Neth: Elections Committee Approves Bill Concerning County Office Vacancies

We finally got some winter in Missouri. On Monday, after first heading to my "normal" job at the farm to scoop snow and load out some cattle I got on the road to Jefferson City. The storm at that point had lessened around Liberty and driving conditions were pretty good until I reached Boonville, in which I caught back up with the storm- white out conditions and slow speeds. Not great, but much better than all the snow we had to face last year. We'll see what winter has in store for us yet.

We are hearing more and more bills in the House. A lot of Consent bills. Consent bills are ones that are "non-controversial", have no fiscal note and do not involve a penalty. Good examples are naming roads and minor technical changes to existing statute. In order to pass consent they must "Do Pass Consent" unanimously out of committee and pass the House with a simple majority. Admittedly, there are some bills that come to the floor and there is controversy whether it should be consent or not. Sometimes the concern is very legitimate. If it is, people are sure to make that known in debate.

Visitors to the Capitol

A few folks from the City of Liberty were at the Capitol to meet with other city leaders from around the state. Stopping by to see me were Mike Snider, Liberty Fire Chief; Shawnna Funderburk, Asst. to the City Administrator; and Paul Jenness, City Council.

Gordon Hadden and Vicki Vance from Historic Downtown Liberty (HDLI) were in Jefferson City with the Missouri Main Street Connection, an organization dedicated to the vitality of downtown communities in cities around Missouri. Liberty was recently given the distinction of being an Accredited Main Street Community,one of just few around the state.

This Week in Committee

Elections

HCS HB 1340: Specifies that the county commission must appoint an interim county official when there is a vacancy in the office of county clerk, collector, or assessor (Do Pass Consent).

HCS HJR 47: Proposes a constitutional amendment changing the number of voter signatures that are required to place an initiative petition or a referendum on a ballot (Do Pass)

Elementary and Secondary Education

HB 1425: Requires each school district to establish a comprehensive program for student academic progression (Hearing only)

HB 1629: Allows a student to enroll in a school district other than the student's school district of residence for the purpose of attending virtual courses or programs (Hearing only)

This Week in the House

The following are bills that were Perfected and Third Read this week and head now across the Rotunda to the Senate for consideration.

HB 1041 is sponsored by Rep. Mike Thomson (R-04). Currently, only the Board of Governors of Missouri Western State University may transfer property, except in fee simple, without an authorizing act of the General Assembly. This bill restores that ability to the board of governors of the other state universities and changes the expiration date of those provisions from August 28, 2014 to August 28, 2017.

HB 1103 sponsored by Rep. Sandy Crawford (R-119), relates to certain banks, savings institutions, and credit unions which are exempt from the Missouri Appraisal Management Company Registration and Regulation Act

HB 1251 sponsored by Rep. Don Ruzicka (R-68), extends the authorization for the Department of Natural Resources to impose fees regarding the federal Safe Drinking Water Act from September 1, 2012 to September 1, 2017.

The following were passed Consent:

HB 1075 sponsored by Rep. David Sater (R-68), prohibits a licensed pharmacy from being required to carry or maintain in inventory any specific prescription or non-prescription drug or devise.

HB 1192 sponsored by Rep. Andrew Koenig (R-88), changes the laws regarding investment contracts of the Missouri Higher Education Saving Program, by requiring the state Treasurer to have more investment options.

HB 1185 sponsored by Rep. Mark Parkinson (R-16), adds citizenship information to the sexual offender registration form and requires the State Highway Patrol to report to the federal government any non-U.S. citizen on the sexual offender registry.

Neth: Lots Of Visitors, Meetings, Floor Action To Start February

Op, note: House Bill 1104 is misidentified as House Bill 1140. HB1140 requires the Office of Administration to include certain school, municipal and county records on the Missouri Accountability Portal.

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A very busy week. Lots more floor action and lots of meetings and visitors.

On any given day, I have meetings pre-scheduled on my calendar. Of course there is the normal session time each day, but we never know how long it might go so that can throw off the schedule. In addition, there are people and groups that come by my office to discuss issues hoping to catch me in my office or be available. I certainly do my best to meet with everyone I can, but there does come a point at times.

For example, on Tuesday, I had meetings go throughout the lunch hour. It got to about 2:30, people were still coming by and I finally had to tell my assistant to close my door, hold anyone off for at least 15 minutes and I hit the snacks I have in my office. Certainly no complaints- just a snapshot of a little life in the Capitol.

Have a great weekend!

Myron

Update on Legislation

Student lead effort

This week I filed HJR 75 that would allow 17 year old citizens to vote in certain elections if they will be 18 at the the time of the election. This effort was initiated by the AP Government classes at Libety High School and Liberty North High School taught by Kurt Gates. In a prior Capitol Report I went into detail on the effort.

The students have been active in contacting my colleagues in support of this issue and were able to get several co-sponsors for it. At this point, I am asking for a hearing in the Elections Committee (which I am on). I hope to confirm in the next week or so if I will be able to get a hearing and hope to get some of the students to Jefferson City to testify on behalf of the bill.

I have discussed the bill with the Elections Committee chairman and expect to have a hearing on the bill in the next few weeks. We hope to get a few students to come to Jefferson City to testify on its behalf.

Visitors to the Capitol

Lori Streu and her sons Nathan and Garrett came to the Capitol for a visit and tour. Their main purpose was to meet a requirement for Nathans for Boy Scouts. They spend some time in the Chamber seeing the action of the House and then taking a tour of the building. An interesting thing to note is that Lori's grandfather was a legislator in Nebraska.

Marvin Weishaar and Steve Potter stopped by on behalf of Mid Continent Public Library.

This Week in Committee

Elections Committee:

HB 1340 (Hearing): This Bill addresses the issue of vacancies in the offices of County Clerk, Collector, and Assessor and how those offices may be filled. This bill also addresses vacancies with the county Auditor which has been an issue in Clay County before.

HCS HB 1059: Changes the required percentage necessary to initiate a recount of the votes cast in an election. Voted Do Pass Consent (10-0)

HCS HB 1106: Changes the laws regarding county collectors and collector-treasurers. Voted Do Pass Consent (9-1)

HCS HB 1457: Requires a candidate for county treasurer to file a signed affidavit stating that the candidate meets the minimum bond requirements for the office of county treasurer. Voted Do Pass Consent (9-0)

HCS HB 1442: Fills a vacancy in the office of United States Senator, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, State Auditor, or State Treasurer by appointment by the Governor with the rule that the person appointed cannot run for that office at the next election. Voted Do Pass (7-3)

HCS HJR 41: Proposes a constitutional amendment modifying term limits. It would allow someone to serve in the General Assembly for a total of 16 years total in any combination of the House and the Senate. Currently it is limited to 8 years in one and 8 in the other. Still a total of 16 years potentially. (9-1)

Elementary and Secondary Education

HCS HB 1228: Specifies that a student at certain institutions of higher education has the right to record public classroom lectures for his or her personal use. Voted Do Pass (14-4)

Emerging Issues in Animal Agriculture

HCS HB 1444: Prohibits the sterilization, adoption, euthanasia, or other disposal of animals seized or removed from an owner until final disposition of the charges against the owner. Voted Do pass, with amendments.

