Tim Jones: Majority Minute: A Glimpse At The Week Ahead

As we enter our fifth full week of Session, Father Winter continues to berate us with frigid temperatures and snow. Please be safe, take care of yourself, your families, and those who may need help in your communities. We have been blessed with good news, as our beloved Rep. Wanda Brown is expected to make a full recovery. Our thoughts and prayers continue to go out to her.

A Glimpse at the Week Ahead

House Bill 162

This week the House will be taking up HB 162 sponsored by Rep. Barney Fisher (R-125). This bill addresses the precedent set by the Franklin v. CertainTeed Corp. court ruling which, for the first time in history, moved occupational disease claims from the workers’ compensation system into the courts. In response to the business communities “Fix the Six” agenda, HB 162 reverses this ruling. This legislation will permit appropriate compensatory damages to once again be determined by the worker’s compensation system. The result will be a reduction in liability insurance cost for small business and less of a burden on our court system. This saves taxpayer money that can be used to educate our children and strengthen the job market in Missouri.

House Bill 91

Sponsored by Rep. Jerry Nolte (R-33), HB 91 specifies that an employer, and his or her employees will not be liable for any injury or death for which compensation is recoverable under provisions of worker’s compensation. HB 91 will also be taken up for perfection in the House this week. This common sense legislation will reduce the cost of liability insurance, reduce the burden on our court system, and create a better environment to attract small businesses to Missouri.

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

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

Dugger: Blizzard Reminds Legislators of Their First Concern,

“Freedom is one of the deepest and noblest aspirations of the human spirit.” –Ronald Reagan

This week we witnessed a rare event as nearly the entire state of Missouri was under a blizzard warning. Unfortunately some Missourians and travelers were stuck at times in this severe weather, however thankfully a vast number of Missourians took cover and stayed indoors.

In Jefferson City we traversed to the capitol and met Monday and Tuesday, but dismissed for the rest of the week, so everyone that could get home would have time. Other than the sheer display that mother nature put on, I was impressed with the job of our highway patrol, MODOT, and emergency personnel did in preparing and reacting to the weather.

In our own capacities many of us attempted to open as many communication lines as possible between local officials and public safety personnel and officials at the state level monitoring road conditions and weather. At times like these it was good that so many of us were able to work together so smoothly and in the end the benefit was improved public safety.

As we proceed with the legislative session I hope many of us in Jefferson City will take time to reflect on our experience this week. I believe it was an opportunity for many of us to be reminded that while we may disagree on issues; our first concern should be for the people of Missouri.

I would also like to take this opportunity and encourage everyone to get familiarized with the Missouri Department of Transportation website. In the event that we get more winter storms they have updated information on road conditions and travel information, their website is name@name

Despite the snow, the work in Missouri’s House to fix our economy continues. We are continuing to improve the environment for small businesses, entrepreneurs, and large employers by making it easier for them to do business in our state. These reforms should lead to more jobs for Missourians.

Unfortunately, a few legal battles have resulted in bad case law for our state’s employers. One recent decision says that if an employee is working and one of their co-workers is injured on the job, that co-worker can sue their fellow employees for action or inaction as part of their worker’s compensation case. So, if you’re at work, simply doing your job, and a co-worker gets injured, they may try to hold you civilly liable for money damages.

Why would a new business want to locate in a state with this kind of ridiculous legal environment? Unfortunately not enough do, and we need to change it. Many liberal Missouri Trial Attorneys don’t want you to know about this problem because they don’t want to fix this problem for small business. Instead they would rather make business better for themselves.

Fortunately we moved a bill [HB91] forward this week to tell stop these liberal Trial Attorneys and their activist Judge partners in crime enough is enough. The Republican majority in the legislature wants new business to come to Missouri. We want people who are out of work to find new jobs and we don’t want to punish good people for doing their jobs.

Survey

I am proud to say that we have the ability to get a survey out that is fast and easy for you and me. It is internet based instead of the paper surveys that have been used in the past. This is also very effective and beneficial to me because I have an opportunity to know sooner how you feel about a topic. With faster information sharing, I can be more properly informed on how you stand on many issues. Please take a few minutes, click on the link below, and fill out this survey.

http://www.house.mo.gov/district/144

Keaveny: State Resources Online, Autism Insurance Law Takes Effect

MoDOT Map Provides Information Regarding State Highways

In the Midwest, winter is sometimes accompanied with snow and ice. During winter storms, I advise citizens to play it safe and stay home if possible. If you must venture out of your home and travel, please be sure you are as informed as possible about the condition of the roadways.

