Rupp: Consumers Gain More Protection From Identity Theft Legislation

My legislation that requires credit reporting agencies to further protect consumers from identity theft was passed last week by the Senate and now heads to the House of Representatives.

The Missouri Senate unanimously approved Senate Bill 801 on March 4. The legislation requires consumer reporting agencies, or businesses that assemble and evaluate consumer credit information, to block certain information that the consumer identifies as a result of an identity theft situation. The legislation requires the consumer to furnish proof of identity and a copy of the identity theft report, as well as provide a statement that says the blocked information is not a transaction by the consumer. The consumer reporting agency must respond within four days.

What we're finding is that, not only can a person be devastated by identity theft, but they can continue to be devastated when their personal information is compromised and fraudulent purchases continue to show up on their credit reports.  It's a big process to clean up this kind of mess. This legislation makes it easier for those who suffer from identity theft to get their finances in order, and it encourages the credit reporting agencies to be prompt in blocking that fraudulent information from the identity theft victims' reports.

Now that the bill has passed the Senate, the measure is scheduled for debate in the House

MULTIMEDIA PAGE

I recently added a new audio link to my multimedia page located on my Missouri Senate website. This page features audio and video links (both streaming and broadcast quality — when available) for visitors to listen to and watch as I address issues that are important to me and the citizens of the 2^nd Senatorial District.

The new audio clips on my multimedia page feature me discussing a new feature on my Missouri Senate website: the Constituent Question of the Week. The last question, which was posted for two weeks, asked about my proposal to require drug testing for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). Senate Bill 725, the drug screening and testing bill, has been combined with Senate Bill 607, the Senate's encompassing measure that would require drug testing for work-eligible TANF applicants and recipients based upon reasonable suspicion.

The result:
95% responded yes
5%  responded no

A new question this week is posted on my website which ask:

The current economic situation will bring about severe reductions in our state's budget in order for the legislature to pass the balanced budget that the Missouri Constitution requires.

In your opinion, which of these actions seems the most reasonable to begin with?

1. Reduce K-12 Education Spending
2. Reduce Higher Education Spending
3. Reduce Medicaid/Welfare Expenditures
4. Reduce tax credits for economic development & job creation
5. Provide for an earlier release of non-violent prison offenders in order to reduce corrections/prison expenditures

And which of these would you NOT want to see happen?

1. Reduce K-12 Education Spending
2. Reduce Higher Education Spending
3. Reduce Medicaid/Welfare Expenditures
4. Reduce tax credits for economic development & job creation
5. Provide for an earlier release of non-violent prison offenders in order to reduce corrections/prison expenditures

Please go to my web page at: http://www.senate.mo.gov/10info/members/mem02.htm and click on "Question of the Week" in the upper right hand corner to respond to the survey.

I will continue to add audio and video clips during the 2010 legislative session with up dates on legislative action for the week plus the responses to my survey question. To view my multimedia page, visit http://www.senate.mo.gov/multimedia/Rupp/RuppMultimedia.html.

As the 2010 legislative session unfolds, I will continue to keep you, my constituents, apprised of all major developments, and I look forward to continuing to serve your needs and priorities in Jefferson City. As always, if you have any questions about this week's column or any other matter involving state government, please do not hesitate to contact me. You can reach my office by phone at (866) 271-2844.

Stouffer: Legislative Update

So far, we have had a busy and full first half to the Second Regular Session of the 95^th General Assembly. And, the really hard work is yet to come.

One of my priorities, I am proud to say, is one the first measures to make it through both the Missouri Senate and the Missouri House. Senate Concurrent Resolution 35 tells the Missouri State Tax Commission thanks, but no thanks, on a proposal to raise land valuations for most property owners. The panel made the decision back in December and the Legislature only had two months to do something about it. Now, these tax increases will not happen. This is good because a recession is no time to make folks pay more for something they own.

