• HB 2081, which would specify that a pregnant woman may use deadly force if she reasonably believes that deadly force is necessary to protect her unborn child against death, serious physical injury, or any forcible felony.
• HB 2182, which would specify that, as used in Missouri statutes, "agritourism" means the act of visiting a working farm or any agricultural operation for the enjoyment, education, training, or involvement in its activities.
• HCS SB 851 requires the governing body of any county, city, town, or village or any entity created by these political subdivisions to give notice four business days prior to voting on certain items.

Tim's Legislative Platform for 2010

I have sponsored and filed sixteen individual pieces of legislation this Session.  I have co-sponsored numerous other bills.  To review all of the bills that I have sponsored or co-sponsored, please follow this link:  http://www.house.mo.gov/content.aspx?info=/bills101/spon/spn089.htm.  This week, the General Assembly passed my Telecommunications Access Rates Reform Bill [HB1750] that will begin to provide major benefits for all consumers!

Personal News & Notes

The last week of Session will be the most exhausting and frantic and we will spend long days on the House Floor and running back and forth to the Senate.  Bills will fly back and forth between the Chambers and everyone will be searching for a good legislative vehicle on which to complete their priorities.  I want to thank all of the great folks who support me back home as we become fully immersed in our work at the Capitol during these final days of the 2^nd Regular Session of the 95^th General Assembly, especially my family and my colleagues at my law firm, DosterUllom.  It is hard to believe that in two weeks, the Session will be over and summer will be upon us!

Feel Free to Contact Us!

If my extremely dedicated (and very busy!) Legislator Assistant, Jody Williams, or I can be of any assistance throughout the year, please do not hesitate to contact us at 573.751.0562 or by email at jody{dot}williams{at}house{dot}mo{dot}gov or at tim{dot}jones{at}house{dot}mo{dot}gov.  We have had many visitors to the Capitol so far this year; if your travels find you anywhere in or around Jefferson City, please do not hesitate to stop by and visit us in Room 114!  Until our next report, I remain, in your service.

Tim Jones: Prompt Pay Legislation, Unfunded Mandates, Manufacturing Jobs Act

As we returned to the Capitol, bitter cold gripped the Midwest this week and reminded us that we still very much remain in the throes of winter.  Against the backdrop of looming budget battles and necessary budget cuts in order to have a constitutionally required balanced State budget, we continue to have long days stretching into long nights as we become further embroiled in committee hearings and Floor debates…

"The liberties of our country, the freedom of our civil constitution, are worth defending against all hazards: And it is our duty to defend them against all attacks." – Samuel Adams

Prompt Pay Legislation Passes the House

A piece of true healthcare cost reform legislation passed the Missouri House this week with overwhelming support.  HB 1498, of which I am the chief sponsor, requires health insurance providers to promptly pay claims put forth by doctors and hospitals for services on behalf of patients.  This is a common sense reform that will improve healthcare in Missouri and will reduce costs and inefficiency.

By delaying the return on health insurance claims, patients suffer.  The cost of these delays is passed onto the consumer and this ends up being an extreme inefficiency in our healthcare system.  Working Missourians must pay their bills and debts in a timely manner; I see no reason why health insurance companies should not also be held accountable.  Currently only two-thirds of claims are processed within sixty (60) days of the claim.  This excellent piece of compromise legislation will change that and make the entire system more efficient, reliable and cost conscious.

Our doctors and dentists should not be forced to wait on payment for months on end.  Healthcare providers do the work needed to keep Missourians healthy and they should be paid for it.  HB 1498 is a common-sense reform that will make sure that happens.  I applaud all of the health care providers and insurance companies who came together in a bi-partisan way to craft a piece of legislation that will improve the health care system for all of Missourians.

Unfunded Mandates

Unlike the federal government, the State of Missouri is required to pass and maintain a balanced budget.  Just like Missouri families, we can only spend money that we actually have.  While politicians in Washington D.C. have been spending money faster than they can print it (what comes after a TRILLION?), Missouri House Republicans have been successfully fighting entitlement spending and keeping our budget balanced.

