Kraus: The Last Week

Completing the 2011 Session

Last week, the state budget consumed most of our time and energy. During a week of frantic activity, we passed the budget a day ahead of its constitutionally mandated deadline of May 6.

The last day of the 2011 session is Friday, May 13. The last week of session always generates another flurry of activity as legislators make a final push to get their legislation passed.

If not already passed in at least one chamber, the majority of legislation has little chance of making it through both chambers at this point. In addition, many bills have not yet made it out of committee. Therefore, legislators are watching closely to see if they can add their legislation as an amendment to a bill currently under consideration in the Senate or the House.

Senate Joint Resolution 2, passed on Tuesday, addressed one major issue left for lawmakers to approve during the last week of session. It allows enabling legislation for advance voting and photo ID for voting. This constitutional amendment, if approved by voters, would require a person to show a valid, government-issued photo ID to vote. The joint resolution would also allow early voting eleven days in advance of the election date. Final passage means that this issue goes directly to the voters. Earlier this week, we also passed enabling legislation that lists photo ID requirements, if SJR 2 is approved by voters. I am glad that we passed these measures that will allow Missouri voters to protect the voting process.

With less than two days left, several major legislative issues have yet to be settled. These are measures that would:

• Extend the sunset to fund the MoRx Program, which provides funds to low-income seniors to help purchase prescription medicine not covered by Medicare. While funds have been designated for this program, the sunset needs to be extended to use the funds.
  
• Establish a fix to the Second Injury Fund, which is going broke. If neither this fund nor MoRx are fixed in the regular session, there is a possibility that Gov. Nixon would call a special session in order to deal with these two issues.
  
• Spur economic development and address various tax credits. The combined House Bills 116 and 316, passed out of the Senate last week, remain in the House, where they have run into some opposition from House leadership. There has been some movement toward a compromise in the last day and I hope to see these measures passed this session.
  
• Change the date on which Missouri holds its presidential primary. Senate Bill 282 would change the primary election from the first Tuesday after the first Monday in February to the first Tuesday after the first Monday in March. This measure would allow Missouri’s delegates to be seated by both major parties at their conventions.
  

There’s still a full day of session left, and a lot can be accomplished before 6:00 p.m. on Friday. I look forward to that final day of activity.

Changes to Highway 50

Recently, several crossover vehicle collisions have occurred on US-50. The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) has a number of changes planned for US-50 Highway within Lee's Summit to improve safety, some of which have already been implemented.

Improvements include:

• Reduction of speed limits from 65 mph to 60 mph on Route 50 from Todd George Road to the Interstate 470 interchange.
  
• Designation of a stretch of the route from Route 291 north to the north side of the I-470 interchange as a Travel Safe Zone. The designation allows for increased enforcement to curb aggressive, distracted and careless driving, including speeding, failure to signal lane changes, following too close and failure to yield. Fines in the area are also doubled.
  
• Installation of guard cables along this same section to minimize the danger of crossover crashes.
  

All projects are expected to be complete by the end of May. These improvements are paid for with MoDOT dollars.

Welcome Visitors

Three schools from District 8 came to the Capitol this week to learn about state government - Lee’s Summit, Summit Pointe, and Woodland Elementary schools, all from Lee’s Summit. I was happy to be able to talk with some of their students.

Sater: Open house planned May 19 at Roaring River State Park

JEFFERSON CITY, MO., MAY 11, 2011 – The public is invited to bring their ideas to an open house on Thursday, May 19, at Roaring River State Park near Cassville. The open house will be held at 6 p.m. in the Emory Melton Inn and Conference Center (River View Room) and the public is invited to attend. The meeting with discuss ideas for both Roaring River State Park and Big Sugar Creek State Park near Pineville.

Recent accomplishments and future plans at the both parks will be highlighted at the open house. Accomplishments include remodeling the fourplex; the partial roof replacement at Camp Smokey; construction of the new Civilian Conservation Corps monument, and significant stewardship accomplishments. In addition, information will be presented on how the parks have and will continue to benefit from the efforts of the State Parks Youth Corps. Representatives from the Missouri Department of Conservation, which operates the hatchery, and MO PARKS Inc., which runs the park concessions, will also be on hand to share comments with the attendees. Visitors are welcome to ask questions or comment on the park’s facilities and services.

This open house is part of an ongoing effort to ensure the public has input on services provided in state parks and historic sites.

Roaring River State Park is located eight miles south of Cassville on Highway 112 in Barry County. People requiring special services or accommodations to attend the open house can make arrangements by calling the park directly at 417-847-2539 or by calling the Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf). For information about state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com.

Davis: Legislator of the Year

Rep. Charlie Davis honored with the Freshman Legislator of the Year Award

Jefferson City - To honor and recognize the efforts of Rep. Charlie Davis, R-128 of Webb City for his work this year on Protecting Personal Freedoms, Speaker of the Missouri House of Representatives Steven Tilley, R-Farmington, awarded him the Freshman Legislator of the Year Award for 2011.  "I firmly believe actions speak louder than words and as an elected official, those actions are crucial to the well-being of our constituents.  I commend Rep. Davis on his actions regarding the protecting of Missourians' personal freedoms showing firsthand that his actions demonstrate leadership for the people of his district," said Speaker Tilley.