Lawmakers in Missouri are continuing to remind Congress about the appropriate scope of federal government through proposals like Senate Concurrent Resolution 46. This urges Congress not to pass "cap and trade" legislation. As I have written about here before, "cap and trade" would be detrimental to rural Missouri. It would penalize coal-burning states, including Missouri, and cause electric and natural gas bills to skyrocket to unprecedented levels. If the federal government is so concerned with finding new energy sources, then punishing how our state produces its much-needed energy is not the way to move forward.

I am also sponsoring a piece of legislation I believe makes sense. Senate Bill 607 would require drug testing for work-eligible Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) applicants and recipients, based upon reasonable suspicion. This is simply a way of reducing fraud and making things fair for everyone. Most employers do some sort of drug testing, either for hiring purposes or for those already employed by the company. If we make this a requirement for folks who work, why not do the same for those needing state-funded assistance? The bill has been debated a couple of times this session and will hopefully get more floor time.

All in all, this has been a good session. In the second half, we will devote most of our time to the budget. As you have probably heard, the revenue picture is bad and getting worse for Missouri. However, it is not nearly as bad as it is in other states.

This year's revenue shortfalls give lawmakers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to trim back big government to honor taxpayers and to reduce wasteful spending. In future weeks, I will be asking for your input as we seek ways to "reboot" state government. It will take significant changes to balance the budget.

As always, I welcome your feedback regarding state government issues including, but not limited to, pending legislation, the state's budget or any other concerns or issues you may have. The more I hear from you, the better I am able to do my job as your representative in the Missouri Senate.

Stouffer: Your Responses to Drug Tests for Welfare

Since my office received so much feedback from the proposal (Senate Bill 607) to test work-eligible welfare recipients suspected of substance abuse, I wanted to share just a portion of the responses with you.

For those not familiar with the legislation, individuals utilizing Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) who are suspected of using illegal drugs would be tested. If positive, the recipient would be referred to a treatment program and assistance for dependents would be provided to a third-party, such as a grandparent. Here are some responses from constituents on the proposal:

“I agree on the drug testing 100 percent!”
     — Slater, MO

“Your bill truly seems harsh.”
     — Kearney, MO

“I work hard for my money and see a lot of people that are on welfare or disability and are as capable of working as I am. I have to take drug tests to keep getting paid, so why shouldn't those that are getting free money. I have no problem helping those that truly need help.” (As an aside, I drive a truck for my real job as a farmer and I am also required to take an annual drug test. A proposal in the Missouri House would require the same for all legislators.)
     — Macon County, MO

“A bill like this should have been passed 20 years ago. No work, no pay. Welfare needs a complete overhaul. “
     — Marshall, MO

“[Regarding the proposal, if] somebody is down, [welfare is here] to help you (of course there is a little humiliation involved-drug test to boot) and if you don't tow our line we'll kick you while you’re down.”
     — Rayville, MO

“Welfare for the children are some family’s main source of income, the more children, equals more income! This should be the next bill you should address.”
     — Arrow Rock, MO

“I think this is a great idea that most of the working class has talked about for years. It’s time to act on this.”
     — Sweet Springs, MO

“Where are you getting the money to pay for the tests?” (Current estimates show the tests will cost around $50 each. There is a big expense in the administrative hearings for appeals and folks that want to reapply after a three year wait period.)
     — Lexington, MO

“I would go one step further and suggest that anyone receiving government assistance of any kind not be allowed to visit the casinos and gamble.”
     — Marshall, MO

“We want to say that we support your trying to do something about this criminal behavior. Good for you. We are behind you. Keep up the good work for Missourians and the country.”
     — Ozark, MO

“I strongly agree with your proposed bill. I worked as a caseworker and I have wished we would require this for a long time.“
     — Benton County, MO

“I grew up on the streets [in an urban area] and saw it both before and after implementation of the welfare system. I know the poverty and the 'trap' that it puts people into. Which is, I guess, what liberals wanted; to make the people dependent upon them.”
     — Orrick, MO

Keep your comments coming. The more feedback I get from you, the better I am able to do my job in Jefferson City. I have enjoyed the responses on this topic for the past several weeks.

