Keaveny: Decades of Excellence at Mathews-Dickey Boys’ & Girls’ Club

At left: Fair St. Louis Mount Rushmore Float featuring costumed members of
Mathews-Dickey.

When St. Louis bands together, great things happen. One of the prime examples of this is the Mathews-Dickey Boys' & Girls' Club, which recently celebrated 50 years of educational, cultural, and leadership training to more than 40,000 young men and women.

Mathews-Dickey started as a facilitator for organized sports, and while that is still part of its mission, it's not all the club now does. There's a real focus on building self-esteem, while allowing for personal growth, emphasizing the importance of becoming literate and educated citizens, and a focusing on respect, restraint and responsibility in athletic competition.

Throughout the years the club has undertaken efforts to improve literacy, teach computer skills, and deter gang activity. Recent efforts include programs that address the area's drop out rate. As a result of their efforts to improve lives, the community has supported the club as it has grown to include an Olympic-sized swimming pool, a major restoration, and the In the Footprints of Jack Buck Walk of Fame that is set to be finished this year.  The facilities have grown right in step with the community impact.

Alumni of the Mathews-Dickey Boys' & Girls' Club have gone on to become professional athletes, doctors, lawyers, educators, clergymen, business executives and entrepreneurs. Founder Martin Mathews [pictured right] is quoted as saying, "The future of our country rests with the successful development of our young people."

I couldn't agree more. Thank you Mathews-Dickey, and here's to the next half century of success.

Rupp: Saving Money While Shopping for Back-to-School Items

Sales Tax Holiday Will Put Money Back Into Citizens' Pockets

As the summer rolls into August, many families are getting ready for their children to go back to school.  It's hard to believe that many retail outlets already have their back-to-school supplies on display, and by the looks of it, parents have been preparing to send their little ones back to the classroom.

I'd like to take this time to remind those living in the 2^nd District about Missouri's sales tax holiday for back-to-school items.  This three-day event begins Friday, August 6, and runs through Sunday, August 8.  Those out shopping for back-to-school supplies, including clothing, computers, and other classroom items, are exempt from sales tax during this timeframe.

More specifically, the sales tax exemption is limited to:

• Clothing – any article having a taxable value of $100 or less.  Clothing includes any article of wearing apparel, including footwear, intended to be worn on or about your body.  This also includes material used to make school uniforms or other school clothing, and items normally sold in pairs will not be separated to qualify for the exemption.  This does not include watches, watchbands, jewelry, handbags, handkerchiefs, umbrellas, scarves, ties, headbands, or belt buckles.
• School supplies – not to exceed $50 per purchase.  School supplies are defined as any item that is normally used by students in a standard classroom for educational purposes, including, but not limited to, textbooks, notebooks, paper, writing instruments, crayons, art supplies, rulers, book bags, backpacks, handheld calculators, chalk, maps, and globes.  These do not include watches, radios, CD players, headphones, sporting equipment, portable or desktop telephones, copiers or other office equipment, furniture, or fixtures.
• Personal computers and peripheral devices – not to exceed $3,500.  These devices are defined as a laptop, desktop, or a tower computer system containing a central processing unit, random access memory, a storage drive, a display monitor, a keyboard, and other items used in conjunction with a personal computer.  Computer software is also included in the exemption — taxable value of $350 or less.

Cities and counties in our state have the choice to participate in this sales tax holiday.  Most of Lincoln and St. Charles counties in the 2^nd District are participating.  To see a complete list of cities and counties who have opted out of this year's tax holiday, visit the Missouri Department of Revenue's website (www.dor.mo.gov) and click on the Back To School Sales Tax Holiday Information link.

During a time when families all across our state are pinching pennies to stay on top of their budgets, every little bit helps.  Make sure you take advantage of this event and help keep more of your hard-earned dollars in your wallet.

If you have any questions or comments about this or any other topic regarding state government, please visit my website, e-mail me, or call my office at (866) 271-2844.

Stouffer: Make Your Voice Heard on Health Care

You will see a very important question on your August 3 ballot. Proposition C came about as a result of work done by the Missouri General Assembly during this year's regular session.

The Health Care Freedom Act was added to House Bill 1764. Predictably, some folks tried to keep this from appearing on the ballot, but their demands were thrown out by a judge.