Through his role as the Vice Chair of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs, Rep. Davis helped promote legislation that would protect and help those who protect and help the citizens of our state.

Rep. Davis sponsored House Resolution 33 to honor our fallen veterans with the Honor and Remember Flag.  He also co-sponsored legislation that helped our veterans by extending the Missouri Military Family Relief Fund.  Rep. Davis also served on Small Business, Utilities, and Tax Reform Committees.

"I believe we have accomplished a lot this year without taking away the personal freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution.  We also passed a difficult budget without raising the taxes on our citizens," said Rep. Davis; and "I look forward to next year's legislative session."

Neth: Photo ID Required for Voting

In the 2005 legislative session, Missouri passed into law the requirement that individuals present photographic identification when they vote in person [SB1014].  This was in response to the public perception that something odd had happened in St. Louis during the 2004 presidential election when it was noted that there were more individuals on the registered voting lists than there were people who actually lived there. In addition, there was a recent irregularity in a primary race in Jackson County.

Missouri Supreme Court said that this requirement was unconstitutional under state law, because voting is a fundamental right under our state constitution, and one or two named individuals in the case may have a hard time getting the photographic identification required to vote.  I agree that voting is a fundamental right. It should be protected to the fullest extent of the law. One way we can ensure the protections of an individual's right to vote is to make sure that everyone's vote counts equally. When individuals vote illegally, it reduces the value of the legally cast ballots.

I am an active member on the House Elections Committee which heard all the testimony on this subject. A common theme by those opposed to photo ID was that there are no cases that have ever been tried in regards to this type of voter fraud, thus there is no need for this measure. While there may be no formal cases that have been tried, there have been enough irregularities that requiring a photo ID is not onerous. Many things we do in our everyday life requires the use of a photo ID. I consider voting to be more important than any of these other things; I do not see why it should be exempted from such a requirement.

At the next statewide election in 2012, you will have the opportunity to vote on whether our state requires citizens to show a valid photo ID when they go to the polls.  It will appear on the ballot as a constitutional amendment [SJR2] that would allow early voting, and would grant the legislature the power to require voters to present photographic identification at the polls.  We did our best to prevent discrimination against those who are unable to acquire a photo ID due to a misplaced birth certificate or disability; moreover, if an individual cannot afford a photo ID, the state will pay the cost. I am proud to support this legislation that prevents illegal voters from watering down our system while protecting individuals who are having trouble acquiring an ID from being discriminated against.

I believe requiring identification protects those of us who vote legally from those that don't. Voting is our greatest privilege as Americans, which is why we are leaving it up to you to decide on the protections necessary to preserve the validity of this time honored duty.

Mayer: Lawmakers Support DESE's Decision to Forgive School Days for Flooded Districts

JEFFERSON CITY – School districts serving communities in Southeast Missouri impacted by massive flooding in recent weeks will not have to make up school days missed due to the flooding, according to information provided by the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). Senate Leader Robert N. Mayer, R-Dexter, and Reps. Todd Richardson, R-Poplar Bluff, and Kent Hampton, R-Malden, recently notified the department that they would support a decision to forgive school days in a number of schools in their districts.

"The intense weather conditions we experienced led to breached levees, covered roads, and destroyed property," said Mayer. "Many of my constituents have even been forced to evacuate their homes. In light of these extreme circumstances, I believe our local schools that were forced to close should not have to make up that lost time."

The lawmakers noted several schools in the districts they serve were forced to close due to severe flood conditions. They added that on April 25, the governor issued Executive Order 11-08, authorizing the National Guard to assist the state in providing relief to affected areas as a result of flash floods and other weather conditions.

The following list of schools requested the department authorize a reduction of the required number of hours and days their students must attend school this school year: Doniphan (6 days), Greenville R-2 (9 days), Naylor R-II (7 days), Neelyville (7 days), New Madrid (1 day), Poplar Bluff R-1 (7 days), Puxico R-III (9 days), and Twin Rivers R-X (9 days).

"The people of Butler County have suffered through some of the most severe weather in recent memory with thousands displaced from their homes," said Richardson. "The schools in our district have been out of session as a result and with the end of the school year drawing near, I believe it would place an undue burden on the district to make up those lost days. I am glad Commissioner Nicastro did the right thing for our area by forgiving the days lost due to the flooding."

"Our school districts have been put in a difficult situation because of the extreme weather conditions and we must do all we can to help them in this time of need," said Hampton. "It's in the best interest of the districts and the students to forgive these days. I appreciate the commissioner's quick action to resolve this issue."

Missouri has an inclement weather policy that has been in place since 2009 authorizing the department to make decisions regarding school attendance requirements in the face of inclement weather. Information regarding the state's school make up policy in regard to inclement weather can be found online here.

Sater: Department of Natural Resources issues waiver to aid in cleanup following major flooding in southern Missouri

JEFFERSON CITY, MO, MAY 10, 2011 – The Missouri Department of Natural Resources is waiving specific solid waste and air pollution regulations to give residents and communities affected by flooding in 19 southern Missouri counties additional flexibility in cleaning up.

