Davis: "Show-Me Solutions" Initiative, Meet The Staff

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

I would like to tell you what a great honor it is to serve as your state Representative. As session begins I want you to know that I am looking forward to making the right decisions for the people of the 128^th district, as well as the people of Missouri. We have a difficult task ahead of us, but I believe that through cooperation and dedication we can continue to make Missouri a better place.

Speaker Tilley announced his initiatives for the 96th general assembly last Wednesday. His “Show-Me Solutions” will be the overall theme for this year’s session.

Taxes & Spending

Hold the line on Taxes & Live Within Our Means. Simply put, we will oppose unnecessary tax increases, balance our budget and keep spending under control so Missouri doesn’t become like Washington, DC and accumulate outrageous debt.

Job Creation

Reducing Small Business Regulation & Taxes. Review and reduce job killing regulations on small businesses and work to phase-in full deductibility of federal income taxes from state taxes.
Small Business Tort Reform. Significantly improves the workplace environment in Missouri by strengthening the legal requirements to file a suit and capping damage awards that have gotten out of hand from activist judges.
Immigration. Protect Missouri workers by adopting an immigration bill similar to the law passed in Arizona, but expand it to include human trafficking and cross referencing the sexual predator list.
Nuisance Laws. Stop repeat lawsuits from out of control trial attorneys on small businesses and family farms.

Government Accountability

Follow-up Oversight & Federal Regulations. Institute legislative power to investigate how state funds are spent after they’ve been appropriated and what the cost to the state is of all these federal regulations.
Department Cost Containment Plans. Require state departments to submit cost containment plans during the budget process with their funding requests.
County & School District Debt Disclosure. Require county governments and school districts to post their balance sheets on an online accountability portal.
Federal Repealer Amendment. Give states the ability to repeal federal laws or regulations.

Education

Social Promotion. Make sure children meet the appropriate reading level before sending them to the next grade instead of passing them on because of their age.
Tenure Reform. Provide administrators and school boards more flexibility and control over promoting and retaining quality teachers.

Healthcare

Drug Testing Welfare Recipients. Ensure that taxpayer dollars are going towards helping people get back on track and not on bad habits.
Healthcare Cost Transparency. Require hospitals and healthcare providers to disclose their costs to the state and patients.

Meet the Staff

Janet Ritter, Legislative Assistant
She has worked for the Missouri Legislature as a L.A. since 1983. Back then L.A.’s were called secretaries but have since been given the fancier title of Legislative Assistant. Janet assists Representative Davis’ constituency whenever the need arises. She handles all of his scheduling, and makes sure that his office is
run as smoothly and efficiently as possible.

Tristan Routledge, Intern
He is a sophomore political science major at Missouri Southern State University. He is 27 years old and a lifelong resident of the Joplin area.

Thank you all for your support. I look forward to serving you and wish you all the very best.

Lant: House Hits the Ground Running

Boy, when I said last week that we were going to hit the ground running, little did I know how fast we were going to have to run. We drove up on Sunday evening after receiving a message from the Highway Patrol that the roads would be bad by Monday morning. At 8:00 A.M. I already had 45 E-mails and a stack of paper 3 inches high on my desk. We had a caucus meeting at 10:00 And Tom Schweich's swearing in ceremony at 12:00. John Danforth spoke at the ceremony and it was nicely done. At 3:00 we had another caucus meeting and Session started at 4:00. We got out of Session by 5:30 and left the Capitol to go to a reception for freshman Legislators. Finally at 8:30 we got back to the hotel and were happy to call it a day! What a surprise it was to discover that Monday was to be the slowest day of the week!

On Tuesday we passed HR39 which was a resolution directing Attorney General Chris Koster to join 21 other states in the lawsuit exempting us from the provision in the Healthcare proposal requiring us to buy specific insurance. After a spirited debate the resolution passed by 114 to 44.

