Friday, December 18, 2015

Pre-Filing 2015


Pre-Filing is in full swing...

Tuesday, Dec. 1st, marked the first day legislators in both chambers of the Missouri General Assembly could pre-file bills for the 2016 legislative session. During the first two days of pre-filing House members filed 261 bills. This figure shatters previous marks for bill filing activity. In comparison, the 2014 session saw just 195 bills pre-filed throughout the month-long pre-filing period.  Many are projecting over 2000 bills to be pre-filed this month.  I am afraid we will make or even surpass that projection!

 

For the 2016 legislative session, the bills pre-filed by my office include:

•HB 1366 is taking a proactive approach in the pharmaceutical arena by enacting a new law that would allow for an interchangeable biological product to be dispensed.  This bill has the potential to allow Missourians better access to biological products used in the treatment of conditions such as arthritis, anemia, skin conditions, and various forms of cancer.  I am hopeful it will be a proactive step towards controlling one area of prescription drug costs.

•HB 1367 would give the General Assembly an additional level of involvement and oversight of the state education department particularly in regard to the use of federal funding.  I am hopeful this bill will be a conversation starter for a re-building of trust between the people of this state, DESE and the General Assembly and a reunification towards us all working together to ensure Missouri children receive the very best education possible.

•HB 1368 (refiled from last session) would establish a committee to examine the regulations the State Schools for the Severely Disabled operate under in an effort to make changes to allow the schools to better meet the needs of children.

•HB 1557 and HB 1558 both are from last session and relate to duplicative regulations/inspections for nursing facilities, hoping to get this to a unified and consistent type of inspection process as well as clear and consistent regulations.  This will be a step to ensuring safe and high quality nursing facilities, it is very difficult for them to achieve this when the inspectors and regulations contradict.

•HB 1712 will add that a managed care plan's network (health insurance) shall be deemed adequate if the plan is offered by a carrier accredited by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care.

•HB 1866 will allow Advanced Practice Registered Nurses to practice without a mileage restriction and address some other barriers to healthcare access that currently negatively impact rural Missourians.

•HB 1879 will reinstate the Cap back into the Foundation Formula for the funding of education making it so that the Foundation Formula may be fully funded without a massive tax increase each year, this will also allow our rural schools to be more adequately and fairly funded compared with urban schools.

•I am still working on 2 other bills that I plan to file, one is related to offering dyslexia training to every teacher in the state at no cost to our local schools and addressing the certification process for educators.  The wording on both of these are still being discussed, I will let you know as soon as I file these bills.

•One final bill, I am not sure when we will have it ready for filing as it is very complicated, is to address nursing facilities via quality improvement/incentives and/or reimbursement.  Our nursing facilities get a very bad "rap" due to the care or perception of the care delivery system.  I am hoping to address this through improved training, quality improvement methods and reimbursements so that CNA's (Certified Nursing Assistants) will receive better pay as they are the ones who provide the majority of direct hands on patient care, we all know "you get what you pay for" so I hope to ensure the best possible staff for our elderly who are in nursing facilities.

 

I will be also filing, in January when that filing time opens, 3 resolutions that will address Federal Government overreach.  I am hopeful these statements will receive bipartisan support and make it clear to our Federal Delegation that we, as Missourians, support common sense approaches to government that are as close to the people as possible and we do not feel the Federal Government knows best in all things.

 

This update is quite lengthy, I could list more than what I have listed here but I am afraid the report would become so large and cumbersome no one would want to read it!  I have tried to keep things brief and list only the highlights.  I have attended many, many meetings which I have not listed but if you have questions about any of the meetings I have attended, please feel free to call or email me and ask!  I am always happy to share with others what I have been doing most importantly the things I have learned!

 

I very much appreciate another opportunity to serve you in this upcoming session.  I will work hard to stop government overreach while also protecting our citizens and our way of life.  Please contact me if you would like to discuss any of the bills mentioned above or any of those filed by other legislators.  I will be happy to find a time for us to meet and talk!

 

I won't send out a report again until after Christmas as we all will be spending as much time with family as possible.   Enjoy this Holiday Season and spend as much time as possible with your loved ones!!

 

Merry Christmas!!

 
Tila

Friday, October 2, 2015

Capitol Report--VA Issues, Senior Healthcare, Education Funding and Local Control, Planned Parenthood, and more

This week's Capitol Report focuses on a wide variety of issues but I would like to use this portion to write about an issue that is very near to my heart.  The issue I would like to bring attention to is the care our veterans are being given at the VA system. 

I want to preface this all by pointing out there are many great and caring people that work for the VA system.  It isn't necessarily the people that is the problem, the problem, in my opinion, is with the system itself.  If you have been following the development of the issue at the Federal level, you will have seen no changes have been made in personnel.  I am hoping this means the top level officials of the system are dedicated to fixing, repairing or changing the system but I am not yet convinced.   It may appear that I am contradicting myself here but I do not feel as if I am.  The top level officials are the ones that authorize policy and procedure, without their engagement in this process, nothing will change the current status quo which limits the ability of the "normal" staff person to do his or her job effectively. 

I have see first hand, as my husband is a veteran that receives healthcare at our area VA system, the challenges and treatment of our veterans.  I have also worked with many of our veterans during my years of working as a nurse and through this past year as your state representative.  I am outraged and disheartened at the care given or in many cases not given. I am also outraged at the red tape and steps one must go through to obtain services or to get services received paid for.  This must change. 

What I can actually do at my level is very limited.  The VA is a Federal issue and my level of influence over Federal issues is limited. The good news on this is that I have had the opportunity to speak with two of our Federal delegation members, Congressman Smith and Senator Blunt. I am pleased to tell you the conversations I have had with both men are very encouraging.

