Sater: Bills Concerning Proposition B, Nuclear Energy Draw Attention

Ed. Note: The bill described in the second paragraph is House Bill 124, not SB124. SB124 concerns the mandatory schooling age for children in St. Louis City.

Things are starting to roll a little faster now at the Capitol. Most committees have met and bills are being presented. The Agriculture Policy Committee had the most people in the audience which is unusual, but a bill [HB131] being presented by Rep. Stanley Cox makes adjustments to Proposition B. This bill may be the hottest issue of the year. This bill adjusts, but does not repeal of Prop B. Adjustments such as the number of dogs a breeder could have, the temperature regulations, and space areas were some of the items in the bill. I do believe that this or a similar bill will make it through rather than a complete repeal.

Another bill with some controversy is SB 124. This legislation deals with a proposed nuclear power plant and a 40 million dollar state permit that is required. This permit gives the electric company, Ameren UE, the right to do the groundwork necessary for the construction of the plant. The electric company would like to increase electric rates by around 2 dollars per year per customer to pay for the 40 million dollar permit. However, Ameren needs legislative authority to charge the extra 2 dollars per year. With the feds increasing requirements of coal powered electric plants and the continuing raise of electric costs, nuclear power can be a benefit for our state in keeping electric rates affordable.

One of the items of interest to legislators this year is what redistricting will do to each legislative district. Every 10 years when the census is taken, a bipartisan commission is set up to determine representative and senate district boundaries. I would suspect that District 68 boundaries will shrink because of increased population, but where the boundary lines will be in the future is unknown. This also applies to our Senate district which includes, McDonald, Lawrence, Barry, Stone, Taney and Ozark counties. I am sure there will be some changes to the Senatorial district also. We should know more in a month or so.

The Health Care Policy Committee meets every Wednesday at 12 noon for at least 2 hours. This week we heard two bills and we went into executive session on one of them. During executive session amendments can be offered, or a bill can be voted upon. A roll call vote is taken and the bill either passes out or “dies in committee.” HB 196 which extends the Missouri Rx Program was heard yesterday. This program for those over 65 has been in existence for the last 5 years, and helps low income seniors pay part of the co-pays that occur under the Medicare - Part D Program. It also pays half of the cost when in the donut hole. This program had a sunset of 5 years and this was a reauthorization of the program for another 5 years. It passed without dissent and the bill will be sent to the House Clerk’s office to be placed on the House Calendar for the entire House to consider.

This session will be my next to last because of term limits. I will continue to represent you to the best of my ability. Thank you for your confidence.

Holsman Selected To Chair Renewable Energy Committee

At left: Holsman outlines priorities for new committee

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - State Rep. Jason Holsman, D-Kansas City, has been named chairman of the newly created House Special Committee on Renewable Energy. House Speaker Steve Tilley, R-Perryville, established the committee and selected Holsman to lead it.

"Establishing energy independence from fossil fuels through the development of renewable energy is an important and long road to travel," Holsman said. "Missouri takes another step on that journey with the creation of a legislative committee dedicated to exploring all alternatives for making the state a leader in renewable energy production."

Holsman has established three priorities for the committee:

• Conducting an energy audit of the Missouri Capitol and pursuing options for making it the first truly "green" state capitol building in the country.
• Pursuing better implementation of Proposition C, which Missouri voters overwhelmingly approved in 2008 to establish renewable energy standards for Missouri power utilities.
• Crafting legislation to assist residential, commercial and industrial users of electricity in investing in on-site energy generation.

Holsman is one of just four Democrats holding committee chairmanships this year in the Republican-controlled House.

Tim Jones: Majority Minute: Tomorrow's Debate On Welfare Drug Testing Bill

As we enter the third full week of Session, we can already point to accomplishments that will strengthen the small business community in Missouri and put Missourians back to work. Passage of HB 45 expanded the definition of small businesses from those with 25 employees to those with 50 employees. The bill allows businesses to use a tax deduction for new, full-time, employees and doubles the deduction if the business pays at least 50% of the employee’s healthcare benefit premiums. As an insulator against an out of control federal government, HB 45 also requires that any new federal rules, regulations, or fees be approved by the general assembly. HB 45 is more evidence of progress under the House Republicans Show Me Solutions Initiative.