Wednesday and Thursday were taken up by caucus meetings, Session, and organizational meetings for the various committees. The Appropriations Committees all start meeting early in the year as recommendations on spending amounts need to go to the Budget Committee as fast as possible. I am on Appropriations for Transportation and Economic development and have been tasked with studying DOT mission statements and the latest audit recommendations. We will start hearing testimonies next week and will probably be meeting 3 or more times a week until we have our reports ready. The other 3 committees I am on will also start meeting next week but won't require as much time initially.

So far, around 200 bills have been filed and although not all of them will be asigned to committees, there will be a steady stream of work. Last year over 200 bills were filed but only about 120 made it to the Governor for his signature. I am having a couple of ideas for bills researched and will let you know next week if we decide to file. So far, I have co-signed aat least a dozen bills but have not submitted any of my own.

Next week promises to be both busy and exciting. If you need to contact me, you can call mmy office at (573)751-9801 or E-mail at bill{dot}lant{at}house{dot}mo{dot}gov.

Dempsey: Human Trafficking Becoming Too Common In Midwest

As legislators from all parts of Missouri convened in Jefferson City for the second week of the 2011 session, many took the opportunity to file bills to address issues facing our state. With over 300 bills filed so far between the House and the Senate, the topics are as diverse as the legislators themselves. However, among a number of important issues, one seems especially noteworthy to discuss – the unpleasant reality of human trafficking.

Press reports tell us that the belief that human trafficking is mostly an issue somewhere else (such as on the nation’s heavily populated coastal areas) is simply not true. Instances of trafficking are becoming far too commonplace here in the Midwest.

Although the stories are all different, they typically involve traffickers finding and coercing others into lives as prostitutes, domestic servants, low-paid laborers or other forms of involuntary servitude. The number of people bound up in this underground criminal racket is staggering. One report estimates well over 100,000 have been brought into the United States in the past few years. When legal residents are included, the total may be far higher.

One of the main difficulties with combating the scourge of human trafficking is simply identifying the victims. To the casual observer, or even to many in the law enforcement community, these victims may appear to be legitimate workers or even relatively low-level criminals. Only with proper training does it become clear that many have been coerced into a life of involuntary servitude.

In the past, combating this problem has been primarily undertaken by the federal government but states such as Missouri are stepping forward to take a more active role. This session legislation [HB214] has been filed that seeks to expand the definition of human trafficking to include criminals who coerce an unwilling party to do their bidding by use of blackmail or by threatening financial harm. The proposal also specifically outlaws using any such person in the production of sexual material and casts a wider net to include all those who benefit financially from human trafficking. In addition to jail time, the bill would also require that traffickers pay their victims a minimum amount of $100,000 in restitution and authorizes state agencies to develop programs to train law enforcement personnel and other state officials to detect victims of sexual trafficking.

As the session gets underway I look forward to the opportunity to update Missouri’s human trafficking statute and to give law enforcement better tools to fight this horrible crime.

If you have comments or questions about this legislation or any other issue involving state government, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Rupp: Several Committees Announced for the Missouri Senate

In the Missouri Senate, we recently finished our first full week of the First Regular Session of the 96^th General Assembly. It is absolutely wonderful being back at the Capitol, and I look forward to advancing my sponsored legislation and discussing measures that can make Missouri a better place to live, work, and raise a family.

This week, several Senate committees were announced by Senate Leader Robert. N. Mayer, and I am thrilled to have been elected to chair the Small Business, Insurance and Industry Committee. This particular committee discusses legislation that concerns the ownership and functionality of small businesses, as well as life, accident, indemnity, and other varieties of insurance. The committee also considers measures concerning labor management, fair employment standards, workers’ compensation, and employment security within the state of Missouri. In addition, the committee considers bills relating to industrial development.

Our state has experienced difficult times with the economy, and I look forward to working to pass legislation that will put Missourians back to work and make owning a business easier for employers. I have run a small business myself; my brother and I founded a college preparatory company, Educational Funding & Financial Aids Specialists. I also founded the investment firm Rupp & Associates. Therefore, I understand the challenges local businesses face, and so allowing them to be productive in our state and to retain quality employees is a top priority of mine.