The waiver applies to Barry, Butler, Cape Girardeau, Carter, Dunklin, Howell, McDonald, Mississippi, New Madrid, Ozark, Pemiscot, Reynolds, Ripley, St. Francois, Scott, Stoddard, Stone, Taney and Wayne counties.

The waiver will allow vegetative waste, such as brush and yard waste, which normally is excluded from permitted sanitary landfills, to be taken to such landfills if the landfill agrees to accept the waste. The department is encouraging residents to recycle appliances damaged in the storm, but in cases where it is impractical to separate the appliances from other storm debris, the department is also allowing these items to be taken to a landfill. Again, the landfill must be willing to accept the appliances.

The department is encouraging cities and counties to coordinate collection of damaged appliances so refrigerants can be legally recovered from air conditioners, freezers and refrigerators before recycling.

The department continues to strongly encourage, but not require, composting of vegetative waste where practical. The waiver applies only to yard waste and does not allow disposal of other items normally prohibited in sanitary or demolition landfills.

The waiver also allows for the burning of vegetative waste resulting from the storms as long as it is burned on the property where it originated. Community burn sites located within the corporate limits of any municipality must receive a permit from the department.

The burning of vegetative waste from the storms must be done at least 200 yards from the nearest occupied structure and be approved by local fire officials. The department is asking community officials to consider the 200-yard buffer as a minimum and to carefully select burn locations, taking local air quality, public health and safety, and other effects on neighborhoods into consideration.

The waiver shall be in effect until May 23 unless extended and can be found at http://www.dnr.mo.gov/Waiverflood5-10-2011.pdf

Fact sheets on proper disposal of storm debris and other related information are available on the department's website: dnr.mo.gov/disaster.htm.

Residents or businesses involved in storm debris cleanup should call the Department of Natural Resource's Southeast Regional Office at 573-840-9750 or the Southwest Regional Office at 417-891-4300 for additional information or clarification of the waiver.

Mayer: Counties in 25th District Receive Major Disaster Declaration

JEFFERSON CITY – Federal assistance will now be available to communities in certain counties within the 25^th Senatorial District, represented by Senate Leader Robert N. Mayer, R-Dexter. Butler and New Madrid are among five counties in Missouri to receive a major disaster declaration after severe storms in April and May caused devastating tornadoes and massive flooding in many parts of the state.

“It’s important that citizens in these affected areas know that help is available during a time when normalcy seems unattainable,” said Sen. Mayer. “Missourians who lost some of their most valuable possessions will be able to gather the pieces of their life back together with this federal assistance, and once again, feel at home in their community.”

Federal disaster aid is available to supplement state and local recovery efforts. The major disaster declaration, granted by President Obama on May 9, allows citizens in Butler and New Madrid counties to seek federal assistance for uninsured losses from the storms and flooding that have affected Missouri since April 19. Citizens can use the assistance for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the storm.

“I’m proud of the work first responders, officials and volunteers have done thus far in assisting those who have been victims of Missouri’s severe weather conditions,” said Sen. Mayer. “With this federal assistance, we will be able to do more to help our friends, families and neighbors begin to get back to their way of life.”

Individuals and businesses owners who sustained losses in Butler and New Madrid counties can begin applying for assistance today by registering online at www.disasterassistance.gov or call 1-800-621-FEMA (this toll-free number will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week until further notice).

Neth: FY 2012 Budget Update

An identical missive was sent by Rep. Bob Nance at 4:46 p.m., 10 May 2011.

FY 2012 MISSOURI GENERAL ASSEMBLY BUDGET

The Missouri General Assembly passed its budget last week granting approval to a $23.2 billion budget. This budget reflects the continuing commitment of the House Majority to pass a budget that's not only balanced, but sets aside $28 million in savings and continues to reflect the top priorities of the Missouri General Assembly.

States across this country are faced with budget shortfalls on an unprecedented scale. Tough decisions made in the past, and tougher decisions made during this budget process have led to a budget that House Majority members can point to as a roadmap for continued fiscal recovery. The General Assembly balanced this budget while being able to hold K-12 education harmless to the 2011 funding levels, instituting only modest reductions to our higher education institutions, protecting low income health care and maintaining funding for other vital state services such as correctional facilities and public safety.

Further state restructuring and program changes will be needed to move Missouri through this current financial crisis. Continuing work by the House Appropriations Committees and the Interim Committee on Budget Transparency will enable this process to remain fluid and provide vital knowledge necessary to make difficult fiscal decisions.

HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:

• Left more than $28 million on the balance sheet, a balanced budget that continues to meet the needs of all Missourians.
• Held funding for the Foundation Formula. In light of recent historical declines in state revenues, the General Assembly was able to again make education the #1 priority.
• Mitigated the Governor's reduction to Higher Education by appropriating $12 million more to institutions across the state.
• Rescued the Senior Missouri Rx Program from elimination in the Senate.
• Continued funding for Missouri's commitment to the production of alternative fuels. This aims to continue to move Missouri towards an economy less dependent on foreign oil.
• A budget of over $8.4 billion for the MO Healthnet program. This money will continue to fund access to healthcare for the neediest Missourians.
• Combined funding of over $40 million for job training, retention and development programs within the Department of Economic Development.
• $365k in cuts to the Missouri House of Representatives budget, further proof the House is taking the lead during this financial crisis.
• Reduced funding for Department Directors and Deputy Directors to a maximum level of $86,500, saving state taxpayers over one million dollars.
• Held the Governor accountable for his excessive use of the state plane by restricting expenses from other state departments.

