Nance: Jobs at Claycomo Plant Spared, Amongst Other Bills Passed

At the Capitol

“My dad worked at the Ford Plant for almost 30 years. We all know the importance of Ford’s to our district’s economy and our communities.”

House Bill 1675 has passed the House and is in the Senate. It was tailored to help retain the Ford Motor Company’s Claycomo Plant which is one of metropolitan Kansas City’s largest employers, with nearly 5,000 workers. I co-sponsored the bill with Jerry Nolte of Claycomo. Again, these jobs are important to our communities.

The bill establishes the Manufacturing Jobs Act that is applicable to any qualified supplier or manufacturer that creates or retains jobs. Such job-generating facilities are allowed to retain employee withholding taxes for a period of years. The total amount of withholding taxes retained by all qualified companies under the program is limited to no more than $15 million annually.

The House third read and passed the following bills:

• HB 1788, which would change the laws regarding initiative petitions and referendums, by a vote of 130-24.
• HJR 78, which proposes a constitutional amendment requiring a three-fifths majority vote to amend the Missouri Constitution, by a vote of 98-52.
• HB 1444, which would require certain public governing bodies to hold a public meeting and to allow public comment four business days prior to voting on certain issues, by a vote of 135-17.
• HB 1966, which would change the laws regarding absent uniform services and overseas voters and elections, by a vote of 86-70.
• HJR 64, which proposes a constitutional amendment changing the laws regarding elections, by a vote of 85-72.
• HB 1316, which would change the required notice that certain assessors must give taxpayers when the assessed valuation on real property increases, by a vote of 147-0.
• HB 1786, which would authorize an income tax credit for the eligible costs of bringing conventions or sporting games to Missouri, by a vote of 98-59.
• HB 1473, which would revise the grade required for renewing an Access Missouri Scholarship, combine the award categories, revise the award amounts, and specify that the program will not be terminated, by a vote of 145-10.
• HB 1584, which would change the laws regarding manufactured homes, by a vote of 151-3.
• HB 1636, which would allow the Department of Revenue to issue a special event motor vehicle auction license to an applicant auctioning certain vehicles, by a vote of 131-21.
• HB 2058, which would establish procedures for asserting a mechanic’s lien against residential real property, by a vote of 141-7.
• HB 2252, which would reauthorize the provisions regarding the tax credit for contributions to pregnancy resource centers and extend the expiration date until Aug. 28, 2022, by a vote of 114-39.
• HJR 62, which proposes a constitutional amendment guaranteeing a citizen’s right to pray and worship on public property and reaffirming a citizen’s right to choose any or no religion, by a vote of 134-23.
• HB 1521 and 1302 passed through the House on Thursday. It is a bill that I sponsored which adopts a “Silver Alert” for endangered persons not covered by the “Amber Alert System”. This bill also protects our seniors.

Visitors

Richmond resident and Silver-haired Legislator Keith Hardin was at the Capitol on Tuesday.

The Mushroom Festival is this weekend. Of special interest is the Chip identification program at city hall sponsored by Masonic Lodge #57 in Richmond. Masonic Child Identification Programs (CHIP) is a charitable initiative by North American Masonic lodges to aid in the identification and recovery of missing children. See you there at 9:30 a.m..

Pictured [at right] is the Orrick 4th Grade Class visiting last week.

Schupp: A "Taxing" Week, Changes in Election Laws, Bright Flight Increases

From requirement of photo ID for voters to DWI legislation to election reform, it was a week filled with impassioned debate.  I was excited to have been successful in encouraging the chair of the Tax Reform Committee to bring forward a bill providing for property tax deferral for senior citizens on fixed incomes.  This legislation, sponsored by my good friend, Representative Jake Zimmerman, has been around for a long time.  I testified in support back in the early part of the decade when I served on the School Board.  Ironically, while the bill was heard in my committee, I could not be there due to the routine scheduling conflict with another one of my committees where I was offering amendments.

If I said it was a "taxing" week...well, you understand.

Thank you for this opportunity to serve.

Truly,

Jill



Rep. Schupp and other women representatives participated in Hat Day as part of Winning Women's Day at the Capitol.

