Kraus: Standing on Principle

You may have seen my name in the news recently when the Speaker of the House removed me from the Job Creation and Economic Development Committee.  I wanted to take this opportunity to explain.

Standing on principle, I refused to guarantee House leadership my vote on a bill to be brought before the committee before the bill was even heard or discussed.  My firm stand caused me to be removed from the committee ten minutes before it began. The vote in question was the committee vote on the Manufacturing Jobs Act, which proposes to allow companies up to $10 million per year in tax incentives.

Work in committee is to hash out the specifics of a bill, hear both sides, and decide if a bill is good for the taxpayers or not.  I was in Jefferson City, ready to listen, but I was told to vote 'yes' regardless of testimony and discussion and without knowing the final language of the bill. That is too much like business-as-usual in Washington, D.C.  I simply couldn't guarantee to vote yes or no.

On June 30, the newspaper in Jefferson City, the News-Tribune, reported on the story and had this to say about my removal on its editorial page, "A lawmaker elected to represent constituents doesn't deserve to be benched for pledging to listen to reasoned debate and cast an informed vote on an issue.  Those are the types of abuses that give politics a bad name."

In good conscience, I can't just be a 'yes' man for House leadership and forego thinking about what is best for my constituents.

According to the Speaker's office, other members were removed from a committee because they were not present at the Capitol to vote.  For more information, you can click on this link to an article by the Associated Press:  Kraus Removed from Special Session Committee.

I-470/US50 Half-Diamond Interchange Ready for Public Use

Traffic operations at Interstate-470 and US 50 in Lee's Summit will soon flow easier and smoother now that the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) completed the Split-Diamond Interchange in this busy area of Lee's Summit. The Half-Diamond Interchanges at Pryor Road and Blue Parkway were finished last year, and now traffic will be able to access each end with the use of the new connector roads that opened Monday, June 28.

The connectors officially complete this $45 million project that was designed to improve traffic operations for the more than 130,000 vehicles that use the junction of I-470 and Routes US 50/MO350. Spanning U.S. 50 and MO 350, these roads join the two half-diamond interchanges, creating what is commonly referred to as a Split-Diamond Interchange.  Motorists traveling on I-470 will now have access to each area of the completed interchange, allowing for more efficient travel and traffic congestion relief throughout the area.

Gov. Nixon Signs Bills into Law

Governor Nixon has signed the following bills into law.  For more detailed information about each bill, please click on the bill number and you will be taken to the state website where the bill and other pertinent information is posted.  In my next newsletter, I'll have information on other bill signings.

HB 1965 - Repeals various expired provisions of law, changes the laws regarding certain state publications, and establishes a joint committee on Missouri's future and a committee on accountability

HB 1643 - Changes the laws regarding certain documents recorded with the county recorder of deeds

HB 2070 - Changes the laws regarding joint central fire and emergency dispatching services taxes

HB 1868 - Changes the laws regarding keys to the Capitol dome, state agencies, and MO HealthNet claims and establishes the Joint Committee on the Reduction and Reorganization of Programs within State Government

SB 649 -Requires the Governor to issue an annual proclamation designating March 12th as "Girl Scout Day"

HB 1662 - Authorizes the State Veterinarian to restrict the movement of animals or birds under investigation for the presence or suspected presence of a toxin

SB 808 - Modifies compensation and continuing education requirements for public administrators

SB 1007 - Amends various requirements for public assistance programs administered by the state

SB 842 - Modifies provisions relating to public assistance programs administered by the state

SB 739 - Modifies the provisions governing fire department employee residency requirements

HB 2081 - Specifies 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 1898 -Establishes the Women's Heart Health Program to provide heart disease risk screenings to certain uninsured and underinsured women

SB 586 - Regulates sexually oriented businesses

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.

Nance: S-CHIP Enrollment Encouraged, Senate Bills Approved By House, In The District

"State finances are still in rough shape, but in early April someone paid their taxes. It resulted in $121 million to the treasury. Thank goodness for capitalism."

At The Capitol

I was able to amend two bills with legislation to have DESE and Social Services to work together for the benefit of kids that qualify for S-CHIP. Thousand of kids qualify but have not been signed up for the program. The amendment gives an excellent opportunity for parents to provide coverage for their children.

I have attached a comparison of education funding for 2010and 2011.

The House Truly Agreed and Finally Passed the following Senate Bills. These bills require only the governor's signature. The governor has until July 14^th to sign or veto.

• 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.

In the District

In addition to the Mushroom Festival this past week end, I attended the Job Corps Open House. I have been fortunate to work with the Center over the last 30 years. The Corps gives an opportunity for job training and placement to many of our youth. They do much more than job training.

Teacher Nancy Herring and the Hardin Central 4^th graders [at left] visited the Capitol on Wednesday. I appreciate their yearly trip to see how government works.

If there are any bills that you want information on by bill number or subject, you can access information from the following sites:
House Bills www.house.mo.gov
Senate Bills www.senate.mo.gov.

"No gift to your mother can ever equal her gift to you –life" –Author unknown

Happy Mother's Day!