EDUCATION

The General Assembly continues their strong commitment to public education. This budget is a clear reflection of how the General Assembly is prepared to support education in spite of the nation's economic downturn. Holding the Foundation Formula harmless during these challenging economic times further displays the commitment of the State Legislature to make education our number one priority. This year, total funding for the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education will exceed $5.2 billion.

Also included is the House's commitment to the state's higher education system. The General Assembly exceeded the Governor's funding levels for institutions by including a $12 million increase over the Governor's recommendation.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Over $3 billion for the School Foundation Formula. This completes the House's plan to fund both the FY 2011 and FY 2012 Foundation Formula at the same amount, mitigating wild funding disparities that would have occurred in the Governor's initial plan.
• $107.8 million for the school transportation program. Withholdings in the current year by the Governor continue to effect out-state school districts.
• $300,000 for a pilot St. Louis math and science tutoring program. This will provide outreach to kids in inner-City St. Louis, a district that continues to struggle with underperformance in these areas.
• $29.3 million for the High Need Fund. This reimburses school districts for the excess costs of educating children with disabilities.
• Provides an increase in the Early Childhood Special Education line of $9.5 million. The Missouri Supreme Court ruled that these services shall come at no cost to school districts, and we continue to meet this commitment.

Funding for education also includes:

• Over $16 million for the Parents as Teachers program.
• A modest 5.45% reduction to higher education institutions.
• An increase of one million dollars for the Bright Flight program. This will continue to ensure that our State's best and brightest stay in Missouri's higher education institutions.
• $7 million increase for the A+ Program. This will fully fund all eligible students.
• Continued funding of over $64.8 million for the Access Missouri Scholarship program. These successful scholarship programs will continue to allow Missouri students the ability to attend Missouri public and private institutions.

ACCESS TO HEALTH CARE

This budget provides access for low-income health care across the entire state of Missouri. With the state's new focus on early diagnosis and treatment, as well as prevention, we are moving in the right direction for the needy citizens in Missouri.

The Missouri HealthNet program will receive over $8.4 billion in funding, an increase of over $537 million. This continues to be the single largest program in the State of Missouri, and while the commitment of the House Majority to low-income health care cannot be debated, the staggering caseload increases and subsequent cost increases continue to put an enormous strain on state finances. With this trend, and the imminent enactment of Obamacare, the State of Missouri must continue to look for ways to manage our Medicaid system in the most efficient way possible.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Provides $152.5 million to continue the MO Healthnet programs as well as $95.8 million in caseload growth to accommodate the increases in the low income health care population. This continued growth, coupled with an impending federal health care mandate, will have serious consequences on future General Revenue outlays.
• Increased funding for the MO Healthnet/Mental Health Partnership which saves the state approximately $15 million per year on pharmaceutical costs.
• Over $58.8 million in funding to pay for increased mental health caseloads.

SENIOR CITIZENS

This year's budget continues to honor and assist our seniors by continuing our commitment to providing funding for nursing homes, in-home services, home delivered meals and the Missouri Senior Rx Program.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• $571 million for our State's nursing home industry.
• $581 million for in-home services. This funding ensures that seniors will be able to stay in their own homes with care.
• Approximately $37 million for non-emergency medical transportation.
• Increased funding of $942,000, totaling over $40.6 million for Area Agencies on Aging (AAA's). This will support continued congregate and home delivered meals.
• Rescued the MO Senior Rx Program from elimination in the Senate. This will benefit over 207,000 seniors in the state.

AGRICULTURE AND ENERGY

Missouri's primary industry is agriculture, and our state cannot meet the challenges of the competitive global economy without a healthy, vibrant agricultural system.

America uses foreign oil at an alarming rate. We must look to agriculture as a solution to this dependence. The Missouri House of Representatives is seeking innovative solutions to our energy issues through the promotion of biofuels. Research institutions statewide continue to develop new, innovative means to reduce our dependence on foreign oil.

This budget, as it affects agriculture, is forward-looking, as we continue our service to Missouri farmers, while realizing the potential of Missouri agribusiness in the new, global economy.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Continued funding of the biodiesel incentive fund totaling $11.9 million.
• Continued funding of the ethanol incentive fund totaling $8.9 million.
• $24 million in aid to private land owners for local soil and water conservation efforts.
• Added ten investigative staff for the purpose of animal health investigations throughout the state in response to concerns brought by Prop B.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

The Missouri economy-fueled by key budgetary and policy decisions passed by this General Assembly-is continuing to move in the right direction despite challenging economic times nationwide. Combined with the Quality Jobs Act, continued funding for job creation and incentives for innovation will be vital as we strive to climb out of this global financial recession.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• House funded over $2.1 million for innovation centers, the State MOFAST program and the Missouri Manufacturing Program. These programs will continue to assist businesses in job training/job retention programs throughout the State.
• Continued full funding for the Community College Jobs Retention Training ($10 million), Community College New Jobs Training ($16 million) and Jobs Development ($14.5 million) programs. Combined, these programs will continue to aid in statewide workforce development.

