The breakfast part of the festivities has begun - stay tuned for updates. Please remember that nothing is a direct quote from the legislators and that all mistakes are my own.
We're getting started early -
Chris Hagen is our emcee for today. Special thanks to Dr. Watts and best wishes for his retirement from Jefferson College. Sponsors are being thanked as well as the college for hosting the event.
This is the first legislative session under the new Governor Jay Nixon. All the legislators fromJefferson County are Democrats. Hagen is looking forward to hearing about the pork headed our way - ha ha.
Rep. Tim Meadows is speaking first. He is in his 5th year in office. Has been working for years on a law to reform the funeral industry. Couldn't get anything done in the past but was successful in the end this session. Passed a reform bill that will protect consumers and require audits on all funeral trust funds.
Filled Ray Adam's shoes originally and was assigned to his committees. Have added the transportation committee. Three pieces of legislation have been added to the omnibus bill and were passed.
It's been and honor to serve with Reps. Como and Harris. They both serve us well on the budget committee. Rep. Roorda is now the ranking member of the crime committee and has been a pleasure to work with.
CDL language was cleaned up so that we can get more federal dollars. Highway naming issues were resolved.
There were some troubles. The Republican controlled House prevented passage of legislation to restore people to Medicare rolls.
Meadows has to leave for a meeting shortly for his other job. Meadow's son is leaving shortly for Marine Corps service overseas. He'll see you all at the golf tournament.
Sen. Ryan McKenna is next -
Tim Meadows is one of the classiest people he has ever worked with and we are lucky to have him.
Got to go to DC to see President inaugurated and also got to spend some time with Elliot Davis. Greatly proud to have given the Jefferson College commencement speech this year.
End of session legislative work involves lots of late nights.
What we passed and what we didn't pass: We passed economic development bill. But we incentivize new companies sometimes to the detriment of existing businesses. Passed a $25,000 line of duty benefit for first responders - families get benefit from the state if person is killed in line of duty.
Text messaging bill passed - felt it was an important piece of public policy. Week after week people are killed by people basically "typing" in their car. Had to give concession that only 21 and under can't text. It is ridiculous because it makes it sound like good idea for adults which isn't true.
Didn't pass - Early on the House said if Senate passed economic development package then they would pass health care. Senate did their part but House didn't. Not ashamed to say "they lied."McKenna called them a "bunch of children" on Senate floor.
We were trying to get more funds for Jefferson College so they can expand programs such as nursing / law enforcement training which have long waiting lists. This bill didn't pass but there is hope because hearings will happen soon to have governor possibly call special session for health care and capital improvements.
Quit bill didn't pass. There was a lot of misinformation out there from both Ameren and opponents. McKenna was for it as a step toward reducing overall carbon footprint. Ameren has cheapest rates in the state and 7th cheapest in the nation.
Autism coverage bill didn't pass. Passed Senate twice but failed House. Insurance industry opposes this but autism affects so many that it needs to happen. The Senate is very passionate about this and it will come back next year.
Sen. McKenna thanked everyone and had to leave for another meeting.
Hagen discussed the new proposition for the Shop Jefferson County billboards to be recast as bumper stickers. 1,000 bumper stickers have been ordered and all spoken for. The stickers are going on bumpers of sheriff's vehicles, public works vehicles, school buses and more. These stickers were paid for by sponsors. The idea behind the program is that sales tax revenue needs to stay in the county.
Rep. Joe Fallert Jr. is next.
60 bills were done in the last week of the session. The economic development bill only came in on the last week. Things were hectic and somewhat unprecedented.
There were 1241 bills proposed in the House and there were 115 that made it into law.
Health Care Bill - was negotiated early in the year by the various interests. Everybody was on the same page. Hospitals were going to provide significant funds to get more people on health care. That would have generated another 93 million in federal money. The leadership in the House decided they would not expand health care - but this wasn't an expansion it was a restoration. It was disappointing that things didn't happen.
Autism bill - was involved on the House level. Lobbyists encouraged members to vote against it because the insurance industry couldn't afford it. The chairman was "pressured" to keep it from the floor.
Rep. Fallert thanked everyone and concluded.
Hagen acknowledged the officials in the room. Mayor Roland of Hillsboro and Chuck Banks of the County Commission were highlighted.
Rep. Belinda Harris was introduced.
She covers District 110 - Hillsboro down to Potosi. Serves on the committee for the full budget for state of MO. In 7th year in legislation. Also serves on appropriations for DNR and Agriculture.