House Bill 73

Tomorrow, HB 73 will be brought up for debate and perfection in the Missouri House. HB 73 is an important step towards fiscal responsibility. It simply does not make sense to continue using your tax dollars to provide financial assistance to adults who then use those same funds to purchase drugs and other illegal substances. This bill is a long time coming and it makes solid fiscal sense.

As we move forward in the legislative session I continue to be energized excited about our plan, the Show Me Solutions Initiative, and how it will help our great state. The plan is grounded in common sense Missouri values and is meant to improve our state now for the success we all want in the future.

Throughout Session, I will continue to send The Majority Minute to you, my constituents, colleagues and friends across the State. If you ever have any questions, please contact us at 573-751-0562.

Until our next update, I am, and remain, in your service.

Ridgeway: “Missouri Manufacturing Jobs Act” Keeps Jobs in Clay County

JEFFERSON CITY — Ford Motor Company announced that the company will retain nearly 3,750 jobs at its Claycomo plant.

Last year, Sen. Ridgeway fought to help pass HB 2, also known as the Missouri Manufacturing Jobs Act. This legislation provides tax incentives for qualified manufacturing facilities and/or suppliers to create or retain Missouri jobs. The measure was created to bring new product manufacturing in to the state. This measure was aimed at enticing Ford to bring a new production line to its plant in Claycomo after the company announced that the production of its Escape SUV was moving to Louisville, Kentucky.

“This announcement is a victory over our current economy,” Sen. Ridgeway said. “The question of whether or not citizens were going to continue to be able to provide for their families has been answered. And it was the answer we needed.”

Currently, the factory still produces the F-Series truck, and no announcement has been made by Ford as to which new product will be coming into production at the Claycomo plant. However, officials did say they plan on investing over $400 million into the site to prepare for the introduction of a new product.

Under the Missouri Manufacturing Jobs Act, any company that wishes to utilize the tax incentives offered in the measure must make significant capital investments before any benefits will be given. In addition, the jobs must remain in the state if the company wishes to retain those incentives or face having to repay the money.

The jobs, and the resulting pay, affect nearly all businesses in the greater Kansas City area. Those dollars flow into our restaurants, repair shops and many other small businesses. The loss of jobs at the Claycomo plant would have proven devastating to our local economy.

“We have solidified our economic base in Clay County,” Sen. Ridgeway said. “It has been my pleasure, as well as my duty, to work toward this end result, and I am happy to be able to celebrate it.”

Mayer: Audio On Progress Of "Rebooting Missouri"

Jefferson City — Senate Leader Robert N. Mayer, R-Dexter, recently added a new audio link to his multimedia page, which is located on his Missouri Senate website. This page features audio and video links (both streaming and broadcast quality — when available) for visitors to listen to and watch Sen. Mayer address issues that are important to him and the citizens of the 25^th Senatorial District.

The new audio link includes Sen. Mayer discussing his plans for the Missouri Senate for this week (the week of Jan. 24, 2011).

Senator Mayer will continue to add audio and video clips throughout the year. You can download his podcast and listen to it by going to Sen. Mayer’s multimedia page: http://www.senate.mo.gov/media/11info/mayer/Multimedia.htm.

Brandom: Progress on Show Me Solutions, Senior Service Awards

SIKESTON - This week at the state capital we expedited a bill [HB45] aimed at reducing regulations on small businesses. This measure places a moratorium on new federal small business regulations to include companies with up to 50 employees.

In fact, through the committee process and on the floor we heard that there are over 100,000 small businesses in the Show Me state and employees in those businesses account for 60% of employment. Those numbers just go to show how important entrepreneurs and everyday Missourians are to our economy.