This past week, the House passed House Concurrent Resolution 38, imploring the federal government not to pass unfunded mandates onto the state.  We are in tough economic times and balancing the state budget will be the number one priority for House Republicans. Congress has made a habit out of passing their spending on to states when they don't feel like paying the bill, in the form of mandated programs.  House Republicans have held the line for years on increased spending, but when Congress forces state officials to spend additional money, limited state resources must be rerouted from vital state services and education to entitlement spending.  We fight every day to ensure that your money is spent wisely. I hope that you will join me in opposing Congress dictating to Missourians where and how your hard-earned tax dollars are spent.

HB 1675 Manufacturing Jobs Act "Creating Missouri Jobs"

The House passed HB 1675 this week creating an act that will help Missouri bring manufacturing jobs to our state.  This bill allows companies that create new manufacturing jobs in Missouri to keep half of the withholding tax they would normally pay for ten years if they invest at least $50,000 per full-time employee on factory improvements for a new product.  It is not about saving jobs in failing industries but creating new ones by encouraging Missouri manufacturing companies to expand their operations in this state with new products and production lines.

The competition for bringing new jobs to this state is a fierce one.  We are not above competing with other states for jobs.  We should do all we can to encourage businesses to expand in our state so we can get more Missourians working.  The Manufacturing Jobs Act is another tool we can use to attract serious manufacturing jobs and allow us to foster business growth to allow us to compete on the global market.

HEALTH CARE FREEDOM ACT UPDATE

As many of you know, I am the chief sponsor of HJR 57, the "Health Care Freedom Act". As I have discussed, if it is passed and approved by the voters, it will secure the current rights and freedoms that Missouri citizens have to choose to participate in whatever health care system or care that they want.  Seventy five of my colleagues have co-sponsored this legislation and I am very grateful to them for their support.  You may view the legislation at this link:  http://house.mo.gov/content.aspx?info=/bills101/bills/HJR57.htm

I AM PLEASED TO REPORT THAT HJR 57 HAS BEEN PLACED ON THE HOUSE CALENDAR FOR DEBATE ON THE HOUSE FLOOR.  TODAY, I HAD THE PRIVILEGE OF SERVING AS ACTING MAJORITY FLOOR LEADER ON THE HOUSE FLOOR AND HAD THE NOTABLE OPPORTUNITY TO ANNOUNCE THAT HJR 57 WILL BE COMING UP FOR DEBATE IN THE NEAR FUTURE!

Thank you all very much for your continued support of this very important resolution and I will continue to keep you posted on its progress.

Eureka Police Department To Host National Police K-9 Workshop

The Eureka Police Department will be hosting the North American Police Work Dog Association National Workshop, April 30th - May 7th, 2010. The event is the largest Police K-9 event held annually in the United States. There will be well over 200 of the top Police K-9 teams from across North America attending the event. The Police Officers and their K-9 partners will be staying at the Holiday Inn. Six Flags will be used as the primary training location for the events which include patrol work, narcotics detection, explosive detection and search and rescue. The event will not only spotlight the City but will provide a huge economic boost to area businesses.

There will be a public demonstration held at Eureka High School on Thursday, May 6th at 7:00 pm. The demonstration is free and will provide the public an opportunity to watch some of the best Police K-9 Teams from across the Country.

SIX FLAGS ST. LOUIS IN EUREKA IS HIRING!!

I am very excited to report that Six Flags St. Louis, which is located in the heart of the 89^th District, is hiring more than 3,000 employees to fill positions for the 2010 season which begins on April 2^nd.  Six Flags will be hosting job fairs to fill these positions on February 27; March 6, 13, 20 and April 3, 10 and 17.  For more information, please visit:  http://www.sixflags.com/stLouis/index.aspx

FAST FACTS

• The first George Washington celebration was held in St. Louis on February 22, 1817
• Westminster College was founded in Fulton on February 23, 1853
• George Caleb Bingham, painter, former State Treasurer and former State Representative (a TRUE Renaissance man!) was inducted into the Hall of Famous Missourians on February 15, 2010

MODOT Traveler Information Map

For work zone location, flooding information and weather-related road conditions visit MoDOT's Traveler Information Map. It's your first source of information when planning your trip across the Show-Me state.