Congressman Smith and Senator Blunt are dedicated to changing this situation into one that every veteran receives the care he or she so much deserves.  They are so dedicated to this issue they have both assigned staff members from their offices to gather information to present to Congress and to work to resolve issues our veterans are currently dealing with such as helping to get services received paid for and to assist with navigating the VA system.

I would like to ask, actually beg of you, to share with Congressman Smith and Senator Blunt your experiences with the VA system.  Please write or call their office(s), this is the only way we can actually get the system to change is by flooding Washington DC with actual testimony from veterans who know first hand what type of care is being given and what the barriers to care are.

Contact Information for Congressman Smith:

2502 Tanner Drive
Suite 205
Cape Girardeau, MO 63703
Phone: 573-335-0101

or

1118 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Phone: 202-225-4404

Contact Information for Senator Blunt:

2502 Tanner Drive Suite 208
Cape Girardeau, Missouri 63703
Phone: (573) 334-7044

or

260 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
Phone: (202) 224-5721

If I can be of assistance with this issue or any other issues, please do not hesitate to call my office!  We will be glad to do all we can to serve you!

Capitol News:

House Budget Leaders Urge Caution with Governor’s Higher Education Spending Plan

As the governor recently proposed a plan to increase funding for Missouri’s institutions of higher learning, House budget leaders immediately urged a more cautious approach as the state waits to see if it will have revenues to afford an increase. Both Budget Chairman Tom Flanigan and Budget Vice Chairman Scott Fitzpatrick said the Missouri House is committed to supporting higher education, but will take a wait and see approach to increased funding until it’s clear that revenues will increase sufficiently.

Nixon’s proposal calls for a $55.7 million increase in funding for higher education in the Fiscal Year 2017 state budget that begins July 1, 2016. In exchange, colleges and universities would freeze tuition so that Missouri families do not pay more for their kids to go to school. If put into effect, the six percent increase would bring total funding for higher education to approximately $1 billion in general revenue funds.

House Budget leaders cautioned that the state’s revenue numbers have not increased at a healthy enough level to date to talk about significant funding increases. They stressed that the state must have enough money to continue to meet its funding obligations to health care and elementary and secondary education.

I am also in agreement with being cautious before increasing funds for Higher Education.  Our state budget is limited in what it can do, if we spread the money too thin, I am worried we will find ourselves doing a lot of things but none of it very well. 

I also will admit that if there is to be additional funding for education, I would prefer we work first to fix the school funding formula to one that can actually be fully funded and remove Federal and State strings from the funding thereby allowing our schools to education our children without having to jump through so many hoops with a million regulations.   

I am also much more supportive of seeing an increase in funding Parents as Teachers.  We have a generation of parents that either had very little parenting themselves as children and/or have very little family support.  Teaching and supporting young parents, giving them the skills necessary to become great parents who are actively involved in educating their children is a much needed and understated priority.


Human Trafficking Task Force to Hold Public Hearings around the State

A group of Missouri state legislators and citizens working together to combat the rapidly-growing criminal industry of human trafficking will begin holding public hearings around the state. The Human Trafficking Task force will take public testimony on the issue during a series of hearings in October in Kansas City, St. Louis, and Springfield.

The task force was created by legislation sponsored by the General Assembly during the 2015 session. The group’s mission is to raise awareness of the human trafficking problem in Missouri and provide organizations and agencies that enforce human trafficking laws and assist victims with a central place to share information. The task force is charged with reporting a summary of its activities and making any recommendations for legislation to the General Assembly by January 1, 2017.

The human trafficking industry generates $150 billion in annual profits throughout the world. The criminal industry makes its profits on the backs of an estimated 21 million victims, including 5.5 million children. The task force is part of an effort by the state to take a more active role to help the dozens of nonprofit organizations that are already diligently working to shut down the human trafficking industry. The chairman of the committee hopes to see a strong turnout at the hearings from people who have stories and suggestions to share that can help the task force make policy recommendations that will prevent trafficking crimes in the future.

The task force is set for noon hearings at the following locations:
·         October 8 at the Kansas City Chamber Board Room in Union Station
·         October 13 at BJC Children’s Hospital, St. Louis
·         October 28 at the Springfield Chamber, Bill Foster North Meeting Room



New Interim Committee to Review State Activities Association

A newly-created interim committee in the House will take a look at the progress made by the Missouri State High School Activities Association in implementing recommendations made by a separate interim committee in 2007.

The Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) is the governing body for high school activities throughout the state of Missouri. Approximately 580 high schools are members of MSHSAA. In recent years, both members of the public and legislators have expressed concerns regarding how MSHSAA conducts its business.

The House Interim Committee on MSHSAA Issues was created by House Speaker Todd Richardson to track and compare the progress of previously recommended MSHSAA reforms outlined in the report issued by the 2007 Interim Committee on MSHSAA Reform.

The current committee will focus on five key areas in its investigation:
1)      MSHSAA’s financial audits of receipts and expenditures.
2)      MSHSAA’s compliance with Sunshine Laws and transparency of activities.
3)      MSHSAA’s fairness and consistency in its application of their Constitution, Bylaws, and Board Rules and Regulations.
4)      MSHSAA’s compliance and role in insuring student safety.
5)      Any other issues that may arise.

The chairman of the committee has said his primary goal is to ensure the organization that oversees all high school activities in the state is acting in a transparent and accountable way that protects the best interests of Missouri young people.
The committee will hold its first hearings at the State Capitol at the end of October.

Representative Cookson, an Advance graduate and Puxico native, is serving on this committee and working very actively in this process. 



Moving Wall Memorializes Fallen Heroes

In a few weeks our nation will pause to honor and respect the heroes who have made great sacrifices to protect our freedoms. Just a few days ago, tens of thousands of Missourians made their way to the State Capitol to pay tribute to the many brave individuals who gave their lives in the Vietnam War.