The primary function of this bill was to offer incentives to small businesses to hire new people and grow their businesses. This bill gives a tax deduction for small businesses if they hire new employees at the average annual county wage, and doubled it if they also offer to pay for 50% of the new employee’s healthcare benefits. In total the value of the deduction is $10,000 per new employee hired or
$20,000 per new employee if they offer the benefits.

I believe this overall philosophy in creating a stronger business climate is key to turning our state around and getting back on our feet economically.

We understand there are a lot of difficult decisions to make in state government and the Governor is at the forefront. We were happy to hear that he joined our call in the Show Me Initiatives to live within our means by keeping spending and taxes under control for Missouri families.

My colleagues and I in the House are willing to make bold decisions and lead by example; that’s why we were elected. This week we started off with a great bill to encourage entrepreneurs to hire new employees and create a more stable and fair business climate for the state. These are the kind of decisions we will continue to make through the rest of the legislative session.

In other news, our Lieutenant Governor Peter Kinder has asked for nominations for his Senior Service Awards. Individuals should be 60 years of age and older, who have demonstrated exceptional volunteerism in our district. These people volunteer at any number of venues, contributing at least 40 hours per year of their time.

I would like to invite each of you to nominate someone you believe is worthy of this recognition. For more information regarding the Lieutenant Governor’s Senior Service Awards, please contact Elizabeth Peters at 751-5400. The next deadline is March 15.

On a personal note, I wanted to thank everyone who visited my office during this past session. It is always a pleasure to have friends, neighbors, and constituents visit.


Pictured is Kathy L. Duncan presenting the Missouri Association of Realtors Certificate of Appreciation to Representative Ellen Brandom on January 19th.

Oxford: Citizen Has Filed ADA Complaint About Smoking In The Capitol Building

I have received the message below and these attachments indicating that Rossie Judd of Fenton, MO has filed an Americans with Disabilities Act complaint about tobacco smoke in the Capitol Building. In speaking with Billy Williams, I learned that, if the complaint is either not processed or denied, it will then be sent to the U.S. Department of Justice.

I do continue to believe that the Missouri Capitol Building should be 100% smokefree. The inconvenience of having to go outside this building to smoke is minimal if it can prevent an asthma attack or heart attack and possibly even save a life. It is also very important that we set a good example, as well as protect the health, of the thousands of school children who tour this building annually.

In the debate on House Rules [HR38] on January 13, House members voted to end smoking in the members' lounge area behind the chamber. The Rules do not affirmatively state that we may smoke in our offices, but some members have long asserted their right to do so. The amendment I offered sought to establish the House as 100% smokefree, and, if passed, I had hoped House leadership would then advocate the same policy in the Senate.

It was unfortunate that Majority Floor Leader Jones signaled that all GOP members were to vote no instead of allowing each member to vote his or her own conscience on this matter. I had received enough support from GOP members for the motion to have carried if it had not turned into a partisan vote. Perhaps that would not have happened if Rep. Jones had been in when Rep. Ellinger, Rep. May and I went to his office on Jan. 11. I believe Rep. Jones may have simply seen my amendment as part of the wrangling that the majority and minority do about the Rules when it was really a bi-partisan public health matter. I should have followed up with Rep. Jones to make sure he understood that distinction, but we juggle a lot of competing priorities as legislators, and I simply ran out of time to do so.

A previous ADA complaint resulted in guidance about where smoking may occur and where it may not, but much has been learned about the dangers of secondhand smoke that was not known when that agreement was reached(in 1999 I believe). When you add what we are also now learning about "thirdhand smoke" (chemical residue in carpeting, drapes, clothing, etc.), it is hard to justify allowing smoking in any workplace that is not truly private and used only by the smoker him/herself.

[Attached: Letter from U.S. Department of Justice

Attached: Judd's complaint to the Missouri House]

Dugger: Small Business Relief, State of the State Address

This week at the state capitol we passed our first full piece of legislation, HB 45. This legislation was aimed directly at small businesses in Missouri. In fact, through the committee process and on the floor we heard that there are over 100,000 small businesses in the Show Me state and employees in those businesses account for 60% of employment. Those numbers just go to show how important entrepreneurs and everyday Missourians are to our economy.