Tim's Legislative Platform for 2010

So far this year I have sponsored and filed thirteen individual pieces of legislation.  I have co-sponsored numerous other bills.  To review all of the bills that I have sponsored or co-sponsored, please follow this link:  http://www.house.mo.gov/content.aspx?info=/bills101/spon/spn089.htm

This week I am extremely pleased to announce that my HB 1750 passed out of the House by an overwhelming vote of 111 – 42.  This bill is commonly referred to as the "access reform" bill.  If we can successfully move this bill through the Senate, this bill will result in lower telephone access charges and fees for millions of Missourians and will assist the telecommunications industry in providing greater innovations, new exciting products, lower rates and better and more advanced infrastructure across our entire State.  I want to thank all of my colleagues who worked in a bipartisan way to move this bill to passage in the House this week.

Personal News & Notes

Last week was Valentine's Day weekend.  And although the Jones household had to deal with a sudden attack by the common cold and flu on nearly all of us (including Baby Abby who has had a runny nose since November), I treasured the time that I had to spend at home (coughing and all!) with my ever understanding and hard working wife Suzanne and our two beautiful daughters Katie and Abby.  Love is truly patient (although trying at times!) and is truly kind and the love of a family cannot be appropriately described but must be experienced to be fully understood.  I hope that you and your family had a great Valentine's Day weekend!

Glory of Missouri Award Winners

We have many excellent and talented students in our District!


Winners from LaSalle Springs Middle School


Winners from Rockwood Valley Middle School


Winners from Wildwood Middle School

Feel Free to Contact Us!

If my extremely dedicated (and very busy!) Legislator Assistant, Jody Williams, or I can be of any assistance throughout the year, please do not hesitate to contact us at 573.751.0562 or by email at jody{dot}williams{at}house{dot}mo{dot}gov or at tim{dot}jones{at}house{dot}mo{dot}gov.  And if your travels find you anywhere near the Capitol, please do stop by and visit us in Room 114.  Until our next report, I remain, in your service.

Roorda: Autism Bill Advances, Tax Break for Manufacturers, Phone Access Fees

Like scientist in search of a new discovery, members of the Missouri House are in search of something large, yet elusive.  Something that seems complicated, but yet might be simple.  Baffling, but something that perhaps makes perfect sense.

Members of the appropriations committess, and the House budget committee, are rolling up their sleeves, burning the midnight oil, squinting as they search line-by-line through stacks of budget balance sheets for programs and services that can be done without, is under-utilized, or could be down-sized.  We need to find at least $300 million dollars, and probably more, to make the state's books balance.  And it certainly isn't easy.

When you have the people that I have had come into my office...folks in wheel chairs, people who have lost their sight, senior citizens, teachers and 4H...saying  "please don't cut us", you realize that these are our neighbors we are hurting when we make these cuts.  It is a painful process.  Nobody likes to do this, but the state budget begins in the House, and it's on our shoulders.

Of course the budget process in the House is just one step on the long road to balancing the budget, as the proposal must then go to the Senate and then to an inevitable conference committee before it is passed into law and sent to the governor.  But even in a tight budget year, rest assured that the long and deliberate process will yield a fiscally-responsible budget that will allocate the resources at our disposal to the areas of greatest need.

Sincerely,
Jeff Roorda
House Minority Whip
Missouri House of Representatives

Four Weeks and 10 Bills Later, House Debates Autism Measure

House Speaker Had Promised Autism Bill Would Be The First Debated in 2010

The Missouri House of Representatives today for the first time debated legislation that would require insurance companies to provide coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of autistic children. House Speaker Ron Richard, R-Joplin, had promised the bill would be the first piece of legislation debated on the House floor during the 2010 legislative session; instead it was the 11^th.

"Although parents with autistic children no doubt wish Speaker Richard had kept his promise, House Democrats are pleased to finally be debating the autism insurance bill," said House Minority Leader Paul LeVota, D-Independence. "It's too bad we had to wait a month and spend hours debating nonbinding resolutions, but at least we are finally working on this issue."

During a Dec. 3 conference call with reporters, Richard promised the autism bill would be the first measure debated by the House this year, a pledged reported by numerous news organizations, including the St. Louis Post-Dispatch in a Dec. 4 story.

Instead of the autism bill, HB 1311, the first legislation the House debated this year was a nonbinding resolution to Missouri's congressional delegation on Jan. 19. That bill was taken up four weeks to the day prior to HB 1311.

House Endorses Tax Break For Manufacturers

The House of Representatives voted 134-17 on Feb. 18 in favor tax breaks for companies that upgrade existing manufacturing facilities in Missouri. The bill, HB 1675, would cost the state up to $35 million a year in lost revenue.

