Lichtenegger: Update Regarding Special & Veto Sessions

Special Session currently is planned for September 6 -9. The purpose of the special session, which was called by Governor Nixon, will be to pass a number of important bills. Most importantly, the legislature will consider a major job creation proposal that will help revamp our state’s economic incentives and create tens of thousands of new, family-supporting jobs. The bill, which has received broad support from both Democrats and Republicans in the House of Representatives and the Senate, will be an important step in getting Missouri’s economy moving again. The major provisions of the innovative jobs package are incentives that will help create high-tech jobs, attract amateur sporting events, spur the creation of data centers throughout the state, and bring tens of thousands of new jobs to the state by making the St. Louis Airport an international cargo hub for trade.

In addition to creating these new incentives, the state will overhaul the existing incentive programs that we currently use. These changes could create a savings over 1.5 billion dollars over the next fifteen years that can be used for other important priorities such as education. The jobs package will also create new accountability measures that will include periodic review of these programs and sunset dates that will end the programs if not renewed by the legislature.

While this major jobs package will help jumpstart our state’s economy and create the kind of jobs our state so desperately needs right now, we will also consider a number of other important bills during the special session.

The following is the list of what will take place here at the Capitol during those dates:

• Tuesday, September 6: TECHNICAL DAY ONLY. There will be no Committee meetings or House floor activity on these dates. The following House Bills will be filed and First Read: The first three are House Bills: 1) St. Louis City Police Department Local Control, 2) Election Law issues (to address the issues in the Election Law bill that the Governor vetoed), and 3) Tax Amnesty. The fourth bill will be the omnibus Tax Credit Reform/Economic Development/Job Creation bill that we understand will be filed in the Senate.
  
• Wednesday, September 7: TECHNICAL DAY ONLY. The three afore-mentioned House Bills will be Second Read and referred to the following committees: 1) Local Control to Urban Affairs, 2) Election Law Issues to Elections and 3) Tax Amnesty to Ways & Means.
  
• Thursday, September 8: COMMITTTEE MEETINGS. The three afore-mentioned committees will meet to review the bills described and will most likely “Do Pass” (vote) them out of the committees to which they were assigned. Additionally, it is anticipated that if/when these bills are voted out of the Committees, they will be immediately referred to the Rules Committee for further action.
  
• Friday, September 9: FLOOR DEBATE. Perfection and Third Reading of the three afore-mentioned bills is scheduled for this day. All members of the House should be in attendance.
  

Because of the overwhelming support that the three afore-mentioned House bills had during the Regular Session, the House leadership has informed the Senate that they expect to send them the three House Bills by Friday, September 9^th. Based upon our discussions and agreements reached with Senate leadership, we have been told to expect to receive the Senate’s Tax Credit Reform/Economic Development/Job Creation bill by the close of the House Journal (recorded minutes of House proceedings) on Friday, September 9^th.

The Missouri Constitution requires that, each year, the legislature convene a ‘Veto Session’ in September. The purpose of the session is for the legislature to consider overriding any bills that were vetoed by the Governor. However, there has been no announcement of any planned overrides.

Constituent Corner

I want you updated regarding the state’s Medicaid home health care assessments. The August 31 meeting between the House Budget Transparency Committee and the Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) regarding the SynCare debacle revealed a variety of facts and underlying issues. The MO House legislators will continue to hold DHSS and the Office of Administration (OA-who processes the bid contracts) responsible for ensuring that seniors and disabled Missourians receive needed home care. Many components of the May 19 transition to the third party home health care assessments were revealed during the two-hour meeting. But before I list some of those, I want you to know the public statement release this morning by DHSS Director Margaret Donnelly:

“Effective immediately, the Department of Health and Senior Services will begin to transition the duties previously performed by SynCare to DHSS. It is clear that the company is not able to meet the terms and conditions of their contract. The Department remains committed to ensuring that Missourians receive the services they need in a timely and efficient manner.”

Listed below are several facts that emerged during the August 31 meeting:

• The initial reason for the department switching to a third party assessor was a perceived conflict of interest, a desire for consistency in assessments and the estimated savings for the state of $3.5 million / year.
  
• DHSS has been paying SynCare 50% of the total monthly service invoice (according to the contract) and recently hired temporary staff and re-directed other DHSS staff persons to conduct needed assessments.
  
• DHSS has yet to collect any of the $5,000 per month penalty from SynCare for not completing 95% of reassessments within the contractual timeframe. SynCare was apparently not able to meet this timeframe due to the non-functioning web-tool software used to process and communicates assessments. The software is a new, untried electronic system. This allegedly contributed to the back log of information.
  