The primary function of HB 45 was to incentivize small businesses to hire new people and grow their businesses. For instance, we extended the definition of a small business by taking it from 25 employees to 50 employees. We also extended a tax deduction for these new small businesses if they hire new employees at the average annual county wage and doubled it if they also offer to pay for 50% of the new employee’s healthcare benefits. In total the value of the deduction is $10,000 per new employee hired or $20,000 per new employee if they offer the benefits.

However, perhaps the most important provision in the bill stated that any new rules, fees, or mandates passed by the federal government must first be approved by our general assembly.

“Wherever you go, no matter the weather; always bring you own sunshine” – Anthony J. D’Angelo

Governor’s State of the State Address

This week Gov. Jay Nixon gave his annual State of the State address. There were a few key things that stood out in my mind as I listened to our chief executive.

First, and foremost I was glad that he joined the House Republicans call in the Show Me Solutions Initiative to make state government live within its means by keeping spending and taxes under control.

I was also glad to hear the Governor talk about extending the A+ program to more high schools so Missouri children have a better opportunity to receive a college education.

However, the Governor spent a great deal of himself talking about personal accomplishments relating to job creation over the past year. While we may have some things to celebrate our unemployment rate is still at 9.5% and many of our surrounding states are faring better than we are in that category.

In fact, a number of the accomplishments the Governor touted were actually initiated before he was even elected and the actual impacts of some of his claims have yet to be seen. What it really boils down to is that I don’t believe Missourians were interested in hearing the Governor pat himself on the back. Missourians know we are facing real problems and need real solutions and those solutions are for the future of Missouri not championing the past.

For instance, one of the key fundamental differences that became apparent in the Governor’s speech was his stance on economic development. He spent a great deal of time talking about programs he has championed and how he wants to use those programs to improve things in the future. Well, as I said unemployment is still at 9.5%, so I don’t know that I believe tweaking, consolidating, or adding programs is the best economic development policy. Instead, House Republicans have proposed bills aimed at changing the overall business climate in Missouri like reducing regulations, fees, and taxes; cutting down on lawsuits, and providing a more stable environment for small businesses – not just big business to grow.

Governor Nixon suggested that K-12 schools will see level funding. With everything, the devil's in the details. The Governor's statement is incumbent upon schools to sit on over $112M in new dollars until next fiscal year, a decision that will be made across 522 school districts statewide. Obviously, as school districts continue to struggle, it will be hard for them to sit on a cash balance as they continue to cope with lower local contributions and a withhold by the Governor of over $62M in school transportation funds. Regardless, under the current plan by the Governor, there will most certainly be less appropriated to schools next year, which will change the way funds are distributed through the formula setting the stage for 'who loses the most'.

Mayer: The State of Our State and Continuing Economic Development in Missouri

It was an address heard throughout the state, but the reality of Missouri’s dire budget situation for me, hits close to home. In the governor’s annual state of the state address last week, he laid out his priorities for the Fiscal Year 2012 state budget. With a $300-$500 deficit, many difficult decisions have to be made this year, and I do not take the task of balancing our state’s budget lightly.

For the third year in a row, our state is going into the budget process with a shortfall. With more than 280,000 Missourians out of work, it’s time our state was presented a balanced and accountable budget – not one that relies on special legislation to pass in order for it to be balanced nor one that is dependent on hundreds of millions of dollars in federal budget stabilization extensions. Put simply, our state’s constitution requires us not to spend more than we take in.

In my opening day address, I presented my colleagues with several solutions to our state’s budget problems: put Missourians back to work, invest in educating our future workforce, and shrink the size and scope of state government. We need to look to long-term solutions, NOT propping up our state’s budget with one-time federal bailout dollars that come to an end this year.