Here is what you will see on your ballot:

Shall the Missouri Statutes be amended to:

• Deny the government authority to penalize citizens for refusing to purchase private health insurance or infringe upon the right to offer or accept direct payment for lawful healthcare services?
• Modify laws regarding the liquidation of certain domestic insurance companies?

It is estimated this proposal will have no immediate costs or savings to state or local governmental entities. However, because of the uncertain interaction of the proposal with implementation of the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, future costs to state governmental entities are unknown.

Fair Ballot Language:  A "yes" vote will amend Missouri law to deny the government authority to penalize citizens for refusing to purchase private health insurance or infringe upon the right to offer or accept direct payment for lawful healthcare services. The amendment will also modify laws regarding the liquidation of certain domestic insurance companies.

A "no" vote will not change the current Missouri law regarding private health insurance, lawful healthcare services and the liquidation of certain domestic insurance companies.

If passed, this measure will have no impact on taxes.

The bottom line is, you will decide whether or not Missouri should prohibit any law from forcing a patient, business owner or health care provider to take part in any health care system, be it government or privately run. At least 42 other states are working to enact similar legislation, but we are the first to let the voters make the decision. The entire country will be watching the Show-Me State to see what will happen.

Unfortunately, only around 24 percent of voters are expected to go to the polls on August 3, according to the Secretary of State's office. I understand that it is tough to get folks out to vote with so much going on this time of year, but it is vitally important to exercise our civic duty and right.

I believe the vote on Proposition C will do a lot to reinforce support for sovereignty and give a message nationwide that states are tired of being told what to do by bureaucrats in Washington, D.C. This is our opportunity to take control and reaffirm our rights as Americans.

Joe Smith: August Primary: What Your "Yes" Vote Means on Proposition C

During the course of the year, I received several phone calls, letters and emails from Missouri citizens expressing their outrage with the health care legislation that President Obama, Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid have pushed through Congress.  I want my constituents to know that I share that outrage.

Under the health care bill passed by the federal government, ALL citizens must have health insurance and the type of insurance they must carry is very detailed and specific.  If a citizen refuses to purchase the plan, he or she is penalized.  I stand in utter disagreement of the federal mandate.  We should be free to make our own health care decisions, not be forced by the federal government or anyone else.  Last session, the Missouri House passed the Health Care Freedom Act on the very first day we convened in the Chamber.  This Health Care Freedom Act preserves the rights for our citizens to keep their own health insurance plan, choose the federal plan or choose any other private plan – even if that choice is to have no plan at all.  No one will be mandated and no one will be penalized.

The Health Care Freedom Act doesn't simply depend on our approval; it must be approved by a vote of the people.  Next week, you will have an opportunity to join us in our fight as you go to the polls.  A "Yes" vote on Proposition C is a "Yes" vote for freedom.  The ballot language reads:

Shall the Missouri Statutes be amended to:

1. Deny the government authority to penalize citizens for refusing to purchase private health insurance or infringe upon the right to offer or accept direct payment for lawful healthcare services.
2. Modify laws regarding the liquidation of certain domestic insurance companies?

For more information on the Health Care Freedom Act, please visit: http://www.house.mo.gov/billtracking/bills101/biltxt/truly/HB1764T.HTM

On August 3rd, Missouri will be the first state in the nation to have a vote on this issue, and everyone will be watching.  This will be an opportunity for us to stand up to Nancy Pelosi and President Obama and make it clear that we cherish our freedom and want to keep it.  It will also allow Missouri to serve as a role model for other states around the country who oppose the federal health care mandate.  If approved by Missouri citizens, it will become a statute and will be upheld, regardless of the federal mandate.  Please join me in voting "YES" on Proposition C this Tuesday, August 3rd.

Rupp: Proposition C on the Ballot in August Primary

Missourians will get the chance to vote on Proposition C, also known as the Missouri Health Care Freedom Act, during the August 3 primary. I was a co-sponsor of this measure in the Missouri Senate to allow the people of Missouri to make this important decision at the ballot box. Voters will see the issue on the ballot like this.

Shall the Missouri Statutes be amended to:

• Deny the government authority to penalize citizens for refusing to purchase private health insurance or infringe upon the right to offer or accept direct payment for lawful healthcare services?
• Modify laws regarding the liquidation of certain domestic insurance companies?

