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.  

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

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 16^th 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 8^th 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 1^st.  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.

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.

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.

June 12th Capitol Report

District 151 Capitol Report

June 12, 2015 

 

 

Dear 151st District Constituents,

Summer is most definitely here!  Many families are going on summer vacations or at the very least spending a lot of time outdoors.  Remember summer safety tips such as drinking plenty of water and using sun screen.  If you have elderly family members or friends, please keep an extra eye on them during this hot weather, the elderly can become dehydrated easily which sometimes leads to confusion and in severe cases death.

I have been enjoying being in district this past week.  I spent the first part of the week in Jefferson City for some meetings including my first official meeting of the Joint Committee on Child Abuse and Neglect.  We heard from the Juvenile Office.  It was very interesting to speak with these individuals and to learn more about what they do and how legislation has impacted their duties either for the good or bad.  Currently the Juvenile Office is working to rewrite their standards of practice.  I am very interested in the outcome of this as the presenters shared with us that currently there is no set standard of practice for many of their duties.  I am going to try to attend one of the Standards Review meetings as soon as I possibly can to learn more about these standards and how the General Assembly can support the adoption of a set of standards that are based on best practices.

While I was in Jefferson City for the committee meeting, I also met and spoke with several other representatives concerning legislative responsibility for oversight regarding the various departments.  Many of us do not have a full understanding of what exactly each department does and how they function as well as how the money appropriated to that department is spent.  Speaker Richardson has given permission for a task force, the State Department Accountability and Review Task Force, to be formed to answer these questions.  I am a member on this task force and will begin work with the other representatives on this task force.  We will be going into every department spending time with each learning more about their work and finding the answers to the many questions that we have.  Our goal is to be able to answer you, our constituents, in regards to any questions that you may have in how your tax money is being spent.  We want to work with each department to identify ways to use taxpayer’s dollars more effectively and efficiently.   I am looking forward to what we will be able to accomplish from this process!

I am continuing to speak with constituents regarding various issues ranging from disability, healthcare and insurances to Waters of the US federal legislation and its impact on us in Southeast Missouri to property rights and many other issues in between.  I may not always have the answer but I know that we will work together to find the answers to any issue facing you.  I and my office are still working on the Unclaimed Property List.  If you think you may have some unclaimed property, please go to www.ShowMeMoney.com.  This website as all the information there.  Just in our district, the total of Unclaimed Property is $1,059,893.27.  That is a lot of property! It is taking us awhile to get through this list but we will work on it until we have contacted as many people as we can.  Please feel free to check out the website to make sure you are not on this list!!

I am going to Washington DC this next week for a conference on Medicaid Health Policy.  I am hoping to bring back information that will allow us to make changes to our current system that will be beneficial for all Missourians.  I am looking forward to learning more about the overall Medicaid Program and how it functions currently compared to how it functioned at the beginning, how state budgets impact the functioning of it as well as discussing the current challenges facing Medicaid including reform of the system and federal subsidy programs.

If you call my cell and cannot reach me, please feel free to send me a text message or call the Jefferson City office and leave a voice message, I will be checking these throughout the week.

Until next week,
Tila

 

Sunday is Flag Day, I wanted to share a little information about the history of this day…

The History Of Flag Day

Information source:  http://www.usflag.org/flag.day.html

The Fourth of July was traditionally celebrated as America's birthday, but the idea of an annual day specifically celebrating the Flag is believed to have first originated in 1885. BJ Cigrand, a schoolteacher, arranged for the pupils in the Fredonia, Wisconsin Public School, District 6, to observe June 14 (the 108th anniversary of the official adoption of The Stars and Stripes) as 'Flag Birthday'. In numerous magazines and newspaper articles and public addresses over the following years, Cigrand continued to enthusiastically advocate the observance of June 14 as 'Flag Birthday', or 'Flag Day'.