HCS HJR 61: Proposes a constitutional amendment affirming the right of persons to raise livestock in a humane manner without the state imposing an undue economic burden on their owners. Voted Do Pass (12-0) with amendments

This Week on the House Floor

The following bills were passed out of the House:

HCS HB 1140: Changes the laws regarding elections by requiring a voter to provide photo identification. Passed out of the House.

HB 1219: The would change Missouri law regarding discrimination law and whistleblower protection.

HB 1311: Authorizes a state and local sales and use tax exemption on items related to data storage centers and server farm facilities

Comments on Legislation

I supported HB 1140, voter photo ID and HB 1311 related to Data Centers. The former is supported by a large part of my district and I support personally. The latter is a huge deal for our area given the large amount of underground space available. This is not a give away in my opinion. It has strict limits and requirements for any businesses that would use the program to locate in Missouri.

As I did last year as well, I voted against HB 1219, which related to employment discrimination and whistleblower protection. In my opinion it watered down our discrimination laws and would water down the right to trial by jury. In terms of Whistleblower protection it lessened it by making the it a high bar of proof for anyone who might potentially need that protection. I and 12 other members of the majority voted against our fellow caucus members on this. Not an easy thing to do, but an important line to hold.

Neth: Liberty Lions Club 2nd Annual Pancake Breakfast

Lions Club Pancake Breakfast

February 11, 7AM - 11AM
Liberty Presbyterian Church
138 N. Main
Tickets $6 (under 12 $3)

Proceeds go to help those in need in our community.

Neth: Busy Week For Committees, An Old Friend Visits Jeff City

This was a week with very little floor activity, but a lot of committee action. See below for a summary.

In some ways this was a flashback week on the House floor. We took up and started debate on a bill regarding Employment Law and Whistleblower protection(HB 1219). For some of you who were connected with me last year, you might remember my opposition to this bill. In short, it is a bill that has the backing of my caucus, but I and a few others in the majority caucus, oppose the bill and that causes for some interesting times. The bill passed the Senate and the House last year but was vetoed by the Governor. Due to the few of us that opposed in the Majority party, there was no chance to override the Governor's veto, thus it did not become law. We have not voted on the bill yet and it was held over for debate in the coming days.

Such are the dynamics of the legislative process and the ins and outs of the many relationships between different persons and groups. It is this part of being a Representative that is the most frustrating, but also is the most invigorating as it is challenging to work towards a solution and consensus. But in my opinion, solutions and consensus are what we are charged to accomplish. I just wish more people thought that way, instead of stubbornly holding their own views in higher regard than others.

Until next week,
Myron

Visit to Northview Elementary

I had the privilege of speaking to the 5th Graders at Northview Elementary in the North Kansas City School District. I had a great time and loved their interest in how government works.

I was met at Northview Elementary by Carson and Jacob. They introduced themselves and then escorted me to the room where the rest of their classmates were. They then had a great introduction for me with my bio and other information. I then proceeded to talk to the kids and take lots of great questions. I had a great time.

Visitors to the Capitol

My friend and predecessor, Tim Flook visiting his old stomping grounds this week. I was thrilled to see him as was many others. He was and is highly respected in the ranks of the legislators and someone I look to as a great example.

Mike Torres and Dennis Fulk with Platte Clay Electric Cooperatives. We visited about some current issues and legislation that is affecting their industry.

Dr. Brian Robb from Liberty Emergency Physicians. He was in town for some meetings as well as to meet with some local legislators.

Several patrons of the OATS public transportation system in Clay County came by to express their support for this service. I plan to support keeping this valuable service funded in order to help our seniors and others who benefit from it in our community.

This Week in Committee

Elections Committee

HB 1250: Allows for cities classified as third class to cancel a primary election when there are not enough candidates in February that involves a mayoral race or councilman.

Financial Institutions Committee

HB 1192: This Bill will allow the board of Missouri Higher Education to study the benefit options of other states in order to provide benefit options the same or similar to other states for new contracts.

HB 1349: Allows banks or trust companies to transfer fiduciary obligations to any other bank or trust company which has authorized trust authority, rather than just a Missouri Trust office belonging to an out-of state bank agency.

HB 1103: Repeals the requirement for certain banks, savings institutions, and credit unions to not have independent appraisers file information that registered real estate appraisal management companies must file.

HCS HB 1308: Repeals provisions allowing federal home loan banks to use bonds as acceptable collateral for public deposits.

Elementary and Secondary Education Committee

HCS HB 1043: Changes laws in relation to the funding formula given the recent lack of money to fully fund the school formula.

HCS HB 1174: Addresses the issue of school accreditation and makes it easier for the Missouri board of education to be flexible in dealing with unaccredited schools.

This Week on the House Floor

HCS HB 1104: This bill was debated on the floor and will continue to be hotly contested. Creates new safeguards against fraudulent voting on ballots by requiring a form of photo ID to be shown prior to voting, creating measures for persons w/o voter ID to still vote and have that vote protected.

HB 1219: Changes the laws regarding unlawful discriminatory employment practices as they relate to the Missouri Human Rights Act and establishes the Whistleblower Protection Act.

Neth: Normal Week Filled With Committee Meetings

Op. note: House Bill 1036 is incorrectly identified in this missive as House Bill 1035. HB1035 would create a one-time tax credit for the purchase of an American-made storm shelter.

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This week had many committee meetings and bills discussed and passed out of committees. On the floor we passed out two bills, one on government accountability and one regarding sunsets on bureaucratic rules. See a more detailed look at committee and floor action below.

The week was pretty mundane, relatively, in that it was pretty normal. That is, nothing too newsworthy or out of the ordinary.

A reminder that we love having visitors at the Capitol and we had quite a few this week. Let us know ahead of time when you might be in Jefferson City and we will work to ensure you have a great visit. There are special things that we can arrange if we have advance notice.

Have a great weekend!
Myron

House Floor Action

(HCS) HB 1140: Requires the Office of Administration to maintain public school and municipal and county government accountability information on the Missouri Accountability Portal. This is with the intention of providing more transparency for all taxpayer dollars in the state. Currently all state expenditures can be found online at the Missouri Accountability Portal. This would require most all public entities in the state to do the same.

HB 1135: Would require all administrative rules to sunset 10 years from being implemented. This would ensure the rules that the bureaucracy enacts are relevant in the future and not just meaningless rules that stay on the books indefinitely.

Committee Action

Elections

HB 1035: Removes the statute requiring a party emblem to be printed on a ballot above party caption.

HB 1059: Redefines when and how votes may qualify to be recounted in close election races.

HB 1104: Creates new safeguards against fraudulent voting on ballots by requiring a form of photo ID to be shown prior to voting, also creating measures for persons w/o voter ID to still vote and have that vote protected.

Elementary and Secondary Education

HB 1174: Redefines laws in relation to school accreditation and allows the State Board of Education to establish an alternative structure for government if needed in a failing school district.

HB 1228: Changes laws in regards to charter schools and their access to the general population.

Emerging Issues in Animal Agriculture

HJR 61: Reaffirms the right for a person to raise livestock in a humane manner without an undue state economic burden.

On TV

Check out my recent appearance on Kansas City Week in Review with Nick Haines on KCPT.

