Engler: Realistic and Responsible Budgeting

At the beginning of the legislative session, I said I was interested in looking at the budget solutions proposed by Governor Nixon. From a fiscal standpoint, our state is better off than many. However, we are still facing tough times and hard choices when it comes to spending.  While I like some of the funding ideas the governor proposed in his budget this January, I was disappointed in the fact that he tried to balance the budget on federal funding that may not be available.  Now, as we approach the session's mid-way point, the actions of the federal government have again made it clear that we should not speculate on money we may receive down the road.

The governor's proposed budget relied on $300 million in expanded Medicaid reimbursements in order to balance our state's budget.  At the time the governor drafted his proposal, he relied on this funding that provided in a federal jobs bill that had yet to be passed by Congress.  Now, a couple months later, the U.S. Senate has approved the bill, but without the funds the governor used to balance our state's budget.  This leaves the governor's budget $300 million in the red.

One of the biggest frustrations I am hearing from constituents when they contact my office or see me out and about in the 3^rd district is Washington's inability to work together to get things done. I am determined not to make the same mistake in Jefferson City, especially regarding our budget. We were elected to do a job and I plan on working with both the governor and the minority party in order to make the tough decisions and cut the size of government in order to put Missouri's economy back on track.

On that note, I am proud of the work Missouri legislature got accomplished this week. We passed an extremely important bill that will affect the cost of heaS03, lthcare across the state. We perfected and unanimously passed SB 636. This bill requires that health insurance companies accept or reject a claim with in 30 days of its filing. Currently, there is so much red tape for doctors and hospitals to go through in order to get reimbursed for their work that the cost to cut through that red tape is passed onto patients. A lot of people have been through this hassle with their healthcare provider and insurance company and the headaches are unbelievable. This bill will help to ease the burden on everyone involved, not to mention save people money.

As we approach the half-way point of session, many issues are just coming to the surface. I will keep you all aware of what we are doing in Jefferson City and I look forward to hearing from you with any questions, comments, or concerns.

Rupp: Don’t Just Show-Me the Money, Show-Me Education Reform

Since I've been in the Legislature, my list regarding education in our state contains many accomplishments: increasing scholarships for students, modifying the A+ schools program to include casino money, and starting the expansion of charter schools.

"Race To The Top" is a federal grant program from the U.S. Department of Education that is set to distribute nearly $4 billion to the nation's schools. Missouri could receive $150 million to $250 million in education funding, if its application is approved. I was disappointed with the final application submitted by Gov. Nixon because several of the education reforms that I've worked on were either left out or watered down.  The Legislature was not given a chance to see the application before it was submitted, or I would have fought for the reforms our failing inner-city schools so desperately need.  Now I want to make sure that any reforms we must complete as part of "Race To The Top" will also be in line with the Legislature's goals, and that our local control of schools will remain unaffected.

Just introduced this week, SB 976 would give the Missouri Legislature the tools to enact the reforms Missourians want for their schools. If our state's desire to reform education doesn't sync with what the federal government has in mind, then we won't accept the funding.

Senate Bill 976 includes language that establishes a special fund in the budget that holds any grant dollars the state is awarded. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education would have to provide the Legislature the details of the grant, the reforms it would enact, and the consequences of enacting the terms of the grant. With this holding fund in effect, we make sure that we don't accept terms that are not in line with our vision of education reform and that our long-term interests and local control remain the priority.

I believe it's time to change the way we think about education. We've let too many students down for far too long, and we cannot afford to just keep on going with the status quo. True education reform must include charter school expansion, the opting out of tenure, and the start of merit pay and differential pay proposals. By expanding charter schools and utilizing privately run schools, we can give students in failing districts an option to get a high quality education. We should be rewarding our best teachers, and our districts should be given the chance to provide incentives to our best teachers.

The proposed legislation is similar to how the state has handled federal stimulus funds. For example, when we were offered approximately $40 million in unemployment insurance funding, we did not agree with the permanent changes we were expected to make to our unemployment insurance fund, so we refused the money.

We are the Show-Me State, so you'll have to show us the reforms we want and the details of the program before we take any funds. It's that simple.

MULTIMEDIA PAGE

I recently added a new audio link to my multimedia page located on my Missouri Senate website. The new audio clips on my multimedia page features me discussing Senate Bill 907, which would create the Early High School Graduation Scholarship Program for public high school students who graduate from high school early. I presented the bill to the Senate Education Committee on Wednesday (2/24).

I plan to continue to add audio and video clips during the 2010 legislative session. To view my multimedia page, visit http://www.senate.mo.gov/multimedia/Rupp/RuppMultimedia.html.

TOWN HALL MEETING REMINDER

Lincoln County Town Hall Meeting

Missouri Sen. Scott T. Rupp will host a Lincoln County Town Hall Meeting on March 8 to hear the questions and concerns from citizens of the 2^nd Senate District.