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Moving Wall was in Jefferson City from Sept. 24 – 28 and folks from near and far, and of all ages, were able to visit and see the names of 58.307 names inscribed on the wall. Officials who helped bring the wall to Jefferson City said peak times saw approximately 800 visitors each hour with non-peak times producing 400 visitors per hour. In total, more than 30,000 people stopped to visit and pay their respects and spend a few moments in remembrance of those who gave all for this nation.


Attorney General Investigates Claims against Planned Parenthood

As both the Missouri House and Senate continued to investigate the allegations against Planned Parenthood, and the debate raged on in Washington, D.C. with talks of defunding the organization, the state Attorney General also began his own investigation. This week Attorney General Koster released the findings of his investigation that indicate the Planned Parenthood facility in St. Louis has not sold fetal tissue.

Koster’s 50-page report claims that the fetal tissues from more than 300 surgical abortions performed at the St. Louis facility were properly incinerated. According to the report, the tissues can be tracked from the clinic to the pathology lab to the incinerator, and there is no evidence that tissues have ever been sold.

Missouri is one of several states that has investigated Planned Parenthood following videos that some claimed were proof that the organization breaks federal law by selling tissues for profit. States such as Georgia, Indiana and Massachusetts have already conducted investigations and cleared Planned Parenthood of breaking the law. While Koster’s report appears to find no wrongdoing in Missouri, the chair of the House committee investigating Planned Parenthood has said she plans to continue the committee’s efforts. She said the report still leaves several questions that need to be answered.

I serve on this committee and would very much like to continue this investigation.  I am not as convinced as of yet but whether or not I become convinced isn't as important as making sure that the selling of baby body parts never again is called into question.  I will continue to work diligently on this committee to ensure Missouri law is followed and respected as well as to ensure that all human remains are treated with the respect and dignity deserved. 



Education Issues:

have been learning so much about our state this past year.  One thing I have learned recently was through my daughter's process of preparing for life after graduation.  I learned that our area of the state, Southeast Missouri, has an average ASVAB score of 37.  The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is a multiple-aptitude battery that measures developed abilities and helps predict future academic and occupational success in the military. It is administered annually to more than one million military applicants, high school, and post-secondary students.

I was concerned when I was told this number and I checked into our state's performance just a little more.  The information below was what I received.

The most current data available for statewide ASVAB performance is the 2014 data:

·         19.7% of 9th, 10th, and 11th grade students took the ASVAB
·         Based on the percentage of participation, Missouri ranks 3rd in the country
·         38.7 was the average composite score
·         Based on the average composite score, Missouri ranks 37th in the country.

This information was concerning to me as well.  I as glad to see we participate well but it does cause me to worry about our education system.  We have many great teachers and administrators in our area, their number one goal is to teach and to make sure our children learn.  Our government ties their hands with regulations, rules and guidelines.  I really don't know why our teachers and administrators continue to do what they do, other than they are dedicated to serving our children even in a system that is so difficult to work in.  I ask for you to contact our Federal officials and ask them to support removing "strings" and to stop adding rules, regulations and guidelines to Federal monies and policies related to education.  Education is best directed locally by OUR teachers and OUR administrators and OUR school boards.  Help me fight to return the control of our schools back to our local level.  If we had local control of our schools, the above referenced ASVAB scores would be much higher, I am sure of it!



Senior Healthcare Issues

I am preparing for another Brain Storming Session with stakeholders to discuss Long Term Care Issues.  We will be continuing our discussion on this but we will also spend some time discussing the difficulties many senior citizens have trying to access In Home Care. 


At the last meeting there was discussion regarding the possibility for expanded use of Advanced Practice Nurses and Nurse Practitioners in the Long Term Care setting.  There are several promising studies showing an decrease in preventable illnesses and wounds as well as improved quality of life with these practitioners on site.   

Regulations and interpretation of those regulations was a hot topic discussed at length as well as the survey teams/training and the once available training for providers. It has come to our group's attention of instances in which regulations are interpreted differently depending on the team members understanding and training.  We are hoping to work with the Department officials to gain a better understanding of this issue and how we can bring some type of continuity to this issue.  A standard method or way of interpretation would be very helpful for administrative officials of Long Term Care facilities to know clearly what is and is not expected of them by the state and federal governments.

We will be discussing more in depth at the next meeting information gathered to answer questions regarding the Certified Nurse Assistant training programs and rules.  There were questions raised in regards to this at the last meeting and several individuals have been working to gather information on this issue as well as looking into possible recommendations that could be made to improve the training and work experience of CNAs.  CNAs, for anyone familiar with Long Term Care facilities, work very hard and provide a bulk of the direct patient care.   


Senior Citizens and the treatment they receive are priorities of mine.  I will continue this next session to advocate for quality healthcare that is delivered with compassion, care and respect.

Friday, September 18, 2015

Veto Session

Capitol News:

Veto Session Sees Several Bills Enacted into Law

The annual Veto Session began Wednesday, September 16 at noon and by the time it was finished 12 hours later the House and Senate had combined to override the governor’s vetoes on 10 pieces of legislation. Heading into the day, the legislature had successfully completed 94 veto overrides in the history of the state. Seventy-two of the overrides had occurred under the watch of the current governor. With Wednesday’s total added to the tally, the legislature has now successfully approved 104 overrides and Gov. Nixon has seen 82 of his vetoes overridden.

The annual Veto Session is required by Article III, Section 32 of the Missouri Constitution, which calls for the General Assembly to convene each September to consider vetoed bills. Overrides have typically been rare in the state’s history because a successful motion requires two-thirds majorities in both legislative chambers – 23 votes in the Senate and 109 in the House of Representatives. Override efforts begin in a given bill’s chamber of origin. If the originating chamber fails to override, the other chamber can take no action on it.