As Senate leader, I’m dedicated to protecting taxpayers while focusing on K-12 education, higher education and health care. Spurring job creation in our state is another main focus, and in the Senate we have a comprehensive plan that will make it easier to do business in our state — allowing current companies to expand and attracting new businesses to the Show-Me State. We can do this by capping the corporate franchise tax, restoring balance to employment law in regard to the Missouri Human Rights Act, addressing our state’s “whistleblower” provisions, fixing a judicial decision in Missouri that had a negative effect on our workers’ compensation system, and making Missouri a “Right to Work” state.

I’ve made it my top priority to help get Missourians back to work. With much legislative effort during the 2010 regular session, and again during the 2010 special session, lawmakers passed House Bill 2 — better known as the Manufacturing Jobs Act. The legislation provides tax incentives for qualified auto suppliers or manufacturing facilities that create or retain Missouri jobs. Though it can apply to several companies in our state, this act was aimed at enticing the Ford Motor Company to manufacture a new product line at its existing automotive assembly plant in Claycomo, a suburb of Kansas City.

On Jan. 18, the Ford Motor Company signed a memorandum of understanding with our state, committing to invest at least $400 million to bring a next-generation production line to the Kansas City facility. This action will retain 3,750 jobs — jobs that will remain in our state, help boost our economy, and invest in Missourians who can now compete with other states regarding production jobs for the future.

However, this is far from where we need to be in our state in terms of promoting job growth and offering incentives to expand and attract new businesses to our state. We need to do more. Since June 2008, our state has lost nearly 104,000 jobs, one out of every six Missourians are currently receiving food stamps, and the number of citizens settling for part-time jobs has doubled in the past two years to approximately 150,000 Missourians – hard-working Missourians who need full-time jobs.

As the Senate and House work through their respective budget plans for 2012, I will keep you informed on how my colleagues and I allocate your hard-earned taxpayer dollars for vital functions of our state government. It’s crucial to get your input on how Missouri can best utilize these dollars and reduce the scope of state government, so keep your ideas coming through the Senate’s “Rebooting Government” website (www.senate.mo.gov/RebootMO). On this site, you can also listen to various members of the Senate present their recommendations for their respective work groups. You can also view a PowerPoint listing many of the work groups’ suggestions.



In other news, I had the distinct pleasure of sponsoring two citizens from the 25^th District before the Senate Gubernatorial Appointments Committee on Jan. 19. Casey Cash Gill was appointed to serve on the Missouri Real Estate Appraisers Commission, which licenses and regulates individuals who engage in the real estate appraisal business as set out in our state’s statutes. His extensive military experience specializing in work for conventional lenders, Department of Housing and Urban Development, United States Department of Agriculture/Rural Development, and lenders and developers through the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit programs make him a valuable member to the commission.

I also sponsored Brandy Mouser, who was appointed to serve on the governor’s Board of Therapeutic Massage. Among other responsibilities, members serving on this board review licensure applications to ensure a massage therapist is qualified through proper education and examination in order to provide massage therapy to Missouri consumers. Mouser has 17 years of experience in the massage therapy field and will bring her passion for the continued advancement as well as her professionalism and ethics in the industry to her work for the board.

Senator Mayer (right) with Casey Cash Gill from Dexter. Gill was appointed to serve on the Missouri Real Estate Appraisers Commission.

Senator Mayer with Brandy Mouser, who was appointed to serve on the governor’s Board of Therapeutic Massage. Mouser is also a resident from Dexter.

Schaefer: Bills Filed Concerning Victim Protections, Family Trust Reform, Conservation Easements

At left: Senator Schaefer with his wife, Stacia, and their three children, Wolf, Max, and Lena.

The First Regular Session of the 96th General Assembly kicked off Jan. 5 and is now in full swing. Committees were selected, meetings have started, and legislators from all over the state are ready to make changes in Missouri’s government.

Committee appointments were announced last Wednesday (1-12). I will serve as chairman of the Appropriations Committee, chairman of the Joint Committee on Capitol Improvements and Leases Oversight, and as a member on both the Education Committee and the Commerce, Consumer Protection, Energy, and Environment Committee.