It is estimated this proposal will have no immediate costs or savings to state or local governmental entities. However, because of the uncertain interaction of the proposal with implementation of the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, future costs to state governmental entities are unknown.

Fair Ballot Language:  A "yes" vote will amend Missouri law to deny the government authority to penalize citizens for refusing to purchase private health insurance or infringe upon the right to offer or accept direct payment for lawful healthcare services. The amendment will also modify laws regarding the liquidation of certain domestic insurance companies.

A "no" vote will not change the current Missouri law regarding private health insurance, lawful healthcare services, and the liquidation of certain domestic insurance companies.

If passed, this measure will have no impact on taxes.

I supported and worked to get this issue before the voters because Missourians deserve to have a choice regarding the right to keep their own health insurance plan or choose any other private plan, or no plan, without being penalized for that choice.  It also allows Missourians to select the federal government-designed and approved insurance plan if they so choose.

I feel that ensuring your freedoms to make the best choice of healthcare plans for you and your family is an extremely important issue. Forty-two other states are following Missouri's lead and enacting similar legislation or initiatives; however, Missourians will be the first Americans in the nation to have a vote on this issue.  It is a very important election.  Many people around the country will be watching for the Show-Me State election results, so I encourage you to educate yourself on the issue and make your voice heard on Aug. 3^rd. Please get out and vote.

If you have any questions or comments 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.

Kraus: August 3 Vote on Proposition C

A number of people have contacted my office asking about Proposition C, the question on health care that will be on the ballot next Tuesday, August 3, in the upcoming primary election.

Next Tuesday, you will have the chance to register your opinion on President Obama’s recent health care mandate. If passed, language will be placed into Missouri law that the citizens of Missouri cannot be forced to purchase health insurance under the threat of penalties and fines. It also allows citizens to offer or accept direct payment for health care, again prohibiting penalties if they do so. A “yes” vote is against the part of the federal health care plan that penalizes citizens for non-participation and forces them to purchase health insurance.

The proposed language does not prevent any one from participating in the federal health care system.

Others have asked about the second bullet point, below, of the actual ballot language. If passed, Missouri law would be modified to allow certain domestic insurance companies to self-liquidate under certain conditions. Right now, only the state may liquidate these insurance companies, which could possibly result in the state being held accountable for the insurance company debt. If passed, the rules would be the same as is currently applied to general business corporations.

In short, if you are opposed to Obamacare, vote “yes” on August 3. A number of people have asked me about my position. I’m voting yes. The massive federal health care bill, which is the target of Proposition C, is fiscally irresponsible and intrusive into our private health care decisions. Its passage was forced with unconscionable backroom deals and highly questionable tactics, and I don’t believe that is right.

If you are in favor of the federal health care mandates, vote “no” on August 3.

Here is the actual language as it will appear on your ballot. I encourage you to forward this information to your friends and family for their consideration on this important vote.

Proposition C Ballot Language

Shall the Missouri Statutes be amended to:

• Deny the government authority to penalize citizens for refusing to purchase private health insurance or infringe upon the right to offer or accept direct payment for lawful healthcare services?
• Modify laws regarding the liquidation of certain domestic insurance companies?

It is estimated this proposal will have no immediate costs or savings to state or local governmental entities. However, because of the uncertain interaction of the proposal with implementation of the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, future costs to state governmental entities are unknown.

Fair Ballot Language:
A “yes” vote will amend Missouri law to deny the government authority to penalize citizens for refusing to purchase private health insurance or infringe upon the right to offer or accept direct payment for lawful healthcare services. The amendment will also modify laws regarding the liquidation of certain domestic insurance companies.

A “no” vote will not change the current Missouri law regarding private health insurance, lawful healthcare services, and the liquidation of certain domestic insurance companies.

If passed, this measure will have no impact on taxes.

Westbound I-470 Repairs to Be Completed by September 15

Repairs to westbound I-470 will be finished no later than September 15, according to the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT). On July 17, a segment of westbound I-470 to westbound I-435 collapsed due to a sink hole, and MoDOT has determined that the quickest and most effective solution to this disaster is a 225-foot bridge extension.