The House entered the day with 10 vetoed bills and one vetoed budget line-item to consider. The Senate began deliberations with six vetoed Senate bills to consider, as well as one override motion on HB 150 that had already been approved by the House during the regular session. When their work was done shortly after midnight Thursday morning, the two chambers had combined to override vetoes on six House bills and four Senate bills.

House Fails to Override Veto of Right to Work Bill (HB 116)

During the 2015 regular session the House and Senate had worked together to send Right to Work legislation to the governor’s desk for the first time in the history of the state. The governor then vetoed the bill, which set up a much-discussed and much-anticipated vote to enact the bill into law despite the governor’s objections.

Wednesday afternoon the House spent nearly two hours debating the bill before finally attempting the override motion. In front of packed galleries filled with both supporters and opponents of the bill, the House failed to approve the override motion by a vote of 96-63. The 96 votes fell 13 short of the number needed to override, but represented a gain of four votes from the 92 that originally approved the bill in the House during the regular session.

In effect, the bill would have given workers in Missouri the right to decide whether to join a union. Specifically, it would have prohibited an employer from requiring a person to become a member of a labor organization as a condition or continuation of employment.

Supporters of the idea say it is meant to make Missouri a more attractive location for new and existing job creators. They say it preserves the rights and freedoms of the individual to choose whether to join a union. Opponents say it is an attack on organized labor and a move that would lead to lower wages for workers.

I supported this override and spoke in favor of it.  I have been told by our community business leaders and economic developers Missouri is losing jobs to states that are Right to Work.  I have verified this with other economic developers and business leaders throughout the state to ensure this wasn’t a phenomena to our area because we are close to Arkansas and Tennessee.  I was told over and over when companies look at possible states and consider the attributes of those states, the consistent item on the list of reasons why they are NOT considering Missouri is we are not a Right to Work state.

Right to Work is not a guaranteed deal maker though, we must be equal in other areas as well such as utilities, infrastructure, housing, and we are equal in those areas in most cases.  I talked with many, many people in our district, overwhelmingly I was asked to please support Right to Work, and this was by people on every side of the political aisle, Republican, Democrat, Libertarian, and Independent.  We did gain votes for Right to Work and we will continue to work to fight for Missouri jobs and grow Missouri’s economy.

General Assembly Overrides Governor’s Veto of Unemployment Reform Bill (HB 150)

During the 2015 regular session the Missouri House successfully completed an override motion on the governor’s veto of legislation that supporters say will keep Missouri’s system of unemployment financially stable. Because of a filibuster, the Senate was shut down in the final week of session and was unable to complete the override motion. Wednesday evening, members of the Senate finally completed the override to enact into a law a bill that will link unemployment benefits to the rate of unemployment, and ensure the state keeps more money in the unemployment trust fund.

Supporters of the bill say it is meant to protect the state’s unemployment system from insolvency in the event there is another economic downturn. Missouri is the only state that has been forced to borrow money from the federal government to pay for unemployment benefits during each of the last five economic downturns. Borrowing federal dollars has the added negative impact of taking away a portion of a federal tax credit businesses normally receive.

Opponents say the change will make it even more difficult for unemployed Missourians to obtain the financial support they need to pay their bills and keep food on the table. They say it will make the length of Missouri’s unemployment benefits one of the shortest in the nation.

The legislation is designed to make sure the state has enough money in its unemployment trust fund so that businesses don’t have to pay a penalty. Specifically, it will increase the minimum amount of money in the fund before employers’ contribution rates decrease. For example, Missouri businesses would see their contribution rates decrease by 12 percent if the fund has a balance greater than $870 million.

The bill also ties unemployment benefits to the average unemployment rate so that more benefits are available when unemployment is high. If the state were in a position of high unemployment (9 percent or higher) benefits would be available for 20 weeks. In periods of low unemployment (lower than 6 percent) benefits would be available for 13 weeks. Supporters noted that a similar system is already in place in states like Georgia and Florida. They call the change an important step toward ensuring Missouri can afford to help its citizens during times when they are without work.

House and Senate Override Bill to Prevent Undocumented Immigrants from Receiving A+ Scholarships (SB 224)

Another bill now set to become law is meant to ensure scholarship benefits through the state’s A+ Schools Program are received only by young people who are legal residents of the United States. Specifically, the bill requires a student to be a United States citizen or a permanent resident in order to receive benefits.

The impetus for the legislation was a decision by the Missouri Department of Higher Education to allow students who are lawfully present, but not legal residents, to receive A+ scholarships. The decision applies directly to students who are part of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program that allows children who were brought to the United States illegally by their parents to stay and legally live, work and study.

Supporters of SB 224 say the bill ensures the limited amount of scholarship money in the A+ program will be reserved for legal Missouri residents. They say it is unfair to Missouri families to see diminished scholarship amounts for their children because the dollars are instead going to young people who are not legal residents. Opponents of the idea say it is an attack on young people who are in the country illegally through no fault of their own. They say the legislature should work to increase funding for the A+ program so all children can benefit.

The A+ Scholarship program allows Missouri high school students who have met certain requirements to receive state-funded assistance to attend participating public community college or vocational/technical school, or certain private two-year vocational/technical schools.  The program allows thousands of Missouri students to pursue a college degree each year.

General Assembly Acts to Ensure Uniform Minimum Wage (HB 722)

The House and Senate also collaborated Wednesday to overturn the governor’s veto of legislation meant to keep minimum wages in municipalities throughout Missouri at a rate that does not exceed the state standard.

Supporters of the bill have said a uniform minimum wage is important to provide a level playing field for employers and employees around the state. They say the bill is simply a clarification of existing law, which prohibits cities from raising the minimum wage. Opponents say the bill is an attack on local control and an infringement on the rights of municipalities. They also say higher wages for Missourians can only have a positive impact on the economy.