On Wednesday night (1-19), Governor Jay Nixon gave his State of the State address, letting the Appropriations Committee know his budget plans for fiscal year 2012. As you all know, Missouri is in the middle of a budgeting pinch, but I have confidence that my committee will find a way to allocate funds in the best interest of the citizens of Missouri.

I am currently sponsoring three bills, Senate Bill 69, Senate Bill 70, and Senate Bill 119. I submitted Senate Bill 69 in order to support victims of child pornography by allowing them to file civil suits against their abusers. In addition, the bill sets protocols to ensure victims of child pornography are properly cared for.

Senate Bill 70 urges Congress to revise some of the current provisions establishing the Missouri Family Trust and its Board of Trustees. Some of the changes I am proposing involve allowing the board to establish and collect fees for administering trust accounts and breaking up various types of accounts under the Missouri Family Trust into trust accounts.

Finally, Senate Bill 119 would create the Private Landowner Protection Act. This act would allow for the creation of conservation easements, which mandate the protection of natural, scenic, or open-space properties.

My family and I also had the pleasure of taking part in the annual inauguration festivities. Seventeen senators were sworn in, twelve of those being freshman senators. I hope those who stopped by my office on the night of inauguration enjoyed their time at the Capitol.

Thank you for your continued interest in the issues that affect the citizens of Boone and Randolph counties. If you have any questions or concerns involving state government, please contact my office.

Lant: House Already Asserting Session's Objectives

[Editor's note: HB48 is incorrectly referenced in this missive. HB48 pertains to exemption of motor fuel taxes for school buses. The bill described in the fourth paragraph is also HB45.]

This has been a most interesting week at the Capitol. We passed our first full piece of legislation which was HB 45. This legislation was aimed at the over 100,000 small businesses where over 60% of Missouri workers are employed. The primary function of this bill was to provide incentives for people to grow their businesses. Employers can earn a tax deduction by hiring nee employees at the average county wage and get twice the incentive if they offer to pay 50% of a new workers healthcare benefits.

The overall philosophy here is to create a stronger business climate and turn our state around and get us back on our feet economically. Perhaps, the most important provision in this bill was stating that any new rules, fees, or mandates passed by the the federal government must first be approved by our general assembly.

Some great news broke on Tuesday when Ford announced they will invest 400 million in the Claycomo plant. As an incentive for the investment in Missouri, Ford will qualify for up to 100 million in tax incentives over a 10 year periood. This incentive is tied to a commitment of maintaining at least 3750 employees and adding new ones.

The House overwhelmingly gave bi-partisan support to HB 48, known as the Big Government Get Off My Back Act. This bill also is targeting small businesses by increasing income tax deductions from 10,000 to 20,000 for each new employee. Both of these bills were legislative priorities in the Show Me Business Solutions Incentive.

The Governor gave his State of the State address on Wednesday evening. He mentioned reductions of only 300 million, which is far less than the 700 million that he and his staff said we have to cut. He is also proposing to cut 863 jobs statewide but none from his staff. In contrast Speaker Tilley has cut 15% from his staff and office and over 10% from the remainder of the House Staff. We need to remember that although the Governor proposes cuts and program changes, all the actual budget creation is the duty of the House and Senate and by State Law, we must balance income and expenses. If we propose a bill that increases cost it must be accompanied by a bill that reduces the same amount of money from an existing program.

Next week promises to be an interesting one with several Bills, including the Drug Tests For Welfare Recipients [HB73] coming up for debate. I did file my first bill last week, it proposes to create a 300 foot buffer zone between protesters and funeral processions [HB233]. Feel free to contact me at any time with your thoughts or comments. I can be reached at bill{dot}lant{at}house{dot}mo{dot}gov or at (573) 751-9801.