KCPT - Kansas City Week in Review: January 20, 2012

Guests in the Capitol

Reinhard Mabry and Clay Berry (a Liberty resident) from Alphapointe, Association for the Blind.


Randy Hylton, Director of VSI Services in Liberty.

Mike Brewer, Superintendent of Liberty Public Schools and Kyle Palmer, Principal of Lewis and Clark Elementary. They stopped in while in Jefferson City for other state education meetings.

Emily Duncan and her mother, Amy were in the Capitol for Emily to showcase her history projects in relation to National History Day. She was a National winner for some of her research and presentations. They got the opportunity to tour the Capitol and also were able to visit Supreme Court Judge Zel Fischer and get a little tour of the Supreme Court.

Neth: Short Week, MLK Day Celebrations

Op. note: HJR43 is incorrectly identified in this missive as HB43. HB43 was proposed last session and concerned nuisance abatement ordinances.

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This has been a short week, but it saw my first committee meeting. Next week will see many more. We passed out of the house HB 43. Upon voter approval this would put spending limits in place for the state. (Read a summary of the bill here). That was the only floor action this week. Next week we will probably be on the floor a little more with a few more bills. Committees will be in full action, as I know I have a full docket in my Elections committee.

My weeks are getting full with numerous meetings with people regarding issues in addition to normal constituent work. Education continues to be my main focus with all the issues surrounding the Kansas City School District, along with some issues I will have to revisit this year (in opposition to my caucus) in relation to employment and discrimination law and whistleblower protection.

Winter has finally set in. I guess it was inevitable. Maybe we can luck out without any snow. (Sorry kids)

Have a great weekend!
Myron

Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration

William Jewell College 2012

Singing along to "We will Overcome".

I had the privilege of giving some brief remarks at the MLK Celebration at William Jewell College. (To view these remarks click here) It was an uplifting event. A highlight of it was Liberty-Kellybrook 5th Grader Cassia Shaffer (above) singing "My Soul loves Jesus". Wow, what a voice. It is great to celebrate the life and legacy of a great American such as Dr. Martin Luther King (photos courtesy of William Jewell College)

Speaking with constituent Pat Miller

Education Issues

StudentsFirst comes to Missouri

As most of you know, Education is a big deal for me. I came from a family that stressed education, my wife is a teacher and as parents we place a high priority on continual learning in our own kids. The current education environment is a volatile one with tight budgets, competing factions for dollars and the continual call for reform, however that looks. Through all of this, I have been continually disappointed on the legislative front in the lack of focus on individual student achievement.

This can be seen in our Education Committee meetings. Up until now, there have been groups representing the school boards, the administrators, the unions, religious groups, reform groups, etc. Noticeably absent from that list has been anyone truly representing the kids. In my opinion that has changed.

StudentsFirst, a group founded by the former Washington DC Superintendent, Michelle Rhee, has decided to come to Missouri to push for true education reform that is focused on students. They have made a commitment to push legislation that puts student success as the primary focus in decisions regardless of whether that is in a public, private or any other type of school or education setting.

I was able to sit down with some of their leadership this week to discuss some of the current issues and to determine best next steps towards these goals. I am looking forward to working with StudentsFirst this legislative session and in the future to ensure every child in Missouri has the opportunity for the best education possible.

Getting to know....

Aaron Sewell

Aaron is my Legislative Assistant in the Capitol. He came on board in September of 2011 after graduating from Simpson College in Indianola, Iowa. He received a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science. He married his wife, Katelyn in September and they currently reside in Jefferson City. She is pursuing her career in photography.

Aaron has been a great new addition to my office and he keeps things running and me where I need to be. He is getting the hang of the Capitol and is a great asset. A few days ago, he had the distinction of getting more press than me, when he was quoted in the Kansas City Star. Take a look here at what he had to say.

On TV

I will be joining Nick Haines on Kansas City Week in Review on KCPT this week. Three other local legislators will be on the show as well. It will initially air at 7:30 PM on Friday the 20th and rebroadcast at 11:00 on Sunday.

Neth: Letting 17-Year-Olds Vote In Primaries Among Proposed Legislation

The first full week of session is complete. There is not a lot of official activity going on yet as it takes some time for many things to formally get going, such as bills being referred to committees and things to debate on the House floor. However, that does not mean that meaningful things are not going on.

I have spent a lot of time talking to numerous people about the issues that I will be most involved in this year. Many times it is these types of conversations and relationships that one builds on to be successful in anything one might do during the session. I always say that the most important thing to success in the political realm is the good relationships one builds in order come to consensus.

Listed below are the bills that I plan on sponsoring. This is not to say that there might not be others, but these are the things I currently have working. In addition, one thing that many people don't realize is that most of the time individual bills do not get done by themselves. Usually there is just not enough time to get through all the bills that are offered. Many time bills are made into amendments that are added to other similar bills in order to get done. So for those things that I support I continually work to find a place for it so I can ensure it gets done in some form.

I know I have been seen, heard and quoted some lately in the press regarding the Kansas City School District and its future. As things are still a little fluid there I'm not ready to give a full accounting of things quite yet. However, I am committed to ensuring that the kids in Kansas City do not lose any more years of learning due to the dysfunction of their adult leaders and that those actions do not negatively impact the surrounding districts.

Have a great weekend.
Myron

Martin Luther King Day Celebration

I will have the privilege of joining many others around the nation on Monday of being a part of an event celebrating Martin Luther King Day. William Jewell College will be holding an event at 10:00 AM on campus at Gano Chapel. I will making some brief remarks during the event. The featured speaker will be Patricia Okonta, a Liberty High School graduate.

Student Proposed Legislation

Local students work to get the law changed

I am preparing to file a bill later in the month that would put on the ballot a Constitutional change to allow 17 year olds the ability to vote in a primary election if they will be 18 at the time of the next General Election. This was brought to my attention by the AP Government classes at Liberty High School and Liberty North High School and their teacher Kurt Gates.

After much research on the part of the students and finding out that several other states allow this in some capacity I decided to support the students' efforts. Besides working to change existing law, it is proving to be a great lesson in the legislative process, both in theory and reality.

Currently, the students are contacting my fellow House members to let them know about the bill and to ask them to support or co-sponsor. I have talked to the classes about the best way to do that and good strategies. Once the bill is filed, I will hopefully get a hearing in Committee and have some students testify on behalf of the bill and then work some more on lobbying for the bill.

I have received many compliments already on the students' efforts and am receiving a lot of commitments for co-sponsors. Let me know your thoughts and I will pass it on to the students so they are aware of the feedback.

Planned Legislation 2012

Assault on a Police Animal Penalty

This came to my attention via Corporal Kendrick with the Clay county Sheriff's Department. In the current Missouri statute if a Police animal is intentionally assaulted it is a C misdemeanor. This legislation would change the penalty to an A misdemeanor.

Ball Room Dancing for credit in Schools

This would allow a school in Missouri to offer Ballroom, Square, or Country dancing to be taken as a class/course for physical education requirements. This effort is the result of efforts by 34^th District resident Will Adams.

Private Contractor/Owner Payment Contracts

This Bill would create provisions meant to protect contractor payments. It puts in place safeguards to make sure expected payment is made and expected work is done when in the private sector. This matches the current requirement on public construction.

