My first legislative session was both engaging and educational. I was pleased to see that on most issues, party politics does not interfere with good old common sense. After hundreds of votes, on May 15 the Speaker used his gavel and ended the 2009 regular session. In this report, I will summarize some important legislation that we passed. Along the left side of the page, you will find some pertinent budget information.
January will be here in just a few short months, and it will be time to start the process over again. Like the generations of legislators before me, I anxiously anticipate guiding this state successfully into the future. As always, my goals are to ensure that tax dollars are spent responsibly and to meet our constitutional obligations to the people of Missouri. With that in mind, I will always look to capitalize on efficiencies and eliminate wastes.
Education Bill – SB 291
Education is a top legislative priority and during this session we passed a major education reform package. One of the most important aspects of that bill is a minor technical change that will mean a major difference for Missouri schools. Our bill fixed a glitch in our funding formula to allow the Proposition A gaming money approved by voters last year to be distributed to Missouri schools as intended. This will mean an additional $108 million in funding. Every additional dollar we can channel to our schools makes a difference and I am pleased we were able to make this change so our schools receive the money they are entitled.
One of the biggest reforms in the bill is a change in the state's high school dropout laws. Under the bill, a student would have to earn at least 16 credits or turn 17 before they could drop out of high school. Current law allows students to drop out at 16 for any reason. Our goal is to change the mind-set of 14-year-olds who enter high school and often count down the days until they can legally drop out. Instead, we want to make students earn their way out. We think this change will go a long way toward reducing our drop out rates here in Missouri. The most recent numbers we have in from our annual Kids Count report show that 29 teens drop out of school every day. It’s obvious we have a serious problem and I think our bill does a great deal to address the issue in an effective way.
Another component included in the bill allows four-day school weeks at the discretion of school districts. The legislation also established a flexible hour program, which allows junior and senior students to attend school a minimum of two hours each day. Students can work or receive technical training for the rest of the day, provided they meet attendance and behavior standards. The bill also authorizes the legislature's Joint Committee on Education to study the issue of open enrollment among all public schools.
Transportation – HB 683
We also passed a wide-ranging transportation bill. Perhaps one of the most prominent components of the measure is it statutorily requires that the awarding of fee office contracts be done through a competitive bidding process. Until recently, the contracts were awarded on a subjective basis. The law removes any appearance of preferential treatment.
The transportation bill also establishes a drunk driving risk reduction awareness program. Called David’s Law, this program allows MoDOT memorial signs placed at the scene of alcohol-related accidents. Family members of a victim may request to sponsor a sign on the victim’s behalf.
The bill also exempts vehicles from the state motor vehicle safety inspection for the five-year period following their model year of manufacture. Currently, new vehicles are only exempt for two years.
Another provision in the bill allows motor vehicle dealers to collect sales taxes at the sale site, although buyers can go to state revenue department offices to pay their taxes if they wish.
The bill also helps us crack down on speed traps by expanding the Mack's Creek Law that limits the amount small towns can raise for their municipal budgets through the issuance of speeding tickets.
Crime Bill – HB 62
A major piece of crime legislation passed this year addresses one of the issues I’m sure most of you have noticed while driving along Missouri roadways - young people texting rather than paying attention to the road. The bill we passed bars anyone 21 or younger from text messaging while driving. Many horror stories have surfaced nationally about the dangers of driving while texting. Recently, there was an accident in Illinois in which a teenage driver drifted off the road and killed a bicyclist while downloading ring tones to her cell phone. Tragedies like this are easily avoidable and that is the reason for our legislation this year. We want to make certain that drivers are focused on driving and not sending text messages.
The crime bill includes several other provisions as well, including one to curb some of the dangerous activity that occurs on many of our rivers by banning the use of beer bongs and other devices intended for drinking on some waterways. The bill also strengthens some elements of the state's sex offender regulations and stiffens penalties for cattle theft.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Habitat for Humanity Legislation
Habitat for Humanity is an international, not-for-profit organization that helps low-income families afford housing in communities throughout our country. This Christian organization seeks to offer financing and other support measures to those in our region who truly need it. In recent years, however, they have been held back by laws enacted at the state level and by the voters.
Often times, Habitat affiliates utilize tax credits that the state offers. As a guideline, to qualify for these credits a family of four with two working parents had to make less than 50% of the areas median income to gain approval. With the raise in minimum wage, however, two working parents on minimum wage made “too much.”
I was made aware of this situation and offered HB 802, which realigned those income guidelines, to help Habitat continue to match needing families with a good home. The Governor signed this legislation into law on June 26.