The bill's primary purpose is to head off the potential closure of the Ford Motor Co.'s assembly plant in Claycomo, which employs 3,700 people. But other Missouri manufacturing companies could also take advantage of the tax breaks.

To read more click here.

House Approves Reducing Phone Access Fees

The House of Representatives voted 111-40 on Feb. 18 in favor of a bill that would gradually reduce the fees local phone companies charge each other for connecting intrastate phone calls. Missouri's intrastate access fees, which typically are passed on to customers, currently are among the highest in the country. The bill, HB 1750, potentially could lower phone rates in some areas while increasing them in others.

To read AP story click here.

House Gives Final Approval to Special Elections Bill

Last Monday, the Missouri House of Representatives gave final approval to legislation that would require special elections to fill vacancies for the U.S. Senate and most statewide elected offices. The House approved HB 1497, sponsored by Rep. Jason Smith, R-Salem, by a vote of 900in

The bill would require special elections to fill vacancies in the offices of lieutenant governor, attorney general, secretary of state, state auditor, state treasurer and United States Senator. Under current law, the governor appoints a replacement if a statewide office becomes vacant. HB 1497 would allow the governor to appoint a temporary replacement for U.S. Senate, auditor or attorney general until a special election could be held. The bill would allow the governor to manage the offices of secretary of state or treasurer until a special election.

Speaking in opposition to the bill was Rep. Jeff Roorda, D-Barnhart, who questioned the motivation for the change. "All we've done this session is one grand distraction after another. This is so blatantly political, this bill... to change the way we appoint offices because there's a Democrat in the governor's mansion," said Roorda.

The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration.

To read more about this legislation click here.

Kraus: Legislation at the Capitol

Legislation Promotes Exercise and Good Health

This week, I presented my bill, HB 1691, on pedestrian and bicycle days to the Tourism Committee.  This Committee was as enjoyable as touring the great state of Missouri!  This legislation requires the governor to issue annual proclamations for a Walk and Bike to School month and day in October and Bike to Work month, day, and week in May.

The highlight of this hearing was the presentation of testimony by 13-year-old Jonathan Hugh, who accompanied his father, Brent, to Jefferson City to testify on behalf of "kids who walk and bike to school."  I always like to see young people learn about and be involved in the legislative process, and Jonathan did himself proud as he presented his position to the Committee members.  He pointed to the benefits of the bill for children as "exercise and a better mood."  Walk and Bike to School days are also an opportunity for schools to organize safe passage for kids to walk to school.

Jonathan shares a love of cycling with his father, who is the Executive Director of the Missouri Bicycle & Pedestrian Federation.  In his testimony in favor of the bill, Brent pointed out that Missouri is #15 in childhood obesity.  Special days, while costing the state nothing, serve as a rallying point around which to organize events that can address problems such as obesity.  In creating enthusiasm and comradeship for healthy exercise, the events can in turn lead to positive physical and mental health benefits.

In agreement, Jim Farrel of the American Heart Association testified that days such as this can promote health and well-being around the state.  I see this as a win-win situation in that, while taxpayers are not called upon to support yet another program, promotional efforts can result in better health habits of Missourians, and thereby save us all some pain and money in the long run.

I asked that this bill be allowed "Consent Status."  Consent status is given when a bill has no fiscal impact, is non-controversial, and contains no penalty provisions.  Passage of the bill becomes much smoother.  Already this bill has been voted out of the Tourism Committee by consent; I hope that it continues to move forward to the benefit of both Missouri's young people and its adults.

House Passes Bill to Reduce Phone Access Fees

In other Capitol news, the House of Representatives gave final approval last week to legislation, HB1750, that would gradually reduce the access fees many Missourians pay each time they make a long distance phone call within the state.  Currently, when a customer in one part of the state calls a customer in another part of the state using a different phone company, a per minute access fee is charged. While the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulates the access rates for interstate calls, the state regulates access fees for long distance calls made within the state.

Missouri's intrastate access rates are some of the highest in the country, and this legislation, if signed into law, should improve that standing.  Over a 10-year period, access fees will be reduced, which will benefit Missourians in the form of lower prices and greater flexibility in choosing services.

Insurance Coverage for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

In other significant legislation passed last week, state-regulated group insurance policies would have to provide coverage for children with autism spectrum disorders.