Allowing 17 year olds to vote in the Presidential Primary

This idea was put into motion with the help of Kurt Gates' AP Government Classes at Liberty High School and Liberty North High School. The Bill would allow voters who will be 18 years old by the November Elections of a Presidential voting year to vote in the Presidential primary at the age of 17 years old.

School Bonding increased Indebtedness

This would allow schools increase their bonded indebtedness as long as they meet set criteria.

Term Limits

Term limits would be set to a total of 16 years of time served in the House and Senate combined. Instead of being limited to eight in one and eight in the other, it can be all in one body or the other or any combination.

Grade Cut-Off Dates

This would establish that no school districts may establish a cut-off date for final grades that is more than two days before the last day of school, except for that of graduating seniors.

Neth: Accepting Nominations for Outstanding Missourian Award

JEFFERSON CITY, MO - State Rep. Myron Neth is looking to honor an exceptional constituent from his district with the Outstanding Missourian Award. The Award is given to one person a year from each district who has contributed greatly to their community over their lifetime, served above and beyond the call of duty in the military or has achieved in other ways.

"There are so many great people in our area, but this is a way to honor one citizen who has done something really extraordinary," said Neth. "I look forward to seeing all the different accomplishments individuals have done to better our community. It is going to be a difficult task picking just one recipient."

The nominee selected for the award will be given a special Missouri House of Representatives Resolution and the recipient and their family or guests will be invited to the state Capitol to receive their award in the House Chamber. There will also be a reception honoring them both at the Capitol and in the district.

Nominations will be taken until February 10, and the recipient will be announced no later than February 15. To nominate someone, you can do so by requesting and filling out a nomination form. Please send an email to the office of Rep. Myron Neth, Myron{dot}neth{at}house{dot}mo{dot}gov, or contact his office, (573)751-1218, to have nomination form sent to you.

Neth: Brief Week, Brief Report

Happy New Year! I am officially back in session- the 96th Session of the Missouri General Assembly to be exact. We started on Wednesday, so a short week. Then next week we are back at it weekly on a regular basis.

It is much different this year than last. Whereas last year I was new to the whole thing and took a while to get up to speed, this year it seems like we never left in some regards. I'm deep into several issues already and look to have some challenges on my hands.

As many of you know, I will be very consistent on sending out a report weekly on the activities and happenings in Jefferson City. I enjoy giving everyone a more complete look into what goes on in their government- the good, the bad and everything in between.

This report will be brief, but next week I will review some of the major pieces of legislation I am working on.

Myron

Neth: Town Hall Meeting December 5

TOWN HALL MEETING
Monday December 5
7:00 PM
Liberty Community Center

I will be reviewing the recent Special Session, looking ahead to the upcoming session starting in January, giving some information about legislation I will be filing and getting input from the community.

I hope to see you there!

Neth: Reaction To Speaker's Announcement, Special Session

I was in Jefferson City for a majority caucus meeting in the last few days. We discussed the results of this recent election in terms of races that were won and lost. We also had an initial discussion on what our priorities will be in the upcoming session beginning in January.

However, the most insightful thing that happened was something that one of our members announced. Speaker of the House Steven Tilley, who had announced some time back that he was running for Lieutenant Governor in 2012, told us he would not be running for that seat and would be leaving politics after his term expires next year.

To say this was a shock was an understatement. Here is someone that has been a powerhouse in our state for many years now and was on the track to move up in politics. In addition, he has raised millions of dollars for his own campaign and others. However, life happened and he missed some of it. That is, after doing some soul searching and having some marital issues of late, he decided his family was more important and missing any other moments due to politics was not going to be acceptable. So he took a huge step in bowing out of a potentially big political future.

I applaud Steve for many reasons. Not only has he been a friend and great supporter, but I applaud him most for being humble and brave enough to make the right decision, which was not necessarily the easiest decision.

I have started to have some of the same issues as Steve, albeit on a much smaller scale, when it comes to balancing family and politics. I have remained of the thought, though, that I cannot be everything to everyone, be everyplace I should be, and that I will not do anything that would be detrimental to the long term health of my family and the people I care about.

So if you send me letter or give me a call and you don't hear from me too quickly, it's not that you or your issues are not important, it may just be that my family is more so at that period of time.

Myron

Veteran's Day

I want to salute all the veterans and thank them for all they have done for our country. There are numerous events going on around the area, including one in Liberty at Liberty North High School where there will be a special flag raising ceremony at 8:00 AM. Make sure to thank a veteran today.

Mark Your Calendar Town Hall Meeting

Monday, December 5th, 7:00-8:30 PM
Liberty Community Center

Come and get information on the upcoming session as well as give feedback to take to Jefferson City.

Special Session 2011

I am sure you have heard many things about the Special Session that concluded recently. Many are saying that nothing substantial happened in regards to job creation, which supposedly was its intent. Personally I think that is debatable depending on your point of view. We did get MOSIRA passed [SB7], which is a big thing for the Liberty and KC area, albeit with poison pill from the Senate (which we hope to get thrown out in court). Other than that nothing did get done. But if we had I question whether it would have been all for the best.

If we had passed the initial bill [SB8], it would have started many new incentive and tax credit programs, which many feel are too much of a giveaway. It would have potentially ended many other tax credit programs that some feel are very worthwhile. So depending on one's point of view might determine whether the session was ultimately successful or not.

Overall, I don't think it was time well spent as my weeks were very uncertain to the days I would need to be in Jeff and to plan for family and work things was very hard. In addition, I had a bad feeling from the beginning on it and my intuition played well as once again the Senate was unable to bring much of anything to an up or down vote.

I am sure we will address a few of the items in the upcoming session so all is not dead.

Neth: Autumn In Full Swing, Visit To Kellybrook, Ford Announcement

We finished up another day of Special Session in Jefferson City on Thursday. The House debated and passed a comprehensive economic development bill that will now be sent back to the Senate (it originated in the Senate). We made several changes to the original bill sent to us by the Senate, but in my opinion kept the spirit and intent of it. As in all legislation there has to be compromise in both bodies in order for something to get done and I feel the House has done its part in this process. From here the bill goes back to the Senate. They can either pass the bill as is, in the House form, or if they do not, then it can go to a conference committee to hash out the differences and we come back for one more vote. Another option is that it just dies and in all likelihood the session in over.

I am not a fan of being back in session for many reasons, but primarily that it takes me out of district and away from my family. Of course there is an additional cost to having Special Session, but the amount is relatively small due to the fact that the members are only reimbursed for the time they are in Jefferson City. Given the fact that only members of the committees that hear a bill need to be in Jeff and then the whole body only a few days out of that, the fiscal impact is not what might be expected. I know some would think that any additional expense is not appropriate and I respect that view, but I just want people to know that it is not a huge expense. This is especially in light of the fact if we do what we should, the net impact of the legislation we might pass would greatly outweigh any cost of the Special Session. As an example see the article below about the recent announcement at the Ford plant.

An interesting dynamic going on in the Legislature right now is that there is less argument between the Majority and Minority parties than there is between the House and the Senate. It certainly is creating an interesting situation and one that is still yet to play out entirely. At some point I might put a few of my own thoughts on this out, but I will save that for another day.