Budget was very different this year. Had stabilization and stimulus money which were received from federal government into 2 separate funds. Stabilization was meant to stabilize state budget for operating money. House was reluctant to use this money for its intended purpose. Stimulus money was intended to stimulate the economy. Stimulus funds were given out in House Budget 21 - has 2.6 billion dollars. The money is incorporated into state departments and will be available through extra funds in existing grant programs. So money is going out to local government / agencies based on merit. This is the opposite of pork /earmarks where legislators can pick and choose where money goes.
We have 27 months to use the federal money. Stabilizing the budget is the biggest part. We do have to save some for use next year. There were some disagreements when this money went for some inappropriate purposes which took away money for next year.
The big education bill passed which increased physical education programs. Many students are having health / weight problems. Teachers also now can have choice between merit pay or tenure based pay. Age to stay in school has been increased to 17 to help parents have more control. 4 day school is an option for local school boards. Flexibility for making days longer to get out of school earlier or have longer breaks was added.
Violent sexual offenders bill passed. Housing these individuals is very costly because many never get out. Working with Department of Mental Health to help with housing.
Passed Amanda Cates bill. She was a Jefferson County resident working as a police officer inBridgeton who was killed in domestic violence. October is designated as a time to expand awareness of domestic violence.
Judge Page brought to her attention that people's social security numbers are part of public record on court documents. Bill was passed to hide this - only last 4 digits will show. Full numbers will only be in closed files.
Rep. Harris thanked everyone in her conclusion.
Hagen discussed the economic downturn and the issues with predatory lending and not buying American products.
Rep. Sam Komo is next.
Health care wasn't going to cost the state a dime. Hospitals were picking up the cost.
Worked with Rep. Harris on budget committee. Her guidance was very helpful.
As of March state unemployment rate was 8.7% and Jefferson County's was 10.4%. The auto industry downturn can account for a lot of lost jobs in our area. Franklin County has 12.5% unemployment. Most likely will get worse.
12 million in funding came through for China hub at Lambert Field. Lots of other money went out but nothing is coming to Jefferson County to help with unemployment.
HB 191 passed in final hours - economic development gives tools to help current businesses grow and recruit future ones. Expanded existing programs like Quality Jobs - which has helped many businesses in Jefferson County. Placed a 4 year moratorium on user fee increases for small businesses. Have to make sure to cover needs of smaller employers since they account for 80% of business.
Also sits on International Trade Committee and Immigration. MO can truly be an international hub for trade. Jefferson County can be a part of this if we truly want to. Flights are leaving Chicago 40% full and China feels the flights will leave St. Louis full of products China needs. Many of the items coming in will need to be assembled here which leads to manufacturing jobs. We need to work together to be a part of this.
We need to work together as a county to speak with one voice and have a strategic plan so we can get what we need to move toward a future vision. This is the way to make economic development happen like it has in places like Boone County. We need to make clear that we as community can work together.
Rep. Fallert concluded and thanked everyone.
Emcee Hagen discussed the need for a Port Authority in Jefferson County. Products can be brought up on barges and then when they get to St. Louis area then they are halfway to anywhere.
Rep. Roorda is the next speaker. He acknowledged the blog!
Spoke about his pride in serving with the great legislators in JC. We are the envy of the MO House because we stick together. May not vote the same but always consult each other. Sometimes can convince each other to change based on persuasive arguments.
Thanked Sen. McKenna for his time in helping shepherd legislation through the House.
To sum up the session - called last year the year of missed opportunities, this year is year of squandered opportunities. You would think that everyone could work together with the new administration and new leadership. Bipartisanship was the promise of this session.
Governor came to legislature with agenda. Was a dialogue to move forward - not demands. Senate leaders on both sides were present from day one to work on moving MO forward. House leadership was missing from the discussion and took away many of the chances we had for success.
House passed business bill with tax credits that amounted to handouts for big business. Roordavoted against it. A leader in the Senate fought to not let the bill pass without modifications to make for more job creation and less trickle down economics. We need less Reagonomics and we need to look back into the history books back to 1932 and the WPA which is what brought the country back from disaster.
Squandered opportunity to restore 35,000 working parents back onto health care. Wouldn't have cost taxpayers a penny to help families of 4 earning less than $9000 per year. Industry would pay for it because it helps them keep their premiums low by having people have access topreventative care. They won't be using emergency rooms for primary care that they can't afford to pay which is passed on to the rest of us in higher premiums. Hospitals were willing to assess themselves higher which would lead to more access for health care dollars from the federalgovernment. Everybody got this except for House leadership. This is a real shame because we only do as well as the least among us.
Had a chance to pass an autism bill. This horrible disease affects many families. We were just trying to compel insurance companies to offer a product to kids with autism. They fought it.
Predatory lending is a federal issue. House passed a predatory lending credit card bill last night so their is progress.
Rep. Roorda thanked everyone and concluded.