This week on the House floor

ELECTION CHANGES

The House gave preliminary approval to a proposed constitutional amendment requiring three-fifths (60%) supermajority for Missouri voters to ratify future constitutional amendments. If the measure clears both chambers, it would be subject to voter approval.
 
This resolution, HJR 78, also contains a provision that would allow amendments ratified with just a simple majority between Nov. 1, 2001, and Nov 1, 2010, to be repealed with a simple majority. This provision only applies to a few amendments, but, as the bill sponsor agreed upon questioning, was to make sure a 2006 amendment that narrowly passed prohibiting the outlawing of stem cell research could be repealed by a simple majority. In other words, stem cell opponents want to be able to overturn the ability to engage in stem cell research in this state by simple majority.

The House heard two additional election bills, HB 1966 and HJR 64, which each have two key components:

First, the bills allow for "no excuse required" early voting in elections.

The second part of each bill requires all voters to present photo identification to vote.  The debate on these two separate provisions was vigorous.  While both sections passed, there is evidence demonstrating that requirement of a photo ID is a burden on the poor, elderly and disabled and will disenfranchise many who would otherwise be involved in the electoral process.

Committee News

Higher Education

SB 733—Legislation proposing changes to the Bright Flight Scholarship program was heard this week.  The changes would increase the amount top scholars (those scoring in the top 3% statewide on the ACT or SAT) receive to a maximum award of $3000.  Depending upon appropriations, if there is enough revenue for each student scoring in this top tier, awards of up to $1000 will be given to students scoring in the 4th and 5th percentile.

A new provision was just distributed that attempts to close records when the university (or public institution) is working in cooperation with a private institution to promote economic development.  The idea is that the protection of intellectual property is an essential tool in business development, competition and negotiation.

As a staunch believer in open government and the importance of the Sunshine Law to all of us,  I am waiting to hear from various professionals to understand fully the ramifications of this proposed change in law.   It seems reasonable that this information should remain private during the development period.  That stated, it is not clear to me what the broader implications of this change might be.

Tax Reform

A bill [SB883] to allow for the Mayor and Board of Aldermen of St. Peters to levy a license tax on hotels and motels failed in committee.

Property tax deferral for senior citizens on fixed income (HB 1835) was heard in committee.  As mentioned earlier, I was not able to be present.  I look forward to the Executive Session when committee members can have discussion, debate, create amendments and vote on the bill.

Children and Families

Last week I wrote about a piece of Senate legislation [SB855] which would allow the State Registrar to issue heritage birth or marriage certificates celebrating the unique heritage of Missourians.  This week, at the 11th hour, the Children and Families committee chair put forward a substitute bill adding provisions allowing any  adopted person, age 21 or older, to acquire an unaltered birth certificate.  Simply put, this legislation undermines any promise: implied, perceived or actual that allowed the birth mother of an adopted child to remain anonymous.

While proponents of this issue state that no biological parents have stepped forward to, or have gone on record as opposing this legislation, it is clear that doing so would change their status of anonymity.  Today's technology provides many opportunities for birth parents to reach out to their adopted children if they so desire.

The chair did not have the committee vote to remove this section, since it was clear that the provision would have been voted out of the bill.

Budget News

SENATE CUTS $453.8 MILLION FROM FY 2011 STATE BUDGET

From the Dem Caucus Communications Director

The Senate passed its version of a more than $23 billion state operating budget for the upcoming fiscal year, cutting $453.8 million in proposed spending recommended by Gov. Jay Nixon in January. The Senate cuts are roughly double the $224 million in reductions the House of Representatives approved last month. Because the state's revenue projections have worsened significantly in the months since he offered his proposed FY 2011 budget, Nixon is generally supportive of lawmakers' actions to further reduce spending.
 
The full Senate reversed a committee's decisions to eliminate the $37.5 million needed to fund the Career Ladder program, which provides teachers extra pay for extra duties, and to cut an additional $14.8 million for colleges and universities, which had agreed to freeze in-state tuition for the 2010-2011 school year in exchange for a cut of no more than $50 million. By agreeing to limit the cut to the agreed amount, the tuition deal remains in place. House and Senate negotiators must now work out a final version of the budget, which both chambers must approve no later than May 7. 
 