• The state’s bid process-conducted by the Office of Administration- returned 11 bids from companies none of which had experience in third party home-health care assessments! The $6.8 SynCare contract was awarded primarily because they were the lowest bidder.
  
• DHSS announced a new bid because the old bid produced responses that indicated a need for different regulation requirements for the call center.
  

There are many more bits of information associated with this situation, much of which is complex and involved, please call my office if you have questions or need clarification.

Nance: Job-Creation Priorities Dominate Special Session, Beach At Watkins Mill Still Closed

Throughout this year’s legislative session, the legislature worked together to craft a major job creation bill that would help give our economy a boost. Unfortunately, on the final day, the efforts came up just short.

Throughout the summer months, leadership from both bodies continued working to forge a compromise. In July, an agreement was reached on a monumental jobs bill that will overhaul our state’s job creation incentives and help attract 21st century employers to our state.

The compromise includes incentives to add high-tech jobs, expand job creation and job retention incentives, and open the state’s products to international markets. This package will create various programs that will bring new jobs to Missouri in the fields of science and technology, innovation, construction, and administration. It is estimated that these incentives will create thousands of new Missouri jobs.

To pass this important legislation, the General Assembly must return for a special session next week..

The Governor’s call specifies a number of job-creation priorities the General Assembly will consider during the special session, including:

• Enacting the Missouri Science and Innovation Reinvestment Act (MOSIRA) to encourage the growth of science and innovation businesses in the state;
  
• Enacting the Compete Missouri Initiative to provide additional incentives and benefits to attract and retain businesses, to streamline and update Missouri’s training programs, and to increase the efficiencies of the state’s business development incentives;
  
• Enacting legislation to increase exports and foreign trade through the development of an international air cargo hub at Lambert-St. Louis International Airport – a project with the potential to create thousands of construction jobs, and thousands of additional jobs once the hub is operational; and
  
• Enacting legislation to help construct and develop high-tech data centers.
  

In his call, Gov. Nixon also asked the General Assembly to take up three additional proposals during the session:

• Enacting legislation moving Missouri’s Presidential primary to the first Tuesday after the first Monday in March of each Presidential election year;
  
• Enacting legislation authorizing the transition of governing the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department from a board of police commissioners to the City of St. Louis; and
  
• Authorizing tax credits to help attract amateur sporting events to Missouri.
  

In The District

I attended an event a STEM education event on August 18, co-hosted by Bayer Corporation and the Kansas City Area Life Sciences Institute. Nicole (Riley) Riegel, Project Manager for the Kansas City Science Initiative (KCSI), was recognized for her work with Kindergarten through 8^th Grade systemic science education reform program initiated by Bayer Corporation in 2003.

I attended the Tri-County Gala on the 22^nd and ESHS principal Dr. Chris Lake received the ”Volunteer of the Year Award”.

Congressman Sam Graves was in the district for a meet and greet at the “Blue Moon” banquet facility on the 24^th.

Governor Nixon met Clay County Representatives at the Continental Disc Company in Liberty on the 25^th to announce an increase of employment of 10% at the facility. They sell their product internationally.

Also, the beach at Watkins Mill State Park is still closed.

Denison: Other Issues For Discussion In Special Session, Disaster Funding Not One Of Them

“Success in life is a matter not so much of talent or opportunity as of concentration and perseverance.” – C.W. Wendte

Other Issues To Be Addressed During Special Session

While the jobs bill is the most important issue we will address during the special session, it is not the only item we will discuss. Also on the agenda for the legislature is a plan to increase the efficiency of the collections operations of the Missouri Department of Revenue. In addition, we will discuss the creation of a tax amnesty period that would allow Missourians to pay delinquent taxes without owing penalties or interest. By offering a clean slate to taxpayers who have fallen behind, we believe we can generate in excess of $70 million in tax revenue.

Also on the agenda is a piece of legislation that would move the presidential primary to the first Tuesday after the first Monday in March of each presidential election year. For the 2012 presidential primary the change would move the date from February 7 to March 6. The change is necessary to comply with the rules of both the national Republican and Democratic parties. During the regular session, we approved Senate Bill 282 to make the change but the governor vetoed the bill because of other provisions contained in the legislation. Now during special session we will take up this issue again with the intent of passing legislation to make this important change.