On June 14, 1889, George Balch, a kindergarten teacher in New York City, planned appropriate ceremonies for the children of his school, and his idea of observing Flag Day was later adopted by the State Board of Education of New York. On June 14, 1891, the Betsy Ross House in Philadelphia held a Flag Day celebration, and on June 14 of the following year, the New York Society of the Sons of the Revolution, celebrated Flag Day.

Following the suggestion of Colonel J Granville Leach (at the time historian of the Pennsylvania Society of the Sons of the Revolution), the Pennsylvania Society of Colonial Dames of America on April 25, 1893 adopted a resolution requesting the mayor of Philadelphia and all others in authority and all private citizens to display the Flag on June 14th. Leach went on to recommend that thereafter the day be known as 'Flag Day', and on that day, school children be assembled for appropriate exercises, with each child being given a small Flag.

Two weeks later on May 8th, the Board of Managers of the Pennsylvania Society of Sons of the Revolution unanimously endorsed the action of the Pennsylvania Society of Colonial Dames. As a result of the resolution, Dr. Edward Brooks, then Superintendent of Public Schools of Philadelphia, directed that Flag Day exercises be held on June 14, 1893 in Independence Square. School children were assembled, each carrying a small Flag, and patriotic songs were sung and addresses delivered.

In 1894, the governor of New York directed that on June 14 the Flag be displayed on all public buildings. With BJ Cigrand and Leroy Van Horn as the moving spirits, the Illinois organization, known as the American Flag Day Association, was organized for the purpose of promoting the holding of Flag Day exercises. On June 14th, 1894, under the auspices of this association, the first general public school children's celebration of Flag Day in Chicago was held in Douglas, Garfield, Humboldt, Lincoln, and Washington Parks, with more than 300,000 children participating.
 

Capitol News:

On June 5th, Governor Nixon signed the reappropriation and capital improvement bills, House Bills 17, 18, and 19. These bills will provide funds to complete maintenance and repair at higher education institutions and state facilities across Missouri. Additionally, they reauthorize funds previously withheld and recently released by the governor for 50/50 projects at several campuses, as well as funds for maintaining the Capitol building and state parks. 

State Economy Continues to Grow
The latest economic indicators are in and the good news is that Missouri’s economy continues to grow at a healthy rate. For the month of May, general revenue collections increased to $649.6 million, which is up 5.7 percent compared to May of last year. In total, revenues for the current fiscal year are up by 7.5 percent when compared to 2014 – from $7.32 billion last year to $7.87 billion currently.

What this all means is that Missouri’s economy is trending in a positive direction as more folks are working and purchasing goods and services, and more Missouri businesses are benefiting from this activity. However, even with the current good news, economists are predicting slower growth at the end of the third quarter of 2015 for states in the Midwest. An economist from Creighton University has said states that rely heavily on energy or agriculture will see a pullback in economic activity. As a state largely dependent on its robust agriculture industry, Missouri will continue to see economic growth in the months to come, but likely at a slower rate than it has seen so far this year.

Legislation of Interest Awaiting the Governor’s Signature

Money Follows the Person Program (HB 343)
A bill that received final legislative approval this year will establish a committee to assess the continuation of the Money Follows the Person Demonstration Program. The program works to support both aging and disabled Missourians to transition from nursing facilities or habilitation centers to quality community settings. The committee will study sustainability of the program beyond the current demonstration time frame for all transitions to occur by September 30, 2018.

Achieving a Better Life Experience Program (SB 174)
The legislature moved this session to create the "Missouri Achieving a Better Life Experience Program” to help Missourians save for the long-term needs of a child with disabilities. Under the bill, a participant may make tax-deductible contributions to an account established for the purpose of financing the qualified disability expenses of a designated beneficiary. The bill is meant to help people with disabilities achieve economic independence and greater financial security, and help them become less reliant on other public programs, while still being able to access necessary supports and services to live independently in their own homes and communities.

Senior Savings Protection Act (SB 244)
The Senior Savings Protection Act is designed to protect older Missourians from financial exploitation. The legislation will allow financial agents to take action to prevent suspected fraudulent activity that could victimize Missouri seniors.