In order to complete the work as soon as possible, the construction contract contains incentives and penalties to encourage timely completion. Each day beyond the target opening date that the four-lane highway link is not open will cost the contractor $40,000. Each day the link opens sooner than September 15, the contractor receives $40,000 up to $1 million. The contractor may receive the maximum incentive if completed by Aug. 20. Around-the-clock construction will occur to meet the deadline.

Yesterday, MoDOT posted a live, real-time web camera overlooking the repairs at the 3 Trails Crossing. Viewers can watch the progress on MoDOT's website at www.modot.org/kc.

For more information about this project, please visit MoDOT's website at www.modot.mo.gov/kansascity. For instant updates, follow MoDOT_KC on Twitter or send questions and comments to kccommunityrelations{at}modot{dot}mo{dot}gov.

Lee’s Summit Sunrise Rotary Club Program

On Friday, July 16th, I stopped by the Lee's Summit Sunrise Rotary Club meeting. After catching everyone up on what's happening in Jefferson City, I had breakfast with the group and learned about a great program going on in Lee's Summit.

For a philanthropic subscription of $50, Sunrise Rotary will place a large, 3 x 5 foot American flag in your yard for the holiday weekends of Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day and Veterans Day. Homes and businesses both participate in this wonderful effort. Anyone who is interested can contact Lee’s Summit Sunrise Rotary at (816) 222-0771. Best of luck, Rotary!

Tim Jones: Proposition C and MSD

PROPOSITION C:  THE MISSOURI HEALTHCARE FREEDOM ACT

As you likely know, there is an election next Tuesday, August 3rd.  On that ballot you will find Proposition C, the Missouri Health Care Freedom Act which was passed in the last legislative session by a bipartisan, super majority vote of the House and Senate.  I was the original, lead sponsor of the Proposition in the House.

What do the different options on Proposition C mean for you?

I submit that a "Yes" vote on Proposition C preserves your present right to keep your own health insurance plan or choose any other private plan or no plan without being penalized for that choice.  A "Yes" vote is also your first opportunity as a citizen to express your opinion as to the federal healthcare bill that has come to be known as "ObamaCare". A "yes" vote on Prop.C (the Healthcare Freedom Act) is a message to Washington D.C. that you want the federal government to stay out of your healthcare options and choices.

A "No" vote on Proposition C would limit Missourians only to a government designed and approved plan.  A "No" vote on Prop. C sends a message to Washington D. C. that you agree with the federal government controlling your healthcare choices.

The actual ballot language reads:
Shall the Missouri Statutes be amended to:

• "Deny the government authority to penalize citizens for refusing to purchase private health insurance or infringe upon the right to offer or accept direct payment for lawful healthcare services.
• Modify laws regarding the liquidation of certain domestic insurance companies?"

The entire language of the two page bill may be found at the following link: http://www.house.mo.gov/billtracking/bills101/biltxt/truly/HB1764T.HTM.

If Proposition C passes on August 3rd, it will become a Missouri statute.

While our current healthcare system is not perfect, it is by far the best system in the world.  President Obama and a majority in Congress are seeking to impose their values and laws on our health system that has, up to this point, been run by state law and private enterprise.

One of the most important facts about ObamaCare is that Congress has EXEMPTED themselves from all the healthcare and insurance mandates that are imposed on the rest of the country.  If the new Federal Law is so good, then why did Congress exempt themselves?

Missourians will be the first citizens in the nation to vote on this issue.  The eyes of the Nation will be on the Show Me State next Tuesday, August 3^rd!

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions regarding Proposition C, the Missouri Health Care Freedom Act and do not forget to vote next Tuesday!

Rep. Tim Jones' Storm Water Consumer Protections Law Enforced by Judge

JEFFERSON CITY – Legislation sponsored by Rep. Tim Jones (R-St. Louis County) meant to protect St. Louis area residents from storm water fees for services they are not receiving has been enforced by a Lincoln County judge. The legislation became law August 28, 2009.

HB 661 prohibits the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District from assessing a district property owner any fee for storm water management services if the property uses a septic system and does not receive any other services from the district.  Previously, the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District charged an "impervious surface runoff surcharge" to all property owners within the district's service boundaries regardless whether they received services from the district.

"I think it is a monumental victory for hard working taxpayers that the court has enforced this law and ruled that MSD can no longer collect fees for storm water services," Rep. Jones said.  "No longer will my constituents be paying for services they are not receiving."