Autism affects one of every 110 children in America and an estimated 34,000 children in Missouri.  This bill, HB 1311 & 1341, balances both sides of the issue:  the costs that a requirement for insurance coverage incurs to businesses against the growing need for coverage for children with autism.  In the bill, the insurance companies would be required to cover children up to 18 years of age and cover up to $36,000 per year in costs for treatment.  Missourians with individual insurance policies would not be mandated to obtain a policy with autism coverage.

The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration.

Tim Jones: Budget Battles, Update on HJR57, Calling 211

Winter continued to buck and roar early this week ravaging most of the country with snow storms, freezing temperatures and dangerous driving conditions. As the week progressed and work in the Capitol intensified in Budget battles and legislative debates, slightly warming temperatures and that “giant orb in the sky” known as the long lost sun were a welcome respite. As Mardi Gras and Fat Tuesday fun fades and Ash Wednesday came upon us marking the beginning of the 40 days of Lent, I want to wish all of you a prayerful and blessed time as many of us prepare for the great celebrations of Passover and Easter with our communities and families…

"The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not.” –Thomas Jefferson

Budget Battles During Difficult Times-An Opportunity to Determine the True Roles of Government

A few weeks ago Governor Jay Nixon delivered the annual State of the State address to the Missouri General Assembly, the Missouri Supreme Court, Missouri Cabinet heads, and to the people of our great state. Since then, the issue of how to balance our State budget during these difficult fiscal times has loomed large over the Session.

In January, the Governor, House, and Senate budget leaders agreed upon the revised consensus revenue estimate for the remainder of this fiscal year which ends on June 30, 2010 predicting that revenues will be 6.4% less than expected at $6.97 billion in general revenue. The fiscal year 2010 budget was passed based upon an overly optimistic revenue estimate of $7.76 billion.

They also agreed upon the consensus revenue estimate (CRE) for the next budget year which begins on July 1, 2010 suggesting a growth in state general revenue collections of 3.5% resulting in $7.223 billion of general revenue. This appeared to be overly ambitious.

And so it was revealed at the end of January that revenues are 22.36% less than they were in January of last year with year to date revenue collections now falling to a negative 12.55% down from 10.5% last month year to date. As a result, Governor Nixon announced another round of withholds from the current budget of $74 million.

Unlike Congress, Missouri MUST have a balanced budget. The state of Missouri cannot print money to satisfy unrestrained and politically motivated spending habits - even in an election year. However, Governor Nixon's budget proposal would spend $8.317 billion of general revenue, a number that exceeds the agreed upon CRE by $1.09 billion, or 15% - this is not a balanced budget proposal. The Governor would pay for these excessive increases with federal "stimulus" money, which I submit is nothing more than federal "dependence" money, which Missouri is expected to receive which is about $900 million dollars plus a “phantom” $300 million that “might” come from the federal government even though the legislation has not yet been passed by Congress.

After years of fiscal discipline, a budget is now being proposed that relies on significant one-time monies that may or may not materialize. Our budget difficulties earlier this decade stemmed from uncontrolled spending that relied on one-time monies. This cannot be done, but politicians are often afraid of making the difficult decisions that require discipline, because they fear unpopularity, especially in an election year like this one.

The disciplined decisions of the past few years have put Missouri in a better financial position to weather this economic downturn than most states. Missouri remains one of only seven states that still have a triple-A bond rating from the three major bond rating agencies.

The proposed budget suggests that $900 million of one-time monies be used to pay for ongoing operating costs of government and its programs. This money will not be available next year. It may be considered good politics by some, but it is lousy fiscal policy. We cannot allow the federal "stimulus" to lead us down the path to ever more federal dependency and greater threats to the pocketbooks of Missourians.

Data released this week claim that unemployment may drop to 9.8% this year, down from the current 10% unemployment rate. The data also suggests that with 5% growth in GDP throughout the year, unemployment would only drop to 9%.

How out of touch with our existing economic situation can we be to accept a budget that requires a 15% increase in general revenue knowing that we are currently experiencing 9.6% unemployment in Missouri? This is setting us up for even larger budget problems next year and years after.

NOW is a time for restraint, a time to prioritize, and a time to drive efficiencies into state bureaucracy. It is a time to shed the hindrances that hold back innovation and invention, a time to empower Missourians to build dreams, not sustain them where they are. Every Missouri family and business has had to make difficult financial decisions, why should the taxpayer funded Government be any different? It absolutely should not. People are outraged with the unparalleled and unabated spending spree in Washington, DC that denies the realities of our current economy. Missouri cannot, and must not, follow in those footsteps.