The bill will let a financial agent refuse to disburse funds in the event they suspect a senior or disabled adult client is being defrauded. The agent would then have time to notify the family of the client and the proper authorities. Current law does not allow a financial agent to raise concerns to anyone not named on the account.


Upcoming In-District Schedule
I will be in district Monday and Tuesday, if you want to meet with me one of these days, please give me a call and I will be glad to do so! I will be out of district from Wednesday through Saturday this week due to being in Washington DC for the Medicaid Health Policy Conference.

Announcements:
My office is continuing to review the Unclaimed Property List that we have received and are working to contact each person that is on this list! If you think you might be on the list, please call my Capitol Office at 573/751-1494.
 

If you have an event that you would like to be listed in the Capitol Report, please email me at tila.hubrecht@house.mo.gov or louie.bench@house.mo.gov.

June 5th Capitol Report

District 151 Capitol Report

 

June 5, 2015

 

 

Greetings! I hope this Capitol Report finds you and your family doing well!  I apologize for the lengthy Capitol Report this week, I have combined last week’s report into this one due to not being able to send last week’s report due to internet issues.

 

I have been very busy these past two weeks since trying to reconnect with everyone.  I have attended several meetings locally of various groups and organizations.  I have been blessed with the privilege of being able to eat or volunteer at most of our local senior centers, I will hopefully be able to be at them all again soon!

 

I have attended several policy related meetings including one in Columbia regarding healthcare data sharing.  This meeting was very informative and the discussion has actually led to much more discussion. The big question that I have from this meeting is “What type of policies do we need to have in place and how do these policies need to be worded or structured to protect a person’s right to privacy while also using the available technology to allow healthcare information to be shared when needed for healthcare purposes of the person?”.  I hope to have an answer to this question, or at least some thoughts toward an answer by the end of this year so that this question may be addressed during the next session.

 

Later this month I will be attending a meeting in Washington DC regarding Medicaid Health Policy.  I have several questions that I am preparing to ask at this meeting.  There are so many changes happening currently in healthcare and with the Supreme Court decision regarding Obamacare, I feel that we will see even more changes in our healthcare.  I hope this meeting will help to prepare me as we plan to meet the challenges ahead of us.

 

There are many issues that myself and my office are looking at regarding education.  We have been reviewing the teacher and student testing issues.  Currently I am comparing the “old” competencies with the “new”.  There have been so many changes recently but I am not sure that our teachers have been consulted.  I would like to find a way to return to more local decisions being made regarding curriculum.  I do not agree with the way the decisions are currently being made from “higher up” and then being passed down without input from our teachers and local school boards.  I will keep you posted as work continues on this.

 

I am looking forward to this next week, I will be able to attend my first meeting of the Joint Committee on Child Abuse and Neglect.  We will be hearing from the Juvenile Office regarding how this office works, scope of practice and authority.  I have many questions and hope to learn the process of how a child enters the juvenile system and exactly what a normal progression looks like as one would go through this process.  I am most interested in learning what the progression looks like from the eyes of a child and the eyes of the parent.

 

I will close for now but please feel free to call my office or my cell number if I can be of service to you!

 

Until next week,

Tila

 

 

Capitol News:

 

Listed below is a summary of the “highlights” from this session.  This summary was created by the House Communications Department and I felt it was a very good summary to share with everyone.

 

2015 LEGISLATIVE SESSION

LEGISLATIVE HIGHLIGHTS

 

AGRICULTURE

Dairy Revitalization Act (HB 259)

The governor signed into law legislation designed to give a much-needed boost to the state's struggling dairy industry. The Dairy Revitalization Act takes a three-pronged approach to support this industry that supports 23,000 jobs, either directly or indirectly.

 

The new law will create a dairy producer margin insurance premium assistance program to help dairy farmers obtain financial protection when times get tough. It also will create a scholarship program to encourage young people to pursue careers in the dairy industry. Finally, the bill will require an annual study and a corresponding plan to enhance and grow the dairy industry in Missouri.