In addition, the bill that will now become law ensures Missourians will continue to have the choice of paper or plastic bags at the grocery store.  The bill specifies that all merchants doing business in this state must have the option to provide customers with a paper or plastic bag for any item or good purchased.  The bill also makes it clear that a political subdivision cannot impose any ban, fee, or tax upon the use of paper or plastic bags.

Other Bills Now Set to Become Law

HB 618 - Changes the laws regarding the disposition of human remains. Expands the types of medical professionals who can attest to a cause of death, to include physicians’ assistants, assistant physicians and advance practice registered nurses.

HB 878 - Specifies that the Department of Public Safety must have the authority to commission corporate security advisors and establishes procedures to do so.

HB 1022 - Authorizes a return of premiums paid by insureds.

HB 1098 - Changes the laws regarding trust companies.

SB 20 - Creates a state and local sales and use tax exemption for material, machinery, and energy used by commercial laundries in treating or cleaning textiles.

SB 142 - Requires the Department of Natural Resources, when developing a state implementation plan, state plan, or non-point source management plan for submission to the Environmental Protection Agency, to prepare an implementation impact report in lieu of a regulatory impact report in collaboration with certain other state entities. The report will be delivered to the Governor, Joint Committee on Government Accountability, President Pro Tempore of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives along with the proposed plan 45 calendar days prior to submission to the Environmental Protection Agency.


SB 345 - Increases the fee that banks can charge consumers for loans of 30 days or more, to a maximum of $100. Limit now is $75.

My frustration with Mo DOT

I always learn something new when I am in Jefferson City.  This week I was very upset to learn of Mo DOT spending time, money and resource to provide Cultural and Diversity training to employees.  You may ask why I am upset over this, I will explain the reasons I have regarding my disapproval and frustration with this training.   This past year we have all heard how Mo DOT was short of the needed funds to maintain and repair our roads and bridges, it went so far as to a ballot measure that failed and bills being filed in the legislature this past session.   During the past session, I was very aware of and concerned for Mo DOT’s funding needs, especially as I have been under our bridges and seen for myself the deteriorating condition of our bridges, I have tried to be supportive of finding ways to address the funding issues to ensure Missourians safety on the roads.  Mo DOT has recently released a plan to care for a very primary roadway structure and I have been very good to explain the importance of this primary structure even though we have very little on the primary structure.  I have talked with other members of the legislative body about ways to find more funding for Mo DOT so that the secondary roads and bridges can be addressed.  


With all this being said, I cannot and will not be supportive of funds, resources and time, all of which are very precious commodities, to be used for Cultural and Diversity training while we have so many of our roads and bridges are listed as being in critical condition.  People’s lives and safety are more important than this type of training!  How will we all feel if someone is killed on our roadways or a bridge because we used our financial and personnel resources on other types of activities instead of first making sure our roads and bridges are safe?   If this is a Federal requirement due to some Federal monies our state has accepted, I will be more than happy to take this fight to our Federal Delegation serving in Washington DC and ask them to change this.  We must have safe roads and bridges to travel on.  Our economy needs safe roads and bridges for businesses to grow and thrive.  Our people deserve to be safe as they travel over Missouri roads and bridges.   I will continue to stand for wise use of our tax dollars and for common sense.  Missourians safety and lives come before Cultural and Diversity training.  

Sunday, September 6, 2015

Upcoming Meeting to Discuss Healthcare Challenges for Senior Citizens

I will conduct my first meeting to begin discussions regarding the challenges facing senior citizens as it relates to healthcare.  These meetings will begin by looking at Long Term Care.  If you have thoughts on this issue, please email me at tila.hubrecht@house.mo.gov

Capitol Report and Update: Preparations Being Finalized for Veto Session

Capitol News:


House Members Prepare for Annual Veto Session

As mandated by the Missouri Constitution, the General Assembly will meet Wednesday, September 16 to consider bills that were passed by the House and Senate but vetoed by the governor. The annual Veto Session gives legislators a final opportunity to enact their ideas into law despite the governor’s objections. In both chambers, a two-thirds vote is required to override a veto. In the House that amounts to 109 votes. Twenty-three votes are needed in the Senate to successfully complete an override motion.

In 2015 the governor vetoed 12 House Bills, six Senate Bills, and had one line-item veto in an appropriations bill. While the legislature was still in session, the House and Senate overrode the governor’s veto of legislation (SB 24) designed to reform Missouri’s system of welfare so that it does a better job of moving folks out of poverty and toward self-sufficiency. The House also approved a veto override motion for legislation meant to reform Missouri’s system of unemployment, but the Senate failed to act before the clock ran out on the session.

The House and Senate will now consider the remaining bills with the override process starting in the House for House Bills, and in the Senate for Senate bills. For some historical perspective, the General Assembly overrode the governor’s vetoes on 10 bills and 47 budget line-items during last year’s Veto Session. These totals, plus the veto override completed during the 2015 session, push the total override count in state history to 93 with 44 of the overrides coming on vetoes of non-appropriations bills and 49 on budget line-items. Interestingly, 71 of the overrides have occurred during the current governor’s time in office.


Legislature to Continue Veto Override Attempt on Unemployment Reform Legislation  (HB 150)

During the 2015 Veto Session, the House took action to override the governor’s veto of legislation meant to reform the state’s system of unemployment. The bill is designed to strike a balance to ensure Missourians have access to unemployment benefits when they are out of work while also protecting Missouri’s job creators from excessive taxes and fees. The House then sent the bill to the Senate to complete the override motion, but the Senate was shut down by a filibuster in the final weeks and no action was taken. Now, leaders in both chambers believe the Senate can take up and approve this motion during the Veto Session.

The legislation is designed to make sure the state has enough money in its unemployment trust fund so that businesses don’t have to pay a penalty. Specifically, it would increase the minimum amount of money in the fund before employers’ contribution rates decrease.