"It was an honor and privilege to champion this legislative change for the folks in and around my district," said Rep. Jones.  "This is a great victory for the citizens affected by this fee."

MSD has not decided if they will file an appeal or find a funding replacement.

Nodler: Proposition C: Make Your Voice Heard

On August 3, voters throughout Missouri will be the first in the nation to have the opportunity to weigh in on the federal health care legislation passed by Congress. Thanks to legislation passed by the General Assembly during the 2010 legislative session, Missourians will be able to make their voices heard on whether they want the federal government to mandate their health care decisions.

Proposition C is on the August 3 primary ballot. Also called the Health Care Freedom Act [HB1764], the ballot measure originates from a bill passed earlier this year. I co-sponsored the original measure to protect the rights of citizens in this state. If voters approve Proposition C, it will result in a constitutional amendment providing that no federal law can compel a patient, employer, or health care provider in our state to participate in any government or privately run health care system, protecting the right of patients and employers to pay directly for legal health care services.

Since the federal government passed the health care legislation, I have spoken out about my opposition to the so-called “reform.” It is a costly venture that violates the individual rights of citizens. Heightening costs will also create a serious funding dilemma for states as they try to pay for an outrageous expansion in Medicaid costs. The law hurts businesses as they are forced to cover costs for their employees. When Congress passed this legislation, I heard from a number of Missourians who were concerned that their rights were being violated. With the Health Care Freedom Act, citizens have the opportunity to make their voices heard.

The passage of Proposition C would provide citizens with health care freedom — whether they chose to buy a private plan, use the federal plan, or purchase no plan at all. On August 3, you will be able to cast your vote and tell the federal government whether you think they should have the authority to penalize you for exercising your health care freedom.

Representative Marilyn Ruestman Receives Friend of Agriculture Award

NEOSHO – Representative Marilyn Ruestman (R-Newton) was awarded the 2010 Missouri Farm Bureau’s Friend of Agriculture Award today. The award is given in recognition of a working relationship with Farm Bureau and for supporting policy positions friendly to agriculture.

She was presented the award this morning at the Farm Bureau office in Neosho. The Newton County Farm Bureau Board was on hand to congratulate her.

Representative Ruestman offered the following statement: “As a long time member of
the Newton County Farm Bureau, I am honored to receive this award. Thank you to all the local farmers; it has been a privilege to serve you these past eight years.”

Davis: Healthcare Freedom

Michael Reagan Visits the Capitol

Michael Reagan came to the Capitol recently to talk with the legislators and to share some stories about his father, President Ronald Reagan.  While he was in the Speaker's office he told us a remarkable story about a conversation he had with Margaret Thatcher after his father's funeral.

Here is my recount of the conversation:  Margaret Thatcher said to him, "It's a shame your father didn't win the primary in 1976 against Gerald Ford."  Michael said, "No it's not."  The world leaders were not in place to create the dynamic that effected such a substantial change in the world at the time.  It took Ronald Reagan, but also took Pope John Paul, Margaret Thatcher and Mikhail Gorbachev all serving as world leaders simultaneously.  Had Ronald Reagan won the primary in 1976, he would have been term limited out of office by 1984---way too early to have been a change agent with the others.  Isn't it great when everything just works out perfect?  I was inspired to know that we all are called to serve when the time is right.  This was my last session in the House, but it was very important for me to arrive right when the majority and minority switched seats.

Healthcare Freedom

"Proposition C" is on the August ballot.  If you vote next Tuesday, you will see a question of whether we should change the Missouri state statues to allow people the freedom to purchase or to not purchase the national medical insurance offerings.  The current federal law will force everybody to buy some sort of insurance or face a penalty.

I was the first one to introduce this measure in the legislature.  After my proposal passed out of the House, the Senate refused to take it up.  This frustrated a lot of citizens because it became obvious that the senators were listening more to the lobbyists than to their constituents. Feeling the heat from the voters, the Senators threw together a "watered-down" fragment of the original resolution and shoved it back to the House with a "take it or leave it" attitude.

The version the House sent to the Senate would have changed the Missouri Constitution.  The senate changed it to a referendum asking the voters if they want to change a state statute.  The Constitution is supreme over the statutes and can only be changed by a vote of the people, whereas the statutes are changed ever year by the legislators.