Lincoln County Town Hall Meeting Details

Time:	7:00 p.m.
Date:	Monday, March 8
Location:	Lincoln County Health Department Community Room #5 Health Department Drive, Highway H Troy, Missouri, 63379

Date Change for March
St. Charles County Town Hall Meeting

Due to a recent death in the family, Missouri Sen. Scott T. Rupp has rescheduled the St. Charles County Town Hall meeting originally scheduled for Saturday, March 6. The town hall meeting has been rescheduled for Saturday, March 20, beginning at 1 p.m. Citizens of the 2^nd Senatorial District are encouraged to attend this event and bring questions and concerns.

Rescheduled St. Charles County Town Hall Meeting Details

Time:	1 p.m.
Date:	Saturday, March 20
Location:	O'Fallon City Hall, Multi-Purpose Room 100 North Main Street, O'Fallon, MO 63366

As the 2010 legislative session unfolds, I will continue to keep you, my constituents, apprised of all major developments, and I look forward to continuing to serve your needs and priorities in Jefferson City. As always, if you have any questions about this week's column or any other matter involving state government, please do not hesitate to contact me. You can reach my office by phone at (866) 271-2844.

Nodler: A Visit from the Champion

(Windows Media Video from Sen. Nodler's office)

(Video also appears below by clicking play.)


Many Missourians that were glued to their televisions last week as one of our own, Jamie McMurray, came into the final laps of the biggest race in NASCAR, the Daytona 500. Our guy in the #1 car had Dale Earnhardt, Jr. on his tail, but history on his side, and Jamie McMurray held them all off to take the checkered flag. It was my honor to be a part of his “victory lap” in Jefferson City this week.

Jamie McMurray made the trip to the Capitol with his #1 Bass Pro Shops/Tracker Boats Chevrolet Impala [at right] in an exciting show on Thursday. It was a thrill to see the car in action, and I joined Gov. Nixon, Lt. Gov. Kinder, President Pro Tem Shields and House Speaker Richard in greeting Jamie and welcoming him to the state Capitol. I also had the pleasure of introducing Jamie to my fellow senators and presenting him with a resolution to recognize his accomplishment and to show my gratitude for his hard work. He was joined by Johnny Morris, owner and founder of Bass Pro Shops, an important business to our state and the Southwest Missouri area.

At age 8, Jamie McMurray began racing go-karts in his hometown of Joplin. By 1991, he had earned the title of World Go-Karting Champion. During the 2002 NASCAR Busch Series racing season, Jamie made himself known on the NASCAR scene by scoring two victories and finishing sixth in the point standings. He started off this year with a bang by taking the sport’s most prestigious race. It is an honor that this accomplished Missourian hails from the 32nd District, and I was privileged to introduce him to my Senate colleagues this week.

With his recent victory in the Daytona 500, Jamie has proven to be an accomplished racer, but he’s also a great man who is a strong advocate for autism because of his personal experiences with the disorder. Having a niece with autism, Jamie developed a partnership with the Autism Society of America and helped create the “Driving Autism Awareness” campaign. He continues to help raise awareness and express the importance to continue research for autism.

In my line of work, I’ve been fortunate to meet many of Missouri’s finest, and I’m proud to say that our hometown son is certainly one of them. Jamie has shown great humility and poise, and he’s also displayed the steel nerve it takes to come from behind and win the fastest race in our country. Jamie McMurray now holds a place in history with all of the great racing champions of the Daytona 500, and I’m proud to add a Joplin native to the list of famous Missourians.

Now, let’s root Jamie on to the cup!


Speaker of the House Ron Richard, Jamie McMurray, Sen. Nodler, and John Morris in Sen. Nodler's Capitol office.


Jamie McMurray, his wife Christy, John Morris, Sen. Nodler's wife Joncee, and Sen. Nodler in his capitol office.

Schupp: Committee Notes, Freshmen Dems Update, Census 2010

Thank you for continuing to email and call with your opinions about issues being discussed or proposed for our state.  Voters in the 82nd district will be asked to fill out a mailed survey shortly.  Please make your ideas and opinions known.

While the smoke-free legislation I am co-sponsoring [HB1766] has not yet been assigned to a House committee, it has been heard in the Senate.  I attended the hearing where the only testimony was in support of the legislation.

The Budget committee has been receiving departmental updates, and will work on budget mark-ups next week. I will arrive in Jefferson City early in order to attend the meetings.

Again, thank you for providing me the opportunity to serve you, our community and our state.

Truly,

Jill

Committee News

Higher Education

After much debate and discussion, the Higher Education Committee passed legislation [HB1473] that would allow students to continue to receive Access Missouri dollars with a 2.0 grade point average during the first 60 credit hours (about 2 years) of education.  As stated last week, a goal is to allow more students to attend and graduate from college.  The debate surrounded whether individual schools should be able to simply apply their own standards (ones they likely already have in place) to evaluate student success and progress in relation to receipt of scholarship dollars. 

Tax Reform

In serious times, we had what I would characterize as a ridiculous mockery of a bill [HB2131] in tax reform.  Called "Governor's Nixon's Federal Scratch-Off, Match-Off" legislation, it would require that $2 per pay period be taken from the Governor's personal pay be used to purchase a Powerball lottery ticket each week.

We also heard a bill [HB1953] requiring county governing bodies to allow taxpayers to prepay all or any portion of their property taxes monthly based on their previous year's tax bill.
 