Tim Jones: Majority Minute: A Thank You

Thank you for receiving and reviewing The Majority Minute every Monday during our 2011 Regular Session.  I do hope you have found the information useful and helpful.  As we make a very quick sprint to the finish during this last week of Session.  I know that the days will be long and the tension thick but I am encouraged by the great amount of success that the House has enjoyed these past few months.  If I can ever be of any assistance, please do not hesitate to contact our office.  I wish you all a very relaxing, safe and enjoyable summer with your family and friends!

Mother's Day

I hope everyone had a Happy Mother's Day and enjoyed spending time with their families.  Thanks to all the Mothers out there for all that you have done.  A special thanks to all the special mothers in my life, my wife, Suzanne, my mom, JoAnn, my sister, Amy, my great grandmother, Helen, and all of my aunts and cousins who are all great moms.

Monday, May 9, 2011

Bills Completed Today Thus Far

These bills were third read and passed by the House today.  If the Senate decides to move quickly on these bills, they still can be passed by the General Assembly this week…

HCS SB 59, sponsored by Rep. John Diehl (R-87), was third read and passed.
HB 138, sponsored by Rep. Mike Thomson (R-4), was third read and passed.
HCS HBs 504, 505 & 874, sponsored by Rep. Ryan Silvey (R-38), was third read and passed.
HB 658, sponsored by Rep. Dave Schatz (R-111), was third read and passed.
HCS HB 732, sponsored by Rep. Ellen Brandom (R-160), was third read and passed.
HCS #2 SB 97, sponsored by Rep. Paul Fitzwater (R-152), was third read and passed.
SB 71, sponsored by Rep. Scott Largent (R-120), was third read and passed.
HCS SS SB 118, sponsored by Rep. David Sater (R-68), was third read and passed.
HCS SCS SB 29, sponsored by Rep. Caleb Jones (R-117).

TENTATIVE HOUSE SCHEDULE FOR THE REMAINING DAYS OF SESSION

The last few days of Session are frenetic to say the least.  The bills below are currently up for final consideration.  More legislation will move through the House this week than at any time during the Session.  Many of these bills have been debated several times by both the House and Senate and are finally up for final consideration.  To keep up to date on all the activity in the House this week, please feel free to visit www.house.mo.gov at any time!

House Concurrent Resolutions for Third Reading - Informal

HCR 38, sponsored by Rep. Mike Cierpiot (R-56).
HCR 28, sponsored by Rep. Jerry Nolte (R-33).
HCR 41, sponsored by Rep. Mark Parkinson (R-16).
HCR 48, sponsored by Rep. Dave Schatz (R-111).
HCR 33, sponsored by Rep. Lyle Rowland (R-143).

Senate Bills for Third Reading

HCS SB 207, sponsored by Rep. Darrell Pollock (R-146).
HCS SS SB 202, sponsored by Rep. Shane Schoeller (R-139).
SB 237, sponsored by Rep. Jay Barnes (R-114).
HCS SB 243, sponsored by Rep. Scott Dieckhaus (R-109).
HCS SB 250, sponsored by Rep. Rodney Schad (R-115).
HCS SCS SB 270, sponsored by Rep. Tony Dugger (R-144).
HCS SB 284, sponsored by Rep. David Sater (R-68).
SCS SB 323, sponsored by Rep. Sue Allen (R-92).
SB 38, sponsored by Rep. Chris Carter (D-61).
HCS SCS SB 60, sponsored by Rep. Stanley Cox (R-118).
SS SCS SB 65, a bill I sponsored.
HCS SB 90, sponsored by Rep. Eric Burlison (R-136).
HCS SS SCS SB 132, sponsored by Rep. Todd Richardson (R-154).
HCS#2 SCS SB 162, sponsored by Rep. Casey Guernsey (R-3).
SS SB 238, sponsored by Rep. Dave Hinson (R-98).
HCS SB 325, sponsored by Rep. Jason Smith (R-150).
HCS SS SCS SB 351, sponsored by Rep. Jay Barnes (R-114).
HCS SCS SB 356, sponsored by Rep. Tom Loehner (R-112).
HCS SS SB 360, sponsored by Rep. Zach Wyatt (R-2).
SS SCS SB 70, sponsored by Rep. Ward Franz (R-151).
HCS#2 SCS SB 117, sponsored by Rep. Thomas Flanigan (R-127).
HCS SB 180, sponsored by Rep. Noel Torpey (R-52).
HCS SS SCS SB 254, sponsored by Rep. Stanley Cox (R-118).