In addition to serving as chair of the Small Business, Insurance and Industry Committee, I have been chosen to serve as vice-chair of the Appropriations Committee. This committee is responsible for considering all legislation regarding general appropriations and public funding. I am committed to passing a balanced budget without raising taxes while protecting taxpayers in the state. I will also be serving on the Senate’s Education Committee and General Laws Committee.

I am so thankful to have been appointed to these Missouri Senate Committees. I know I will have many opportunities to see legislation pass that could truly benefit our state.

As our session progresses, I will keep you up to date with all my legislative matters and happenings, and as always, if you have any questions regarding this matter or any other issues within state government, please visit my website at www.senate.mo.gov/rupp. You can also e-mail me or call my office toll-free at (866) 271-2844.

Tilley: New Rules Give Greater Voice To House Minority

On August 3, 2010 the people of Missouri made their voice heard emphatically clear through the ballot box. Proposition C, the Healthcare Freedom Act, passed overwhelming by 71.1% propelling Missouri to the forefront of a national fight for our constitution. However, despite this call from the people of Missouri to reject this federal intrusion, two of our key state leaders have remained silent on their duties to uphold and defend the will of the people.

House Resolution 39 aims to address this issue and calls on Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster to defend the citizens of Missouri by joining the list of states on the lawsuit. HR39 goes further to proclaim that the mandated healthcare bill is a clear misuse of the Commerce Clause within the US Constitution and the penalty for failure to purchase healthcare is unconstitutional.

I was proud that in just the second week of the legislative session Republicans in the Missouri House of Representatives wasted no time in moving this resolution through committee and to the House floor. We were proud to stand up for the overwhelming number of Missourians who sent us to Jefferson City to take on battles just like this. Unfortunately, one by one House Democrats stood in opposition to HR39 and continued to defend the damaging policies of President Obama and former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi.

One of the key amendments added on the House floor also encouraged Gov. Jay Nixon to take action and make a stand as well. As the Chief Executive of the state and the former Attorney General we feel it is important for the Governor to get involved on behalf of the people of Missouri. As pointed out on the House floor, it has been six months since the people of Missouri have voiced their opinion and the Attorney General and Governor have still not taken any action.

While the debate on the Healthcare Freedom Act was heated and lively, bipartisanship was still not lost. We also passed new House Rules [HR38] under which we operate as a legislative body. Under these Rules power was extended to the minority to have a greater voice in the process. As I pointed out, in previous years the influence of the minority had been restricted, however in order to change the culture of state politics in Jefferson City we must lead by example. I was proud to have adopted these Rules which do give a greater voice to the minority and therefore create a more bipartisan environment in our state capitol.

The 2011 Legislative Session has gotten off to a quick and promising start. I am excited and proud of my colleagues and the tone we have set so far as we continue our efforts to make the state of Missouri a better place for all our families. It is also important because these next few weeks will prove to be a challenging time for the Missouri House of Representatives as we tackle tough issues, but it will be an exciting time for Missouri’s future.

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.

Denison: Voters' Voice Reinforced By House Resolution

On August 3^rd, 2010 the people of Missouri made their voice heard emphatically clear through the ballot box. Proposition C, the Healthcare Freedom Act, passed overwhelming by 71.1% propelling Missouri to the forefront of a national fight for our constitution. However, despite this call from the people of Missourians to reject this federal intrusion, two of our key state leaders have remained silent on their duties to uphold and defend the will of the people.

House Resolution 39 aims to address this issue and calls on Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster to defend the citizens of Missouri by joining the list of states on the lawsuit. HR39 goes further to proclaim that the mandated healthcare bill is a clear misuse of the Commerce Clause within the US Constitution and the penalty for failure to purchase healthcare is unconstitutional.

I was proud that in just the second week of the legislative session Republicans in the Missouri House of Representatives wasted no time in moving this resolution through committee and to the House floor. We were proud to stand up for the overwhelming number of Missourians who sent us to Jefferson City to take on battles just like this. Unfortunately, one by one House Democrats stood in opposition to HR39 and continued to defend the damaging policies of President Obama and former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi.

