- Last Week the Last Week of Session (5/16/16)
- More Bills On the Governor’s Desk (4/28/16)
- A Truly Agreed and Finally Passed 2017 Budget Sent to the Governor (4/22/16)
- Bills Reported to the Senate (4/15/16)
- More House Bills Move Forward (4/8/16)
- Historic Override of the Governor’s Revenue Withholds (3/18/16)
- Missouri’s 2017 Fiscal Year (FY17) Budget Passes the House (3/11/16)
April 18 Capitol Report
>House Bill 1317 sponsored by Rep Stanly Cox, is currently in the Senate and looks as though it will move through the Senate quickly since Rep. Cox has worked intensely with Senators to revamp Missouri's criminal code. Its 75 provisions make it one of the most voluminous bills this year. The bill's summary will give the reader an idea what sections of the criminal code will be affected.
Work began on this legislation long before the 2014 session. It was a bi-partisan, House-Senate effort which also included judiciary professionals.
>House leadership members have worked feverously again this year to pass an income tax cut for all Missourians. Many of you will remember last year's House Bill 253. Governor Nixon "nixed" last year's bill along with the threat to withhold education funds if the legislators over-ride the veto. We expect he'll do no less this year since Senate Bill 509 was delivered to the Governor on Wednesday. If Governor Nixon once again threatens to withhold education funds because of a tax-cut bill, he will once again demonstrate his extreme use of political rhetoric.
You should know that I and other legislators will never allow a bill to affect state revenues in such a way that our elementary and secondary education programs fiscally suffer.
>House Bill 2193 is a No Burn Ban filed by Rep Lyle Roland. This bill gives county commissioners the authority to call a no burn ban, keeping the authority under local control. They may consult with the State Fire Marshall regarding the notice if they choose. It also includes counties of a third class, giving them the same authority as other counties of a different class to call and enforce a no burn ban.
>Two of my bills have passed out of the House and are their way to the Senate. The HCR 25 proclaims August as Oral Health Month in the state and HB 1078 is my fluoride notification bill. (This is a bill requiring fluoridation notification only. It does not require local water systems to include, adjust or eliminate fluoride in the public drinking water; they only need to notify the customers when there is any adjustment in the fluoride treatment.)
> Recently I had the pleasure of meeting FFA students who visited the Capitol. I'm always thrilled to see the smiling faces of Future Farmers of America (FFA) youth members. This vital group has a membership that exceeds 25,000 in the state. Their agricultural education programs equip youth to carry the agricultural "torch" for future generations. After speaking with many of them I assure you our farming communities are in good standing. Dale Steffens (left-most adult) is their mentor; I can tell he really cares about the kids.
In 1988 the Future Farmers of America changed its name to National FFA Organization to reflect the growth of diversity in agriculture. While many still call it Futures Farmers of America -- The official name is National FFA Organization and the state name is Missouri FFA Association.
>Sunday, April 27, is the Freedom Road Riders Motorcycle Rally. I will be addressing the attendees regarding highway legislative issues. The events will begin at Lawless Harley-Davidson in Scott City with a road-ride ending at the Bayou Bare and Grill in Pocahontas where great food and music will conclude a fun day.
>Yesterday the Cape Farmer's Market opened at a new location: the back parking lot of the West Park Mall. It is held every Thursday noon through 5 p.m. during the months of April though November, so grab you vegie tote and head for fresh produce and home-made goodies.
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