NIXON SAYS SCHOOL FUNDING PROVISION UNENFORCABLE

Gov. Jay Nixon signed a midyear state spending bill into law on April 13 but declared that a controversial provision of the measure that would exempt 152 local school districts from sharing in a $43 million shortfall in education funding for the final months of the 2010 fiscal year is unconstitutional and won't be enforced. As a result, all 523 Missouri school districts are expected to get a 2 percent cut in their expected state funding for the current school year, although it possible a lawsuit could be filed challenging the governor's interpretation.
 
A provision of HB 2014 exempts "hold harmless" school districts from the cuts. Hold harmless districts have their state funding frozen at FY 2005 levels. If the hold harmless status is enforced, the provision would result in the remaining 371 districts enduring even deeper cuts than the 2 percent called for in the governor's plan.
 
In a signing statement attached to the bill, Nixon said the disputed provision violates the Missouri Constitution's ban against legislating in appropriations bills. Although the statement carries no legal weight, it potentially could serve as warning against hold harmless districts suing to enforce the provision. The districts in the 82nd State House district are all "Hold Harmless."

Green Tip of the Week

Consumer Tips for Getting an Energize Missouri Appliance Rebate

Five things consumers need to know about the program

JEFFERSON CITY, MO, APRIL 14, 2010 - A federally-funded home appliance rebate program is intended to improve energy efficiency and stimulate the economy using funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, or Recovery Act. States around the nation are giving rebates to consumers to replace inefficient home appliances with energy-efficient models.

Missouri's $5.6 million Energize Missouri Appliance Rebate Program starts April 19 and will fund rebates for five appliance categories - space heating, space cooling, water heaters, clothes washers and dishwashers. Consumers can qualify for rebates from $75 to $500 with a maximum of $575 for multiple appliances. The department anticipates issuing 48,000 rebates during the program. Rebate reservations are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Experience in other states shows the program is very popular, and the funds will go fast.

Missouri has scheduled its rebate program to coincide with the "Show Me Green" ENERGY STAR® sales tax holiday. Consumers who wish to take advantage of the rebate program and the state sales tax holiday must purchase the ENERGY STAR appliances between April 19-25 in participating retail and installation contractor businesses.

Consumers should plan ahead and be ready to buy the qualified appliance when the programs begin next week. Here are five ways to maximize consumer savings:

1. Learn more about the Energize Missouri Appliance Rebate Program.
   Consumers must purchase ENERGY STAR appliances to replace older, less efficient models. Consumers must recycle the old appliance to qualify for a rebate. Consumers may want to consider the following steps to help during the rebate program.
   
   • Step 1 - Make a Purchase:  Starting April 19, consumers may visit a participating retailer or installation contractor partner to purchase ENERGY STAR-qualified appliances and reserve a rebate.
   • Step 2 - Reserve a Rebate:  Starting April 21, a limited number of rebates will be available for consumers to reserve directly online at www.MissouriApplianceRebate.com or via telephone at 877-541-4848. The program's online reservation system will enable consumers to quickly and easily reserve a rebate and print out their rebate application directly from a web-enabled computer. Participation in this program is expected to be high. This could mean longer wait times if consumers try to reserve a rebate on the phone instead of at the store or online. Consumers will have 60 days after reserving a rebate to purchase a qualified appliance from a participating retailer or installation contractor.
   • Step 3 - Recycle:  Most participating retailers and installation contractors will collect and recycle the old appliance when they deliver the new appliance. Consumers can also recycle their old appliance at a recycling facility or turn-in event. Consumers must show proof of recycling. Visit the Web site at MissouriApplianceRebate.com for details on recycling.
   • Step 4 - Document and Mail:  Consumers must sign and mail their completed rebate application form along with the proof of purchase, residency and recycling to Energize Missouri Appliance Rebate Program, Dept 21282 P.O. Box 3688, Medina, OH 44258-3688 within 60 days of making a reservation. Consumers can expect to receive a rebate check(s) for valid claims within 4-6 weeks from the day they mail in their rebate application.
2. Meet the Eligibility Requirements - Consumers will qualify for a rebate only if they meet all of the following conditions:
   
   • Must be a Missouri resident and 18 years of age or older.
   • Own the property where the appliances will be installed, with the exception of clothes washers. Renters are eligible for clothes washer rebates.
    