One of the key amendments added on the House floor also encouraged Gov. Jay Nixon to take action and make a stand as well. As the Chief Executive of the state and the former Attorney General we feel it is important for the Governor to get involved on behalf of the people of Missouri. As pointed out on the House floor, it has been six months since the people of Missouri have voiced their opinion and the Attorney General and Governor have still not taken any action.

While the debate on the Healthcare Freedom Act was heated and lively, bipartisanship was still not lost. We also passed new House Rules [HR38] under which we operate as a legislative body. Under these Rules power was extended to the minority to have a greater voice in the process. As Speaker Tilley pointed out, in previous years the influence of the minority had been restricted, however in order to change the culture of state politics in Jefferson City we must lead by example. I was proud to have adopted these Rules which do give a greater voice to the minority and therefore create a more bipartisan environment in our state capitol.

The 2011 Legislative Session has gotten off to a quick and promising start. I am excited and proud of my colleagues and the tone we have set so far as we continue our efforts to make the state of Missouri a better place for all our families. It is also important because these next few weeks will prove to be a challenging time for the Missouri House of Representatives as we tackle tough issues, but it will be an exciting time for Missouri’s future.

Stouffer: "Fix The Six"

The agenda for Missouri lawmakers in 2011 will be jobs. Our main focus will be getting folks back to work. And, we have a blueprint, courtesy of several groups of folks that provide jobs throughout the state.

Before the 2011 legislative session began, several employer groups held a press conference to outline their desires from the Missouri General Assembly. The result is “Fix the Six,” which consists of the half-dozen items they would like to see the Legislature handle.

1. Employment law reform: Missouri is seeing legal decisions pushed by trial lawyers that are eating at the state’s employment laws. This makes Missouri seem anti-business; it is also a burden on employers to recruit and maintain quality employees. The Missouri Human Rights Act needs to be brought in line with federal laws. Changes would also include capping jury trial awards and lowering punitive damage limits.
2. Workers’ compensation reform: Judges are also making decisions that are taking Missouri in the wrong direction, after having passed new workers’ comp laws in 2005. It is time to ensure the letter of the 2005 law is followed and not abused by activist judges.
3. Franchise tax cap: Anytime we can lower or eliminate useless taxes, I am for it. The franchise tax in Missouri was created in 1914, and was meant to only be temporary. This is double taxation. Missouri’s job providers want to see the Legislature cap the tax at 2010 levels and then phase it out over time.
4. Eliminate the minimum wage escalator: Missouri’s minimum wage law allows for an automatic adjustment for inflation, based on the cost of living. This could mean the state’s minimum wage would be more than the federal wage, which only costs Missouri jobs.
5. Tort reform: There is one area in the state’s legal law that puts us at a disadvantage. Current law for assessing fault and business liability says that a business can be held liable for the entire cost of litigation if it is at least 51 percent at fault. In fact, a business can be held responsible if there is a third party involved. This loophole needs to go immediately.
6. Unemployment insurance reform: Missouri’s unemployment insurance trust fund is bankrupt. The state has borrowed more than $700 million from the federal government in order to pay unemployment claims. If Missouri does not start paying back this money, we will start to lose other federal aid. Our goal is to fix this, pay back the money, and get people back to work. The more people working, the fewer dollars that have to go to unemployment.

These are all good ideas. Legislation has been drafted that would address most of these, with more on the way. Everybody in the General Assembly needs to work together in order to get the job done. I am looking forward to rolling up my sleeves and helping to do the work of the people, as we continue into the 2011 legislative session.

Torpey: A Special Note, Legislative Session Begins, Meet The Staff

A Special Note

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

I am sure that, by now, you have heard of the tragedy that has taken place in the state of Arizona. Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and several of her constituents and staff experienced what is truly an appalling event.