We passed a bill [HB1225] that increases the deduction for dependents to $1500 (from $1200.)  Because of the large fiscal note, we amended the bill to gradually increase the tax deduction over a ten year period of time, and to also include a an annual increase based on the CPI.

Children and Families

By a vote of 7 - 5 along party lines, the Children and Families committee met to reconsider a vote we had taken outside of proper procedure, as lead by our Chair Cynthia Davis yesterday.  Today, the committee passed the abortion coercion legislation [HB1327] that, in my opinion, continues to challenge a woman's ability to make an informed and difficult decision without excessive control and intervention by the state.    

Administration and Accounts

In Administration and Accounts, we passed an annual resolution [HR628] that reaffirms the salary levels for various staff positions in the House.  We also discussed eliminating wireless cell phones from the list of office & constituent support items that can be reimbursed through a Representative's $800/month account.  Currently, if a representative has a cellular phone used for state purposes only, the cost can be reimbursed through this expense account for up to $50 per month.

Freshmen Dems' Caucus Sessions

The Freshmen Democratic Caucus welcomed three speakers this week who discussed long term health care including private home care regulations and services. Director, Margaret Donnelly, Department of Health and Senior Services led the discussion, accompanied by Barbara Madison, Right at Home and John Noonan on behalf of AFSCME.

We also rescheduled our session on state healthcare options and heard from Ruth Ehresman of the Missouri Budget Project immediately following the nursing home and long term care discussion.

Next week, the caucus will welcome Machelle Watkins from the MODOT (Dept. of Transportation) to discuss the future of roadways and transportation in our state.

Help St. Louis Get Its Fair Share

Census Vital to Local Funding

On April 1, 2010, the nation will be asked to participate in the 2010 Census, one of the most important federal operations of the decade. By filling out and mailing in your census form, you are ensuring that there is an accurate and complete count of everyone living in the United States. An accurate count helps the federal government determine how $400 billion dollars in funding is given to states and cities. The data is used to determine how much money our community will receive for things such as streets & bridges, schools, social service programs and law enforcement grants.
 
It is estimated that for every person not counted in the census, we lose an estimated $1,300 per year. It is essential for the future of our community and state that everyone be counted. Please fill out and mail in your census form, and encourage others to do the same! If you mail it, you can keep a census worker from having to visit you at your home! 

With only 10 questions, the 2010 Census questionnaire takes just 10 minutes to complete. Households are asked to provide key demographic information, including: whether a housing unit is rented or owned; the address of the residence; and the names, genders, ages and races of others living in the household. By law, the Census Bureau cannot share an individual's responses with anyone, including other federal agencies and law enforcement entities.
 
The Census is particularly vital for Missouri this year, as it has been rumored that we are in jeopardy of losing one of our nine Congressional seats.  Every vote counts-and with every vote counted we will be one step closer to keeping all nine of Missouri's US Congressmen in Washington!
 
Here is the timeline for the Census:

• March 8 - 11 - Advance letter comes to homes informing you that the census form will arrive the following week and that you should fill it in and mail it back quickly.
• March 15 - 17 - Census forms arrive. Forms come with postage paid return envelopes and are addressed only to the particular address and not a particular person.
• March 22 - 24 - Reminder postcards go to homes encouraging you to fill out your forms and mail them back in as soon as possible
• April 1, 2010 - Census Day in America.
• May - July 2010 - Non-Response Follow Up. The Census Bureau will send out Census Bureau employees to visit addresses that have not yet responded. The Census Bureau employees will visit homes up to six times to encourage residents to respond.
• Dec. 31, 2010 - The Census report is due on the President's desk.

Here are some important phone numbers for your use:

• The Census Bureau is still looking to fill jobs, for more information about census jobs call 866-861-2010.
• For TDD assistance with the census form call 866-783-2010. The lines are open 8a.m. to 9 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.
• For assistance completing the form, please call the Telephone Questionnaire Assistance center at 866-872-6868.  (If you prefer a Spanish-speaking operator, then dial 866-928-2010). 

Ervin: Slow start to the session

"We are not to consider ourselves, while here, as at church or school, to listen to the harangues of speculative piety; we are here to talk of the political interests committed to our charge." –Fisher Ames, speech before the House of Representatives, April 8, 1789

Each session has a character of its own with this session having the slowest start of any session that I have been a part of since being elected to the Missouri House of Representatives in 2002.

The pace of this session is both a blessing and a curse.

While, as a limited government conservative, not passing a lot of bills is good for the long-term health of our republic - and that is a good thing - I am concerned about the possible missed opportunities for good legislation that has the potential to preserve Liberty and enable individuals to pursue prosperity without government hindrance.

The House and Senate have been slowly moving legislation through the process.

To date, only ten bills and two concurrent resolutions have been passed out of the House and sent to the Senate.  The Senate has managed to send twenty bills and one concurrent resolution to the House.

The Senate concurrent resolution [SCR35], which rejects the state tax commission's recommended increase in the agricultural land productive values, has passed both chambers and has saved Missouri farmers from a property tax increase.  On the other hand, both chambers have passed their own versions of an insurance mandate [HB1311, SB618]that supporters openly admit will hurt small business owners.