Another issue that will be addressed in the coming weeks deals with control of the St. Louis Police Department. Currently the department is under the control of the state through a board of police commissioners appointed by the governor. The legislation we will consider would move control of the department to the City of St. Louis.

Disaster Relief Funding Not Included In Governor’s Call

One issue that won’t be discussed during the special session is how to pay for the billions of dollars in damages that were caused by the severe weather that has ravaged the state this year. While it was originally part of the governor’s plan to include this important topic, the fact that we still don’t know the full extent of the damage makes it extremely difficult to determine the best way to fund our recovery obligations. The chairman of the House Disaster Recovery Committee agreed with the governor’s decision and said it makes sense to slow the process down until we have more detailed cost figures. We hope to have those soon and when we do we will take quick action to help out all those in need – the families in Joplin who are recovering from the tornado that destroyed much of the city in May as well as those who were impacted by tornadoes in Sedalia and St. Louis County and the many Missourians in Northwest and Southeast Missouri who have suffered heavy losses due to flooding. We stand ready to honor our commitment to the communities of Missouri who need our assistance to recover and rebuild.

Interim Office Hours

Interim office hours are Tuesday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Normal schedule will resume December 1, 2011. If you need to call me at home, my number is 417-887-3353.

I look forward to hearing from you. If you ever have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact my office. Best wishes.

Kelley: Auditor Lawsuit Talking Points

1. August 26^th 2011 State Auditor Tom Schweich filed a lawsuit against Governor Nixon for violating the constitution with the withholding of over $170 million appropriated by the Legislature.
   
2. The Constitution allows the Governor to withhold money when revenues are below projections. In this case, the Governor announced his withholdings in June before the fiscal year had even started.
   
3. Withholding when revenues are up is a violation of the separation of powers set up in the Missouri Constitution. The Legislature has the power to appropriate money, not the Governor.
   
4. The Governor withheld money from the Republican controlled legislature and the Republican State Auditor’s office but left his own budget alone as well as all other Democrat statewide officials.
   
5. The withholds were made from appropriated funds for: Parents as Teachers, Bright Flight Scholarships, Medicaid, community colleges and state universities, veterinary student loans, the Missouri Film Office, community intervention programs, Area Agencies on Aging (funding partially restored), domestic violence grants (funding partially restored), children's treatment services, the judiciary, trade zone facilities, regional port authorities, math and science tutoring, the Scholars and Fine Arts Academy, the Missouri Lottery, the Missouri Department of Transportation, the Missouri Federal and State Technology Partnership Program (MOFAST), MOHELA Projects, the Missouri State Penitentiary (MSP) Remediation, marine maintenance facility, civil detention and legal fees, Alzheimer's grants, Access Missouri Scholarship, crisis care services (funding partially restored), the Missouri Research and Education Network (MOREnet), the Office of Child Advocate, Boonville Readiness Center, community development corporations, transportation, early grade literacy, industry training, local air pollution control, eating disorders staff & expenses, mediation and firefighter training.
   

Tilley: Special, Veto Sessions Await

The Missouri Constitution requires that, each year, the legislature convene a ‘Veto Session’ in September. The purpose of the session is for the legislature to consider overriding any bills that were vetoed by the Governor. However, this year will be unlike any other veto session as the legislature will also return to hold a special session concurrent with this year’s veto session.

The purpose of the special session, which was called by Governor Nixon, will be to pass a number of important bills. Most importantly, though, the legislature will consider a major job creation proposal that will help revamp our state’s economic incentives and create tens of thousands of new, family-supporting jobs.

The bill, which has received broad support from both Democrats and Republicans in the House of Representatives and the Senate, will be an important step in getting Missouri’s economy moving again. The major provisions of the innovative jobs package are incentives that will help create high-tech jobs, attract amateur sporting events, spur the creation of data centers throughout the state, and bring tens of thousands of new jobs to the state by making the St. Louis Airport an international cargo hub for trade.

In addition to creating these new incentives, the state will overhaul the existing incentive programs that we currently use. These changes could create a savings over 1.5 billion dollars over the next fifteen years that can be used for other important priorities such as education. The jobs package will also create new accountability measures that will include periodic review of these programs and sunset dates that will end the programs if not renewed by the legislature.