Emcee Hagen wrapped things up for tv and radio. Everyone was invited to stay for further discussion.
We're getting started early -
Chris Hagen is our emcee for today. Special thanks to Dr. Watts and best wishes for his retirement from Jefferson College. Sponsors are being thanked as well as the college for hosting the event.
This is the first legislative session under the new Governor Jay Nixon. All the legislators fromJefferson County are Democrats. Hagen is looking forward to hearing about the pork headed our way - ha ha.
Rep. Tim Meadows is speaking first. He is in his 5th year in office. Has been working for years on a law to reform the funeral industry. Couldn't get anything done in the past but was successful in the end this session. Passed a reform bill that will protect consumers and require audits on all funeral trust funds.
Filled Ray Adam's shoes originally and was assigned to his committees. Have added the transportation committee. Three pieces of legislation have been added to the omnibus bill and were passed.
It's been and honor to serve with Reps. Como and Harris. They both serve us well on the budget committee. Rep. Roorda is now the ranking member of the crime committee and has been a pleasure to work with.
CDL language was cleaned up so that we can get more federal dollars. Highway naming issues were resolved.
There were some troubles. The Republican controlled House prevented passage of legislation to restore people to Medicare rolls.
Meadows has to leave for a meeting shortly for his other job. Meadow's son is leaving shortly for Marine Corps service overseas. He'll see you all at the golf tournament.
Sen. Ryan McKenna is next -
Tim Meadows is one of the classiest people he has ever worked with and we are lucky to have him.
Got to go to DC to see President inaugurated and also got to spend some time with Elliot Davis. Greatly proud to have given the Jefferson College commencement speech this year.
End of session legislative work involves lots of late nights.
What we passed and what we didn't pass: We passed economic development bill. But we incentivize new companies sometimes to the detriment of existing businesses. Passed a $25,000 line of duty benefit for first responders - families get benefit from the state if person is killed in line of duty.
Text messaging bill passed - felt it was an important piece of public policy. Week after week people are killed by people basically "typing" in their car. Had to give concession that only 21 and under can't text. It is ridiculous because it makes it sound like good idea for adults which isn't true.
Didn't pass - Early on the House said if Senate passed economic development package then they would pass health care. Senate did their part but House didn't. Not ashamed to say "they lied."McKenna called them a "bunch of children" on Senate floor.
We were trying to get more funds for Jefferson College so they can expand programs such as nursing / law enforcement training which have long waiting lists. This bill didn't pass but there is hope because hearings will happen soon to have governor possibly call special session for health care and capital improvements.
Quit bill didn't pass. There was a lot of misinformation out there from both Ameren and opponents. McKenna was for it as a step toward reducing overall carbon footprint. Ameren has cheapest rates in the state and 7th cheapest in the nation.
Autism coverage bill didn't pass. Passed Senate twice but failed House. Insurance industry opposes this but autism affects so many that it needs to happen. The Senate is very passionate about this and it will come back next year.
Sen. McKenna thanked everyone and had to leave for another meeting.
Hagen discussed the new proposition for the Shop Jefferson County billboards to be recast as bumper stickers. 1,000 bumper stickers have been ordered and all spoken for. The stickers are going on bumpers of sheriff's vehicles, public works vehicles, school buses and more. These stickers were paid for by sponsors. The idea behind the program is that sales tax revenue needs to stay in the county.
Rep. Joe Fallert Jr. is next.
60 bills were done in the last week of the session. The economic development bill only came in on the last week. Things were hectic and somewhat unprecedented.
There were 1241 bills proposed in the House and there were 115 that made it into law.
Health Care Bill - was negotiated early in the year by the various interests. Everybody was on the same page. Hospitals were going to provide significant funds to get more people on health care. That would have generated another 93 million in federal money. The leadership in the House decided they would not expand health care - but this wasn't an expansion it was a restoration. It was disappointing that things didn't happen.
Autism bill - was involved on the House level. Lobbyists encouraged members to vote against it because the insurance industry couldn't afford it. The chairman was "pressured" to keep it from the floor.
Rep. Fallert thanked everyone and concluded.
Hagen acknowledged the officials in the room. Mayor Roland of Hillsboro and Chuck Banks of the County Commission were highlighted.
Rep. Belinda Harris was introduced.
She covers District 110 - Hillsboro down to Potosi. Serves on the committee for the full budget for state of MO. In 7th year in legislation. Also serves on appropriations for DNR and Agriculture.
Budget was very different this year. Had stabilization and stimulus money which were received from federal government into 2 separate funds. Stabilization was meant to stabilize state budget for operating money. House was reluctant to use this money for its intended purpose. Stimulus money was intended to stimulate the economy. Stimulus funds were given out in House Budget 21 - has 2.6 billion dollars. The money is incorporated into state departments and will be available through extra funds in existing grant programs. So money is going out to local government / agencies based on merit. This is the opposite of pork /earmarks where legislators can pick and choose where money goes.