Stouffer: Drug Tests for Welfare Recipients

We hear a lot about people taking responsibility. In an age where government is monitored for the amount of money it spends, and on what, it is time to ensure all of us take responsibility. I believe those receiving help from the state should help themselves.

I am sponsoring a bill that would require drug testing for those who apply for, and are on, temporary assistance for needy families (TANF) — formerly referred to as welfare. Senate Bill 607 states if a TANF applicant or recipient tests positive for drug use, he or she will be ineligible for the benefits for three years, when a second review would be held. If a parent is deemed ineligible for TANF, benefits for his or her child would not be affected. The program would be developed by the Missouri Department of Social Services.

Drug testing happens throughout the real world. Most employers use it. For instance, Wal-Mart drug tests people before hiring them. Over-the-road truck drivers are required to take drug tests at random. I take a drug test at least once a year in order to keep my commercial driver’s license. Athletes also have to take random drug tests. In this case, we are talking about people who either are on or want to be on public assistance. To me, this is a common sense issue. Why is it okay for somebody on public assistance to be abusing drugs? It should not be. Senate Bill 607 simply requires the same standards to be used for TANF as are applied to most every other aspect of our lives.

I realize there are some folks who think I am simply picking on a certain percentage of our population. This is not the case. Senate Bill 607 has a clear goal: to help some of the less fortunate in Missouri help themselves. Drug testing will move our welfare population toward a healthier and less costly lifestyle. As I stated earlier, funding for eligible children would continue. There is no need to punish them for something that is not their fault.

There are some other bills that are similar to this proposal. Whether or not the bills are combined into some sort of compromise remains to be seen. There is still much left to be done on this bill for passage out of committee, onto the Senate floor and eventually to the Missouri House. I truly believe, in this time of economic uncertainty, we have a duty and an obligation to the taxpayers of this state to show we are spending their money wisely. Letting folks get away with abusing drugs while they are receiving government money is not the best way to do things. I pray this issue gets the attention it deserves as we continue in this legislative session.

Rupp: Senate Gives First-Round Approval to Autism Insurance Bill

Staying consistent with their commitment to make Autism insurance reform a top Senate priority in 2010, Senate Leadership put the Autism Insurance Bill as the FIRST bill on the Senate Calendar for the 2010 session.  Debate began on Tuesday, but was limited due to scheduling of Senate committees, so most of the debate was carried over to yesterday.  I'm happy to report that the bill received first round approval by the Senate yesterday afternoon - and we were able to fight off amendments that would have weakened the bill.  We are one step closer to providing help and relief to Missouri families and children with Autism

You can view the floor debate by logging onto my website at http://www.senate.mo.gov/10info/members/mem02.htm - click the Multimedia tab.  On my website you can also sign up for my weekly newsletter.

And you can also sign up for Autism bill updates at www.MoAutismBill.com.

OTHER BILLS RECEIVING SENATE APPROVAL

The Senate also gave preliminary approval to SB 586, sponsored by Sen. Matt Bartle (R-Lee's Summit). The bill would strengthen regulations for sexually oriented businesses in Missouri, including prohibiting anyone from establishing a sexually oriented business within 1,000 feet of a pre-existing school, house of worship, state-licensed day care, public library, residence, or other sexually oriented business. The bill would also require such establishments to close between the hours of midnight and 6 a.m.; prohibit the sale, use and consumption of alcohol on the premises; and regulate the activities that may take place inside sexually oriented businesses.

Also receiving first-round approval this week was SB 604, sponsored by Sen. Rob Mayer (R-Dexter). The measure would prohibit large users of water resources from excessively disrupting the normal irrigation activities of certain large farms in the Southeast Missouri Regional Water District. If a disruption occurs, the attorney general may seek an injunction.