   • Buy only one appliance per appliance category per address. Rebates range from $75 to $500 with a $575 maximum rebate allowed for multiple appliances.
   • Purchase an ENERGY STAR-qualified appliance from a participating retailer or installation contractor.
   • Mail in the rebate application form along with all required support documentation postmarked within 60 days of making the reservation.
3. Buy on April 19 or 20 - Consumers best chance for securing a rebate is through a participating retailer or installation contractor. The funds may go quickly.  If a particular retailer or installation contractor is not currently registered as a partner in the program, consumers may contact them to participate.
4. Keep a Copy of the Paperwork - To secure a rebate, consumers are required to mail in a copy of their completed and signed rebate application (with unique ID#), proof of purchase, proof of residency and proof of recycling. Consumers should make sure to save copies of all of the paperwork!
5. Enjoy the Savings - ENERGY STAR qualified appliances are designed to use 10 to 50 percent less energy than standard appliances, resulting in savings for the consumer, as well as reduced emissions of greenhouse gases and pollutants.

 
To learn more about the Energize Missouri Appliance Rebate Program and to find your local participating retailers, please visit MissouriApplianceRebate.com

Information provided by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

Nance: Tax Freedom Day, At the Capitol, Visitors

“Tax Freedom Day arrived on April 9th this year, the 99th day of 2010, according to the annual calculation using the latest government data on income and taxes. Americans will work well over three months of the year—from January 1 to April 9—before they have earned enough money to pay this year's tax obligations at the federal, state and local levels… Americans will pay more taxes in 2010 than they will spend on food, clothing and shelter combined.” –The Tax Foundation

At the Capitol

HB 1695 passed out of the House this week. It specifies that any nonviolent offender who has been convicted, pled guilty, or been found guilty under Sections 577.010 or 577.012, RSMo, or any similar provision of federal or state law and is incarcerated for the offense may be required to participate in the Missouri Post conviction Drug and Alcohol Treatment Program and upon release required to complete a department-approved community supervised program or, if no program is available, to submit to continuous alcohol monitoring for at least 90 days.

It also specifies that a person convicted of driving while revoked will be guilty of an infraction instead of a class A misdemeanor or class D felony. A circuit court could establish a DWI docket for the disposition of driving while intoxicated.

HCS Senate Bill 795 passed out of the Agriculture on Tuesday. The large bill covers agriculture collaborating with departments of education, health and senior services, and economic development. Other subjects are wine tasting, blaster’s licenses, large carnivore control, increased licensing fees for pesticides.

Agricultural organizations throughout the state have banded together in support of legislation to protect Missourians' rights to raise animals.

Missourians for Animal Care, a diverse coalition representing farm and ranch families, veterinarians, pet breeders and agricultural input suppliers, is working with legislators to advance a constitutional amendment to present to voters defending the rights of animal owners in the state.

Missourians for Animal Care was formed to provide unified support for the state's family farmers and others to protect their rights to raise domesticated animals in a humane manner. This right is fundamental to the livelihood of thousands of Missourians who make their living by raising animals.

HJR 78, if passed by the Senate, would upon voter approval, require a three-fifths majority vote to amend the Missouri Constitution.

HB 1966 was perfected Wednesday. It allows no excuse absentee early voting and specifies that a person seeking to vote in a public election must establish his or her qualifications as a United States citizen lawfully residing in this state by presenting a form of personal identification containing a photograph of the individual to election officials.

All costs incurred by an election authority to implement the photo identification requirements will be reimbursed by the state. If there is no appropriation, the election authority must not enforce the photo identification requirement.

An individual can vote by casting a provisional ballot after signing an affidavit if he or she does not possess a required form of personal identification because of the inability to pay for a birth certificate or other documentation necessary to obtain the identification.

The law requires the state to provide at no cost at least one form of personal identification required to vote to a qualified citizen who does not already possess the required identification and desires the identification.

On Monday, House Speaker Ron Richard inducted aviation pioneer James Smith McDonnell, Jr. into the Hall of Famous Missourians.