A great resource is the Missouri Department of Transportation’s (MoDOT) Traveler Information Map. This map gives drivers an up-to-date look at the condition of Missouri’s major highways. If you must travel in a winter storm, please consult this map before leaving your current location. You can follow MoDOT’s news on Twitter at www.modot.org/twitter. For those without Internet access, call MoDOT toll-free at 888-ASK-MODOT and ask for the current road conditions.

For tips about staying safe on the roadways during winter, please visit www.modot.org, or take a look at the January Keaveny Connection and review "How to Stay Safe on Wintery Roads."

My Senate Committees

In January, several Senate committees were announced, and I am very pleased to say that I have been appointed to serve as vice-chair of the Progress and Development Committee.

This committee discusses legislation that concerns the changing or maintenance of issues regarding human welfare. During the 2010 legislative session, the Progress and Development Committee considered a variety of measures, including legislation concerning food stamp assistance, equal pay for employees regardless of gender, state and federal holidays and awareness days, and the creation of tax-free zones.

In addition to vice-chairmanship of the Progress and Development Committee, I have been selected to serve on the:

• Education Committee
• Judiciary and Civil and Criminal Jurisprudence Committee
• Veterans’ Affairs, Emerging Issues, Pensions and Urban Affairs Committee

To learn more about Senate committees and scheduled hearings for the committees, please visit www.senate.mo.gov.

Assistance Provided to Answer Tax Questions

The time of year has come again for us to begin preparing our taxes. This can be an overwhelming and intimidating procedure, and to address many of our anxieties, the Missouri Department of Revenue has provided various resources to help citizens. Some of these resources include tax assistance centers. These centers provide an outlet for citizens with questions or concerns regarding their taxes, and gives individuals the opportunity to speak to a specialist happy to help. Some services provided by the centers include:

• Preparation of individual income tax returns and/or property tax credit claims free of charge
• Help for citizens filing business taxes
• Seminars that can assist employers and business owners with tax-related questions

Please take advantage of this helpful service by calling the St. Louis Tax Assistance Center at (314) 877-0177, or visiting them at 3256 Laclede Station Road, Suite 101. The deadline to file taxes in Missouri is April 18.

For more information regarding tax assistance, please visit www.dor.mo.gov and click on the "Tax Assistance Centers" link under "Contact Information/Office Locations."

Missouri Attorney General's Website Resources

One of the ways the Missouri Attorney General protects consumers is by providing resources that can be found online at www.ago.mo.gov. Among these resources is information regarding:

• Consumer complaint forms
• Check-a-Charity tools
• Crime victims’ rights
• Environmental issues
• Domestic violence issues
• Missouri Office of Prosecution Services

I hope these helpful tools can be useful to you, and as always, please feel free to call or e-mail me with any questions or concerns.

New Missouri Senate Website

The First Regular Session of the 96th General Assembly is underway, and my fellow legislators and I are working together to make Missouri government as efficient as possible, producing a higher level of effectiveness for the citizens of our state.

To stay informed about legislation the Missouri Senate is discussing, please visit the Missouri Senate website. Recently updated, the website features information about:

• 2011 Senate bills
• Session dates and information
• Senate committees and scheduled hearings
• Legislative audio and video clips

Please feel free to visit my website as well, www.senate.mo.gov/keaveny. There you will find:

• Monthly Keaveny Connections
• Press releases
• Audio and video clips
• My community services directory

Staying up to date with state government is important, and as always, I welcome suggestions and opinions from all my constituents in the 4th Senatorial District.

House Bill 1311 Provides Health Care for Autistic Children

Beneficial legislation passed last year improves the lives of Missourians with autism, and provides peace of mind to their families. House Bill 1311, which was signed by Gov. Jay Nixon on June 10, 2010, requires private insurance companies in Missouri to provide coverage under group health insurance policies for applied behavioral analysis therapy to children diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The health benefit plans went into effect on Jan. 1, 2011. I was proud to vote “yes” on the bill, and I’m very pleased that children with autism are getting the care and therapy they deserve.