Often times, Habitat affiliates utilize tax credits that the state offers. As a guideline, to qualify for these credits a family of four with two working parents had to make less than 50% of the areas median income to gain approval. With the raise in minimum wage, however, two working parents on minimum wage made “too much.”
I was made aware of this situation and offered HB 802, which realigned those income guidelines, to help Habitat continue to match needing families with a good home. The Governor signed this legislation into law on June 26.
General Assembly Concurs: Don't Bring Guantanamo Bay Detainees to Missouri
Several months ago, as I was catching up on the news on the drive home from Jefferson City, I heard a breaking news release that the President had ordered Guantanamo Bay closed. Regardless of your opinion regarding this action, I am confident that we can reasonably agree that suspected and admitted terrorists should never be brought to Missouri. I quickly had a resolution drafted that urged Congress not to bring Guantanamo Bay detainees into Missouri.
Arguments against this resolution were far reaching and without merit. Some said that this resolution was an effort to place unenforceable regulation on the federal government. Some said that it was simply a political stunt. The facts are these: If we continue to remain silent with regard to States’ rights, the federal government will continue to encroach until what is left of our state sovereignty is completely eroded. This resolution not only serves to voice our opinion to the federal government, it also reasserts our constitutionally guaranteed right to self-govern. We have drawn a line in the sand and we do not want any terrorist to cross it. The overwhelming approval of this measure by the general assembly, as well as its approval in the 158th district, helps me rest assured that this legislation is not only fitting, it is the right thing to do.
In recent weeks, the potential housing and further detainment of these prisoners of war on the continental United States has grown. Media outlets across the nation have finally taken notice that without a clear plan, these terrorists could end up anywhere. The pundits that argued that this resolution was irrelevant have been proven wrong.
Arguments against this resolution were far reaching and without merit. Some said that this resolution was an effort to place unenforceable regulation on the federal government. Some said that it was simply a political stunt. The facts are these: If we continue to remain silent with regard to States’ rights, the federal government will continue to encroach until what is left of our state sovereignty is completely eroded. This resolution not only serves to voice our opinion to the federal government, it also reasserts our constitutionally guaranteed right to self-govern. We have drawn a line in the sand and we do not want any terrorist to cross it. The overwhelming approval of this measure by the general assembly, as well as its approval in the 158th district, helps me rest assured that this legislation is not only fitting, it is the right thing to do.
In recent weeks, the potential housing and further detainment of these prisoners of war on the continental United States has grown. Media outlets across the nation have finally taken notice that without a clear plan, these terrorists could end up anywhere. The pundits that argued that this resolution was irrelevant have been proven wrong.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
LOCAL 4th GRADER PRESENTS ARTWORK
Nineteen school districts in Southeast Missouri recently participated in the 2008 Childrens’ Arts Festival. Amongst the entries, 70 were selected to be featured and published in the Festival booklet. Of those 70, Elizabeth Orr’s piece was selected to be presented to me here at the Capitol. We were delighted to welcome Elizabeth, of Alma Schrader, and her family here in Jefferson City. Her artwork is a wonderful addition to my office. My congratulations go to her and all of her fellow participants.
NEW COMMUNITY PROGRAM
On February 18, a group of eleven dogs will begin an obedience class in Cape Girardeau. What sets this class apart from other dog classes, is not only the class agenda, but the dogs themselves and the hosting location. The dogs all began as "throw aways", suffering from various forms of neglect or abuse. The class will be working not toward a graduation, but toward their Canine Good Citizen certification and the class is being hosted by the Cape Area Family Resource Center.
Another difference in this class will be the presence of several young people acting as volunteer dog handlers. These young volunteers are part of a new program being developed to educate the youth of Cape Girardeau, and encourage participation in dog related activities such as obedience.
The Cape Area Family Resource Center has dedicated itself to bringing educational programs to a section of Cape Girardeau that has very little exposure to so many things others may take for granted. This program will be the first time many of these residents will have been exposed to any animal education.
This is a cooperative effort by independent rescuers and owners. The dogs have been abandoned or come from the Humane Society of Southeast Missouri and Safe Harbor Animal Sanctuary. It is the hope of this group to begin a new awareness of what is possible when choosing to adopt a dog. It is also hoped that with a heightened awareness, 2009 can truly be the beginning of change for our companion animals. For more information, please contact Melanie Coy at mscoy@netzero.net.
Another difference in this class will be the presence of several young people acting as volunteer dog handlers. These young volunteers are part of a new program being developed to educate the youth of Cape Girardeau, and encourage participation in dog related activities such as obedience.