 

Supporting Missouri's Agriculture Industry (SB 12)

A bill meant to support the state's multi-billion dollar agriculture industry was signed into law in April. The bill has several provisions including the Dairy Revitalization Act that also was contained in HB 259. In addition, the bill will allow trucks to carrier heavier loads of grains during harvest season and heavier livestock loads year-round. It also will allow the Department of Agriculture to better monitor foreign land acquisitions by requiring the department to review land sales only when buyers do not have proper tax documentation. In addition, the bill contains language to allow beef producers to vote to increase the state beef check off that is used to fund a marketing program to further promote beef and beef products; and it will protect livestock farmers from liability if someone is injured on their farm.

 

CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS AND REPAIRS

Reauthorization for Unexpended Funds (HB 17)

This bill reauthorizes appropriations previously made by the General Assembly when the authority for the appropriations will lapse before the funds are fully expended. These projects are typically, but not always, multi-year capital construction or maintenance and repair projects. The General Assembly retains complete discretion on which projects are reauthorized.

 

Maintenance and Repair (HB 18)

This bill authorizes expenditures for maintenance and repair on state facilities. State facilities include any building or property owned by the state, not including higher education facilities, or property owned or possessed by the conservation or transportation commissions. Expenditures are authorized from a variety of state funds including the constitutionally mandated Facility Maintenance Reserve Fund pursuant to Article IV, Section 27 of the Missouri Constitution.

New Capital Improvements (HB 19)

This bill includes new capital improvement expenditures. The vast majority of these expenditures for fiscal year 2016 reflect Board of Public Buildings bonding for maintenance and repair projects at state facilities and at higher education institutions throughout the state. Debt service for the bonding is also included.

 

CHILDREN

Achieving a Better Life Experience Program (SB 174)

The legislature moved this session to create the "Missouri Achieving a Better Life Experience Program" to help Missourians save for the long-term needs of a child with disabilities. Under the bill, a participant may make tax-deductible contributions to an account established for the purpose of financing the qualified disability expenses of a designated beneficiary. The bill is meant to help people with disabilities achieve economic independence and greater financial security, and help them become less reliant on other public programs, while still being able to access necessary supports and services to live independently in their own homes and communities.

 

Protecting Children (SB 341)

Legislation takes several steps to ensure young people in Missouri are raised in safe and healthy environments. The bill will require licensed child care centers to follow current safe sleep standards recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics for children under the age of one.

 

The bill also requires all public, private, and parochial day care centers, preschools, and nursery schools to notify parents or guardians, upon request, of whether there are children at the facility with an immunization exemption.

 

The legislation also gives the Children's Division of the Missouri Department of Social Services authority to take action when it receives a report of a child under 14 with problem sexual behavior exhibiting inappropriate behavior against another child. Current law allows the division to investigate only abuse allegations against adults and other teens.

 

 

 

 

CONSUMER PROTECTION

Child-Safe Packaging for Liquid Nicotine (HB 531)

The increasing popularity of e-cigarettes led the legislature to approve a bill to put new safety standards in place to protect young people from the dangers of liquid nicotine. The bill is meant to ensure child safety and prevent accidental nicotine poisoning by requiring child resistant packaging. Individuals who engage in retail sales of liquid nicotine containers in Missouri in violation of these provisions will be assessed a fine of $250 for the first violation and $500 for each subsequent violation.

 

Paper and Plastic Bags (HB 722)

The legislature took action this session to ensure Missourians will continue to have the choice of paper or plastic bags at the grocery store.  Legislation now on the governor's desk specifies 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 makes it clear that a political subdivision cannot impose any ban, fee, or tax upon the use of paper or plastic bags.

 

The bill also prohibits municipalities from mandating a "living wage" above the state minimum wage and other rules related to employee benefits.