The bill also ties unemployment benefits to the average unemployment rate so that more benefits are available when unemployment is high. If the state were in a position of high unemployment (9 percent or higher) benefits would be available for 20 weeks. In periods of low unemployment (lower than 6 percent) benefits would be available for 13 weeks.



Legislature Could Consider Right to Work Veto Override (HB 116)

The House and Senate also could consider an override motion on a piece of legislation commonly referred to as Right to Work.

In effect, the bill gives workers in Missouri the right to decide whether to join a union. Specifically, it prohibits an employer from requiring a person to become a member of a labor organization as a condition or continuation of employment.

Supporters of the bill say it is meant to make Missouri a more attractive location for new and existing job creators. They say it preserves the rights and freedoms of the individual to choose whether to join a union. Opponents say it is an attack on organized labor and a move that would lead to lower wages for workers.

The House needs 109 votes to override the governor’s veto. The Senate needs 23. The bill passed during the legislative session with 92 votes in the House and 21 in the Senate.



Legislature May Not Consider Override of Veto on Education Reform Legislation  (HB 42)

After the 2015 session, the governor vetoed a bill that was hailed by supporters as a way to help young people in struggling school districts. While some in the legislature would like to override the governor’s veto, the bill’s sponsor has indicated he does not plan to make the motion even though he is disappointed that the governor undid the hard work a bipartisan group had done to craft the solution.

Proponents said the bill’s system of accreditation for individual schools rather than entire districts would have alleviated some of the transfer issues and allowed kids to stay closer to home. The bill also would have given students new educational opportunities by allowing for more charter schools and providing a virtual school option.

In objecting to the bill, the governor sided with opponents who took issue with the expansion of charter and virtual schools, which he referred to as a voucher scheme. Opponents also criticized the bill for failing to provide real solutions for the failing districts that have strained financially to pay the tuition of transferring students. Those opposed to the bill also said the virtual school option failed to provide the necessary oversight and accountability for student performance.



General Assembly to Consider Several Other Vetoed Bills for Potential Overrides

The legislature will likely move to override the governor’s veto of SB 224, which was approved by the House and Senate in an effort to ensure scholarship benefits through the state’s A+ Schools Program are received only by young people who are legal residents of the United States. The bill would require a student to be a United States citizen or a permanent resident in order to receive benefits.

The General Assembly also is likely to consider an override motion on HB 722, which was approved by the legislature to ensure Missourians continue to have the choice of paper or plastic bags at the grocery store.  The bill specified that all merchants, itinerant vendors, and peddlers doing business in this state must have the option to provide customers with a paper or plastic bag for any item or good purchased. The bill also made it clear that a political subdivision cannot impose any ban, fee, or tax upon the use of paper or plastic bags. In addition, the bill contained language to prohibit municipalities from mandating a “living wage” above the state minimum wage and other rules related to employee benefits.

The other vetoed bills that could be considered during Veto Session include:
·         HB 63 - Exempts certain political races from provisions specifying how candidates must be nominated.
·         HB 326 - Specifies that each defined benefit pension plan must establish a board member education program.
·         HB 618 - Changes the laws regarding the disposition of human remains.
·         HB 629 - Changes the laws regarding public retirement systems.
·         HB 799 - Moves the 12th Division of the 16th Judicial Circuit Court from the City of Kansas City to the City of Independence.
·         HB 878 - Specifies that the Department of Public Safety must have the authority to commission corporate security advisors and establishes procedures to do so.
·         HB 1022 - Authorizes a return of premiums paid by insureds.
·         HB 1098 - Changes the laws regarding trust companies.
·         SB 20 - Creates a sales and use tax exemption for materials and utilities used by commercial laundries.
·         SB 67 - Authorizes certain court surcharges, Buchanan County to establish a county municipal court, certain circuits with a SORTS facility to appoint a court marshal, requires certain reporting regarding municipal courts and modifies procedure in landlord tenant cases.
·         SB 142 - Requires the Department of Natural Resources to take certain actions when submitting plans the Environmental Protection Agency.
·         SB 345 - Increases fees imposed by the Director of the Division of Finance.


Legislative Committees Continue Investigation into Planned Parenthood Allegations

Committees in both the House and Senate have continued to ask questions regarding the allegations that Planned Parenthood has sold fetal tissues for profit. In the Missouri House, the Ways and Means Committee worked with the Children and Families Committee to take a close look at the actions of Planned Parenthood in Missouri in an effort to ensure illegal activities are not taking place in the Show-Me State.

The public outcry against Planned Parenthood began after an anti-abortion group released video showing a Planned Parenthood executive discuss how the organization disposes of the tissues and organs from aborted fetuses. Pro-life activists claim the video proves that Planned Parenthood is selling the tissues for profit, which is illegal. Planned Parenthood claims the allegations are not true and any costs associated with the tissues are there to cover related expenses.

During the hearing in the House, committee members were disappointed by the lack of information provided by the director of the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. Representatives asked numerous questions of Director Vasterling and several felt her responses failed to shed additional light on the practices of Planned Parenthood in Missouri. Both committee chairs said they plan to continue moving forward with the investigation as they seek answers regarding whether Planned Parenthood has broken the law, or if there are any loopholes in state statute that the organization can exploit. The committees plan to hold another hearing in the coming weeks.


Budget Committee Takes Closer Look at Medicaid Enrollment

The House Budget Committee met recently to take a closer look at a recent spike in Medicaid enrollment in Missouri. Members of the committee questioned representatives from the social services department regarding the state’s Medicaid system hitting a high point of 918,000 cases in May. That number is up by more than 55,000 cases from January, and is nearly 100,000 cases more than the system handled in May of 2014.

Officials learned the spike is the result of a combination of factors including a new enrollment system that was put in place in January, and new policies put in place through the federal Affordable Care Act. Department officials testified that the new enrollment system had its share of problems that led to a backlog of pending applications. The delays caused enrollment to drop sharply and then spike as employees created workarounds to process applications more efficiently.