NOW is a time when doing what is right is far more important than doing what is popular and refusing to acknowledge what is the actual state of our state. Lest we forget, hope is not a plan.

HEALTH CARE FREEDOM ACT UPDATE

As many of you know, I am the chief sponsor of HJR 57, the “Health Care Freedom Act”. As I have discussed, if it is passed and approved by the voters, it will secure the current rights and freedoms that Missouri citizens have to choose to participate in whatever health care system or care that they want. Seventy five of my colleagues have co-sponsored this legislation and I am very grateful to them for their support. You may view the legislation at this link: http://house.mo.gov/content.aspx?info=/bills101/bills/HJR57.htm

I AM PLEASED TO REPORT THAT HJR 57 WAS VOTED “DO PASS” BY THE HOUSE RULES COMMITTEE LAST WEEK. THIS IS THE FINAL HURDLE THE BILL HAD TO CLEAR ON THE COMMITTEE LEVEL AND NOW WE ARE WAITING FOR THE SPEAKER’S OFFICE TO PLACE THE BILL ON THE HOUSE CALENDER FOR DEBATE ON THE HOUSE FLOOR.

Thank you all very much for your continued support of this very important resolution and I will continue to keep you posted on its progress.

SIX FLAGS ST. LOUIS IN EUREKA IS HIRING!!

I am very excited to report that Six Flags St. Louis, which is located in the heart of the 89th District, is hiring more than 3,000 employees to fill positions for the 2010 season which begins on April 2nd. Six Flags will be hosting job fairs to fill these positions on February 20, 27; March 6, 13, 20 and April 3, 10 and 17. For more information, please visit: http://www.sixflags.com/stLouis/index.aspx

FAST FACTS: Famous Missourians

Poet T.S. Eliot of St. Louis wrote: “Love is nearly itself when here and now cease to matter”. Walt Disney, of Marceline, created cartoon couple Mickey and Minnie Mouse in May 1928. Actress Betty Grable, a St. Louis native, starred in many movies including Springtime in the Rockies and Moon over Miami.

CALLING 211

211 Service is available throughout the State of Missouri. 211 is a great free resource available to all Missourians who need to search for non-emergency help in the areas of counseling, education, temporary resources, employment and volunteering. For more information about this excellent free resource, visit: www.211missouri.org.

Tim’s Legislative Platform for 2010

So far this year I have sponsored and filed thirteen individual pieces of legislation. I have co-sponsored numerous other bills. To review all of the bills that I have sponsored or co-sponsored, please follow this link: http://www.house.mo.gov/content.aspx?info=/bills101/spon/spn089.htm

This week I am extremely pleased to announce that my HB 1750 passed out of the House by an overwhelming vote of 111 – 42. This bill is commonly referred to as the “access reform” bill. If we can successfully move this bill through the Senate, this bill will result in lower telephone access charges and fees for millions of Missourians and will assist the telecommunications industry in providing greater innovations, new exciting products, lower rates and better and more advanced infrastructure across our entire State. I want to thank all of my colleagues who worked in a bipartisan way to move this bill to passage in the House this week.

Personal News & Notes

Last week was Valentine’s Day weekend. And although the Jones household had to deal with a sudden attack by the common cold and flu on nearly all of us (including Baby Abby who has had a runny nose since November), I treasured the time that I had to spend at home (coughing and all!) with my ever understanding and hard working wife Suzanne and our two beautiful daughters Katie and Abby. Love is truly patient (although trying at times!) and is truly kind and the love of a family cannot be appropriately described but must be experienced to be fully understood. I hope that you and your family had a great Valentine’s Day weekend!

Feel Free to Contact Us!

If my extremely dedicated (and very busy!) Legislator Assistant, Jody Williams, or I can be of any assistance throughout the year, please do not hesitate to contact us at 573.751.0562 or by email at jody{dot}williams{at}house{dot}mo{dot}gov or at tim{dot}jones{at}house{dot}mo{dot}gov. And if your travels find you anywhere near the Capitol, please do stop by and visit us in Room 114. Until our next report, I remain, in your service.