While this major jobs package will help jumpstart our state’s economy and create the kind of jobs our state so desperately needs right now, we will also consider a number of other important bills during the special session. The bills will:

• Change the date of Missouri’s Presidential Primary in 2012 to comply with rules established by the national parties to ensure our state does not lose delegate representation at the nominating conventions
• Create a tax amnesty program that allows forgiveness of penalties on delinquent taxes in exchange for paying all back taxes and remaining up-to-date on taxes in the future
• End state control of the St. Louis Police Department that began during the Civil War by returning it to the City of St. Louis

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{dot}tilley{at}house{dot}mo{dot}gov or write to me at the Missouri House of Representatives, State Capitol, Room 308, Jefferson City, MO 65101.

Tim Jones: St. Louis RCGA Honors for Leadership, Economic Development Efforts

St. Louis, Missouri – The St. Louis Regional Chamber and Growth Association (RCGA), one of Missouri’s top organizations devoted to economic and commercial progress, has named Rep. Tim Jones, R-Eureka, as a recipient of the Lewis and Clark Statesman Award.

“I am honored to have received this award. One of my priorities is to create an environment that will allow Missouri’s economy to thrive,” said Rep. Jones. “With the economy in the state it is today, it is important that my colleagues and I do all that we can to retain and create more jobs for Missourians. The spirit of this region, exemplified in the leadership of the men and women who work so diligently for it every day, ensures that there will be a brighter and more prosperous tomorrow, for the great State of Missouri and our entire region.”

The RCGA bestows the Lewis and Clark Statesman Award annually to lawmakers who have demonstrated leadership and continued to promote economic development for their district by working to improve business environments, create new trade and industry development tools and expand proven programs.

Rep. Jones, along with a select group of Legislators from both Illinois and Missouri, received the Lewis and Clark Statesman Award on August 29th during the RCGA’s annual reception in downtown St. Louis.

Ridgeway: Special Session Called: Tax Credit Performance Review

In past writings and speeches I have referred to myself as a recovering tax credit addict. The description is still accurate today. Missouri has over sixty different tax credit programs that represent a large portion of our state budget although it does not show up as a line item anywhere.

As a fiscal conservative, I originally found the concept of tax credits extremely appealing. After all, how could keeping money out of the hands of government and putting it in the hands of private citizens not be a win-win situation? As it turns out, not only are we still picking winners and losers through the legislative process, but in some cases we are getting a terrible return on the taxpayers’ money.

The original concept of tax credits was to divert money that would normally come into the state to private entities or individuals who would use it as seed money to create jobs. Like anything conceived in the halls of government, the idea morphed into a wide range of projects, some of which did nothing to create jobs and cost more than they returned.

Now we are on the verge of convening in a Special Session to address the ongoing issue of tax credits again. The basic idea is to eliminate or reduce some credits that are not providing a reasonable return and implement or amend programs that will. My personal belief is that government needs to get out of the business of picking winners and losers and return to a level playing field where market forces and consumers make such decisions. As we undertake this process, we need to remember government’s track record for creating jobs, especially when we look at tax credits associated with a land assemblage project in St. Louis.

Passed in 2007, the legislation allowed for tax credits to be issued essentially for one developer to purchase land for the purpose of development. While the cost of the land did not qualify for tax credits, the interest, maintenance, and taxes did. To date, the project has not taken off although the taxpayers of our state are on the hook for in excess of $25 million. Paying interest and taxes do not create jobs. Directing such a significant amount of resources to one project is risky and has not provided a substantive return, if any at all.

The governor has set September 6^th, 2011, as the first day of special session. We need to stay focused on what most of us promised when originally running for office: getting the most value for the taxpayers’ dollars while emphasizing free enterprise rather than expanded government. Nothing less will do.

Stouffer: Auditor vs. Governor on Managing State Finances

Budgets and Withholds: Show Me the Money

The state auditor has been looking into withholds the governor has been making in Missouri’s budget, and has found some troubling results. To understand what this means, it is important to know the history of why governors withhold funds in our state and the division of powers between the branches of government.

So far, the governor has withheld $170 million from the state’s Fiscal Year 2012 budget. The budget year started on July 1, 2011, and will end on June 30, 2012. A number of withholds were made when the governor signed the budget bills back in June, several weeks before the 2012 fiscal year even began. These withholds keep us from spending more money than we bring in — a unique concept in state government as compared to those in Washington, D.C. — because we have to have a balanced budget.

In his report, the auditor studied the accounting and legal basis for withholding $170 million from the Fiscal Year 2012 budget. Most of this funding came from education, senior health programs and children’s services. The audit found nothing in the Missouri Constitution to justify withholding this money. It is the Legislature’s job to have the final decision on where funds should be spent if adequate funds are on hand.