While few bills have been debated by the full House, committees have been at work hearing testimony on proposed legislation.  The committee process dominates the early part of each session.  No bill can reach the floor for debate until it has passed through a committee.  Floor time should increase significantly over the next few weeks as committees pass their work on for the consideration of the full House.

To date, there have been 1034 bills, 65 concurrent resolutions, and 52 proposed constitutional amendments offered by the 163 state representatives in the House.  There have been 423 bills, 19 concurrent resolutions, and 24 proposed constitutional amendments introduced by the 34 state senators.

While floor activity has been light, the state budget has commanded the majority of legislators' attention.  The House appropriations committees have completed their grueling hearing schedule and have passed their recommendations on to the full budget committee so that they can commence their grueling hearing schedule.  The House typically takes until the last week of March to send the state budget bills to the Senate.

The state budget must be completed by May 7th pursuant to the constitution.  The General Assembly will remain in session until May 14th - giving the General Assembly plenty of time for mischief.

As always, I appreciate hearing your comments, opinions and concerns.  LaTonya Percival, my Legislative Assistant, and I are always available to answer questions and write me at doug{dot}ervin{at}house{dot}mo{dot}gov or regular mail at 201 West Capitol Avenue, Room 412A, Jefferson City, MO 65101.

Stouffer: The End of the Middle Class?

Our country is in historic times. The national debt is at record highs and America is borrowing untold billions of dollars while bureaucrats talk of debt reduction. The biggest losers in this game are the folks in the middle class.

During the 2008 presidential campaign, we heard promises of no new taxes. What we are not hearing now is the fact that once the 10-year lifespan of the tax cuts that were made during the previous administration come to an end, we will be back to 1990s-era tax rates that came from the largest tax increase in U.S. history in 1993. It was then that the middle class in America began to shrink.

The middle class saw a rebound between 2001 and 2009, but that foundation is beginning to crumble. The recession our country is in could continue much longer than most folks believe, and it will be the federal government's meddling that will be the reason. The real answer lies in cutting taxes even more and eliminating regulations that continue to strangle any attempts at climbing out of this recession, not adding to the challenges citizens continue to face.

Business Insider has a fascinating list of entities to whom the United States owes money. In 15^th place is Russia. We owe them $128 billion. Believe it or not, it is not a country to which we owe the most money. It is the Federal Reserve and intergovernmental holdings. The debt: $5 trillion and growing. China is actually third, in case you were wondering, behind investors and savings bonds. Translation: we owe more than $6 billion dollars to ourselves because the U.S. is printing money faster than they can count it.

There is no way we can continue to mount this kind of debt. You do not spend your way into prosperity. Look at what we are doing in the Missouri General Assembly. We are facing a $1 billion shortfall. We had been counting on $300 million to come from the federal government, but that money was erased from a so-called jobs bill yet to pass the U.S. Senate. We have to balance our budget — it is required by our state's constitution. This is a lesson the federal government should learn and our state could teach the lesson.

We are at a crossroads. Tough decisions are long overdue. This is our time to reduce the size pf government to appropriate levels.

One thing is for sure, we can no longer use the middle class to "get by" for another day. Once the middle class is gone, we are left with the haves and the have nots. We cannot afford to let this happen. It is the middle class that is the backbone, the heart and soul, of this great country. Without the middle class, we are left off-balanced and no one to take risks to start businesses. I pray folks take today's issues to heart and realize what is at stake for the future of our country.

Tim Jones: Prompt Pay Legislation, Unfunded Mandates, Manufacturing Jobs Act

As we returned to the Capitol, bitter cold gripped the Midwest this week and reminded us that we still very much remain in the throes of winter.  Against the backdrop of looming budget battles and necessary budget cuts in order to have a constitutionally required balanced State budget, we continue to have long days stretching into long nights as we become further embroiled in committee hearings and Floor debates…

"The liberties of our country, the freedom of our civil constitution, are worth defending against all hazards: And it is our duty to defend them against all attacks." – Samuel Adams

Prompt Pay Legislation Passes the House

A piece of true healthcare cost reform legislation passed the Missouri House this week with overwhelming support.  HB 1498, of which I am the chief sponsor, requires health insurance providers to promptly pay claims put forth by doctors and hospitals for services on behalf of patients.  This is a common sense reform that will improve healthcare in Missouri and will reduce costs and inefficiency.

By delaying the return on health insurance claims, patients suffer.  The cost of these delays is passed onto the consumer and this ends up being an extreme inefficiency in our healthcare system.  Working Missourians must pay their bills and debts in a timely manner; I see no reason why health insurance companies should not also be held accountable.  Currently only two-thirds of claims are processed within sixty (60) days of the claim.  This excellent piece of compromise legislation will change that and make the entire system more efficient, reliable and cost conscious.

Our doctors and dentists should not be forced to wait on payment for months on end.  Healthcare providers do the work needed to keep Missourians healthy and they should be paid for it.  HB 1498 is a common-sense reform that will make sure that happens.  I applaud all of the health care providers and insurance companies who came together in a bi-partisan way to craft a piece of legislation that will improve the health care system for all of Missourians.