I encourage you to keep in touch with the legislative process through the Internet. You can both read about and view video clips of the latest Legislative happenings at: www.house.mo.gov

Newman: Missouri Legislature Speeding Full Steam Ahead

We are now entering the 4th week of session and legislation seems to be moving at a faster pace than normal. This year we have 77 new freshmen out of 163 state representatives which changes the dynamics. I am sensing a new calm and an atmosphere of civility as we all get to know each other. I truly hope that lasts.

This session I've been appointed to serve on the following committees: Small Business, Children & Families, Elections, Ethics, the new Special Standing Committee on Election Contests and the House Democratic Campaign Committe. In addition, I was elected the second day of session to chair the revitalized House Progressive Caucus, our largest caucus.

The number of House Democrats have decreased to 57 members and gives us just 3 votes to prevent a governor veto override of any potential bill. We may be smaller in numbers but I can assure you that we will are fully engaged, responsible and dedicated to standing up for our values.

Some constituents have written asking why we're not working on specific issues - such as healthcare, education, job creation, etc. I remind you that being in the extreme minority, we have little influence over what bills are heard in committees or brought up on the floor. Most often, we are in the position of defense, trying to add amendments to improve bills, speaking up and making sure that you and the media are aware of what bills are advancing. Believe me - we DO care about the same things you do!

If you are in Jefferson City from now until May 13th, please stop by my office on the 1st floor of the Capitol to say hello. I always enjoy meeting and visiting with constituents, supporters and friendly faces. I will be back in my district on Fridays when we are not in session. As always, please feel free to contact me anytime by email, phone or mail with your concerns.

Stacey

HOUSE PASSES SMALL BUSINESS JOBS BILL

This past Thursday the House debated and passed HCS HB45 by a vote of 136-21. This bill would allow small businesses with less than 50 employees a state income tax deduction for each new fulltime job created. Yes, it's not perfect by any means but it's a start in creating new jobs and putting Missourians back to work.

I supported the bill and spoke on the floor as the Ranking Minority member of the Small Business Committee which heard the bill the week prior.

Listen to my support of the legislation here. [Ed. note: dead link not included]

MY LEGISLATION TO DATE...

On behalf of the Missouri Secretary of State's office, I was asked to sponsor HB245 which would allow voters to cast votes in advance. This early voting bill is also sponsored by State Sen. Robin Wright-Jones (STL-D) as a Senate bill and continues the conversation to allow voters the convenience and access to utilize their right to vote, as many other states have improved.

The bill needs to be assigned to a committee for a public hearing so please stay tuned for further action.

GOV. NIXON STRESSES JOB CREATION AND BUDGET CUTS IN STATE OF THE STATE ADDDRESS

Missouri’s recent and future efforts to create jobs and the need for continued funding cuts to state government dominated Gov. Jay Nixon’s 2010 State of the State address before a joint session of the General Assembly on Wednesday, Jan. 19.

Nixon also proposed a $23.09 billion state operating budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1 that would cut state spending by about $700 million and eliminate another 863 state jobs in addition to thousands that have already been cut in recent years.

The governor’s budget on paper would reduce basic state funding for local school districts by about $112 million for the 2012 fiscal year. However, the governor proposes allocating $189 million in one-time federal education funding that must be appropriated to schools during FY 2011 and asking local districts to save $112 million of that money for next year in order to keep actual FY 2012 education spending flat.

In the official Republican response to Nixon’s address, Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder delivered an angry denunciation of Nixon with only vague and fleeting references to the budget and policy agenda of Republicans, who control both chambers of the General Assembly.

FOLLOW THE LEGISLATURE ONLINE

House Democrats being sworn in on January 5th - I am in the center with my seatmate from Kansas City, Rep. Jean Peters-Baker.

We normally go into session each Monday at 4pm and Tuesday through Thursday at 10am - until May 13th. You may listen to live debate then at http://www.house.mo.gov/

In addition, you can track legislation, read the daily journal and get to know House members through their individual pages on the same website.

You may also follow my committee work and progress of bills that I sponsor and co-sponsor on my house website.