The state has since terminated its contract with the vendor originally hired to develop the new enrollment system. Officials are optimistic the contract with a new vendor will lead to the successful development of a more efficient process. Department officials also believe things will stabilize as they fully adjust to Affordable Care Act processing and review guidelines.

Several members of the committee raised concerns about the impact these inefficiencies have had on some of the most vulnerable citizens in the state. They noted that the department had claimed the new system would be more efficient and provide adequately for all Medicaid recipients, but that the delivered product fell far short of expectations. They also questioned how much additional cost the state will incur now that a second vendor had to be contracted with to finish the system.


The Budget Committee plans to continue taking a closer look at the state’s Medicaid system when it meets again on September 15.

Labor Day 2015

Hello!!

I hope this Capitol Report finds all well with you and your family!  Another month has come and gone and I find it is already September!  This month finds me preparing for veto session, working hard on committee work as well as preparing for the upcoming session.  I will be in Jefferson City quite a bit during the first half of the month due to how the schedule has fallen. 

Every year on the first Monday in September, we pause as a nation to take pride in the determination and spirit of the American worker. Labor Day is a celebration of what American workers have achieved, not for a single group, but instead for all Americans. That is what makes this holiday different from all others.
 
Labor Day not only shows our appreciation for the efforts of workers in the past, but it gives honor to the efforts that American labor continues to put forth. Our workers today have led America into an age of unparalleled peace and prosperity. Their hard work carries on the construction of the strongest and most technologically advanced society in the world, and their labors continue to help make our nation a better place.

This Labor Day, take a moment to reflect upon the benefits that American labor bought for all of us with their efforts, and the brighter days they will help us achieve with their continued diligence. 

Please call my office if we can be of service to you! If you would like to meet with me, please call my office at (573) 751-1494 and I will be happy to schedule a time for us to sit down and discuss any issues that you are needing assistance with!!
 
Just as a reminder, if you need assistance with a Medicaid issue, please call my office, especially if you have been told it will be several weeks before a decision can be made..  We will work on your issue to help you get an answer in a timely manner.  Please do not wait for more than a couple of weeks before calling my office.  If you need a response in an urgent situation, call my office immediately.  
 
Also, if you or someone you know, are retiring, having a 50th 
or more Wedding Anniversary or a 90th or higher birthday, we would love to get a resolution prepared.  We are also happy to prepare resolutions in other situations as well.  Please call my office if we can provide this service for you or someone you know.   
 
Until Next Week,
Tila

Sunday, August 30, 2015

Flags, Resolutions, Visits and More!!

Flags, Resolutions, Visits, and More!

Requesting a Courtesy Resolution
Courtesy resolutions can be requested for many reasons including, but not limited to, an Anniversary, Birth, Eagle Scout Award, Marriage, Birthday, Business Opening, Special Award, Retirement, or Sports.  Please do not hesitate to contact my office should you like to request a Courtesy Resolution.  If you would like to have me personally present the Courtesy Resolution, please call my office and my assistant will be happy to work with you to schedule for this.  My office number is 573/751-1494. 

Scheduling a Visit with Me Back in the District
I always enjoy visiting with my constituents in the 151st District. Some of my favorite groups are school aged children but I also enjoy meeting with every age group! If you would like to schedule a visit with me, please call my office at 573/751-1494, my assistant will be happy to work with you to arrange a time for us to visit.  Visits can include reading and talking with school children, visiting retirement centers, visiting non-profit groups, businesses, coffee talks, and more.

Visiting the Jefferson City and the Capitol
Even though we are out of session from June to December, any time of the year is a great time to visit the Capitol.  The building is a beautiful place to visit and my assistant will be happy to arrange a tour for you while you are in Jefferson City. There are many interesting places to visit during your visit to our state Capitol. A great way to get to Jefferson City is via Amtrak if driving is not possible or challenging.  Visitors can tour the Missouri Supreme Court, Old Missouri State Penitentiary, the Missouri Military History Museum, the Missouri State Highway Patrol Museum, and more. 

Missouri and United States Flags
If you know of a school, retirement center, non-profit group, or someone else that is in need of a flag, please contact my office at 573/751-1494 and we will arrange to have a new flag sent or delivered to them.

Scheduling Class or Large Group Visits at the Capitol
If your school is planning on traveling to the Capitol between January and May, contact my Capitol office as soon as you know a date to set up the tour, things become busy very quickly during the session.  Tours of the Governor's Mansion and Capitol fill up rapidly with schools from all over Missouri, so, the sooner, the better.  It is best to set up your school visits or large group visits at least 6 months out if possible.  If this is not possible, contact my office and we will try very hard to see what we can arrange for you, rest assured, not all will be lost though, there are plenty of self-guided tours and other sites to visit.  If you are planning a visit during the Interim Period, June through December, please call my office, if I am in Jefferson City during your visit, I would enjoy scheduling a visit with you and showing you the Capitol!

Service Member and Veterans Services

Enough cannot be said of the sacrifices our brave men and women of the Armed Forces make for our freedoms every day, both at home and abroad.  The Missouri Veterans Commission has put together a guide for Missouri resources for military service members and their families with contacts for local VA Hospitals and Centers, the American Legion, the VFW, the other resources for our veterans.  To request one, please contact my office at 573/751-1494 and we will be more than happy to provide you with a copy of this helpful guide.
Week of August 30th, 2015

Things are becoming very busy, even though we are in what is called the interim period.  Much work is ongoing in preparation for Veto Session.   Veto Session will be held on September 16th beginning at noon.  I have been receiving inquiries as to what exactly will be discussed for override, I am not sure yet as this issue is still being decided.  Both sides of the General Assembly, Senate and House, are discussing at length the legislation that was vetoed by Governor Nixon.  Much discussion and debate is happening on the pros and cons of each of these as well as the pros and cons of an override or the attempt to override.  I will give a report after Veto Session as to what actions were taken and the outcome of these actions.  I do not feel comfortable speculating about what will be brought up at Veto Session as this is still being decided by the members of the General Assembly.