This law requires insurance companies to cover up to $40,000 a year for a child that is 18 years old or younger who has an ASD. Furthermore, the bill prohibits health carriers from refusing to cover an individual or dependent solely because the individual is diagnosed with autism, and the child’s family can not be subjected to a higher deductible for health care services.

I am very glad this legislation is now in effect, making a positive impact in the lives of Missouri families. To learn more about this helpful bill, visit www.senate.mo.gov and type "HB1311" in the bill search field (make sure you use the "2010 Bills" index).

HealthStreet of Washington University

HealthStreet offers free services and health screenings to those in need.

Health care and the well being of St. Louis citizens is extremely important to me, and therefore, I would like to recognize HealthStreet, a community-based organization that collaborates with the Center for Community-Based Research at the Washington University Institute of Clinical and Translational Sciences.

This organization provides health care referrals, medical care, social programs, and opportunities to participate in medical research. Also provided by HealthStreet are the following services:

• Complimentary personal hygiene products (shampoo, toothpaste, etc.)
• HIV testing
• Complimentary use of computers to search for jobs and housing
• Blood pressure tests
• Clothing pantry access
• Assistance with finding other helpful services (food pantries, medical care, and more)

For more information about HealthStreet and programs offered by Washington University, please call (314) 531-3034.

Women's Safe House Wish List

Since 1999, TWSH has provided refuge for nearly 6,000 women and children at no cost.

As previously mentioned in the November Keaveny Connection, The Women’s Safe House (TWSH) is a caring and efficient organization that provides shelter and support for victims of domestic violence. Serving such a large number of people, TWSH is in need of many items, including:

• Women’s clothes - pajamas, T-shirts, sweatsuits
• Baby items - diapers, baby monitors, formula, cribs
• Bathroom supplies - toilet paper, toothbrushes, hair brushes
• Linens - twin and full sheet sets, body and hand towels
• Children’s clothes - clothing for toddlers to teenagers
• Toiletries - shampoo, deodorant, bar soap
• Cleaning supplies - laundry detergent, paper towels, brooms
• Miscellaneous - bus passes, gift cards

If your school or organization is looking for a community outreach project, I would certainly recommend hosting a fundraiser for TWSH. For further inquiries about TWSH or to find out more regarding volunteer and fundraiser opportunities, call (314) 772-4535.

Sater: This Week In The Missouri House, Issue 5

FYI…David

[Click here to view]

Davis: It’s Beginning to look A Lot like Christmas!!

What a crazy week at the capitol.

Other than the fact that we were stuck at the capitol for 2 full days and nights, it was a normal week. The snow started falling after a half inch of ice was already on the ground. Monday evening, the snow started. And it continued to fall for the next two days. Reports range that from 12 to 20 inches of North Pole fell on our capitol. No traffic after Tuesday noon. Until that time, I watched cars, trucks and vans try to make it up the hill on the north side of the capitol from my office window. But the snow and ice won. Pizza Hut even refused to deliver. What is this world coming to ;D? This “Down Time” has given us all the chance to catch up on some needed constituent work. Contacting individuals about issues back home and learning about their opinions on specific issues. It has also given us the time to meet with other legislator without any outside influence and talk about legislation. A lot of progress was made.

A bit of good news.

Wanda Brown, a representative from Lincoln Missouri, was involved in a serious accident on her way to the capitol on Monday. It was reported that she had broken her neck as well as her back. It appears that her back is fine but neck and back braces will be required for the next 6 weeks or so. It is a blessing that she will be ok. Thank you to all those who had prayed for her, it was an answer to prayers.

House Bill 73

On Monday, January 31, 2011, the House third read and passed HB 73 by an overwhelming vote of 116 to 27. HB 73 has now been reported to the Senate. We trust the Senate will see the necessity and practicality of the bill. We cannot continue to provide taxpayer money for the irresponsible behavior of addicts or recreational drug users. TANF is temporary welfare assistance funded by your tax dollars, not to support bad habits but to help support families while searching for work.

HCS HB 163

The House also adopted and perfected the amended version of HCS HB 163. This legislation changes the laws regarding unemployment compensation benefits in order for Missouri to receive recently approved additional federal funds for those most in need of it. No Missouri tax dollars will be expended pursuant to this bill.