The Cape Area Family Resource Center has dedicated itself to bringing educational programs to a section of Cape Girardeau that has very little exposure to so many things others may take for granted. This program will be the first time many of these residents will have been exposed to any animal education.
This is a cooperative effort by independent rescuers and owners. The dogs have been abandoned or come from the Humane Society of Southeast Missouri and Safe Harbor Animal Sanctuary. It is the hope of this group to begin a new awareness of what is possible when choosing to adopt a dog. It is also hoped that with a heightened awareness, 2009 can truly be the beginning of change for our companion animals. For more information, please contact Melanie Coy at mscoy@netzero.net.
BRINGING QUALITY JOBS TO MISSOURI
This past week we took an important step forward with our job creation efforts—we passed legislation to expand a proven, successful program responsible for thousands of new jobs and billions of dollars of new investments in Missouri.
The nation’s economic downturn has stymied the healthy job growth we enjoyed just a few years ago. Even in trying times, our Quality Jobs Program has successfully brought many beneficial, high-paying jobs to our state. Since its creation in 2005, the program helped create more than 22,000 jobs in more than 65 cities around the state. It has also helped our state retain nearly 2,500 jobs. As the name of the program implies, the jobs that have been created and retained are quality jobs that pay above-average wages and provide health insurance. According to the Missouri Department of Economic Development, the average wage of the jobs created by the program is in excess of $53,000 annually and the average annual wage of those retained is nearly $74,000. In total, the Quality Jobs projects created in the first three years of the program resulted in more than $2.5 billion in new investment in our state.
The results produced by the program have been a huge success and quite impressive. The legislature increased tax credit caps in 2007 and again in 2008 to allow more projects to be approved. However, demand has still exceeded supply. The bill we approved this year removes the tax credit caps in order to approve projects all across the state. As a result, our area will not be forced to compete with others for limited dollars. Some may question removing the caps entirely. Rest assured that the program is designed to prevent abuse of this newly passed legislation. Tax credits are issued only after the projects create jobs and produce results. We also know that for every dollar we invest in the program, we get more than three dollars in return. This is a wise investment for our state. The Quality Jobs Program has proven to be the most powerful economic development and job creation tool in Missouri.
I supported the expansion of the Quality Jobs Program because I know it’s the right thing to do for our state. It will get our economy back on track. The program is a proven commodity and one we know will continue to create the kind of jobs that Missourians want and need. In the coming weeks we will work with the Senate to ensure this key component of our Family Recovery Plan is sent to the governor’s desk to be signed into law.
The nation’s economic downturn has stymied the healthy job growth we enjoyed just a few years ago. Even in trying times, our Quality Jobs Program has successfully brought many beneficial, high-paying jobs to our state. Since its creation in 2005, the program helped create more than 22,000 jobs in more than 65 cities around the state. It has also helped our state retain nearly 2,500 jobs. As the name of the program implies, the jobs that have been created and retained are quality jobs that pay above-average wages and provide health insurance. According to the Missouri Department of Economic Development, the average wage of the jobs created by the program is in excess of $53,000 annually and the average annual wage of those retained is nearly $74,000. In total, the Quality Jobs projects created in the first three years of the program resulted in more than $2.5 billion in new investment in our state.
The results produced by the program have been a huge success and quite impressive. The legislature increased tax credit caps in 2007 and again in 2008 to allow more projects to be approved. However, demand has still exceeded supply. The bill we approved this year removes the tax credit caps in order to approve projects all across the state. As a result, our area will not be forced to compete with others for limited dollars. Some may question removing the caps entirely. Rest assured that the program is designed to prevent abuse of this newly passed legislation. Tax credits are issued only after the projects create jobs and produce results. We also know that for every dollar we invest in the program, we get more than three dollars in return. This is a wise investment for our state. The Quality Jobs Program has proven to be the most powerful economic development and job creation tool in Missouri.
I supported the expansion of the Quality Jobs Program because I know it’s the right thing to do for our state. It will get our economy back on track. The program is a proven commodity and one we know will continue to create the kind of jobs that Missourians want and need. In the coming weeks we will work with the Senate to ensure this key component of our Family Recovery Plan is sent to the governor’s desk to be signed into law.
LIBRARY AS A RESOURCE
In these difficult times there is a lot of talk about stimulating the economy and creating jobs. These issues are important and I hope our elected officials at the Federal level can come to a feasible and fiscally responsible plan of action.
Fortunately, there is one resource that we do not have to wait on the Federal Government to make available. That resource is our local library. I would encourage anyone who might be in transition or in need of a place to access the internet, print out a resume, or research a possible new career to utilize its assets. There are also numerous resources available for children, and it is never too early to prepare for the summer reading program.