I will conduct the first meeting regarding the challenges facing Long Term Care on September 8th at the Capitol.  I have been very busy the past few weeks meeting with the many stakeholders of this issue including senior citizens that are residents of Long Term Care facilities.  If you have a concern in this area, please email me with the full details of your concern, I will include your concern in the discussion.  This will not be an issue that will be fixed overnight but I do feel that we have a great start towards improving the care delivery system of Long Term Care. 

I have also been working to finalize preparation for legislation that I will file this next session. Drafting of new bills will begin on October 1st.  I have several pieces finished and ready to go to draft as well as some still needing to completion of the preparation work/research.  I will be refiling the Unborn Child Protection from Dismemberment Abortion Act as well as 2 pieces of legislation that I filed last session related to duplicative regulations for long term care facilities.  I will be refiling the bill to form a committee to review the Schools for the Severely Disabled’s regulations and requirements, my goal is to remove any duplicative or unreasonable regulations to allow the schools to better meet the needs of these special children. 

As many of you are aware, I am serving on the committee in the House that is investigating the questions regarding Planned Parenthood and the possible sale of aborted baby organs and tissue.  I have been following closely the Senate’s investigation as well as reviewing many documents and the videos related to this matter.   The further I delve into this issue I am finding more questions and more complicated and unclear processes and procedures.  I hope we will find the answers to these questions but more importantly I hope we will be able to develop a plan of action that will make clear any areas that are currently not clear to prevent any future occurrence or possibility of this horrible sale from taking place in Missouri.  If the sale of baby organs and/or tissue is proven, action will be taken as this would be in clear violation of Missouri State Law.  I have received letters related to the funding of Planned Parenthood, I will be honest, I am not sure total defunding can occur as it is tied to many other Federal Funding sources with many rules and regulations.  We are researching into this and working very hard to untangle the complications of the funding.  We are all committee to ensuring Missouri Law be followed and funding be done according to the law.  I will work to see tax dollars go to organizations that clearly follow the law as well as the related rules and regulations.


Sunday, July 26, 2015

July 26th Thoughts

The summer heat is finally in full drive and August is just around the corner!  School is getting ready to start in a few weeks and last minute vacation plans are being made!  Everyone is very busy this time of year.  Even with all the hustle and bustle that is going on with summer winding down, please remember to take a moment and check on your elderly family, friends and neighbors.  The heat can be very hard on the elderly and many times adverse effects of the heat can come upon a person before they realize what is happening.

I have been surprised as a freshman legislator at how busy I am even during this interim period.  We, in Missouri, are set up in a matter that is considered a “part-time legislature”.  I am very much enjoying this time of being home in the district and the opportunities that are being afforded to me from our being set up in this manner.  I am getting to meet with various state department leaders to learn more about how each state department is structured and the duties that fall under each.  I had developed quite a list of questions regarding this during the legislative session and having this time to use learning the answers to these questions will be very helpful this next legislative session.  During session we are called upon to make decisions on funding, rules and regulations concerning each of the departments, having a limited knowledge of these made it very difficult to make these decisions with a great amount of confidence.

My office has been receiving quite a lot of calls regarding healthcare related issues.  We are working through these issues as well as looking at possible legislative action for the upcoming session.  We are hoping to resolve these issues with the help of the various departments and will be prepared to offer legislation that will allow these departments to conduct their work with great efficiency while being aware of the duties to the taxpayers in spending state money wisely.

Friday, July 3, 2015

Issues facing Missouri...to begin with--Medicaid, Long Term Care

I had stated in my last post I would begin sharing information from the recent conference I attended on Medicaid Health Policy in Washington DC.  This conference was very informative and gave me quite a good deal of information.

Medicaid is a much used program all across our nation.  It is funded with Federal and State dollars, in Missouri this comes to quite a huge portion of our state’s budget every year.  This portion of the budget continues to grow each and every year.  The question is how to meet the needs of the citizens that are receiving these benefits while also trying to make the best use of the limited funds that we have available.  We also must consider the ever growing list of citizens whom are applying for assistance from the Medicaid program.  I have no answer for this situation at this time but at least I do understand the situation better from a policy standpoint.

I am concerned about the current administration of our Medicaid system. I am still looking at the past few years of legislation that impacted Medicaid and made changes.  As a nurse I have had patients that applied for Medicaid but by the time a response was received it was too late.  I cannot begin to tell you how many calls I receive each week due to the constituent applying for Medicaid but not receiving a timely response.

After attending this conference, as well as several teleconferences and webinars, I feel strongly that Medicaid’s administration/structure must be addressed first.  If the structure is so that the system cannot function in an effective and efficient manner, it will do no good to add more money or people to the system, it would in fact, make the situation worse for all those involved.

HB 11, in this past legislative session, included a component that will hopefully address this through a task force.  I am hopeful that if I am not included on this team as a member I will at least be able to be an active participant through attending and listening to the meetings and talking with the team members.  I will keep you posted on this issue as I continue to learn more.


Long Term Care in Missouri
I am also preparing for the beginning of a series of brainstorming sessions that I will host at the Capitol in regards to the Long Term Care situation in Missouri.  This issue is a related one to Medicaid but has several other contributing factors to it as well.  The first meeting will be in August and we will begin looking at where Long Term Care is and begin outlining where we would like to see Long Term Care in Missouri.  Care of our elderly is very important.  How we treat our young, old and defenseless citizens shows very clearly what type of people and society we have.  I want this to be a great picture of who we are as Missourians.  If you have any input that you would like to share, please do not hesitate to contact me, my email is tila.hubrecht@house.mo.gov.