Perfecting SCR 1

We also third read and passed SCR 1. This resolution disapproves a final order of rule making by the Public Service Commission with regards to the Electric Utility Renewable Energy requirements.

Newman: Historic Blizzard, TANF Drug Testing Intrudes On The Poor, Budget Workshop

HISTORIC BLIZZARD HITS MID-MISSOURI STRANDING LEGISLATORS

At left: Tuesday afternoon looking south at the Supreme Court Building during the storm.

As Missouri hunkered down in preparation and took precautions for an unprecendented storm this past week, we in the Capitol did our best to carry on. Many of us heeded the weather warnings and arrived in Jefferson City last Sunday evening to avoid potential icy highways. But we did not fully realize what lay ahead.

Monday afternoon we convened and determined that enough were present for a quorum to be able to conduct business on the floor and hold committee hearings through Tuesday. However by the next morning we were in the throes of an historic blizzard that left mid-Missouri with over 20 inches of snow. It was clear that many of us were not going to be able to even get to our Jefferson City apartments that evening.

The Missouri Capitol became the site of a mass sleepover Feb. 1st when the blizzard stranded about 100 of us, including staff and interns, in the building for the night. We shared food and supplies with each other while the State Emergency Management Agency provided blankets and pillows.

On Wednesday and Thursday the legislature convened for technical sessions only so lawmakers were able to drive home early pending highway openings.

The bipartisan comraderie of our overnight experience will be talked about for years!

Check out some of our media coverage - http://politicmo.com/2011/02/01/state-lawmakers-stranded-due-to-snow/.

2011 BLIZZARD FAST FACTS

1. Governor Jay Nixon declared a state of emergency on January 31.
2. Interstates 70 and 44 were closed statewide for several hours due to heavy snowfall and whiteout conditions.
3. It is estimated that over 100 million people were affected by the storm system in the U.S.
4. The path of the storm stretched from Canada to Mexico, leaving the Midwest under a heavy blanket of snow and ice.

Facts courtesy of the MO House Communications Office

Stacey

HOUSE PASSES DRUG TESTING OF TANF RECEPIENTS

On Monday, Jan 31 we third read, passed House Bill 73 - drug testing of TANF recipients-by an overwhelming vote of 116 to 27. HB 73 would require the Department of Social Services to develop a drug testing program for applicants and recipients of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Program benefits.

This is the 2nd year we've seen this legislation - I voted no (as did other Democrats) because I believe this is an unlawful intrusion on those in poverty. We saw this bill last year but have no idea what will happen to it on the Senate side. An amendment was offered to also drug test all elected officials but was ruled out of order.

VOTER PHOTO ID BILLS ARE BACK

Regardless of the 2006 MO Supreme Court ruling that requiring photo identification to vote is unconstitional, this is the 5th year that subsequent legislation has been filed. I have committed, now for my 2nd year, to fighting this issue which would disenfranchise over 250,000 current eligible voters from utilizing their right to vote. Potential voters that would be affected include the elderly, disabled, college students and those in poverty.

As the House Progressive Caucus chair, I recently invited Denise Lieberman of the MO Voter Protection Project and Burt Newman, an attorney who challenged the 2006 law in the MO Supreme Court, to speak and provide information to our entire Democratic Caucus. They also testified against SB3 and corresponding resolutions SJR2 and SJR9 in the Photo ID hearing in the Senate.

This is a partyline issue which continues to surface and is being fast tracked in several state legislatures around the country. Arguments in support focus on voter inpersonation fraud which has never been documented or proven in Missouri.

As this legislation moves, I will keep you updated on our efforts.

MY ADDITIONAL COMMITTEES

Last week I was appointed to serve on Appropriations - General Administration because of a vacancy and my previous experience on the committee. We are in the throes of public hearings on the budget and meet often - sometimes twice a day.

In addition I serve on Children & Families which recently heard HB28 - restricting pharmacies in abortion drugs and HJR2 - proposing a constitutional amendment guaranteeing the right to pray. I will vote no on both when we hold an executive session.

My Elections Committee met on Tuesday, Feb 1 and we passed out HB107, HB 171, HB186 and HB217 by votes of 9-0.