In the District

There were numerous events to attend last weekend. On Friday, many attended the opening of our new Veteran’s Clinic in Excelsior Springs. Over 1,400 veterans have signed up and General Larry Kay, the guest speaker, suggested he might drive from Booneville for care.

Matt Hartwig from Excelsior Springs was in the Capitol Wednesday to help promote “no tax” on over the counter drugs prescribed by a physician.

Tim Jones: State Sovereignty, Constitutional Amendment on Amending the Constitution

Smooth sunshine flowed down upon the State Capitol this week, warming the limestone walls of the Capitol Building as thousands of visitors flocked to Jefferson City, taking advantage of the beautiful Spring weather.  Inside the Chambers, the Senate diligently worked hard and late into the night hours, crafting a balanced State budget that will make its way back to the House next week as the House continued to work on late Session priorities…

"Our properties within our own territories should not be taxed or regulated by any power on earth but our own." –Thomas Jefferson

HJR 88 State Sovereignty

Over the years, the federal government has continued to grow out-of-control through wide-ranging federal programs, overreaching regulation, and costly unfunded mandates that infringe on the sovereignty of our states.  As a result, many states have stood up for their rights by proposing numerous measures aimed at reasserting the state sovereignty that is provided by the Tenth Amendment of the Constitution.  This week, the Missouri House passed House Joint Resolution 93 [sic], which is a proposed amendment to Missouri Constitution that reasserts the sovereignty of the State of Missouri and its citizens under the Tenth Amendment.

The powers of the federal government are clearly established in the Constitution.  They include establishing currency, post offices and roads, creating federal courts, entering into treaties, declaring war, and providing for our national defense.  Under the Tenth Amendment, those powers not delegated to the federal government are reserved for the states.  But unfortunately, through programs like the new federal health care laws, the federal government has continued to expand beyond its constitutional authority and infringe on the rights of the states.  Programs like this are not only beyond the authority of the federal government and infringe on the rights of the states, but the billions of dollars in unfunded mandates within them are devastating for state governments.

We believe it is time for the federal government to respect the authority of the states provided by the Tenth Amendment by returning to its constitutional responsibilities.  With the passage of House Joint Resolution 93, we sent Congress a message that Missourians have had enough of Congress' continued neglect of the protections of the Tenth Amendment of the Constitution.

Right of a Mother to Protect her Child

The House Rules Committee passed House Bill 2081 this week.  House Bill 2081 gives pregnant women the right to protect their unborn children with the use of deadly force.  This problem arose after a Michigan woman found herself in a legal battle after defending herself when her boyfriend struck her in the stomach.  The sponsor of the legislation, Representative Jeanie Riddle, wanted to make sure that this situation could be avoided if it were to happen in Missouri.  Right now in Missouri, women are not legally allowed to use force to defend their unborn children.  Hopefully, in the near future this bill will receive debate on the House floor.  Women must have the right to protect not only themselves but the lives of their unborn children.  I hope you will join me in support of this important bill to protect Missouri's women.

Three/Fifths Majority to Amend the Constitution

This week the Missouri House passed legislation that would require a three/fifths majority of voters to amend the Missouri Constitution.  Our Constitution is an important document and it should be protected.   HJR 78 requires at least a 60 percent vote in favor of the amendment for it to change the Constitution.  This is higher than the simple majority vote currently required.  Missouri is one of the easiest states to amend the Constitution in.  This has led to over a hundred amendments being added to our Constitution since 1904 with an average vote of 53.0%.  By contrast, the U.S. Constitution requires either two/thirds of both houses of Congress before being approved by the states, or two/thirds of the state legislatures to apply to Congress for a constitutional convention, which are then again sent to the states for approval.  To me a simple majority is not good enough to amend the Constitution, the most important document in our state government.  This document is the foundation for our system of governance and only the most important precepts should be in it.  Requiring a three/fifths majority is not out of line.  In the same period when Missouri had its Constitution amended by over a hundred times, the U.S. Constitution has been amended twelve times (16th to 27th Amendments).  This bill is an example of good governance that protects our Constitution and ensures that future amendments to our state Constitution are supported by a super-majority of Missourians.