Unfunded Mandates

Unlike the federal government, the State of Missouri is required to pass and maintain a balanced budget.  Just like Missouri families, we can only spend money that we actually have.  While politicians in Washington D.C. have been spending money faster than they can print it (what comes after a TRILLION?), Missouri House Republicans have been successfully fighting entitlement spending and keeping our budget balanced.

This past week, the House passed House Concurrent Resolution 38, imploring the federal government not to pass unfunded mandates onto the state.  We are in tough economic times and balancing the state budget will be the number one priority for House Republicans. Congress has made a habit out of passing their spending on to states when they don't feel like paying the bill, in the form of mandated programs.  House Republicans have held the line for years on increased spending, but when Congress forces state officials to spend additional money, limited state resources must be rerouted from vital state services and education to entitlement spending.  We fight every day to ensure that your money is spent wisely. I hope that you will join me in opposing Congress dictating to Missourians where and how your hard-earned tax dollars are spent.

HB 1675 Manufacturing Jobs Act "Creating Missouri Jobs"

The House passed HB 1675 this week creating an act that will help Missouri bring manufacturing jobs to our state.  This bill allows companies that create new manufacturing jobs in Missouri to keep half of the withholding tax they would normally pay for ten years if they invest at least $50,000 per full-time employee on factory improvements for a new product.  It is not about saving jobs in failing industries but creating new ones by encouraging Missouri manufacturing companies to expand their operations in this state with new products and production lines.

The competition for bringing new jobs to this state is a fierce one.  We are not above competing with other states for jobs.  We should do all we can to encourage businesses to expand in our state so we can get more Missourians working.  The Manufacturing Jobs Act is another tool we can use to attract serious manufacturing jobs and allow us to foster business growth to allow us to compete on the global market.

HEALTH CARE FREEDOM ACT UPDATE

As many of you know, I am the chief sponsor of HJR 57, the "Health Care Freedom Act". As I have discussed, if it is passed and approved by the voters, it will secure the current rights and freedoms that Missouri citizens have to choose to participate in whatever health care system or care that they want.  Seventy five of my colleagues have co-sponsored this legislation and I am very grateful to them for their support.  You may view the legislation at this link:  http://house.mo.gov/content.aspx?info=/bills101/bills/HJR57.htm

I AM PLEASED TO REPORT THAT HJR 57 HAS BEEN PLACED ON THE HOUSE CALENDAR FOR DEBATE ON THE HOUSE FLOOR.  TODAY, I HAD THE PRIVILEGE OF SERVING AS ACTING MAJORITY FLOOR LEADER ON THE HOUSE FLOOR AND HAD THE NOTABLE OPPORTUNITY TO ANNOUNCE THAT HJR 57 WILL BE COMING UP FOR DEBATE IN THE NEAR FUTURE!

Thank you all very much for your continued support of this very important resolution and I will continue to keep you posted on its progress.

Eureka Police Department To Host National Police K-9 Workshop

The Eureka Police Department will be hosting the North American Police Work Dog Association National Workshop, April 30th - May 7th, 2010. The event is the largest Police K-9 event held annually in the United States. There will be well over 200 of the top Police K-9 teams from across North America attending the event. The Police Officers and their K-9 partners will be staying at the Holiday Inn. Six Flags will be used as the primary training location for the events which include patrol work, narcotics detection, explosive detection and search and rescue. The event will not only spotlight the City but will provide a huge economic boost to area businesses.

There will be a public demonstration held at Eureka High School on Thursday, May 6th at 7:00 pm. The demonstration is free and will provide the public an opportunity to watch some of the best Police K-9 Teams from across the Country.

SIX FLAGS ST. LOUIS IN EUREKA IS HIRING!!

I am very excited to report that Six Flags St. Louis, which is located in the heart of the 89^th District, is hiring more than 3,000 employees to fill positions for the 2010 season which begins on April 2^nd.  Six Flags will be hosting job fairs to fill these positions on February 27; March 6, 13, 20 and April 3, 10 and 17.  For more information, please visit:  http://www.sixflags.com/stLouis/index.aspx

FAST FACTS

• The first George Washington celebration was held in St. Louis on February 22, 1817
• Westminster College was founded in Fulton on February 23, 1853
• George Caleb Bingham, painter, former State Treasurer and former State Representative (a TRUE Renaissance man!) was inducted into the Hall of Famous Missourians on February 15, 2010

MODOT Traveler Information Map

For work zone location, flooding information and weather-related road conditions visit MoDOT's Traveler Information Map. It's your first source of information when planning your trip across the Show-Me state.

Tim's Legislative Platform for 2010

So far this year I have sponsored and filed thirteen individual pieces of legislation.  I have co-sponsored numerous other bills.  To review all of the bills that I have sponsored or co-sponsored, please follow this link:  http://www.house.mo.gov/content.aspx?info=/bills101/spon/spn089.htm

This week I am extremely pleased to announce that my HB 1750 passed out of the House by an overwhelming vote of 111 – 42.  This bill is commonly referred to as the "access reform" bill.  If we can successfully move this bill through the Senate, this bill will result in lower telephone access charges and fees for millions of Missourians and will assist the telecommunications industry in providing greater innovations, new exciting products, lower rates and better and more advanced infrastructure across our entire State.  I want to thank all of my colleagues who worked in a bipartisan way to move this bill to passage in the House this week.