Tim Jones: Balanced Budget Amendment, TANF Drug Testing, Health Care Freedom Act Update

At left: Rep. Tim Jones working on legislation on the House Floor with Speaker Ron Richard & Rep. Kevin Wilson.

Leaden grey skies pressed hard upon mid-Missouri and across the greater Midwest this week mirroring the somber mood in the Capitol as we continued to receive sobering news about the state of our economy and the fiscal challenges we face inherent in the 2010-2011 State Budget.  House Republicans remain committed to appropriate and necessary funding in crucial areas such as education with the full knowledge that waste and failed programs must be ferreted out and eliminated and that even well intentioned programs must be scrutinized and narrowed to achieve the constitutionally mandated Budget.  We all remain committed to doing what we can to return government to its proper roles while spending your tax dollars wisely…

"Democracy and socialism have nothing in common but one word, equality. But notice the difference: while democracy seeks equality in liberty, socialism seeks equality in restraint and servitude." –Alexis de Tocqueville

Balanced Budget Amendment

Over the past two years, Congress has added TRILLIONS of dollars to our federal debt.  Because the federal government is not constitutionally required to pass annual balanced budgets, like 49 out of the 50 states federal spending is spiraling out of control like never before.  The federal debt now exceeds 12 trillion dollars and Congress simply continues to raise the debt ceiling.  While Rome burns, Congress continues to simply pour gasoline on the fire.  That is why Budget Chairmen Allen Icet has filed House Resolution 34 [HCR34] which urges the United States Congress to submit a balanced budget amendment to the states for ratification.  We must stop this trend of out-of-control deficit spending that passes the cost of our projects and programs on to our children and grandchildren.  With this resolution, the Missouri House calls on Congress to put a stop to the fiscal irresponsibility and urges them to pass a balanced budget amendment.

Drug Testing for Welfare Benefits

This week, House Republicans perfected House Bill 1377, which will prevent illegal drug users from receiving certain state benefits. The bill would require the Department of Social Services (DSS) to develop a screening process for recipients of the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Program.  To be tested, DSS must have "reasonable cause" that a person is using illegal substances.

In tough economic times, your tax dollars should not be spent on those abusing the system and using your money for illegal drugs.  Many employers, including the military and the federal government, require drug testing to be employed. There is no excuse for welfare recipients not to live up to the same standard.

During debate on the House floor, an amendment was added to the bill that requires all members of the General Assembly to take a drug test before being sworn into office, and once every two years after that.  The House overwhelmingly supported the amendment, feeling that elected officials should be held responsible if they are found to be taking illegal drugs.

If this bill becomes law, it will make a difference.  Not only will this bill reduce the size of government; it will also remove abusers from the government dole AND ensure they obtain the help they need.

HEALTH CARE FREEDOM ACT UPDATE

Over the past year, America has watched as Congress has debated numerous health care reform proposals. The system needs reform.  Uninsured Americans need access to health care and those who have insurance need relief from rapidly rising health care costs.  But the more the American people have learned about the current health care reform proposals in Congress, the less they like them.

Real health care reform should address the root of our current challenges: COST.  To do this, we must work to promote competition and improve transparency, all while maintaining the quality of care that we have come to expect from our current system.  Instead of looking at proposals that would help Americans afford private health insurance, the proposals in Congress rely on expanding taxpayer funded health coverage, increasing taxes on private insurance policies, and penalizing individuals who choose not to purchase health insurance.

In the Missouri House, we have heard our constituents loud and clear: they oppose the current Federal health care proposals.  Therefore, we have worked on legislation this session to protect Missourians from the negative effects of Federal Health Control both in unfunded mandates and excessive taxation.

House Concurrent Resolution 18 passed the House earlier in session with overwhelming bipartisan support.  This important resolution lays out the many concerns that we have with the federal health care proposals including tax increases, mandates, and further regulation of the health care industry.  This resolution also urges Missouri's Congressional leaders to oppose these bills.  This resolution will send a message to Congress that Missourians want real health care reform, not the current badly crafted proposals in Congress.

We also continue to move House Joint Resolution 57 through the House.  HJR 57 is a proposed amendment to Missouri's constitution that would protect Missourians from any attempt to mandate the purchase of health insurance.  The federal proposals include mandates that would require individuals to purchase health insurance or face penalties.  Upon the approval of Missouri voters, this legislation would protect Missourians from both the mandates and the penalties.  With the passage of this extremely important proposal, we will ensure that Missourians continue to have a voice when it comes to their own health care decisions.