We have 27 months to use the federal money. Stabilizing the budget is the biggest part. We do have to save some for use next year. There were some disagreements when this money went for some inappropriate purposes which took away money for next year.
The big education bill passed which increased physical education programs. Many students are having health / weight problems. Teachers also now can have choice between merit pay or tenure based pay. Age to stay in school has been increased to 17 to help parents have more control. 4 day school is an option for local school boards. Flexibility for making days longer to get out of school earlier or have longer breaks was added.
Violent sexual offenders bill passed. Housing these individuals is very costly because many never get out. Working with Department of Mental Health to help with housing.
Passed Amanda Cates bill. She was a Jefferson County resident working as a police officer inBridgeton who was killed in domestic violence. October is designated as a time to expand awareness of domestic violence.
Judge Page brought to her attention that people's social security numbers are part of public record on court documents. Bill was passed to hide this - only last 4 digits will show. Full numbers will only be in closed files.
Rep. Harris thanked everyone in her conclusion.
Hagen discussed the economic downturn and the issues with predatory lending and not buying American products.
Rep. Sam Komo is next.
Health care wasn't going to cost the state a dime. Hospitals were picking up the cost.
Worked with Rep. Harris on budget committee. Her guidance was very helpful.
As of March state unemployment rate was 8.7% and Jefferson County's was 10.4%. The auto industry downturn can account for a lot of lost jobs in our area. Franklin County has 12.5% unemployment. Most likely will get worse.
12 million in funding came through for China hub at Lambert Field. Lots of other money went out but nothing is coming to Jefferson County to help with unemployment.
HB 191 passed in final hours - economic development gives tools to help current businesses grow and recruit future ones. Expanded existing programs like Quality Jobs - which has helped many businesses in Jefferson County. Placed a 4 year moratorium on user fee increases for small businesses. Have to make sure to cover needs of smaller employers since they account for 80% of business.
Also sits on International Trade Committee and Immigration. MO can truly be an international hub for trade. Jefferson County can be a part of this if we truly want to. Flights are leaving Chicago 40% full and China feels the flights will leave St. Louis full of products China needs. Many of the items coming in will need to be assembled here which leads to manufacturing jobs. We need to work together to be a part of this.
We need to work together as a county to speak with one voice and have a strategic plan so we can get what we need to move toward a future vision. This is the way to make economic development happen like it has in places like Boone County. We need to make clear that we as community can work together.
Rep. Fallert concluded and thanked everyone.
Emcee Hagen discussed the need for a Port Authority in Jefferson County. Products can be brought up on barges and then when they get to St. Louis area then they are halfway to anywhere.
Rep. Roorda is the next speaker. He acknowledged the blog!
Spoke about his pride in serving with the great legislators in JC. We are the envy of the MO House because we stick together. May not vote the same but always consult each other. Sometimes can convince each other to change based on persuasive arguments.
Thanked Sen. McKenna for his time in helping shepherd legislation through the House.
To sum up the session - called last year the year of missed opportunities, this year is year of squandered opportunities. You would think that everyone could work together with the new administration and new leadership. Bipartisanship was the promise of this session.
Governor came to legislature with agenda. Was a dialogue to move forward - not demands. Senate leaders on both sides were present from day one to work on moving MO forward. House leadership was missing from the discussion and took away many of the chances we had for success.
House passed business bill with tax credits that amounted to handouts for big business. Roordavoted against it. A leader in the Senate fought to not let the bill pass without modifications to make for more job creation and less trickle down economics. We need less Reagonomics and we need to look back into the history books back to 1932 and the WPA which is what brought the country back from disaster.
Squandered opportunity to restore 35,000 working parents back onto health care. Wouldn't have cost taxpayers a penny to help families of 4 earning less than $9000 per year. Industry would pay for it because it helps them keep their premiums low by having people have access topreventative care. They won't be using emergency rooms for primary care that they can't afford to pay which is passed on to the rest of us in higher premiums. Hospitals were willing to assess themselves higher which would lead to more access for health care dollars from the federalgovernment. Everybody got this except for House leadership. This is a real shame because we only do as well as the least among us.
Had a chance to pass an autism bill. This horrible disease affects many families. We were just trying to compel insurance companies to offer a product to kids with autism. They fought it.
Predatory lending is a federal issue. House passed a predatory lending credit card bill last night so their is progress.
Rep. Roorda thanked everyone and concluded.
Emcee Hagen wrapped things up for tv and radio. Everyone was invited to stay for further discussion.
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