I love autumn and it is in full swing. There are some beautiful trees showing up in the area and it is a joy to drive down the streets. Take time to enjoy the great weather by getting out- take a walk, go to a sporting event or just sit outside.

Myron

Kellybrook 3rd Grade Visit and Visit to Triality

At right: Kellybrook 3rd Grade class on Oct. 5, 2011

I had a great time visiting the 3rd grade classroom of Kara Stanley at Kellybrook Elementary in Liberty. We talked about how important books and reading are and then read a book together. They asked some great questions and I really enjoyed the visit.

I also visited Triality in Liberty which is a great organization that empowers adults and children with disabilities to lead fulfilled lives. The visit included meeting some of the people in the program who are gaining meaningful employment in the area and discussing how we can better serve these people and the community by connecting them to do so.

Ford makes expansion announcement

Ford made a huge announcement that they will be investing $1.1 billion in the Claycomo plant and adding an additional 1600 jobs. This is a direct result of last years Special Session where the legislature approved tax incentives for auto manufacturers in Missouri. I am thrilled by the announcement. This is exactly how we spur the economy through economic development. More than likely we will have a net positive increase in existing jobs and the subsequent addition to the tax base. There will be numerous ancillary product and service providers that will expand and hire people as well. We are fortunate to have Ford in our area along with all the great people that work there and live in the area.

Economic Development Bill

As I mentioned above, the House passed an economic development and job creation bill [SB8] this week. As of this writing the final House version of the bill is not available, but you can check this link for the version that came out of committee to the House floor and back at this link in the future to get the amended version.

For those of you (which there were a lot) who were concerned with the so called "China Hub/Aerotropolis" part of the bill, it was drastically reduced to only include the freight forwarding part of the bill which would be capped at $70 million, as opposed to the original price tag of $360 million. Although some might still argue with any type of subsidy towards this project, I am of the opinion that the reduced amount agreed to was a good thing for the overall bill.

Historic and Low Income credit caps were lowered (a good thing) and the sunsets were rejected. Although I usually support sunsets on these types of things, in this case, with the Senate the way it functions currently, to put a sunset on anything (whether it be good or bad) is a risky proposition. As one Senator can hold up something good even though a majority of the House and the Senate might approve of it. Therefore, we opted for a provision to require an up or down vote on the tax credits in four years, with an additional piece of legislation to follow to put a Constitutional measure on the ballot that would make it a requirement for the legislature to do the same. This is due to the fact that by law, the current legislature is not allowed to bind a future legislature in statute, thus the Constitutional measure would override that.

It is a perfect bill- no. However, I think we did some great things in many of the provisions to improve the business and job climate in Missouri. My hope is that the Senate will agree.

Liberty Community Christmas Tree

The Liberty Community Christmas Tree program helps families in Liberty who need assistance during the holiday season. The program provides families with gifts and food items for Christmas dinner.

If you would like to donate food or money; if you need help or you know someone who does, check out this link to find out more information.

Upcoming Local Events

Liberty Public Schools Events (Click link for more info.)
LHS Orchestra Pancake Breakfast and Basket Auction, Down Syndrome Walk, Trike-a-Thon, LNHS Charity Volleyball match, LNHS Orchestra 1st Gold and Bluegrass Festival

William Jewell College Homecoming October 7-9

Liberty Farmers Market Every Saturday through October

Liberty Symphony Orchestra- October 22
Tribute to composer John Williams

Check out your local High School sports schedules. Great Friday night football and other sports.
Liberty Public Schools, North Kansas City Schools

Neth: No Action In Veto Session, MOSIRA

Veto Session has come and gone and there was no action on any attempts to override any of the Governor's vetoes. There was only one bill that had a chance to be overridden and that was HB 430, the omnibus transportation bill. The Governor vetoed the entire bill because of one part having to do with billboards and how they are regulated in the state. His reasoning was that it took away local control of billboard regulation. There is some justification of this, but along with vetoing that, it potentially takes away millions of federal road funds as well as many other provisions that would have been good for the state. The frustrating part of this whole process is that there was very little or no opposition to the initial bill until after it was passed and there was no warning from the Governor that he might veto it. So we are left to start all over on this the next Regular Session.

Concurrent to Veto Session, we are still in Special Session. As previously mentioned, the House sent several bills to the Senate to be taken up. The Senate has passed out an Economic Development bill, a revision of the "Facebook" bill and a bill containing MOSIRA as a stand alone. It looks like we will have committee meetings on Monday in preparation to convene the whole House on Wednesday to take these things up. I will have to be in Jefferson City for the Education Committee when it is called as the Facebook issue will go through it. I am very hopeful that will be Monday.

For now we are out for the week and hope we can finish up next week.
Myron

MOSIRA and Job Creation

I am a big proponent of the legislation known as MOSIRA. The latest version of this is now known as SB 7. MOSIRA would take taxes from additional jobs created in certain industries and reinvest in a fund that would be used to attract and promote additional job creation in those industries. The biggest issue in this bill is the so called "life language" or lack of it as stated by several pro-life groups in Missouri. The language requested is the following: "Public funds shall not be expended, paid, or granted to or on behalf of an existing or proposed research project that involves abortion services, human cloning, or prohibited human research as defined in section 196.1127". These groups argue that the language in the bill is not specific enough to ensure that public funds will not be used for abortion services, human cloning or prohibited human research as defined in MoRsv Section 196.1127. The bill would require reporting of any such funding.

As many know, the Majority party is very much pro-life in its positions and consistently acts in such a way. So the fact that many of the pro-life groups make it out to sound like we are betraying the pro-life position is very troubling to many of us. In addition, the previously mentioned statute already prohibits such funding so to put it in the bill would be a redundancy. In addition, given that the legislature has appropriations power, funding of anything rests in that. On the other hand the groups who are in favor of MOSIRA are a little narrow in their views to not allow the more restrictive language as it would affect so small of a portion of companies in Missouri (less than ½ of one percent) that to hold out for such is to ignore the great benefit to the remainder of the industries. In addition, they also contend there would be Constitutional issues if we put in the pro-life language. I am not convinced of that as the Constitutional language only allows certain research to take place but does not require that we fund such.

Needless to say, this is a very complex issue.I am constantly getting information and learning the intricacies of language both in statute and the constitution as well as the realities of governance over such issues.

If passed, MOSIRA would assist the Liberty area greatly as it is on target with its new Science and Technology Park and the funds would assist in attracting such companies to the area. So for that I am very supportive. On the other hand, I wish we could just put the pro-life language in place and be done with it as I can understand the argument for it. At this point I am taking a wait and see attitude to see what the actual bill looks like when it comes out of committee.

Mark Your Calendars

Town Hall Meeting December 5

I will be hosting a Town Hall meeting on December 5 at the Liberty Community Center at 7PM. The purpose of the meeting will be to give an update on the Special Session, some upcoming legislative priorities for me and the district, and to get feedback on past and future actions from constituents.

Come watch some Softball

This Saturday I will be playing in a charity softball game to benefit Immacolata Manor sponsored by the Clay County Young Republicans. I and other local elected officials will be playing against the Cass County Young Republicans and some of their elected officials. The game is at 5:00 this Saturday, September 17 at Liberty City Park (970 S. 291 Hwy, Liberty, MO 64068). Come out and support a good cause and have some fun cheering us on (especially us older folks!)