 

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Tax Increment Financing (HB 514)

The legislature gave final approval to a plan that will help finance a redevelopment project in Fenton. The bill allows for designated tax increment financing for the former Chrysler plant in Fenton that closed in 2007. The site will now be developed as a business park with an emphasis on light manufacturing. The redevelopment is expected to help create up to 1,500 jobs within the first two years while adding as many as 2,000 additional jobs over time.

 

Data Center Attraction (SB 149)

The state will have a new tool to attract new data storage businesses and the jobs they create to Missouri under legislation already signed into law by the governor. The bill will allow data centers to forego sales and use tax on the purchase of equipment and materials when expanding or building a new facility. To qualify, an existing facility will have to invest at least $5 million and create 5 new jobs for an expansion. A new facility will need to invest $25 million and create 10 new jobs to qualify. The new jobs will have to pay 150 percent over the county average wage.

 

 

ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION

Education Reform (HB 42)

The House and Senate agreed on legislation that is meant to clarify and improve an existing state law that allows kids to transfer from poor-performing schools to better-performing ones. The bill includes a number of provisions that would allow the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to accredit individual schools within each district rather than the district as a whole. It would allow students in unaccredited schools to transfer to other accredited schools in the district as a first option, which is meant to save districts from being bankrupted by paying for a mass exodus of students to other districts. The bill also would give students in urban areas the option to transfer to neighboring accredited districts if all slots are full in the accredited schools in their district; and provide an option to transfer to an approved charter school or to enroll in a virtual education program. In addition, the bill would help ease the financial burden on sending districts by giving receiving districts an incentive to accept lower tuition reimbursement for transferring students; and protect receiving districts from being overwhelmed by transferring students by allowing them to establish policies regarding classroom size and student-teacher ratio.

 

Sexual Education and Harassment Training (HB 501)

The General Assembly gave final approval to legislation meant to ensure young people are educated regarding the potential dangers of sexual predators and the increased risks associated with the Internet. The bill requires any course materials and instruction relating to human sexuality and sexually transmitted diseases in a public or charter school to teach students about the dangers of sexual predators, including on-line predators. Pupils must be taught how to behave responsibly and remain safe on the Internet and the importance of having open communication with responsible adults and reporting any inappropriate situation, activity, or abuse.

 

HEALTH CARE

Allowing for New Model of Medical Care (HB 769)

The General Assembly approved legislation this session to pave the way for a Direct Primary Care model of health care delivery. The model has been compared to having a doctor on retainer in much the same way a client would keep an attorney on retainer.

 

In the arrangement, the patient would pay a set monthly fee and could then receive all the direct primary care they need. Under the bill, patients would be able to pay for these services with pre-tax dollars from a health savings account. In addition, employers could offer to pay these fees or reimburse their employees who choose to participate in direct primary care arrangement.

 

Treatment Coverage for Eating Disorders (SB 145)

The legislature approved a bill this session to provide assistance to Missourians with an eating disorder. The bill will require insurance companies to cover the diagnosis and medically necessary treatment of eating disorders. The bill is not a mandate on insurance, but lays out how eating disorder coverage decisions must be made.

 

Medicaid Funding (SB 210)

 

 

Legislation given final approval by the General Assembly reauthorizes a tax on medical providers that is responsible for billions of dollars in funding for the state's Medicaid program. The bill will extend the taxes on providers such as hospitals, nursing homes, and ambulances for an additional year. The reauthorization will generate approximately $3.6 billion in funding for Missouri's system of Medicaid.

 

Medical Malpractice Reform (SB 239)

Legislation already signed into law will limit the amount an individual can receive for noneconomic damages in a medical malpractice lawsuit. The bill reinstates limits similar to those that were put in place in 2005 and then struck down in 2012 by the Missouri Supreme Court. The legislation will cap most noneconomic awards at $400,000. For catastrophic injuries such as paralysis or even death, the bill will cap noneconomic damages at $700,000. The bill also includes a provision to increase the caps by 1.7 percent annually.