Personal News & Notes

Last week was Valentine's Day weekend.  And although the Jones household had to deal with a sudden attack by the common cold and flu on nearly all of us (including Baby Abby who has had a runny nose since November), I treasured the time that I had to spend at home (coughing and all!) with my ever understanding and hard working wife Suzanne and our two beautiful daughters Katie and Abby.  Love is truly patient (although trying at times!) and is truly kind and the love of a family cannot be appropriately described but must be experienced to be fully understood.  I hope that you and your family had a great Valentine's Day weekend!

Glory of Missouri Award Winners

We have many excellent and talented students in our District!


Winners from LaSalle Springs Middle School


Winners from Rockwood Valley Middle School


Winners from Wildwood Middle School

Feel Free to Contact Us!

If my extremely dedicated (and very busy!) Legislator Assistant, Jody Williams, or I can be of any assistance throughout the year, please do not hesitate to contact us at 573.751.0562 or by email at jody{dot}williams{at}house{dot}mo{dot}gov or at tim{dot}jones{at}house{dot}mo{dot}gov.  And if your travels find you anywhere near the Capitol, please do stop by and visit us in Room 114.  Until our next report, I remain, in your service.

Burlison: Focusing on Job Creation in the State of Missouri

For years, Republicans in the House of Representatives have worked to improve economic development in the state of Missouri. In recent months the focus on job creation has been even stronger due to our economic downturn.

Putting our citizens back to work is a top priority in the House and we are passionate about our focus to create jobs, retain the jobs we already have in place, and working to attract new businesses to our state.

States all over the nation are competing with us for jobs, and we must do all we can to prevent jobs from leaving Missouri. That is why, this week we took a large step by passing HB 1675, which takes measures to improve and protect Missouri's business climate.

This particular bill focuses on creating and maintaining jobs in our state by targeting two groups: Manufacturing Employers and Manufacturing Suppliers.

Manufacturing Employers

Through this bill, employers will be allowed to keep 50% of withholding taxes for up to 10 years. This means, if manufacturing employers create new jobs, they get a tax rebate while doing so.

We are confident this fiscal measure will give Missouri manufacturing businesses an incentive to expand their employee base and put our citizens back to work.

Manufacturing Suppliers

The state of Missouri would allow suppliers to retain a complete 100% of withholding taxes for any new jobs created and kept for 3 years.

While giving these manufacturing employers and suppliers a tax break in effort to create new jobs, we must also remember to protect Missouri taxpayers in the process. House Bill 1675 acts as a safeguard to taxpayers in two important ways:

1. If illegal aliens are employed, companies must repay the tax benefits granted to them.
2. If the company fails to meet the requirements in the bill, they will be required to repay benefits to the state.

As well as working on State legislation I also get to meet some very good people. Here in this picture is a group who came to my office to visit with me about their concerns dealing with issues on Alzheimer's.

And here is a picture of a school visit from the Springfield Lutheran School.

Nance: Amber Alert System Expansion, Governor Nixon To Visit Watkins Mill

"It's not tyranny we desire; it's a just, limited, federal government." –Alexander Hamilton

At the Capitol

Assembly members were invited for dinner at the Governor's Mansion on Tuesday. Governor Nixon thanked both parties for their cooperation on key state issues.

On Tuesday, I filed for the opportunity to serve Ray and Clay County for two more years as State Representative. On Tuesday, I also attended the Healthcare Transformation Committee. We passed a bill that would have school boards work in concert with MSHAA to develop rules relating to youth head injuries.

On Wednesday I attended the Insurance Committee meeting where we discussed mechanic liens on property and on Thursday I attend the Agriculture Committee.

HB 1521, which I sponsored, passed out of the Senior Citizen Advocacy Committee Wednesday. The bill expands the Amber Alert System to include missing endangered adults and youth that don't meet the criteria of Amber Alert.

HB 1498 passed out of the house with 155 votes. It is properly called "prompt pay" because it requires faster payment of medical claims.

In the District

Governor Nixon will be visiting Watkins Mill tomorrow at 10:00 am.

I try to attend as many functions as I can in the district to support worthwhile causes especially for our youth and elderly. Unfortunately, during session, my attendance is limited to weekends. The Richmond Rotary Club is having their annual fundraiser to benefit club programs this Saturday at the Shrine Club.

Sunday from 11:00 am -3:00 pm is a fund raising event at the Elms for the Northland Coalition. Northland Coalition is an organization dedicated to creating a healthy, safe, and drug-free community in which to raise our children. The Elms will be donating $5 from every adult meal, and $2.50 from every child's meal to the Coalition to help fund Substance Abuse Prevention Programs in the Northland.