WITH BRENTWOOD SUPERINTENDENT AT PUBLIC SCHOOL WORKSHOP IN JEFFERSON CITY

I joined Dr. Charles Penberthy, Superintendent of the Brentwood School District, at a dinner and workshop on the Missouri public school foundation formula held recently in Jefferson City. The dinner and workshop were sponsored by the Missouri Association of School Administrators (MASA).

The Missouri public school foundation formula is the mechanism by which school districts receive state funds to operate their schools. It is the largest single appropriation from general revenue in the state budget. The 2011-12 school year is slated to be the sixth year of a seven-year phase-in of the current formula.

BUDGET WORKSHOP AT CENTRAL REFORM CONGREGATION

One of my favorite projects outside the Capitol is teaching those in the community about the legislature and encouraging citizens to become involved in the process.

I joined with Amy Blouin, executive director of the Missouri Budget Project and Jen Bersdale, CRC's Director of Advocacy, on Saturday Jan 22 to teach over 40 congregants exactly how the state budget process works. It was gratifying to work with so many who gave up their Saturday afternoon to learn how they themselves can affect the budget.

I also was able to sharpen up my own understanding of the involved legislative process - which is coming in handy on my own House Appropriations committee.

I highly recommend the excellent information about Gov. Nixon's budget proposal and our declining revenue situation at MIssouri Budget Project - www.mobudget.org.

Tilley: Coping With This Week's Blizzard

This week we witnessed a rare event as nearly the entire state of Missouri was under a blizzard warning. Unfortunately some Missourians and travelers were stuck at times in this severe weather, however thankfully a vast number of Missourians took cover and stayed indoors.

In Jefferson City we traversed to the Capitol and met Monday and Tuesday, but dismissed for the rest of the week, so everyone that could have time to get home. Other than the sheer display that Mother Nature put on, I was impressed with the job of our highway patrol, MODOT, and emergency personnel did in preparing and reacting to the weather.

In our own capacities many of us attempted to open as many communication lines as possible between local officials and public safety personnel and officials at the state level monitoring road conditions and weather. At times like these it was good that so many of us were able to work together so smoothly and in the end the benefit was improved public safety.

As we proceed with the legislative session I hope many of us in Jefferson City will take time to reflect on our experience this week. I believe it was an opportunity for many of us to be reminded that while we may disagree on issues; our first concern should be for the people of Missouri.

I would also like to take this opportunity and encourage everyone to get familiarized with the Missouri Department of Transportation website. In the event that we get more winter storms they have updated information on road conditions and travel information. Missouri Department of Transportation’s website is: http://www.modot.mo.gov/

Thank you for the opportunity to serve here in the House of Representatives. As always, I welcome your comments. You may reach me at 573-751-1488, send your e-mails to steven.tilley@house.mo.gov or write to me at the Missouri House of Representatives, State Capitol, Room 308, Jefferson City, MO 65101.

Rupp: Senate Bill 134 Will Help Protect Parents with Disabilities

On Tuesday, Jan. 18, I was proud to introduce Senate Bill 134 to the General Assembly to address the subject of parental rights of parents with disabilities. The act would protect these parents and their children, and would clarify that just because a parent or both parents have special needs, does not mean they are unfit caregivers.

Part of my inspiration to file this measure came from a blind couple in Independence that became parents to a beautiful baby girl named Mikeala in May 2010. Both mother and father were overjoyed to become parents and were eager to take their new baby home. While at the hospital, however, Mikeala’s mother had some trouble breast feeding, and because of this minor issue, social services was called to take the baby away. It was claimed that the parents were unfit and couldn’t care for the infant. This course of action was completely unjust and the parents were discriminated against because of their disability. Both parents were devastated, and their child was in the custody of social services for 57 days. The couple is now preparing to file a lawsuit asserting that their parental rights were violated because of their blindness, with the hope that this type of action never happens again to a family. I’m glad to hear that baby Mikeala is now home and doing well, and I wish the very best to the family.

With this couple’s story in my mind, I am very determined to see Senate Bill 134 pass through the Legislature and receive the governor’s signature. I believe a child deserves to be with his or her family, and it makes no difference if that child’s parent cannot see or hear, or if that parent has other disabilities. In most cases, a disability does not affect a person’s parenting capabilities, and in this legislation, assistive services would only be called to assist parents if needed. The bottom line is that a child would always remain with his or her parents.