While we grieve the loss of those in Arizona, we also hope for the quick recovery of those still fighting for their lives. I urge everyone to keep our fellow Americans in Tucson in our thoughts and prayers until time can heal their emotional and physical wounds.

While many across the country try to turn this terrible event into a political stunt, we must stop and take the time to understand that it is much easier to work out problems and find solutions without the use of force. It is my hope that we in Missouri continue to openly debate real issues facing Missourians, continue to meet openly with our constituents, and continue to defend and uphold the outstanding ideals found in our constitution and founded by our democracy.

2011 Legislative Session begins

The House Welcomes New Faces and Leadership:

• At noon Wednesday, January 5, The 96th General Assembly convened in Jefferson City. Representative Steven Tilley was sworn in as the 70th Speaker of the Missouri House of Representatives. Representative Shane Schoeller was sworn in as Speaker Pro Tem.
• House Republicans hold the majority with 106 members. Democrats have 57 members. A veto-proof majority is 109.
• There are 45 committees, including 6 Appropriations Committees, the Special Committee on Redistricting and the Committee on Downsizing State Government.

As we embark on coming weeks:

• Committees are beginning to meet; more committee information can be found on the House website (www.house.mo.gov), under the Committees link.
• Representatives continue to file bills through April 1. More information can be found on the House website, under the Bill Information link.
• I look forward to speaking with many of you about upcoming legislation that will potentially impact our district if signed into law. Please contact my office with any questions.

Committees:

I have been graciously appointed as the Vice-Chairman to the Small Business Committee.

I will also be serving on the Fiscal Review Committee, the Downsizing State Government Committee, and Appropriations of Public Safety and Corrections.

Meet the Staff:

Each State Representative is allowed to hire one Legislative Aide. This session, my LA is Amanda Petelin. Feel free to contact her with any questions, or if you are unable to reach me. Her email is: amanda{dot}petelin{at}house{dot}mo{dot}gov.

I also have the unique privilege of having an intern work with my office this year. Stephanie Boeth is a junior from Northwest Missouri State University, studying Political Science and International Studies. We are very pleased to have Stephanie in our office this session!

The General Assembly will meet regularly until May 13, 2011. If you ever find yourself in the capitol, feel free to stop by our location in Room 415 B. We will be happy to meet and speak with you!

I wish you a blessed and safe New Year. Thank you for all the support you have given in the past year. And, as always, feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Korman: Snow Doesn't Slow Down The House

This week started off with a snow storm. It may have slowed me down on my commute, but it didn’t slow down the pace of the House of Representatives.

We adopted with bi-partisan support House Resolution 39. HR39 specifically addresses the failure of Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster in filing an independent lawsuit or joining twenty other state attorney generals in their lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the federal health care reform legislation (Obamacare,) especially given the overwhelming support Missouri voters displayed last August against the measure. HR39 also urges Governor Jay Nixon to encourage Attorney General Koster to file the suit.

I have already started committee meetings and my committee assignments are:

• Appropriations - Transportation and Economic Development
• Professional Registration and Licensing
• Utilities
• Appropriations - Agriculture and Natural Resources

Having a background in these subjects should help me catch up to speed on the rest of the legislative process.

I would also like to note that I co-sponsored House Bill 73 and it has made it to a committee hearing and may make it to the floor for debate soon. This bill seeks to safeguard Missouri tax dollars by preventing individuals who abuse illegal drugs from receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, or TANF, welfare checks.

Some residents of the district may be getting an automated call about House Bill 124 that allows you to directly contact our office. This Bill allows for a better way to reduce the interest costs for the lengthy process of obtaining a site permit for electrical generation facilities. HB 124 would help Ameren Callaway Facility, a facility near our district. I will be writing on this issue as the session progresses.

Please feel free to stop by or contact your 99th District office at:

201 W Capitol Ave., Office 114C
Jefferson City, MO 65101
573-751-2689
Bart{dot}Korman{at}house{dot}mo{dot}gov

Engler: Work Begins at the State Capitol

This was the first full week of session, and with the ceremony of opening day complete, we got to work on several issues. Much of the early work of the session will be completed in committees as bills are introduced on the floor and then sent to committee. This week I introduced legislation to protect the dignity of our fallen heroes, received committee assignments, and continued work to right-size state government.