 

HIGHER EDUCATION

Campus Free Expression Act (SB 93)

The General Assembly approved legislation to protect free expression on the campuses of public institutions of higher education. The bill designates the outdoor areas of campuses of public institutions of higher education to be traditional public forums. Public institutions of higher education may maintain and enforce reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions in service of a significant institutional interest only when such restrictions employ clear, published content and viewpoint-neutral criteria, and provide for ample alternative means of expression.

 

A+ Schools Program Residency Requirement (SB 224)

Legislators gave final approval to legislation that would prevent illegal immigrants from receiving scholarship benefits through the state's A+ Schools Program. The bill requires a student to be a United States citizen or a permanent resident in order to receive benefits.

 

LABOR AND MANAGEMENT

Right-to-Work (HB 116)

For the first time in Missouri's history, the General Assembly passed a Right-to-Work bill to give workers the freedom to choose whether to join a union. The legislation prohibits an employer from requiring a person to become a member of a labor organization as a condition or continuation of employment. The bill is meant to make Missouri a more attractive location for new and existing job creators.

 

Unemployment Reform (HB 150)

The General Assembly approved and the House overrode the governor's veto of legislation meant to protect the state's unemployment system from insolvency in the event there is another economic downturn. The legislation is designed to make sure the state has enough money in its unemployment trust fund so that businesses don't lose a portion of a federal tax credit they normally receive. The bill requires increased payments from employers to help the state's Unemployment Compensation Trust Fund reach a balance that is capable of paying for benefits without going into debt. 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.

 

The bill still requires a successful veto override in the Senate before going into law.

 

POLITICAL SUBDIVISIONS

Municipal Court Reform (SB 5)

Legislation sent to the governor's desk is designed to protect Missourians from municipalities that have used excessive traffic tickets and fines to generate revenue. The bill limits the amount of revenue municipalities can generate from traffic tickets to 20 percent, which is down from the current limit of 30 percent. The bill further limits municipalities in St. Louis County, which has been plagued by excessive traffic violations, so that only 12.5 percent of their total revenue can be derived from traffic tickets.

 

The bill also creates additional protections for Missourians by capping the total fines and court costs for minor traffic violations at $300, and ending the process of courts issuing failure to appear charges against defendants for missing court dates on minor traffic violations. The bill also would prevent courts from ordering jail time for minor traffic offenses. In addition, the bill includes provisions to ensure accountability from municipalities by requiring they meet minimum standards – police services, balanced budget, insurance, etc. – or possibly be dissolved.

 

PUBLIC ASSISTANCE

Welfare Reform (SB 24)

Legislation that was enacted over the governor's veto will put the Strengthening Missouri Families Act into effect as law. The legislation will lower the lifetime benefits for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families recipients to 45 months from the current limit of 60 months. In addition, it will add Missouri to the list of 37 other states that require welfare recipients to take immediate steps to seek employment in order to receive benefits. The legislation then takes the savings generated by the reforms and invests them in child care, education, transportation, and job training assistance for participants in the TANF program.

 

SPECIAL DAYS/WEEKS/MONTHS

Organ Donor Recognition Day (HB 88)

Legislation approved this session will designate July 3 of each year as "Organ Donor Recognition Day" and recommends people of the state to observe the day by participating in activities that will increase awareness of organ donation. The bill is meant to bring recognition to the importance of organ donation and the approximately 1,300 Missourians currently waiting for organ transplants.

 

Epilepsy Awareness Month (HB 400)

The bill designates the month of November each year as "Epilepsy Awareness Month" and encourages citizens to participate in activities and events to increase awareness of epilepsy and its related symptoms.

 

Missouri Safe Boating Week (HB 402)

The bill designates the first full week of May before Memorial Day as "Missouri Safe Boating Week" and encourages citizens to observe the week with appropriate activities and events. The designation will mirror the federal Safe Boating Week designation.

 

Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week (HB 861)

The bill designates the first full week of March each year as Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week in Missouri and encourages citizens to participate in appropriate activities and events to increase awareness of multiple sclerosis.