House Bills with Senate Amendments

SCS HB 798, HB 141, HB 153, HCS HB 363, HB 415 & HB 813, sponsored by Rep. Cloria Brown (85).
HCS HB 108, SCA 1 and SA 1, sponsored by Rep. Jason Smith (150).
SCS HB 307 & HB 812, sponsored by Rep. Chuck Gatschenberger (R-13).
SCS HB 388, sponsored by Rep. Eric Burlison (R-136).
SCS HCS HB 631, sponsored by Rep. Jeff Grisamore (R-47).
SCS HB 270, as amended, sponsored by Rep. Eric Burlison (R-136).
SCS HB 186, sponsored by Rep. Sue Entlicher (R-133).
SCS HB 149, sponsored by Rep. David Day (R-148).
SS SCS HCS HBs 73 & 74, sponsored by Rep. Ellen Brandom (R-160).
SCS HB 256, sponsored by Rep. Stanley Cox (R-118).
SCS HCS HB 214, sponsored by Rep. Anne Zerr (R-18).
SS SCS HB 137, sponsored by Rep. Mike Thomson (R-4).
SCS HCS HB 641, sponsored by Rep. Ward Franz (R-151).
HCS HB 197, SCA 1, sponsored by Rep. Tishaura Jones (D-63).
HB 340, SA 1, sponsored by Rep. Glen Klippenstein (R-5).
SCS HCS HB 250, sponsored by Rep. Stanley Cox (R-118).
SS HCS HB 338, sponsored by Rep. Darrell Pollock (R-146).
SCS HCS HB 578, sponsored by Rep. Mike Thomson (R-4).
SCS HB 737, sponsored by Rep. Craig Redmon (R-1).
SS SCS HB 282, sponsored by Rep. Ward Franz (R-151).

FY 2012 Budget Highlights

Left over $28 million on the balance sheet.
Held funding for the Foundation Formula harmless (education funding the first priority).
Appropriating $12 million more to Higher Education institutions across the state. Rescued the Senior Missouri Rx Program from elimination in the Senate.

Continued funding for production of alternative fuels to relieve dependency on foreign oil.
$8.4 billion for the MO Healthnet program to fund access to healthcare for the neediest Missourians.
$40 million for training, retention and development within the Dept. of Economic Development.
$365k in cuts to the Missouri House of Representatives budget.
Reduced Department Directors and Deputy Directors pay to a maximum level of $86,500, saving state taxpayers over $1.0 million.
Held the Governor accountable for his excessive use of the state plane by restricting expenses from other state departments.

Historical Veto Override

As many of you may know, after weeks of stalemate and tense negotiations, a valuable compromise was finally reached as both Chambers passed a final proposed map with overwhelming majorities in support.  This bill [HB193] was vetoed by the Governor.  Since the Governor decided not to heed the work of the Legislature, in order to prevent this issue from going to the Courts and being decided by unelected judges, the House and Senate voted to override the Governor's veto.  This is a serious matter that affects every single person in the State, hundreds of hours of time went into the process and the final product is a fair, compact, contiguous map that is good for all of the citizens of our State.  The override was the first successful veto override since 2003.  This is a difficult process in the House and requires bipartisan support for success.  To see an interactive map and/or hear an interview on the subject, visit http://house.mo.gov/largemap.aspx?map=3 or http://centralmoinfo.com/LEGISLATURE-OVERRIDES-VETO-ON-CONGRESSIONAL-REDIST/9767772.

If you ever have any questions about any legislation, feel free to contact my office at 573-751-0562.

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

Tim Jones.

Mayer: First Steps to Rebuilding, Flood Insurance Assistance, A Balanced Budget and Redistricting

As our communities begin to work to rebuild in the wake of historical floods and damage from severe storms, it is important the state brings the information they need directly to those who have been impacted. That is why I would like to remind families and businesses in the 25^th District and other areas in southeast Missouri who have been affected by the recent flooding to attend one of the many community response meetings scheduled to help individuals learn more about the resources, tools and services provided by the state that are available to assist them during this time. From providing unemployment and re-employment assistance and training for displaced workers to receiving drinking water, temporary housing and food assistance, these meetings are designed to help citizens get back on their feet. I understand these meetings are not an overnight remedy, but they will provide much-needed assistance to those who have been affected by one of Mother Nature’s most devastating occurrences. Leaders from various state agencies, as well as county and federal officials, will be available after the meeting to visit with citizens. Here’s the full list of meeting scheduled for this week:

Tuesday, May 10 9 a.m. – Noon Poplar Bluff High School (1300 Victory Ln.) For residents of Butler, Iron, Madison, Ripley, Stoddard and Wayne counties 3 p.m. – 6 p.m. Sikeston 5th & 6th Grade Center (100 Twitty Dr.) For residents of Bollinger, Cape Girardeau, Scott and Stoddard counties.

Wednesday, May 11 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. Charleston High School (606. S. Thorn St.) For residents of Mississippi County 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. New Madrid Central High School (310 US Hwy 61) For residents of New Madrid and Stoddard counties 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Caruthersville Middle School (1705 Ward Ave.) For residents of Dunklin and Pemiscot counties

Another tool that may help citizens in affected areas is a website developed by the Missouri Department of Insurance. The website helps citizens file their insurance claims for their recent flood damage. For those Missourians who have flood insurance coverage on their homes, cars or crops, this site will help provide answers to many of the questions you may have. It is a great resource for flood victims - from contact information for your flood insurance agent, to learning how to watch out for unscrupulous contractors - this website provides a wealth of information. You can visit the Department of Insurance’s website for flood victims at insurance.mo.gov/consumer/weather/floodresources.htm or call (800) 726-7390.