Both SB 586 and SB 604 need a final Senate vote to move on to the House.

SENATE COMMITTEES

The Senate Governmental Accountability and Fiscal Oversight Committee passed Senate Joint Resolution 25, which I co-sponsored. The measure would, upon approval by voters, prohibit any laws from interfering with Missourians' health care choices.  Hopefully, it will be sent to the Senate floor soon for debate.

Ethics reform continues to move swiftly through the legislative process as Senate Bill 577, sponsored by Senate President Pro Tem Charlie Shields (R-St. Joseph), was passed out of the Senate Rules, Joint Rules, Resolutions and Ethics Committee this week and is now eligible for floor debate. The bill would create the position of an independent investigator within the Ethics Commission, bar certain contributions to incumbent officials during session and expand income reporting requirements to include legislative staff.

Also passed out of committee this week was SB 594, sponsored by Sen. Rita Heard Days (D-St. Louis). The Senate Health, Mental Health, Seniors and Families Committee approved the bill, which would allow adopted individuals age 18 and over to obtain copies of their original birth certificates under certain circumstances.

The committee also voted to send a bill to the Senate floor that would allow drug testing of recipients of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits. Senate Bill 607, sponsored by Sen. Bill Stouffer (R-Napton), would require the Department of Social Services to develop a program to test work-eligible TANF applicants or recipients when a case worker believes, based on reasonable suspicion, that a person is using illegal drugs. Similar measures were rolled into SB 607, including SB 602, sponsored by Sen. Jason Crowell (R-Cape Girardeau); SB 615, sponsored by Sen. Jack Goodman (R-Mt. Vernon); and SB 725, sponsored by Sen. Scott T. Rupp (R-Wentzville). Senator Gary Nodler (R-Joplin) is also sponsoring a similar bill, SB 821, which is awaiting a committee hearing.

According to SB 607, if the drug test is positive, the individual would be ineligible for TANF benefits for three years and would also be referred to an approved substance abuse treatment program. Also, if a parent is deemed ineligible for TANF benefits because of illegal drug use, his or her child's eligibility for the benefits would not be affected. Instead, a protective payee would be designated to ensure the child receives the benefits. Senate Bill 607 may now be taken up for debate by the full Senate.

Senate Bill 596, sponsored by Sen. Victor Callahan (D-Independence), was passed by the Senate Progress and Development Committee. The bill would allow the governing bodies of any Missouri city to designate Show-Me Small Business Districts within a city for no longer than 23 years. During the designation period, eligible small businesses within these areas could receive tax-favored status for a term not to exceed 15 years.

In addition to sending measures to the full Senate, committees also continued to hear testimony on legislation this week. For instance, some of the bills receiving a hearing in the Senate Financial and Governmental Organizations and Elections Committee were SB 589, sponsored by Sen. Gary Nodler (R-Joplin), which would bar felons from holding public office; SB 629, sponsored by Sen. Tom Dempsey (R-St. Charles), which would establish the Missouri Healthy Workplace Recognition Program; and SB 673, sponsored by Sen. David Pearce (R-Warrensburg), which would create the Office of Job Development and Training and would modify the reporting requirements for obtaining unemployment benefits.

JUDICIARY STATE OF THE STATE ADDRESS

On Wednesday, Feb. 3, Senators gathered for a joint session with the House of Representatives to hear the chief justice give the annual State of the Judiciary address. Click here for the full text of the speech.

The Missouri Senate reconvenes at 4 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 8. The Second Regular Session of the 95th Missouri General Assembly runs through Friday, May 14, 2010.

As the 2010 legislative session unfolds, I will continue to keep you, my constituents, apprised of all major developments, and I look forward to continuing to serve your needs and priorities in Jefferson City. As always, if you have any questions about this week's column or any other matter involving state government, please do not hesitate to contact me. You can reach my office by phone at (866) 271-2844.