Early Voting and Photo ID

In our nation, one of the most basic responsibilities of government is administering the election process because few rights are as sacred as our right to vote.  To ensure free and fair elections in Missouri, the Missouri House of Representatives gave initial approval to House Bill 1966 and House Joint Resolution 64 this week, important legislation that would establish procedures to allow early voting and require voters to produce photo identification before voting.

Currently, there are thirty-two states that allow early voting.  But unfortunately, Missouri is not yet one of them.  This legislation would create a four day early voting period for those individuals who choose to vote before Election Day.  It would also establish regional voting centers to ensure broad access to the early voting process.  By giving voters a wider opportunity to vote, access to the electoral process will improve and voter participation will increase.

An unfortunate reality of recent elections increased instances of voter fraud.  For a country that cherishes the right to vote as much as America, this practice is troubling.  This important legislation would require voters to produce a form of photo identification when voting to help reduce fraud and abuse in our elections.  We believe that in this day and age, requiring photo identification to vote is a common sense requirement.  To ensure that this measure does not discourage voting, we have created exemptions for the elderly, the disabled, and those unable to afford the documents necessary to obtain proper identification.  With the photo identification requirement, we have established necessary safeguards to help prevent voter fraud and ensure the integrity of our elections.

For too long, Missouri's election laws have lacked many of the statutory provisions available to other states that encourage electoral participation and provide the necessary safeguards to prevent voter fraud and abuse.  With the initial passage of House Bill 1966 and House Joint Resolution 64, we are one step closer to real elections reforms that will effectively promote increased participation and ensure free and fair elections.

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 health care that they want.  As we have seen, the disastrous aftermath of the passage of ObamaCare continues to dominate our headlines and continues to show us how truly flawed this new federal entitlement is.  HJR 57 was "third read and passed" out of the House several weeks ago by a vote of 109-46.  The bill is now pending in the State Senate and the Senate is also debating their version of the Health Care Freedom Act (SJR 25).  You may view the legislation at this link:  http://house.mo.gov/content.aspx?info=/bills101/bills/HJR57.htm  Thank you all very much for your continued support of this very important proposed constitutional amendment, and I will continue to keep you posted on its progress!

Regulatory Reform Imperative in Economy-Busting Tax-and-Spend Era

Federal regulations cost a whopping $1.187 trillion last year in compliance burdens on Americans.  That's the finding of a new report, Ten Thousand Commandments: An Annual Snapshot of the Federal Regulatory State, from the Competitive Enterprise Institute that examines the costs imposed by federal regulations.

"Trillion-dollar deficits and regulatory costs in the trillions are both unsettling new developments for America," said report author, Clyde Wayne Crews. "It is sobering to note how both dwarf the initial $150 billion 'stimulus package' of early 2008."

The costs of federal regulations often exceed the benefits, yet receive little official scrutiny from Congress.  The report urges Congress to step up and take responsibility as lawmakers to review and roll back economically harmful regulations.  "Rolling back regulations would constitute the deregulatory stimulus that the U.S. economy needs," said Crews.

Among the report's findings:

• 3,503 new regulations took effect last year. The burden of government is heavier than ever.
• How much does government cost?  Government is spending $3.518 trillion of our money and imposing another $1.187 trillion dollars in the form of regulatory compliance costs.
• How much of our economic output should be eaten by regulatory costs?  Regulatory costs now absorb 8.3 percent of the U.S. gross domestic product.
• What's the federal government's total share of the economy?  Regulations + spending combined puts the federal government's share of the economy at over 30 percent.
• Regulations cost more than the income tax.
• New rules that cost at least $100 million increased by 13 percent between 2007 and 2008.

The report urges reforms to make the regulatory costs more transparent and accountable to the people, including annual "report cards" on regulatory costs and benefits, and congressional votes on significant agency rules before they become binding.

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. Six Flags is NOW OPEN on the weekends!  Six Flags will be hosting job fairs to fill these positions on April 17^th.  For more information, please visit:  http://www.sixflags.com/stLouis/index.aspx

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

Personal News & Notes

The last four weeks of Session always seem to be the most interesting and the most intense.  Long days and hectic schedules become par for the course as bills fly back and forth between the Chambers and everyone looks for a good legislative vehicle 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, especially my family and my colleagues at my law firm, DosterUllom.  It is hard to believe that in thirty days 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.