There is also assistance available for those Missourians who do not have flood insurance. Unfortunately, most home and renters’ insurance policies do not cover flood damage. But you may be eligible for financial assistance and there are many organizations available to help citizens who fall under this umbrella. Missourians can call the United Way’s 2-1-1 hotline 24 hours a day, seven days a week to connect to a variety of resources. You can also contact the American Red Cross Southeast Missouri Chapter at (800) 733-2767 for Red Cross services or (800) 526-1417 for their National Disaster Center.

In Jefferson City last week, we met our Constitutional deadline and approved funding to run the critical functions of state government without a tax increase. We sent the governor the 13 budget bills totaling $23.2 billion for the fiscal year beginning July 1. The bills include a $13.5 million net reduction in general revenue spending from the budget the governor proposed. Although we worked with the same revenue estimates as the governor, we were able to identify $22 million in restorations to K-12 and higher education, including $12 million for Missouri’s two- and four-year colleges and universities and $10 million for Missouri’s K-12 transportation needs. These actions mean universities and colleges will work to reduce out-of-pocket expenses for our college students and their families and our K-12 will not have to raid other funding sources to afford busing costs for students. We also voted to maintain the school funding formula at its current level.

An update to last week’s news about having fulfilled our constitutional duty of crafting a fair and equitable map when it comes to Missourians’ representation in the U.S. Congress. Last Saturday, the governor vetoed that map. On Wednesday the House and Senate both successfully voted to override the governor’s veto, meaning the map drawn by the Conference Committee Report for House Bill 193 will be Missouri’s new Congressional districts. We believe the map, that both Republicans and Democrats voted to support, reflects the best interests of all Missourians.

I will continue to keep you apprised of issues important to the people of the 25^th Senatorial District and all Missourians. Please feel free to contact me throughout the year with any comments or questions using the information listed below and on my website at www.senate.mo.gov/mayer.

Nance: Reflections Upon Overriding Governor's Veto

Last week was extremely busy with the budget being passed by the May 6^th deadline. There is only one week left in the regular session for 2011. I will forward some points of interest on the budget tomorrow.

House Bills Truly Agreed and Finally Passed

• HBs1-13, which make up the approximately $23.2 billion FY2012 Operating Budget.
• HBs 17, 18, 21 & 22, which would appropriate money for various capital improvement projects.
• HB 190 would authorize divisions within the Department of Natural Resources to receive funds to be placed in a revolving fund for the purpose of cash transactions involving the sale of items made by the divisions.
• HB 315, which would combine and modify the provisions of the Revised Statutes of Missouri that have been enacted in more than one bill so that there is only one version of a statute.
• HB 83, which would specify that an agreement to operate or share an automated teller machine cannot prohibit the owner or operator of the machine from imposing an access fee or surcharge on foreign bank transactions.
• HB 109, which would repeal the provisions allowing the State Treasurer to invest in any linked deposit for specified purposes only for certain time periods
• SB 101 which was a duplicate of my House bill, creates requirements for contractors who perform home exterior and roof work after a storm and when insurance is involved.
• The House also voted to override the governor’s veto of HB 193, which would change the composition of Congressional districts based on the 2010 census.
  
  After much consternation and yes prayer, I voted to override the governor’s veto of the legislature’s redistricting plan. My decision was a difficult one. I fought the redistricting maps throughout the entire process. I do, however, recognize it is the General Assembly’s job to pass redistricting and I believe that turning the process over to the courts would have resulted in an outcome that would not favor any of rural Missouri.
  
  While the Senate had enough Republican members to override the Governor’s veto without Democrats, the House relied on bi-partisan support of the legislative plan to overcome the Governor’s veto.
  
  Ray County has been a democratic stronghold for over a century and the committee responsible for the map would not put it in a republican district regardless of my argument for rural versus urban differences. The courts are not accountable to anyone. I seriously doubt that relinquishing our responsibility would have resulted in a different outcome with the voting history of the rural areas affected and had a real potential to hurt the state overall.

Dates of interest

May 13-Session ends
July 14-Deadline for the governor to sign bills
September 14-Veto session begins

Hoskins: The Last Week Is The Busiest

This begins the final week in this legislative session. I can tell you in all honesty, the last week is the busiest.

Legislative Update

Several key legislative accomplishments last week included an historic veto override and final approval of the appropriations bills for next year’s budget. I’ll also cover a couple of other issues in this week’s report.

Congressional Redistricting

Congressional redistricting has been highly controversial, to put it mildly. In fact, this has been so controversial that Governor Nixon vetoed HB 193, the map approved by the House and Senate. Since the legislature is still in session, then both bodies had the opportunity to override the governor’s veto before this session adjourns, which we did on Wednesday. Prior to this, the last time a veto was overridden was in 2003 so you see it is not a process taken lightly.

Although not support by Governor Nixon, this map was supported by eight of the nine current congressmen and women and by both Republicans and Democrats in the General Assembly. The map we passed was clearly supported by both sides of the aisle. Overriding a veto requires a 2/3 majority in both chambers. In the House, that equates to 109 of 163 members in the Missouri House. As there are only 105 Republicans in the House this session, Democrats have to join in for a veto override to be successful. Not to be repetitive, but this was truly a bi-partisan effort.