Upcoming Local Events

Corbin Theatre- That Darn Plot!
September 29, 30

Liberty Fall Festival
September 23-25

Liberty Public Schools Events (Click link for more info.) LHS Orchestra Pancake Breakfast and Basket Auction, Down Syndrome Walk, Trike-a-Thon, LNHS Charity Volleyball match, LNHS Orchestra 1st Gold and Bluegrass Festival

William Jewell College Homecoming October 7-9

Liberty Farmers Market Every Saturday through October

Check out your local High School sports schedules. Great Friday night football and other sports.
Liberty Public Schools, North Kansas City Schools

Neth: House Measures Passed In Special Session, Memories of 9/11

We are officially in Special Session 2011- or as they call it officially, First Extraordinary Session. Not much extraordinary about it yet. The House had committee meetings on Thursday, of which I was a part of one of them as not all committees are meeting. We then had the House convene today and passed out of the House several bills that are now in the hands of the Senate. You can read a description of each below.

As to the biggest reason were called back into session, the hoped for economic development bill, it is stalled in the Senate at the moment. There seems to be no consensus on the bill and two of the main sticking points in my opinion are the so-called "Aerotropolis" package and the lack of adequate pro-life language in MOSIRA. As it is a Senate bill, we will wait to see if it gets done in that body and even comes to the House. I would consider its overall prospects dim at the moment which is disappointing because there are a lot of good things in the proposed package, such as MOSIRA and tax credit reform. Politically it is sticky because if I vote for a bill with Aerotropolis as it reads now, I am voting for something that I am not supportive of just to get some other good things. If I vote no, I am voting against things that could benefit my district and create business and jobs. I am sort of unsure of what to do at the moment and hope that time will flesh out clearer path for me.

We come back next week for sure due to the previously scheduled Veto Session- not a part of the Special Session. It is just one day, but we are waiting to see how many other days we may need to be in Jefferson City. I don't like not knowing my schedule, especially since I am missing several of my daughter's softball games and some general family events.

I'll try to keep you informed of the latest happenings over the next few weeks.

Myron

Memories of 9/11

The 10th anniversary of 9/11 is upon us and the memories come flooding back for many of us. It is truly an event that changed our nation and set us on a course that has had drastic consequences in many aspects of our lives and how our nation functions.

The morning of 9/11 I was on the farm for a brief time in between jobs. I was loading one of our trucks with feed when my dad said a plane hit the World Trade Center. As most of us thought this was a random event and probably a small plane, not much was thought of it. However, as we listened further we found out it was a large plane. Then the second plane hit, confirming for all of us that this was not a random event. We kept on working, but kept an ear to a radio. As the morning wore on, more news kept coming and we wondered what was next. My daughter had just begun her Kindergarten year and my wife called and asked me if we should go get her. We decided against, but you started to wonder what more calamity could occur and how it would affect our family and others.

Then the most vivid part of the day for me occurred as I watched the skies on this beautiful September morning. The sky was bright blue with not a cloud in sight. Like normal, numerous contrails crisscrossed above which are very noticeable on such a day. Then the order was given by the President to ground all air traffic late in the morning. By early afternoon there was not a plane or contrail in sight and it stayed that way for several days. It was eerie to consider that for that period of time there was not a single commercial plane in the sky. It is a vision that I will always remember.

Legislation Passed out of the House

HB 6- This would allow the state to access the Rainy Day Fund to cover expenses incurred by the state relating to the recent natural disasters around the state.

HB 1- This would allow local control of the St. Louis Police Department as it now is under the control of a state appointed board.

HB 2- Tax Amnesty for some past due tax payers.

HB 3- Changes Missouri's Presidential Primary to March from the existing date in February.

HB 5- Reduces commercial property taxes on property damaged by natural disasters. This is specifically related to the Joplin tornado.

HB 7- Established a Joint Committee on Disaster Funding to oversee the expenditures of moneys for disaster recovery authorized by appropriations.

Upcoming Local Events

Jazz on the Square
Liberty Historic Walking Tour: Historic Trees September 10
Corbin Theatre- That Darn Plot!
Liberty Fall Festival September 23-25
Liberty Public Schools Events (Click link for more info.)
LHS Orchestra Pancake Breakfast and Basket Auction, Down Syndrome Walk, Trike-a-Thon, LNHS Charity Volleyball match, LNHS Orchestra 1st Gold and Bluegrass Festival
William Jewell College Homecoming October 7-9
Liberty Farmers Market Every Saturday through October

Check out your local High School sports schedules. Great Friday night football and other sports.
Liberty Public Schools, North Kansas City Schools

Neth: New Law Allows Military Spouses who Relocate to File for Unemployment

A new law passed by the legislature and signed by the Governor goes into effect today, allowing the spouse of an active member of the military to be eligible for unemployment benefits if accompanying the spouse in the event of a military transfer.

"Missouri is the proud home of Fort Leonard Wood and Whiteman Air Force base. Each year, our military families face moves from base to base for the good of our national defense and these transfers cause unique financial pressures. In many cases, the non-military spouses may have to leave their employment due to a military transfer. Generally, individuals in Missouri that voluntarily quit their employment to move with a spouse are ineligible for unemployment benefits. This new law recognizes that spouses of military service personnel who must quit their jobs due to a military transfer are not quitting voluntarily but for the good of our nation. With this new law, the state is recognizing the sacrifices of military families who are relocating," says Department Director Larry Rebman.

Robyn McCullem, mother of two small children, is relocating from Missouri to join her husband Private First Class Ryan McCullem in Fort Huachuca, Arizona. She has worked as a Distributor Sales Consultant for the past three years. Her last day was Friday and she filed her unemployment claim today. "Being a military spouse presents its own unique challenges when it comes to having a full-time career. Leaving behind a job you love and uprooting your family isn't voluntary when you are a military spouse," says McCullem. "It's nice to know our state supports those who have to make big career sacrifices and transitions to be with their soldier as they continue serving our country."

House Bill 136 was sponsored by House Representative David Day, of Dixon. Rep. Day serves as Chairman of the House Veterans Committee. Prior to this new law, military spouses were not able to collect unemployment in Missouri if they left their job to travel with their spouse to a new duty station. Missouri is the 39th state to allow military spouses to file for unemployment benefits until they find full-time work.

Based on 2010 figures, this new law will provide benefits to more than 200 military families a year. For more information or to file for unemployment benefits, visit www.moclaim.mo.gov.

Neth: Special Session Ahead, Facebook Controversy, Nixon Visits LNHS

I hope you are keeping cool as we endure another round of extreme heat here in the heartland. It is an understatement to say that we have endured some heat this summer.

Over the past few months I have been working on some legislation and having meetings with people in the district, but most of all, I have had a great summer with my family. The previous summer was filled with working on my election and my wife finishing graduate school, so family time was not prevalent. This year, though, we have been able to do a lot of things together and do some travelling as well. Our big thing was a classic road trip to the west that included the Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, Hoover Dam and many other sights- 3100 miles total. It was a lot of driving but gave us memories that will last a lifetime. Probably the best thing was to experience that portion of the country with my kids and talk about the vastness of the west and how it is a great part of the United States.