In Mikeala’s parents’ case, they are completely capable for caring for their child, and their care-giving abilities are not compromised because of blindness. According to a statistic by ABC News, more than one million U.S. citizens are blind, many of whom are parents. These remarkable people simply practice some different methods of parenting, including using tools that produce sound, such as “talking” thermometers. I admire these parents for their courage and strength for overcoming challenges, and I am sure they are better parents because they bravely conquer these obstacles.

I believe that Senate Bill 134 would benefit and protect parents with disabilities, and I know families in Missouri will have a brighter and more secure future with this legislation enacted.

As always, if you have any questions regarding this issue or any other matter within state government, please visit my website at www.senate.mo.gov/rupp. Here, you can also subscribe to my RSS feed on the main page of my website; it will keep you up to date on all my columns, press releases, and multimedia postings. Always feel free to e-mail me or call my office toll-free at (866) 271-2844.

Munzlinger: Thank A Farmer Week

As we recognize this week as “Thank a Farmer Week,” I have some thoughts I want to share.

In rural Missouri, we sometimes take our lifestyle and abundances of material goods for granted. Our Heavenly Father provides many ways for us to provide for our families, neighbors, friends and community members. Just one of those is through farming and the lifestyle it allows. Many of us have chosen farming, as our fathers and grandfathers before us. However, what is different is that we now feed the world. We no longer farm to fill the shelves of the local grocery stores. Missouri’s agriculture industry is the largest revenue generator in our state.

As agriculture has grown, so has the number of decisions that have been taken from our control and placed in the hands of others. As your Missouri senator, I strive to protect and preserve the agriculture industry and our rural way of life. The family farm has been shrinking over the past few decades, but it is the small farms that continue to be the backbone of our state’s economy.

Among the highlights of my new job as Missouri senator is chairing the Senate Agriculture, Food Production and Outdoor Resources Committee. This committee hears all legislation that is related to the farming industry in Missouri, and my goal is to see to it that Missouri’s number-one industry is not
ignored. We have some great senators on this committee who feel as passionately about agriculture as I do, and I am confident we will work tirelessly on your
behalf.

So, as we dig out of one of the heaviest snows in state history, we look forward to another safe and profitable spring planting and fall harvesting. When folks buy their groceries, I hope they will stop for a moment and remember how the food got there in the first place. In the days to come, I hope you take the time to thank a farmer. I know I will.

Thoughts on the job MoDOT has done handling the weather? Contact them: (888) 275-6636.

Engler: Winter Weather Shuts Down Activity at the Capitol

This week, legislative work came to a halt with the arrival of a historic blizzard throughout Missouri. Even with the snow bringing an early end to the week, we were able to move several pieces of legislation through the process.

Senate Joint Resolution 9 was approved by the Committee on Financial and Governmental Organizations and Elections on Monday. I sponsored the resolution which, upon voter approval, would require voters to show valid, government-issued photo identification in order to cast their ballot. The committee also approved Senate Bill 3, which contains additional measures relating to the photo I.D. requirement.

On Tuesday, the Senate approved Senate Bill 11, which bans drivers of all ages from texting while driving. A bill we passed several years ago made it illegal for drivers 21 and under to text while driving. Extending the law to include all drivers makes sense, because it is just as dangerous whether you are 20 or 50.

According to a University of Utah study, using a cell phone while driving delays a driver’s reactions as much as having a blood alcohol concentration at the legal limit of .08 percent. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety found that drivers who use hand-held devices are four times as likely to get into crashes serious enough to injure themselves. These statistics illustrate the danger of texting while driving, and this is why the Senate moved to put this legislation banning it for all drivers into law. This legislation makes everyone “feel good” that we took action and it does make a good point about the importance of safety, but in reality, we already had laws on the books that would have allowed law enforcement to deal with this.

By the time we had voted on SB 11, the blizzard had arrived in Jefferson City. About 100 people spent the night in the Capitol rather than risking their lives on the roads. Many legislators used the time to get work done without interruption, and spent more time actually working in their offices than they have their entire legislative career. Personally, the 18 inches of snow did not cause too much of an issue for me, other than being snow bound in Jefferson City until Wednesday afternoon. Winston, however, had a difficult time treading through snow over his head and learning how to pee upwards.