I am supporting this measure, primarily because I believe in healthcare freedom. This will be a referendum on how Missouri voters feel. However, the state senators ought to be embarrassed for failing to offer their constituents a true constitutional amendment.  The secretary of state's office told me this will be costing the taxpayers about $300,000 to put it on the ballot and the price tag is the same whether it is an amendment to the constitution or merely a referendum on whether we ought to have a statute change.

Our nation was built on the principle that people ought to be free from the oppression of governmental intrusion into our lives.  How we administrate our own medical expense payments ought to always be a personal choice.  If our founding fathers could have seen the debates we are having today, they would be astounded!

Every time the legislature passes more insurance mandates, they are buying into the philosophy of the Obamacare proponents in Washington DC.

Insurance mandates are the opposite of Healthcare freedom.  Here is a link to "The Show Me Institute" article written to demonstrate the damage done in the same session by trying to foist insurance mandates on us while at the same time attempting to get Healthcare Freedom into our constitution: Show-Me Institute -  Negative Consequences

Although well-intentioned, this mandate will necessarily raise the cost of premiums for Missourians, making it more difficult for individuals and small businesses to keep their health insurance plans…A mandate of any amount increases health insurance costs, and this bill's substantial commitment would assuredly have a noticeable effect." (Caitlin Hartsell researcher and public health graduate –Washington University)

As you can see, many legislators are philosophically conflicted.  Therefore, it was nearly impossible to be both in favor of healthcare freedom and against it in the same session.  Amazingly, most voted for both.

Your thoughts are important to me, so please let me know what you think about the federal healthcare policy. You can send me your opinion by clicking here: Cynthia Davis

Don't Forget to get out and vote August 3!

Local Election links:

St. Charles sample ballot (contained in various city sections) and other information can be found by clicking on this link: St. Charles County Sample Ballot

Link to St. Charles County Elections Department: St. Charles County Elections Department

To view the Missouri State ballot click on this link: State Ballot Measure

A Little Bit of Humor

THE BUSY DOCTOR

A young doctor had just opened office and felt really excited. His secretary told him a man was here to see him. The young doctor told her to send him in.

Pretending to be a busy doctor, he picked up the phone just as the man came in. "Yes, that's right. The fee is $200. Yes, I'll expect you ten past two. Alright. No later. I'm a very busy man."

He hung up and turned to the man waiting. "May I help you?"

"No," said the man, "I just came in to install the phone."

Ridgeway: Proposition C - Missouri Health Care Freedom

Vote "Yes" to Opt-Out of ObamaCare
Vote "No" if you support ObamaCare

There is an election next Tuesday, August 3rd.  On that ballot you will find Proposition C, the Health Care Freedom Act which was passed in the last legislative session by a bipartisan, super majority vote of the House and Senate.  I voted FOR it in the Missouri Senate.

Proposition C provides Missourians a voice in the future of their own health care.

A "Yes" vote on Proposition C preserves your present right to keep your own health insurance plan or choose any other private plan or no plan without being penalized for that choice.  It also allows Missourians to select the federal government designed and approved insurance plan.  A "Yes" vote is your first opportunity as a citizen to express your opposition to the federal healthcare bill that has come to be known as "ObamaCare". By voting "yes" on Prop.C (the Healthcare Freedom Act), you will be sending a message to Washington D.C. that you want the federal government to stay out of your healthcare options.

A "No" vote on Proposition C would limit Missourians only to a government designed and approved plan.  A "No" vote on Prop. C sends a message to Washington D. C. that you are okay with the federal government controlling your healthcare choices.

The ballot language reads:
Shall the Missouri Statutes be amended to:

• "Deny the government authority to penalize citizens for refusing to purchase private health insurance or infringe upon the right to offer or accept direct payment for lawful healthcare services.
• Modify laws regarding the liquidation of certain domestic insurance companies?"

The entire language of the two page bill may be found at the following link: http://www.house.mo.gov/billtracking/bills101/biltxt/truly/HB1764T.HTM.

It simply states that government may not, "penalize citizens for refusing to purchase private health insurance or infringe upon the right to offer or accept direct payment for lawful healthcare services." It does not require that the state opt out of any federal program or bar Missourians from participating in any plan of their choice including the federally designed plan.