There has been a lot of things happen statewide in the last few months that I will discuss in this update. These include the upcoming Special Session called by the Governor to work on uncompleted economic development legislation and tax credit reform; some great honors for the City of Liberty; and some discussion on the recent controversy on the Education legislation passed last session and its effect on electronic communication and Facebook.

Most schools are now in session and Fall is near. I know I am happy to be back on a normal school schedule at home. This new school years sees my daughter in High School (wow!) and actively involved there, my son attending a new school for his 5th grade year and my wife continuing her role as 3rd grade teacher. A lot going on, but I wouldn't have it any other way.

Myron

Special Session 2011

The Missouri Constitution allows for the Governor to call the legislature back into session after its Regular session is complete. Thus is the case this year as we have been called back on September 6. The primary objective will be to work on and hopefully pass some sweeping economic development legislation as well as some major tax credit reform. You can read more information on some of the details here.

Overall I am in favor of what we will try to accomplish in the Special Session. MOSIRA and the Data Center package are two things that can directly impact the 34th District in a positive way and the tax credit reform proposed is something long overdue. Some of the other items, such as Aerotropolis which benefits only St. Louis, are a little more difficult for me to accept, but will do so if we can get the rest of the package done.

Liberty Honors

The city of Liberty has been on a roll recently with some high profile honors. First was recognition from Family Circle Magazine and Liberty being chosen the 3rd most family friendly city in the nation. Money Magazine then awarded Liberty the distinction of being the 7th most livable city in the nation. I am proud to call Liberty home and to represent it.

Governor Visits Liberty

I accompanied Governor Nixon as he spent the morning of August 25 in the Liberty area. First at Continental Disk company recognizing their growing firm and the amount of exports they have. Next he visited Liberty North High School to highlight the state's A+ Program and LNHS getting A+ certification its first year in existence.

Facebook Controversy

There has been much discussion in the press regarding a new law recently passed- Senate Bill 54 or the Amy Hestir Protection Act. It is named after a student who was repeatedly sexually abused by her teacher, and in which the teacher was subsequently hired by numerous school districts before retiring. Prior to the law going into effect, school districts feared being sued for sharing information about former employees, and as a result, many teachers were able to transfer districts without having information about misconduct disclosed.

To put an end to this practice, the new law requires criminal background checks for teacher applicants, allows school districts to share information with other districts regarding sexual misconduct by their employees, and makes districts liable if they fail to disclose information regarding misconduct upon request by another district.

Although this was the focus of the new law, there were other provisions related to teacher/student contact, and specifically internet communication. Lately there has been much discussion related to how this might relate to Facebook communication and other forms of electronic communication. Here are some of the key points from that section:

• Senate Bill 54 requires all school districts to adopt policies relating to student-teacher internet communication. These policies must be adopted no later than January of 2011.
• The law requires school districts to adopt policies which prohibit "exclusive communication" between teachers and students on internet websites. In other words, all communication between teachers and students on the internet must be accessible to parents and administrators.
• These policies DO NOT prohibit online communication between teachers and students unless the communication is not accessible to parents and administrators.

The bill passed the House by a vote of 154-0 and the Senate by a vote of 34-0. It is also important to note that this bill has been under consideration in the legislature for the past four years, and this year, was supported by the following groups: Missouri State Teachers' Association, Missouri National Education Association, Missouri School Boards Association, American Federation of Teachers of Missouri. (As a note, the MSTA has recently filed a suit to stop the implementation of the law after their initial support.)

I am hopeful that school districts will work hard to find common sense guidelines that do not prohibit useful internet communication. Given the fast pace of change in this new world of communication, we need to be flexible enough to recognize the positive of electronic communication while recognizing the need to protect the appropriate relationship between teachers and students.

Like all legislation, there is a chance of unintended consequences from its implementation and interpretation. If that is the case, I am confident the legislature will work to correct and ensure the law does what it is intended to do- protect our children.

Upcoming Local Events

Liberty Fall Festival September 23-25

William Jewell College Homecoming October 7-9

Liberty Farmers Market Every Saturday through October

Check out your local High School sports schedules. Great Friday night football and other sports.
Liberty Public Schools, North Kansas City Schools

Neth: Liberty named 3rd most family friendly town in America

Family Circle magazine has selected Liberty as their 3rd most family friendly town in America. Awesome! I love representing my hometown!!!!

You can find the whole article here. Following is what they had to say.

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Liberty, Missouri

Jenny DeVry, 45, knows there's no such thing as school rivalry in this close-knit Kansas City suburb. Her 16-year-old, Kate, attends Liberty North High School, but the rest of the family-husband Hank, 51, Claire, 15, and Henry, 12-regularly attend games and parades at Liberty High as well. "This is a community with a lot of old-fashioned traditions, like supporting one another," says Jenny, a patient coordinator at an orthodontist office. The town also takes care of its kids: In recent years voters have approved $104 million in bonds to construct new schools and update existing ones. There are also ample park lands, miles of bike trails and the 146-acre Fountain Bluff Sports Complex. "Children here are given plenty of opportunities to follow their interests, whether it's playing basketball or joining the debate team," says Hank. "Liberty is a one-of-a-kind place."

Good Deeds

The 200 members of the Liberty Giving Circle each contribute $300 a year to local charities, including a food pantry and a thrift store.

Population: 30,192
Median Income: $64,409
Median Home Price: $138,750
Households with Kids: 37%
Student/Teacher Ratio: 19:1
Great Schools Rating: 8

Neth: Summer Is Here, Junteenth Celebration, Continued Relief Efforts For Joplin

Summer is here! We are already dealing with high temperatures, high humidity and summer is just officially beginning. Hopefully we will have a few breaks from the persistent Missouri weather this year.

Session was completed on May 13, and I am in "off-season" mode. I spent last month working the family cattle farm and tying up loose ends in Jefferson City. Now, I am gearing up for a busy summer and fall with a lot of scheduled meetings and conferences here at home and across the state. This week, I am spending some time in Jefferson City to work on legislation for the next session. Don't worry though; I am also spending a healthy amount of time enjoying my family after taking several months away from home representing the 34^th District at the State Capitol.

It has been great to hear the many thanks and compliments from you who have signed up to receive my emails and those of you who are fans on Facebook. My office has worked hard to stay connected to our community. Effective communication was one of my key promises when I ran for election in 2010, and I am glad that so many of you feel my office is accomplishing this goal. That being said I know it has been several months since I have sent out a capitol report. There is rarely enough information to put into a weekly capitol report during the interim. Instead I will be sending out random updates and reports when I have collected enough material to warrant a report. Due to the infrequent nature of these interim capitol reports, there is much more to discuss. I encourage you to look at the table of contents to the left to see a list of everything in this article.

Have a great summer!

Myron

Clay County Juneteenth Celebration

I was honored to present a resolution to the Clay County African American Legacy (CCAAL) group recognizing the 10^th annual, Clay County Juneteenth celebration. Juneteenth is the holiday that many African Americans recognize as the day they truly won their freedom. On June 19, 1865, Texas, the last state to fully enforce President Lincoln's Emancipation proclamation, finally gave slaves in Texas their freedom.