 

Jackie Robinson Day (HB 859)

The bill designates April 15 of each year as Jackie Robinson Day in Missouri and encourages citizens to observe the day in honor of Jackie Robinson, the first African-American to play major league baseball.

 

STATE CONTRACTS

Fairness for Fee Office Bids (HB 137)

The Missouri General Assembly gave final approval to legislation that would change the way the state considers businesses or groups to run local license offices. Currently, the Missouri Department of Revenue more favorably considers contract bids for these offices if the bidder promises to pay back some of the profits to the state. The policy is currently being challenged by a lawsuit filed by several license office operators. The legislation would prohibit the Commissioner of the Office of Administration from awarding points on a request for proposal for a contract license office to a bidder for a return-to-the-state provision offer.

 

TAXATION AND REVENUE

Tax Amnesty (HB 384)

The state will generate millions of dollars in additional revenue under a legislative proposal already signed into law by the governor. The bill authorizes a tax amnesty period that will allow Missourians to pay back taxes without penalty. Specifically, it will set up a period between September 1 and November 30 when delinquent taxpayers can pay off their tax debt. The bill will then require those who utilize the amnesty period to comply with all state tax laws for a period of eight years.

 

Tax Notification (SB 18)

Legislation sent to the governor's desk is meant to protect Missouri businesses from unannounced changes in state tax policy. The bill seeks to end to the process of "notification by audit" by requiring the Department of Revenue to post all tax policy changes on its website; and to notify businesses either by mail or email.

 

VETERANS AND MILITARY

Making Missouri a Purple Heart State (HB 403)

The bill designates Missouri as a "Purple Heart State" to honor the state's combat wounded veterans for their service. The bill also removes any additional fees charged for subsequent sets of Purple Heart license plates.

 

Office of Military Advocate (HB 1070)

The House and Senate worked together to pass legislation to establish the Office of Military Advocate within the Missouri Military Preparedness and Enhancement Commission for the purpose of advocating for the military in Missouri. The office must be administered by the military advocate, who will be appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate. The advocate will serve a term of six years and the Department of Economic Development must provide administrative support and staff as needed to support the office.

 

VICTIMS RIGHTS

Crime Victim Compensation (SB 141)

Legislation approved this year will provide additional compensation to victims of crime. Current law allows the Crime Victims' Compensation fund to pay eligible victims up to $200 each week for the loss of employment and for injury or death. The bill approved by the General Assembly will increase the reimbursement amount to $400 per week.

 

Orders of Protection (SB 321)

The House and Senate took action this year to address an oversight in Missouri law that has prevented victims of rape and sexual assault from obtaining an order of protection against their assailants. Missouri's existing law regarding orders of protection has been limited to victims of domestic violence and stalking victims. The bill also expands the definition of stalking to include unwanted activity directed toward the members of the victim's household.

 

VULNERABLE PERSONS

Money Follows the Person Program (HB 343)

A bill that received final legislative approval this year will establish a committee to assess the continuation of the Money Follows the Person Demonstration Program. The program works to support both aging and disabled Missourians to transition from nursing facilities or habilitation centers to quality community settings. The committee will study sustainability of the program beyond the current demonstration time frame for all transitions to occur by September 30, 2018.

 

Human Trafficking Task Force (HCR 38)

The General Assembly approved legislation to create the Human Trafficking Task Force with the mission of raising awareness of the human trafficking problem in Missouri and providing 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.

 

Senior Savings Protection Act (SB 224)

The Senior Savings Protection Act is designed to protect older Missourians from financial exploitation. The legislation will allow financial agents to take action to prevent suspected fraudulent activity that could victimize Missouri seniors.

 

The bill will let a financial agent refuse to disburse funds in the event they suspect a senior or disabled adult client is being defrauded. The agent would then have time to notify the family of the client and the proper authorities. Current law does not allow a financial agent to raise concerns to anyone not named on the account.

Announcements:

My office is continuing to review the Unclaimed Property List that we have received and are working to contact each person that is on this list! If you think you might be on the list, please call my Capitol Office at 573/751-1494.