If Proposition C passes on August 3rd, it will become a Missouri statute.

While our current healthcare system is not perfect, it is by far the best system in the world.  President Obama and a majority in Congress are seeking to impose their values and laws on our health system that has, up to this point, been run by state law and private enterprise.  I prefer the latter.

The most telling reason to support Proposition C (Missouri Healthcare Freedom Act) is that Congress has EXEMPTED themselves from all the healthcare and insurance mandates that they seek to impose on us.  So the Washington D.C. political ruling class sets up rules for us regular folk, but exempt themselves.  If it's so good, then why are they exempt?

Missourians will be the first Americans in the nation to have a vote on this issue.  It is a very important election.  Many people around the country will be watching for the Show-Me State election results.

If ObamaCare is not stopped, it will require enormous tax hikes to pay for it.  It is estimated that ObamaCare will require Missouri to add over 400,000 people to the welfare roles.  Cuts to education, veterans, public safety, our courts and the disabled will be the result -- again, unless the federal law is stopped.  A "yes" vote on Proposition C will go a long way to help us stop implementation of the federal ObamaCare law.

Feel free to call me if you have any questions, and I encourage you to forward this alert to your friends and family.  I will be voting "yes" on Proposition C, the Missouri Healthcare Freedom Act next Tuesday, August 3.

For a better Missouri,

Senator Luann Ridgeway

Nance: Route 10 Bridge Closure, Proposition C, In The District

At left: Pictured with Representative Nance are Gregg and Blake Williams, New Orleans Saints Coaches who visited Excelsior Springs.

Department of Transportation Information Safe & Sound Bridge Improvement:

The Missouri Department of Transportation will close the Route 10 Bridge over Route 69 in Excelsior Springs, Clay County on Tuesday, August 3^rd to rehabilitate the structure under the Safe and Sound Bridge Improvement Program. The bridge is scheduled to reopen by October 1, weather permitting. A signed detour is in place for motorists driving through the area.

MoDOT crews have been busy closing bridges and rehabilitating or replacing the structures as part of the Safe & Sound Bridge Improvement Program. Next on the list of closures is the Route N Bridge over Fishing River south of Excelsior Springs in Clay County. This bridge will close on Monday, August 2^nd for no more than 55 days, weather permitting.

Want to know what bridge improvements will happen in Ray County? MoDOT will discuss this Thursday at 2:00 p.m. in the Richmond Council Chambers.

Proposition C

HB 1764 passed out of the house 137-12. It is a statutory referendum, Proposition C, the Missouri Health Care Freedom Act, which will be on the ballot on Tuesday, August 3rd. Remember that Prop C was passed by both bodies by a bipartisan, super majority vote of the House and Senate.

A "Yes" vote on Proposition C preserves our present right to keep our own health insurance plan or choose any other private plan or no plan without being penalized for that choice. It also allows Missourians to select the federal government designed and approved insurance plan.

A "No" vote on Proposition C would limit Missourians to only a government designed and approved plan.

The ballot language reads:
Shall the Missouri Statutes be amended to:

• "Deny the government authority to penalize citizens for refusing to purchase private health insurance or infringe upon the right to offer or accept direct payment for lawful healthcare services.
• Modify laws regarding the liquidation of certain domestic insurance companies?"

The entire language of the two page bill may be found at the following link: http://www.house.mo.gov/billtracking/bills101/biltxt/truly/HB1764T.HTM.

It simply states that government may not, "penalize citizens for refusing to purchase private health insurance or infringe upon the right to offer or accept direct payment for lawful healthcare services." It does not require that the state opt out of any federal program or bar Missourians from participating in any plan of their choice including the federally designed plan.

If Proposition C passes on August 3rd, it will become a Missouri statute.

Missourians will be the first Americans in the nation to have a vote on this issue. It is a very important election. Many people around the country will be watching for the Show-Me State election results.

In the District

The Ray County Fair was a success. Unfortunately, the Derby was postponed a week because of heavy rains.

On Saturday, July 24th I attended a fundraiser in Stet for the Stet Volunteer Firefighters. Over 100 people attended to show their support for this important cause.

On Sunday the 25th I attended a program sponsored by “Missourians for Animal Care Coalition”. Farm Bureau was also a sponsor of the event which shared our rights as animal owners and the threats to those rights.