The governor says the money needed to be withheld because of the cost of cleanup in Joplin, after the deadly tornado that tore through that community in May. No one is questioning the severity of the damage and lives lost, but there are other ways to fund emergencies, without ignoring the normal process to handle the state’s spending.

The state constitution clearly states that the governor is allowed to make withholdings if revenues fall short of what was projected by the Legislature. However, the state budget director could not come up with any justification for withholding the $170 million. Moreover, the withholdings came nearly a month before the start of the current fiscal year. Since paying for disaster clean up can take years, there is plenty of time to assess what is needed, without trimming money now.

When actual revenues are less than revenue estimates, the state constitution allows withholding money, but not for unappropriated costs related to disasters. But, there are ways to pay for disasters without moving money around. For instance, there was a $159 million surplus in Fiscal Year 2011. Tapping into the Rainy Day Fund is also an option; it was designed specifically for this purpose.

The state auditor’s findings are very complete and very thorough. I hope folks will look at them and pay close attention. We do not want to set a precedent where any governor, in the future, negates the work of the Missouri General Assembly, for whatever reason. If that becomes the case, why even have a Legislature? You can read the full audit by clicking here.

Some of these questions will likely be asked during the upcoming special session. My hope is that lawmakers will take a serious look at what is happening, especially given the budget for the next fiscal year. We must continue to make the tough decisions, and I will continue to serve as a fiscally conservative watchdog of your taxpayer dollars.

Allen: Budget Transparency Committee, Upcoming Veterans Rally

Budget Transparency Committee

The House Interim Committee on Budget Transparency held its first hearing on Wednesday the 24^th. The Committee primarily looked into budget withholdings by the Governor.

The Governor’s Budget Director, Linda Luebbering, was questioned about the Governor’s unilateral withholding of over $170 million to be reallocated to disaster relief. Although the Governor can withhold money when there is not enough money to fund the budget, reallocating funds appropriated by the legislature appears unconstitutional. State Auditor Tom Schweich has recently filed a lawsuit against the Governor over the constitutionality of these withholds. The Governor’s office has failed to provide justification that these withholds are necessary, has failed to provide revenue forecasts or a formula to account for how they arrived at $170 million, and has failed to provide a spending plan for the $170 million.

These cuts have come most heavily from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, Higher Education, Medicaid, and the Department of Corrections. These cuts include over $14.8 million from 4-year Colleges and Universities, over $13 million from Medicaid, about $2 million from Community Colleges, over $2 million from Parents as Teachers, $2 million from Bright Flight Scholarships, and $2 million from the Department of Corrections.

While withholds and reallocation of government monies are often necessary, it must be justified and done in a transparent manner with legislative input and oversight.

Upcoming Veterans Rally at the Capitol

The Missouri Association of Veterans Organizations (MAVO) will be holding a rally at the Capitol on September 14th at 10:00am in the 1st Floor Rotunda to raise awareness for veterans’ issues and show support for keeping Veterans Homes open. Currently, seven Veterans Homes serving a total of over 1,300 veterans face closure if they do not get adequate funding. Since 2010, the Missouri Veterans Commission lost $42 million in general revenue support for the Homes Program.

In our Budget Transparency Committee, it was agreed that we are committed to funding these seven homes. I believe we need to develop a permanent solution to sustain the Veterans Capital Fund. In my opinion, funding the needs of our veterans is an appropriate priority for our state funds. These veterans served us when we needed them and now some of them need our assistance. I encourage all veterans who can spare some time to attend the rally. I would also be happy to meet with any veterans from the 92nd District to discuss issues you may have.

Nolte: St. Louis RCGA Honors for Commitment to Economic Development

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Just days before a special legislative session that will focus on passage of a critical economic development plan, one of the state’s leading economic development organizations will honor state Rep. Jerry Nolte, R-Gladstone, for his efforts to create jobs and attract new businesses. Nolte will be recognized by the St. Louis Regional Chamber and Growth Association with a Lewis and Clark Statesman Award. Nolte serves as the chairman of the House International Trade and Job Creation Committee.

“We had a good year that saw some positive steps forward that will help us keep businesses in Missouri, attract new ones and create jobs that will pay a good wage,” said Nolte. “It’s an honor to be recognized for this award but my focus is now on making the good year we’ve had into a great one by passing the economic development bill that will be discussed during the special session.”