In Liberty, the celebration included a small drama with community leaders playing the parts of prominent people in the abolitionist movement prior to and during the Civil War. The CCAAL was able to obtain a copy of the Missouri Emancipation Proclamation that was issued by the governor in 1865. I am thankful that we have such outstanding people in our community like Dr. Cecelia Robinson, A.J. Byrd, and so many others who keep the African American legacy alive in Clay County.

Liberty 4th Fest

Liberty will celebrate Independence Day activities on July 3^rd and 4^th. I will be in the Parade on the 4^th at 4:30 pm, and following, I will sing the National Anthem on the courthouse steps prior to a short program. Corbin Theatre will once again host "Celebrating Liberty", a program at the Liberty Performing Arts Center on July 3^rd. There will be fireworks at William Jewell College the evening of the 4^th. You can find out about all the activities and schedule by visiting the Liberty website.

Joplin Tornado

A few weeks ago, the Joplin Delegation of State Representatives invited other representatives and their spouses to take a tour of Joplin and help in the cleanup efforts so my wife and I went down for the day. Any pictures you have seen in the media do not truly represent the utter destruction that the community suffered. The devastation is so traumatic that I wonder how there could be such a thing as recovery. I honestly can only compare it to pictures I have seen of Hiroshima or Nagasaki after the atomic bomb. The landscape is wiped clean - no trees, no houses - just rubble. We were surprised there was not more loss of life.

Recovery is under way. They are attempting to remove more debris than there was at the World Trade Center after 9/11. The dump trucks are running non-stop up and down highway 71. They are trying to assess how to best clean up entirely and then they will begin to figure out the process of rebuilding. It will be a long road.

It has been a month now since the tornado and the number of volunteers is decreasing; however, the need for them has not. There are several ways that people can volunteer - even if you are not with an organized group going to Joplin. Once such way an individual can volunteer is to just show up and work through AmeriCorps. They have a staging area set up at Missouri Southern University where you can get signed up and they will bus you to areas of need around the city. You do not have to do multiple days or even a full day. From the Kansas City area you can do a day trip where you help out when you get there and drive back when you get tired. I would encourage you to consider volunteering in Joplin, if only to see some of the effects on their citizens and what they are confronting.

My wife, a LibertyTeacher, and I, a member of the House Education Committee, are focusing on the effect the tornado had on the Joplin schools and their future. At least two elementary schools and the High School were completely destroyed, and many other schools were damaged. After speaking with the Joplin School District, my office is working to help. One of the greatest losses besides the buildings themselves, were the loss of individual teacher supplies and tools, most of which were purchased by the teachers at their own expense and not covered by insurance. There were over 200 teachers that lost everything in their rooms. I took an interest in a unique program that will help alleviate this loss of teaching materials called "Adopt a Classroom". We are in the process of working through the details of the program to see how many teachers we might be able to adopt through an organized donation effort in the 34^th district. Between our local school districts, community groups, and religious groups, my goal is to help as many individual teachers as possible. We hope to have this up and running within the next two weeks and will put out all the needed information at that time. I hope you will consider helping this very worthy cause.

Town Hall

I held my first Town Hall meeting on June 2, at the Liberty Community Center. I was thrilled by the turnout. I spent most of the time giving a brief wrap-up of the session and taking questions from constituents. I really enjoyed the evening and felt that we had a good discussion of the current legislative and community issues of the past year. You can find an article about the Town Hall in the Liberty Tribune here- Town Hall.

Voter Photo ID

Friday, June 17, Governor Nixon vetoed legislation that would have mandated photo identification for most voters in Missouri. In his veto message Nixon wrote that the legislation is discriminatory to seniors, the elderly and disabled persons who are less likely to have a driver's license or government issued photo ID.

I was on the House committee that heard this bill and I voted for it. I am disappointed by the veto. From my surveys and talking with many in the 34^th District, most citizens are very much in favor of requiring a photo ID to vote. The Governor and others talk about some being disenfranchised; however, I am concerned about the existing legal voters who are disenfranchised by fraudulent votes being cast. We are required to show photo ID for numerous things in our lives. To not require this small burden for something so important as voting is irresponsible from my point of view. The legislation the Governor vetoed allowed exceptions for those who did not have existing photo ID and mandated the state pay for an ID if someone did not have one.

The bill passed the House during the legislative session by a 99-52 margin. In the Senate, the vote was 26-7. State senate sponsor Bill Stouffer says he is disappointed by the veto and is calling for the legislature to attempt a veto override. While Republicans in the Senate have a veto-proof majority, in the Missouri house, there are only 105 Republican representatives falling four short of the required 109 votes needed for a veto override. House Democrats have vowed to support the governor's veto on this issue. There were four Democrats who voted with Republicans to override Nixon's veto on the congressional redistricting plan during the legislative session so a veto override is not unthinkable.

The legislation the Governor vetoed was the language for a photo voter identification state statute. Missouri voters will still get an opportunity to vote in the November 2012 general election for a state constitutional amendment that will require photo voter identification.

Neth: Construction Projects in Your Area

I recently recieved a notice from the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) with a list of Clay County roadway construction projects planned for 2011. Some of these projects are already in progress while others will begin in the next few months. I thought you would appreciate this information when trying to navigate the orange cones on your way to work each day.

MoDOT Major Projects Planned for Clay County 2011

STIP Projects

• Route 169 - New guard cable installation from just north of I-435 to I-29.
• Route 169 - Resurfacing southbound only from Commercial Street in Smithville to I-435 and from Cookingham Road to Barry Road. Scheduled for completion in early summer.
• Route 169 - Test grouting project to repair railroad bin wall just north the
  Broadway Bridge (northbound lanes)
• Route 152 - Resurfacing from Route 1 in Clay County to I-435 in Platte
  County.
• Interstate 35 - Bridge rehabilitation on twin bridges over Lightburne (just
  north of Liberty). Project expected to begin in June.
• Interstate 29 - Resurfacing from Vivion Road to Parvin Road
• Route 210 - Pavement repair and resurfacing from Walker Road to I-435
• Route 210 - Pavement repair and resurfacing from I-435 to Route 291
• Route 210 - Earthen slide repair near I-435 Interchange (Westbound). Completed.
• Interstate 435 - Pavement repair, drainage improvements and resurfacing from I-29 to Route 169 (mostly Platte County).

Economic Recovery Projects

• Route 9: Interchange and capacity improvements at Route 9 and Briarcliff
  Parkway. (2010-2011)

Minor Roads Initiative

• Route N: Resurfacing from Beginning of State Maintenance to Route 210
  south of Excelsior Springs. Completed.
• Route W: Resurfacing from Route 169 to Route C near Smithville. Completed.
• Route EE: Resurfacing from Route Hto Route 210 near Missouri City. Completed.
• Cookingham Drive: Resurfacing under Route 169 between the ramps.

Safe & Sound Bridge Improvement Program (2011 Only)

• Route 92 over First Creek west of Smithville may be completed or may be in process

Neth: Town Hall Forum

Thursday, June 2 at 7:30 PM
TOWN HALL FORUM - End of Session Wrap Up
Hosted By: State Representative Myron Neth

Liberty Community Center- Red Room
1600 S. Withers Road
Liberty, MO 64068

Representative Neth will give an overview of the session and will take questions from the public. This will be an excellent opportunity to learn about what your state government did or did not get accomplished this year. A constituent case worker will be available for any issues or problems with state government you may have.