I’ve covered the topic of Congressional redistricting in several previous Capitol Reports so I trust this is the final report to you on this topic. Besides Missouri losing a vote in the Electoral College, the importance of Congressional redistricting can have a significant impact on the accessibility to federal funding for our state. All over Johnson County, we are reminded everyday of the importance of federal defense funding to our communities. We also need to remember the impacts of other federal funding including education and transportation.

Here’s a link to the approved version of the new congressional map:
http://kc.citizen-publications.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/missouri-redistricting-map.jpg

Budget

By our state constitution, the legislature has a deadline for completing work on the next year’s budget. This year’s deadline was May 6, 2011 and we finished the budget on May 5th. It made for some long days but we were successful. In spite of revenue limitations, we have submitted a good budget to Governor Nixon that takes a common-sense, family-style approach to budgeting – only spending the money that we actually have.

The Missouri Constitution requires our state to operate with a balanced budget. It’s irresponsible to budget on the backs of our children, and we would never allow that to happen in our state. As a result, we did everything we could to fund the vital needs of our state without raising taxes. With our current economic climate, it was challenging to draft a budget that would meet the state’s needs. Not only were we able to pass a budget without new job-killing taxes, but we were able to craft a plan in line with our session-long goal of creating new jobs for Missourians.

I am proud to announce that even though our State’s revenue picture continues to be grim, we were able to hold the line on our foundation formula education funding. Our local school districts will continue to be funded according to the formula. Last year we were forced to make some cuts to school bus transportation funds. This year, we were able to put some of that money back in the budget, helping our schools deal with the rising price of gasoline and diesel.

Higher Education is a little different story. Though the original budget recommended a 7% overall cut to funding, in our final budget we were able to increase our original amount by $13,000,000, which resulted in a smaller 5.5% cut. This increase from our original number for the year should help our universities, including UCM, continue to operate at a high level despite the poor economic conditions in our state.

Our budget also contains incentives to help small-businesses develop, grow, and hopefully hire new workers in our state. This session we have tried to do everything in our power to help turn around this economy, and this approach is also reflected in the budget that we passed.

In additional, we were able to preserve Missouri Rx. This is a program that helps thousands of Missouri seniors with their prescription medications. We had to find money that was previously used in other parts of the budget, but with a little creativity and ingenuity, we were able to cobble together funds from different areas to ensure that these prescription drug benefits would remain.

The state budget is roughly $23 billion and there are many other programs that lost or gained funding. I have just included some of the highlights. Please feel free to contact me if you would like to discuss other aspects of the budget in addition to the limited high points that I covered here.

Voter Identification

In the 2005 legislative session, Missouri passed into law the requirement that individuals present photographic identification when they vote in person. This was in response to the public perception to irregularities in St. Louis and in several counties during the 2004 presidential election. After the election was over, it seems more individuals voted than the number of people who actually lived there.

The Missouri Supreme Court said that this requirement was unconstitutional under state law, because voting is a fundamental right under our state constitution, and one or two named individuals in the case may have a hard time getting the photographic identification required to vote.

Yes, voting is a fundamental right. It should be protected to the fullest extent of the law. One way to protect the right to vote is to make sure that everyone’s vote counts equally. When individuals vote illegally, it reduces the value of the legally cast ballots. I see this voting identification measure as being designed to protect Missourian’s fundamental right to vote. Because the Missouri Supreme Court disagrees, we’re going to poll the people.

At the next statewide election, you will have the opportunity to vote on SJR 2. This is an amendment to our state constitution that would allow early voting, and also would grant the legislature the power to specifically require voters to present photographic identification at the polls. We think requiring identification protects those of us who vote legally from those that don’t. On this issue, you get to decide. I hope that you’ll choose to protect our right to vote by amending our constitution to allow us to require photographic identification for voting.

Visitors to the Capitol

The highlight of this week’s visitors was a group of Whiteman and UCM spouses. The trip was hosted by the Warrensburg Chamber of Commerce. For many of the spouses, this was their first visit to our state capitol. Several made comments about the beautiful artwork in our capitol, especially in comparison to other states where they have lived or visited. Tammy Long planned a great day ending with a trip to Central Dairy, a true Jefferson City landmark. I am hopeful that some of these spouses will return with their families to the Capitol (and Central Dairy) in the future. Whenever you’re in the Capitol, I hope you’ll stop by to say hello, too.

Special Visitor to Missouri

Last Friday evening, it was my pleasure to attend the UCM commencement to see 272 graduates of the Class of 2011 complete this stage of their formal education with their graduate degrees. Former President Bill Clinton made this an especially memorable event for these graduates as their commencement speaker. This is the first time a President has been to Warrensburg since Harry Truman. UCM has been especially innovative in efforts to enhance renewable energy, which is what brought President Clinton to our campus. We may not share political beliefs but it was my pleasure to be in the presence of an American President.

Ways to Keep in Contact

I consider communication with my constituents a high priority. My weekly Monday morning chat at 8:45 a.m. with Woody at KOKO Radio on AM 1450 is one of the best ways I’ve found for you to literally “hear” from me. Tune in every Monday morning at 8:45 to hear the latest concerning District 121.

Please share this report with anyone you feel would be interested in this information. As the Legislature will not be in session, it will be two weeks before my next Capitol Report. It is genuinely a privilege to serve as your state representative.