I introduced a bill on the floor this week to address a group that protests at funerals of fallen service men and women in our state. In 2006, we passed legislation banning anyone from protesting or picketing at a funeral, but this summer a federal judge threw out the law. I filed Senate Bill 91 to specifically address the issues the judge brought up in the case and create laws in Missouri that will stand up in court.

Specifically, the judge had two main issues with Missouri’s law banning funeral protests. First, he felt that the way the current law was written did not show “significant government interest.” Senate Bill 91 has language that specifies the purpose of the law as protecting the privacy of grieving families, addressing the judge’s concern. The second issue the judge brought up was that current law was “not narrowly tailored.” To address this part of the ruling, SB 91 specifies that protest activities are those that disrupt or disturb a funeral. It is our goal to create a law in Missouri that will stand up to a court challenge and keep these protesters from disturbing the families grieving our fallen heroes.

Committee assignments were also announced this week, and I was named chair of the Committee on Financial and Governmental Organizations and Elections. The committee hears legislation relating to banks and banking, savings and loan associations and other financial institutions. The committee also works on legislation relating to departments, boards, bureaus and commissions of state government, the internal operation of any state agency, and the effect of federal legislation upon any state agency. Legislation affecting elections in the state is also commonly referred to the committee, and one bill that has already been assigned would require photo identification at the polls (Voter I.D.). It is sure to be a high profile measure, and I am eager to get to work on this and the other legislation that will be assigned.

We also started work on the Senate’s “Rebooting Government” initiative this week. The program, which began in 2010, takes suggestions from the public on ways to right-size state government. Several of the ideas suggested in 2010 were formed into policy and ultimately passed into law. Work began this week by splitting into seven work groups to discuss suggestions. I worked with several of my Senate colleagues on ways to reboot our Retirement and Employee Structure. My main concern is to make sure we review and see how our investments for state employee retirement are doing. Just as we would in the private sector, we must make sure we are getting the best return on investment available. If not, it is time for reform so that we are being as efficient with every dollar as possible.

Next week, we will begin meeting in committees and legislation will continue to be introduced on the floor. I will keep you posted on everything going on here in Jefferson City.

Kraus: Legislative Session Begins

We are now into our second week of the 2011 session and it has been a great start. The first few days of any session are always filled with reacquainting ourselves to the Capitol, getting into our offices and such, but after the dust settles, my colleagues and I are ready to get down to business.

Our swearing-in ceremony last week was a solemn occasion, giving me opportunity to reflect on the responsibility you have entrusted to me. I appreciated the many friends who came to Jefferson City to witness the event.

In the Missouri Constitution, it states that every senator or representative, before taking on the duties of office, must take the following oath: “I do solemnly swear, or affirm, that I will support the Constitution of the United States and of the state of Missouri, and faithfully perform the duties of my office, and that I will not knowingly receive, directly or indirectly, any money or valuable thing for the performance of nonperformance of any act or duty pertaining to my office, other than the compensation allowed by the law.” That is my promise to you.

Committee Assignments

Committee assignments have been made, and I’m excited that I have been given key committees that will be instrumental in making Missouri’s budget accountable. Foremost of these is the Appropriations Committee, which has responsibility for the budget.

With a projected $500 million revenue shortfall, I know this will be a tough year to balance the state’s budget. I welcome the challenge to put my philosophy of fiscal conservatism to work, and doing it without raising taxes.

I’ve also been named as vice-chair of the Ways and Means and Fiscal Oversight Committee, member of the Government Accountability Committee, and member of the Judiciary and Civil and Criminal Jurisprudence Committee.

Two additional fiscal oversight committees, the Ways and Means and the Government Accountability, offer further opportunity to look at government spending for ways to cut waste and be more efficient. I am indeed fortunate to be given these assignments.