Gatschenberger: Federal Balanced Budget, Job Creation Taskforce, Wentzville Town Hall Meeting

Federal Balanced Budget

For too long, Congress has continued to add billions, now trillions, of dollars annually to our federal debt. Because the federal government is not constitutionally required to pass annual balanced budgets, like 49 out of the 50 states, this process has continued to spiral out of control. The federal debt now exceeds 12 trillion dollars and Congress has shown no interest in putting a stop to this dangerous trend. That is why the House passed Budget Chairmen Allen Icet's House Concurrent Resolution 34 by a vote of 121-28. It urges the United States Congress to submit a balanced budget amendment to the states for ratification. We must stop this trend of out-of-control deficit spending that passes the cost of our projects and programs on to our children and grandchildren. If passed by the Senate, Missouri will be the 32nd state of the 34 needed to force Congress to send a Constitutional Amendment to the states for ratification.

Job Creation Taskforce Meets

House Republicans remain committed to making sure there is a high-paying, quality job available for every Missourian who wants one. On Tuesday, the Speaker’s Job Retention and Economic Growth Task Force met for the second time. The panel includes approximately 25 people, experts in their respective fields, who have worked in Missouri economic development for years. Their goal is to find ways the House can help make Missouri competitive on the national level for every-thing from manufacturing and major industry to small business. Members were able to evaluate incentive packages that other states have successfully used to attract thousands of jobs. Missouri has been competitive and successful in many instances at recruiting quality employers for the state, but the goal of House Republicans and the Speaker’s Task Force is to identify areas where the state could be more efficient and effective at putting Missourians to work. We strongly believe in a robust free market where business thrives, especially Missouri’s small businesses. There is no better way to bolster Missouri’s economy than through the efforts of personal initiative.

Reminder!  You're Invited!  Town Hall Meeting

Please be my guest at my next Town Hall Meeting… March 25, 2010 at the Wentzville City Hall, 310 W. Pearce Blvd… at 7:00 pm.  Attendees of my last Town Hall Meeting requested a return visit of speakers for and against Missouri Fair Tax… so they will be there and so will Representatives from CLAIM – Missouri's State Health Insurance Assistance Program… covering Medicare issues, Missouri Rx (helping seniors and persons with disabilities on fixed incomes save up to 50% on your drugs) and the Missouri SMP (empowering Seniors to prevent healthcare fraud).  If you have any Medicare issues you need help with… these people will be happy to meet with you individually after their presentation.  We will also have a short presentation from an Ameren UE representative.

HERE IS YOUR CHANCE TO VOTE DOWN THE REMOVAL OF "IN GOD WE TRUST" FROM OUR CURRENCY

HTTP://WWW.MSNBC.MSN.COM/ID/10103521/

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE – THIS WEEK IN THE HOUSE

House Takes Action Towards Health Care Reform HB 1498

Health care reform is one of the most talked about issues in the country.  There are several differing views on what steps need to be taken to improve health care including making it more affordable, more accessible and more transparent.  Because of the controversy surrounding the issue, very little has been done on a national level to improve the system.  In the Missouri House of Representatives, however, the wheels are turning and we are accomplishing the common-sense steps necessary to advance health care reform.

Many health care providers in Missouri, which include hospitals, physicians, and so forth, have experienced financial difficulties because of the failure of health insurance companies to make payments for health care services in a reasonable time frame.  The House saw this as a problem that needed to be remedied.

This week House members passed House Bill 1498 with overwhelming bi-partisan support.  The bill sponsored by Representative Tim Jones, R—Eureka, requires health insurance companies to pay provider claims in a timely manner.

• Through this legislation, a health insurance company would no longer have the ability to delay payments to providers by suspending a claim through loopholes and special exceptions.  Instead, the health insurance company would be allowed 45 days to process and pay or deny the provider's claim.
• If the health insurance company needs additional information or has any questions regarding the claim, they must do so inside the 45-day window.   Days in which the health insurance company is waiting for a response from the provider for that information would not count towards the 45-day window, however.
• If the health insurance company does not pay the provider within the specific timeframe, that company would incur a penalty.
• If the provider's claim is denied, health insurance companies will be required to provide a specific reason for the denial.

Through HB1498, we are giving health care providers an opportunity to remain financially stable in their practice and give them the ability to rely on the prompt payment of their claims.  This legislation has gained wide-spread support throughout the state and on both sides of the isle.

The Governor's Budget Relies on Funding From…The Powerball?

This year, Governor Nixon presented the legislature with a state budget that depended on 300 million dollars that he hoped was coming from the federal government.  Unfortunately, there was no guarantee of the 300 million dollars -- and at this point, the funding is not coming.  As a result, the governor's proposed budget is 300 million dollars short – which is exactly what House leaders warned the governor would happen.

Because of the governor's 300 million dollar shortfall, legislators are looking at other options to fill the hole.  One legislator, Mark Parkinson, R – St. Charles, had a creative idea that is causing quite a stir in the Capitol building and buzzing news wires across the state.

• House Bill 2131, which was read in a hearing this week, requires a $2 deduction each pay period from the governor's personal paycheck to be deposited into the newly created Governor Nixon's Federal Scratch-Off, Match-Off Fund.
• One dollar from the fund will be used to purchase a Powerball lottery ticket each week on behalf of the citizens of the state.  Any winnings collected must be deposited into the fund until it exceeds $300 million.
• At that time, the governor is authorized to dissolve the Scratch-Off, Match-Off fund and transfer the moneys to the General Revenue Fund for the purpose of filling his budget shortfall.