Nolte, who also won the award last year for his success in passing the Manufacturing Jobs Act [HB2], handled several major economic development bills during the 2011 legislative session. He handled numerous bills aimed at addressing the “Fix the Six” issues identified by Missouri’s business leaders. Nolte also was the primary handler for legislation that will provide substantive tax relief to many Missouri businesses. He guided legislation through the process that will phase out Missouri’s corporate franchise tax [SB19] and end what is, in effect, double taxation on approximately 3,000 Missouri businesses.

The RCGA presents the Lewis and Clark Statesman Award annually to lawmakers who have demonstrated leadership and sustained effort in the area of economic development. The RCGA recognizes legislators who work to improve business climates, create new economic development tools and expand proven programs.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lant: Resident Turns 100, "Calamity Jane" Appears At Jesse James Days

Last week on Tuesday, I was privileged to be part of a Birthday Celebration for Mrs. Tressa Puhl. Her friends at Granby House notified me about a month ago that Tressa would be celebrating her 100th birthday on August 23rd. We got a Resolution from the House of Representatives and a big sheet cake and the party was on! The cafeteria at Granby House was filled up with family, friends, well-wishers, and lovers of cake by 2:00 P.M. and there were pictures, gifts and short speeches. Ii just doesn't get any better than that! I was delighted to get acquainted with Mrs. Puhl and her family and I look forward to next years bash already. Tuesday evening found us at a Heartland Conservatives meeting at Daddy Jims. There were a couple of short updates from Representative Reiboldt and myself after which we had a Presidential straw poll. The best part was the catfish dinner!

Wednesday morning we attended a ribbon cutting at Scholastic Book Clubs Inc. They had just opened a new addition and are in the process of adding 80 new jobs. There were a couple of speeches given outlining how Scholastic nearly picked a different city for their business after flooding out in downtown, but because they were reluctant to lose their excellent employees here, they were able to work with the city and area banks to relocate to their present building and now are expanding already. Once again I am reminded how people in this part of the country can be fiercely self-reliant! We are truly showing the rest of the country how to work yourself out of a recession. Whether its floods or tornados or whatever else comes our way, we don't just sit around and wait for hand-outs, we get up and do something about our problems.

On Friday morning I joined all the area legislators for a tour of Access Family Care in Joplin. They told us about their part in the Tornado aftermath and gave us an update on their future plans. The facility was extremely impressive with both medical and dental services offered. They have ample room for expansion, and from what I saw, they are going to need it. I'd like to personally thank Dr. Bentlage and the very capable staff at Access Family Care for what they are doing for our community.

Jesse James Days at Pineville took up Friday and Saturday. The celebration is commemorating the movie starring Tyrone Power that was filmed in Pineville. They usually have a play depicting the foiled bank robbery, but this year the actors had another commitment. Never mind that, there was plenty of fun to be had. They had a carnival set up on the square with lots of local vendors serving food, drinks, and all sorts of fun stuff. All the area fire departments participated in fund raising events for much needed equipment such as bunker gear and respirators. Saturday evening we were in a parade that was surprisingly well attended. It took nearly an hour for all the entrants to make it around the square. If you didn't get to see Jane in her "Calamity Jane" outfit, you missed something!

By now you have probably heard about the Governor calling a special session. We are to convene on Tuesday following Labor Day and as of now, there are only 4 bills that will be filed. 1) St. Louis City Police Dept. Local Control, 2) Election Law issues (to address issues in the election law that the Governor vetoed), 3) Tax Amnesty, 4) The Omnibus Tax Credit Reform/ Economic Development/Job Creation Bill that the house passed will be filed in The Senate. Because of the overwhelming support the first 3 bill received in the House, we expect to send them to The Senate by Friday. We have been told that The Senate should be ready to send us their bill by Friday also. There is a lot of change possible in these scenarios. By now I am learning that almost anything is possible. Senator Richard is hoping to see a "New Markets Tax Credit Program" that was passed in 2007 for businesses devastated by Katrina introduced. Joplin and the Missouri River flood areas need to be included in this bill. It would allow business owners who find themselves without suitable buildings, inventory, machinery, or working capital, to qualify for one dollar in tax credit for every two dollars in private funding. This type of incentive costs the taxpayer nothing, but has huge benefits for the community. Please help us to convince lawmakers to back this incentive program.

Finally, I have to point out how confusing Politics can get. We have a Democrat Governor who withheld 170 million dollars from social programs such as The Fine Arts Academy, Medicaid, Parents as Teachers, Area Agencies on Aging, The Office of Child Advocate, and many others and a Republican Auditor who filed suit to have him restore the programs. If you figure this one out, let me know will you?

Until next week, I am and remain, in your service.