We will begin work on the legislative committees as early as next week.

District 8 Day

I would like you to be my guest for District 8 Day at the Capitol on either March 30 or April 5. Each day will begin at 10:00 a.m. and end around 3:15 p.m. During the course of the day, you will be able to tour the Capitol Building, the Governor’s Mansion and the Supreme Court. You will also have the chance to visit the floor of the Missouri Senate, and I will be available at that time for a question and answer session.

Spots are limited, so please RSVP by Wednesday, March 9. You can simply e-mail with your name, physical address, and number attending. You will be responsible for your own transportation to Jefferson City and lunch. Please consider coming – it is a great opportunity to learn more about your Missouri state government.

New Office Information

As your senator from the 8^th District, please feel free to contact me or my staff with any questions or suggestions you might have. Please note that my new e-mail address is will{dot}kraus{at}senate{dot}mo{dot}gov. The District 8 telephone number is 573-751-1464.

I look forward to hearing your comments or concerns and will be happy to help you find answers to any questions you might have.

Allen: "Show-Me Solutions" Outline, Healthcare Reform Resolution

Commencement of the First Regular Session of the 96th General Assembly

On Wednesday, January 5, 2011, legislators from across Missouri returned to Jefferson City to convene the First Regular Session of the 96th General Assembly.

The General Assembly begins each year at noon on the first Wednesday after the first Monday in January at the State Capitol in Jefferson City. Here, legislation is introduced and debated on both the Senate and the House floors. The General Assembly meets until the first Friday following the second Monday in May.

Swearing-in: A Personal Note

Following our swearing in January 5^th, our office prepared for the evening’s events, the party, and the Legislative Ball. Since I was eight days post-op from my arthroscopic knee surgery, I was very concerned about walking down, and not falling down, the Grand Staircase with my husband Mike. I am happy to report that our entry was problem-free.

Numerous friends and residents of the 92^nd district stopped by my office, including some new acquaintances. I am thankful of the support I have received and look forward to continuing my service to the 92^nd!

“Show Me Solutions” Initiative

One of the first orders of business on the first day of session was the election of the Speaker of the House. I am proud to announce that the House elected Representative Steven Tilley (R-Perryville) to the post.

In his Opening Session Address, Speaker Tilley set forth a bold agenda for the Missouri House, the “Show Me Solutions Initiative.” This encompasses five key areas: Job Creation, Taxes and Spending, Government Accountability, Education, and Healthcare.

Our first priority is to help put Missourians back to work. If we do our job, we can take steps to improve employers’ ability to hire and retain employees, and secure certainty in the take-home pay of every family in Missouri. Government is not the solution to our bad economy, but we need to assure that our state government is not making it worse. TAX REFORM, TORT REFORM, and REGULATORY REFORM will help make our state more attractive to business investors who will put folks back to work. Some of the specific legislative areas we will focus on are:

Reducing Small Business Regulation & Taxes. The Missouri House will review and reduce job killing regulations on small businesses and will work to phase in full deductibility of federal income taxes from state taxes.

Hold The Line on Taxes & Live Within Our Means. Simply put, we will oppose unnecessary tax increases, balance our budget and keep spending under control so Missouri doesn’t become like Washington DC, or some of our other states, that have accumulated outrageous debt.

Immigration. We will seek to protect Missouri workers by adopting an immigration bill similar to the law passed in Arizona, but expand it to include human trafficking and cross referencing the sexual predator list.

Small Business Tort Reform. This legislation will significantly improve the workplace environment in Missouri by strengthening the legal requirements to file a suit and capping damage awards that have gotten out of hand from a handful of poorly decided court decisions that are wreaking havoc on Missouri businesses as a whole.

Healthcare Cost Transparency. Require hospitals and healthcare providers to disclose their costs to the state and their patients.

In his address, Speaker Tilley also spoke about the need to root out waste, fraud, and abuse. To do this, among other things, he will give the Budget Committee subpoena power. As a member of the Budget Committee, I am looking forward to having this power at our disposal.