We will return to our normal schedule on Monday. Senator Kevin Engler, signing off from Antarctica…

Photos of the Big Snow in Jefferson City

My intern this year from Missouri State University, Keaton Ashlock, is an impressive photographer. He found himself among the group of people stranded at the Capitol during the snow storm, but he managed to make the best of it and snapped some photos.

Click on the photo to view a larger image.






South Steps of Capitol – this turned out to be good sledding for the staffers stranded in the Capitol.


Looking east on Capitol Avenue. The Governor’s Gardens and Mansion is to the left, but are totally hidden by the snow.

Sater: Winter Road Conditions (Friday, February 4, 2011, 5:20 a.m.)

Community Relations, 888-ASK-MODOT, 888-275-6636 or 417-621-6500

I-44 from the OK state line to Springfield is partly covered.

US 71 from the Cass Co line to the Arkansas state line is mostly clear.

US 160 from the Kansas state line to Route 39, Dade County is partly covered, from Route 39 to the Greene county line is covered.

US 54 Kansas state line to Route 32, Cedar Co line is partly covered, from Route 32 to Hickory Co line is mostly clear.

US 60 OK state line to Route 37 in Barry Co is covered; Route 37 to the Christian Co line is partly covered.

MO 13 Henry Co line to Polk Co line is mostly clear.

MO 37 from Route 60, Barry Co., to AR state line is mostly clear.

All other state routes in the Southwest District should be considered snow covered, but plowed.

Crews continue to treat and clear roadways.

Additional information is available at http://www.modot.mo.gov/southwest/major_projects/Weather.htm or by calling 888-275-6636.

Stouffer: Missouri's Budget Presents Opportunity

When the governor presented his budget to the Missouri General Assembly last month, a lot of questions were left unanswered. One thing is certain: there are 280,000 Missourians unemployed right now and this must be the focus in 2011.

For the third year in a row, Missouri’s budget faces a shortfall. Depending on who you talk to, it is anywhere between $300 million and $700 million. We had so-called stimulus money as a part of the state budget for the past two years. Those funds are gone. Fortunately, we are one of only a handful of states in a solid financial position to weather the storm.

None of the three budgets this governor has submitted have been balanced; and projections for Fiscal Year 2012 are no different. This year’s budget hinges on $45 million in special legislation that will require passage. In addition, the governor’s proposal banks on $209 million in federal Medicaid reimbursements; $4.5 million from capping or cutting tax credit programs; $67.4 million from Medicaid cost containment; $25.6 million from debt collections by the Missouri Department of Revenue; and $20 million in a tax amnesty plan. I pray these all come together to work in our favor, but with $36 million in increased funding requested, it will be quite a challenge.

The Legislature is putting forward a plan to put Missouri back to work by getting out of the way. Preparing a skilled workforce through education is important, but we are also focused on reducing the size of government to appropriate levels. We want to cap franchise taxes, restore balance to Missouri’s employment laws and fix bad judicial decisions in the workers’ compensation system. If we can move forward on issues that help Missouri’s working families and those that employ them, prosperity will soon follow.

Sadly, the governor’s jobs bill from 2009 did not deliver. While it is good to see Ford keep its promise — and nearly 3,000 jobs in Missouri — that is a drop in the bucket compared to the 280,000 who are unemployed. Currently, one of every six Missourians is receiving food stamps; the number of Missourians who want to work full-time, but have to settle for part-time jobs, has doubled in the past two years; and the state has lost more than 104,000 jobs since June 2008.

We have a very tough job ahead of us in the Legislature and there is no simple solution. Cuts will have to be made everywhere. Our focus is on jobs and keeping education fully-funded. Over the next three months, we will be dealing with the budget for FY 2012.

In other Senate news, I would also like to let you know that my website now offers an RSS feed, which means the general public and the news media can get up-to-the-minute updates anytime we send out a new column, press release or updates our weekly audio. You can subscribe to this feed by going onto my Missouri Senate Web page: www.senate.mo.gov/Stouffer and clicking the orange icon at the top of the page.