Upon learning about HB2131, the governor called this a "silly bill"; however, we think its pretty "silly" to bank on 300 million federal dollars that aren't coming to our state.  The livelihoods of our taxpayers are at risk when there are budget shortfalls, and there's nothing funny about that.

So, while Governor Nixon is crossing his fingers and banking on winning big with the Powerball, your Republican-led House of Representatives will be working to figure out his budget mess and correct his mistakes.

Inching Closer to a Bi-Partisan Ethics Bill in the House

Restoring the public's trust in our elected officials has been a top priority set forth by Speaker Ron Richard and members of the House of Representatives this session.  There is no question that when you elect someone to represent you, you should have full trust and confidence in that person.

This isn't my Chamber, this is the people's Chamber and because of that, I take pride in my work in the State Capitol.  I conduct business with integrity and honesty.  In addition to this personal conviction, members of the House of Representatives are working to create legislation that would reiterate these traits.

During his opening day speech, the Speaker announced his creation of his Special Standing Committee on Government Accountability and Ethics Reform and hand picked members who he assigned to this committee.

The Speaker tasked the committee with combing through every piece of ethics legislation filed in the House and working to create one bill with bi-partisan solutions improving ethical behavior in state government.

The committee chairman, Representative Kevin Wilson, R – Neosho, provided us with an update on the committee this week.

The committee, composed of both Republican and Democrat members, is working hard and has accomplished a great amount of work since its first meeting in January. 

The bill they will end up being a comprehensive approach to ethical standards in state government, outlining several different rules and regulations rather than just one.

Representative Wilson and his members are hopeful to get the bi-partisan ethics bill filed before Spring break, which occurs the second week in March.

STAY IN TOUCH

As always, please let me know your thoughts about these or other matters of concern by calling my office at: (573) 751-3572 or by emailing me at chuck{dot}gatschenberger{at}house{dot}mo{dot}gov.

FUN FACTS

St. Louis residents consume more barbecue sauce per capita than any other city in America!

The soft drink Dr. Pepper was introduced at the 1904 at the World's Fair in St. Louis… also, the ice cream cone, iced tea, hot dogs and hamburgers!  Now that was a fair to remember!

Joe Smith: Update-Inching Closer to a Bi-Partisan Ethics Bill in the House

Restoring the public's trust in our elected officials has been a top priority set forth by Speaker Ron Richard and members of the House of Representatives this session.  There is no question that when you elect someone to represent you, you should have full trust and confidence in that person.

This isn't my Chamber, this is the people's Chamber and because of that, I take pride in my work in the State Capitol.  I conduct business with integrity and honesty.  In addition to this personal conviction, members of the House of Representatives are working to create legislation that would reiterate these traits.  During his opening day speech, the Speaker announced his creation of his Special Standing Committee on Government Accountability and Ethics Reform and hand picked members who he assigned to this committee.  The Speaker tasked the committee with combing through every piece of ethics legislation filed in the House and working to create one bill with bi-partisan solutions improving ethical behavior in state government.  The committee chairman, Representative Kevin Wilson, R – Neosho, provided us with an update on the committee this week.

1. The committee, composed of both Republican and Democrat members, is working hard and has accomplished a great amount of work since its first meeting in January.
2. The bill they will end up being a comprehensive approach to ethical standards in state government, outlining several different rules and regulations rather than just one.
3. Representative Wilson and his members are hopeful to get the bi-partisan ethics bill filed before Spring break, which occurs the second week in March.

Joe Smith: House takes Action Towards Health Care Reform HB 1498

Health care reform is one of the most talked about issues in the country.  There are several differing views on what steps need to be taken to improve health care including making it more affordable, more accessible and more transparent.  Because of the controversy surrounding the issue, very little has been done on a national level to improve the system.  In the Missouri House of Representatives, however, the wheels are turning and we are accomplishing the common-sense steps necessary to advance health care reform.

Many health care providers in Missouri, which include hospitals, physicians, and so forth, have experienced financial difficulties because of the failure of health insurance companies to make payments for health care services in a reasonable time frame.  The House saw this as a problem that needed to be remedied.

This week House members passed House Bill 1498 with overwhelming bi-partisan support.  The bill sponsored by Representative Tim Jones, R—Eureka, requires health insurance companies to pay provider claims in a timely manner.  Through this legislation, a health insurance company would no longer have the ability to delay payments to providers by suspending a claim through loopholes and special exceptions.  Instead, the health insurance company would be allowed 45 days to process and pay or deny the provider's claim.  If the health insurance company needs additional information or has any questions regarding the claim, they must do so inside the 45-day window.  Days in which the health insurance company is waiting for a response from the provider for that information would not count towards the 45-day window, however, if the health insurance company does not pay the provider within the specific timeframe, that company would incur a penalty.  If the provider's claim is denied, health insurance companies will be required to provide a specific reason for the denial.

Through HB1498, we are giving health care providers an opportunity to remain financially stable in their practice and give them the ability to rely on the prompt payment of their claims.  This legislation has gained wide-spread support throughout the state and on both sides of the isle.