NEW OFFICE LOCATION

With the start of the new session, we have moved offices from our second floor office of the last two years. We are now located on the third floor in Room #310 just across the hall from Speaker Tilley's office. As always, I encourage you to stop by for a visit if you are in Jefferson City. Contact Matt Schumann at the office if there is anything we can do to help make your visit better.

HCR 6

Last week, I officially introduced HCR 6. HCR 6 requests that the U.S. Department of the Interior add Grant’s Farm in St. Louis County as a unit of the National Park Service by joining with the Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site.

Grant’s Farm is an extraordinary treasure to the state and is a premiere attraction for visitors to St. Louis County. More than 20 political subdivisions and local organizations have passed similar measures, including the City of Manchester and the St. Louis County Council.

House Calls on the Attorney General to Join Healthcare Law Suite

In just the fourth day of the legislative session, the Missouri House of Representatives has already sent a resolution through committee and adopted it on the House floor. House Resolution 39, echoes the sentiments of more than 70% of Missouri voters last August when they overwhelmingly endorsed a plan to stop the implementation of the Federal Healthcare Mandate. HR 39 encourages Missouri’s Attorney General to join 20 other Attorneys General around the country contesting the bill. One of the amendments added to the resolution also encouraged Governor Jay Nixon, who was the former Missouri Attorney General, to also take action on behalf of his constituents. Six months have passed since the passage of Proposition C in the August Primary election and neither Koster nor Nixon has taken action on behalf of their statewide constituencies. In addition, over 80% of the House Democrat Caucus voted against the resolution - preferring to support President Obama’s healthcare bill. I was very happy to support with the people of Missouri with a “Yes” vote on HB 39.

“Thank You” to Dan Amsden

Dan Amsden, resident of Town & Country, came to the Capitol on Monday to meet with a few representatives and senators to discuss how we can make Missouri more efficient. Dan is a constituent in the 92^nd district and has become very politically active during the past year. He is one of the founders and President of Automation Alliance Group LLC (AAG). AAG partners with large industrial companies cut waste and inefficiencies by automating processes and introducing new technologies. The discussion was very fruitful and it was enlightening to get private sector input on government processes.

I look forward to working more with Dan in the future and appreciate him taking time out of his day to travel to Jefferson City and meet with us.

MU Extension

The University of Missouri Extension is opening a new facility in the St. Louis Area located at 121 S. Meramec Ave Suite 501, St. Louis, MO 63105.

The MU Extension is your one-stop source for practical information on almost anything. Want to know how to do your own taxes? Need to boost your metabolism? Trying to talk to your teen? Thinking about growing fruit trees? Extension can answer these questions and millions more like them! For programs and publications on hundreds of topics, you can visit their website at: extension.missouri.edu or call them at 314-615-2911.

Welcome Laura Heck

Laura Heck will be our legislative intern for this upcoming session. She is currently a student at The University of Missouri in Columbia and is earning a degree in Journalism. She is also a graduate of our district’s very own Parkway South High School. This is going to be an exciting year in the House and hopefully a good learning experience for Laura as well. I look forward to getting to know her and working with her throughout the session.

Congratulations to “Napoli 2”

I am always pleased when residents of the 92nd District receive national recognition, so I am proud to announce that one of our newest local restaurants, Napoli 2 - 1054 Town & Country Crossing - was named by OpenTable Inc. as one of fifty national winners of its 2010 Diners' choice Awards for Best Italian Cuisine. Napoli 2 made the list along with Charlie Gitto's On The Hill as the only St. Louis winners. Congratulations to Ande Pietoso and his staff on this award.

If anyone is aware of other 92nd District businesses winning awards, let us know.

Legislative Survey

Residents of the 92^nd District should have received my Legislative Survey this past week. Please take some time to complete it and mail it back. We have already gotten a few hundred back and are starting to tabulate the results. Your thoughts and views are much appreciated. And I look forward to reading your comments and knowing your opinions on these important matters.