The current federal proposals will only exacerbate the challenges of our health care system.  Congress must take a step back and begin to look at real reforms that will rein in costs through market-based solutions.  The American people have spoken…in Virginia, in New Jersey and most loudly and clearly in Massachusetts, and it is about time that Congress starts listening.

I am the chief sponsor of HJR 57. As I have discussed, if it is passed and approved by the voters, it will secure the current rights and freedoms that Missouri citizens have to choose to participate in whatever health care system or care that they want.  Seventy five of my colleagues have co-sponsored this legislation and I am very grateful to them for their support.  You may view the legislation at this link:  http://house.mo.gov/content.aspx?info=/bills101/bills/HJR57.htm

I AM PLEASED TO REPORT THAT HJR 57 WAS VOTED "DO PASS" BY THE HOUSE GENERAL LAWS COMMITTEE THIS WEEK BY A BIPARTISAN VOTE OF 10 TO 4.  IT WILL NOW MOVE ON TO THE HOUSE RULES COMMITTEE WHERE IT WILL NEED APPROVAL BEFORE MOVING TO THE HOUSE FLOOR FOR FULL DEBATE.

Thank you all very much for your continued support of this very important resolution and I will continue to keep you posted on its progress.

SIX FLAGS ST. LOUIS IN EUREKA IS HIRING!!

I am very excited to report that Six Flags St. Louis, which is located in the heart of the 89^th District, is hiring more than 3,000 employees to fill positions for the 2010 season which begins on April 2^nd.  Six Flags will be hosting job fairs to fill these positions on February 6, 20, 27; March 6, 13, 20 and April 3, 10 and 17.  For more information, please visit: http://www.sixflags.com/stLouis/index.aspx

FAST FACTS

February is Black History Month in the United States.  February was chosen because it coincides with the birthdays of the great leader Frederick Douglas and President Abraham Lincoln.  In 1920, Walthall Moore was elected to the House becoming the 1^st African American to serve in the Missouri Legislature.  In 1960, DeVerne Lee Calloway became the 1^st African American woman elected to the House.

Need a Copy of the White Pages?

If you need a FREE copy of the White Pages, you can obtain one!  Contact AT&T toll free at 1.800.792.2665 or visit www.RealPagesLive.com

Tim's Legislative Platform for 2010

So far this year I have sponsored and filed thirteen individual pieces of legislation.  I have co-sponsored numerous other bills.  To review all of the bills that I have sponsored or co-sponsored, please follow this link:  http://www.house.mo.gov/content.aspx?info=/bills101/spon/spn089.htm

Over the past two weeks, four of my bills were heard in committee and the hearings for three of these four very important bills lasted over three hours each!  The topics of the bills were the Health Care Freedom Act, the Prompt Pay Act [HB1498](which is a TRUE health care reform bill that closes a loophole in payments from insurers to providers that will save the providers and patients actual costs) and the Access Reform Act [HB1750](another consumer friendly bill that will reduce subsidies in the telecommunications industry).  One of my bills, [HB1442] which will protect taxpayer approved taxation structures for rural municipalities, has already passed out of the House and is moving in the Senate.  I will continue to work hard to advance good government legislation that benefits all Missourians and will continue to keep you updated on the progress and status of the bills.

Personal News & Notes

At right: Daughter Katie with two of her friends enjoying a favorite pastime…reading!

I have returned to the very busy routine of extremely full weeks of practicing at my law firm, legislating and debating at the Capitol and of course spending as much quality time as possible with my wonderful family.  I must continue to thank my wife Suzanne and daughters Katie and Abby for all of their continued sacrifices.  Their support and encouragement sustain me in the long days and nights as Session begins to pick up steam.  This will be an exciting and busy year and I encourage all of you to participate in this excellent adventure and journey that we call democracy!

Feel Free to Contact Us!

If my extremely dedicated (and very busy!) Legislator Assistant, Jody Williams, or I can be of any assistance throughout the year, please do not hesitate to contact us at 573.751.0562 or by email at jody{dot}williams{at}house{dot}mo{dot}gov or at tim{dot}jones{at}house{dot}mo{dot}gov.  And if your travels find you anywhere near the Capitol, please do stop by and visit us in Room 114.  Until our next report, I remain, in your service.