There is no better place to spend a dreary late winter day than perusing the infinite number of places a good book can take you. Stop by, read up, and check out one of our free, local best kept secrets. Below you will find several other programs, resources, or dates of interest. For more information on the library’s services, please visit www.capelibrary.org.
• Feb 21st - NAACP Founder’s Day Program
• Feb 23rd - City Wide Read: Reno Anderson
• Book discussion group every month
• Toddler times
• Art Starts, ages 4-7
• Family fun after hours (Fridays 6-8 once a month)
• Books on CD, DVD, & VHS
• Music CD’s
• Wi-fi accessible
• Scrapbooking club meets 2nd Saturday of every month
Fortunately, there is one resource that we do not have to wait on the Federal Government to make available. That resource is our local library. I would encourage anyone who might be in transition or in need of a place to access the internet, print out a resume, or research a possible new career to utilize its assets. There are also numerous resources available for children, and it is never too early to prepare for the summer reading program.
There is no better place to spend a dreary late winter day than perusing the infinite number of places a good book can take you. Stop by, read up, and check out one of our free, local best kept secrets. Below you will find several other programs, resources, or dates of interest. For more information on the library’s services, please visit www.capelibrary.org.
• Feb 21st - NAACP Founder’s Day Program
• Feb 23rd - City Wide Read: Reno Anderson
• Book discussion group every month
• Toddler times
• Art Starts, ages 4-7
• Family fun after hours (Fridays 6-8 once a month)
• Books on CD, DVD, & VHS
• Music CD’s
• Wi-fi accessible
• Scrapbooking club meets 2nd Saturday of every month
Thursday, February 5, 2009
INTEROPERABILITY A MUST
Interoperability is vital to every Missouri disaster/contingency plan. As you may or may not know, Governor Nixon recently placed a hold on a contract with Motorola that former Governor Blunt negotiated to make emergency responders communication systems interoperable. Having this kind of system means when disaster strikes, the Police, EMS, Fire, and other responders can all communicate on a dedicated system. To highlight the importance and necessity of interoperability, I offer two contrasting scenarios.
On September 11, 2001, emergency responders in New York arrived at the scene of the most horrific attack on American soil. Their communications systems were not interoperable. When a police helicopter sent out a warning over the radio to evacuate, the message was not relayed to other emergency response personnel. Had an interoperable system been in place, 343 firefighters who lost their lives that day would have received a warning to evacuate. While their actions were indeed heroic, with the right communication gear their lives might have been spared.
More recently, Minnesota experienced a devastating bridge collapse on I-35W. The personnel on scene, however, did have an interoperable system. All personnel dispatched to the scene of the collapse were in communication with one another and able to effectively and efficiently begin rescue assistance to the injured and prevent further harm to the general public.
Simply stated, I believe it is in the public’s best interest for the emergency personnel in this state to be able to collaborate while in the midst of an emergency. It is simply no longer acceptable for our citizens to rely on a 50 year old communication system that is used by our emergency responders. Whether it’s the ice storm we are presently digging out of or some other emergency, Missouri’s citizens are most likely to be provided with the quickest and safest response with a communication system that is interoperable. We cannot compromise public safety.
On September 11, 2001, emergency responders in New York arrived at the scene of the most horrific attack on American soil. Their communications systems were not interoperable. When a police helicopter sent out a warning over the radio to evacuate, the message was not relayed to other emergency response personnel. Had an interoperable system been in place, 343 firefighters who lost their lives that day would have received a warning to evacuate. While their actions were indeed heroic, with the right communication gear their lives might have been spared.
More recently, Minnesota experienced a devastating bridge collapse on I-35W. The personnel on scene, however, did have an interoperable system. All personnel dispatched to the scene of the collapse were in communication with one another and able to effectively and efficiently begin rescue assistance to the injured and prevent further harm to the general public.
Simply stated, I believe it is in the public’s best interest for the emergency personnel in this state to be able to collaborate while in the midst of an emergency. It is simply no longer acceptable for our citizens to rely on a 50 year old communication system that is used by our emergency responders. Whether it’s the ice storm we are presently digging out of or some other emergency, Missouri’s citizens are most likely to be provided with the quickest and safest response with a communication system that is interoperable. We cannot compromise public safety.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
First Weeks of Session Marked by Business-Like Approach
First Weeks of Session Marked by Business-Like Approach
We’re only a few weeks into the 2009 legislative session but already it is clear we are on pace to have one of our most productive sessions in years. Traditionally, the first month of session moves at a slower pace as we wait for our committee assignments and then for legislation to begin making its way through the committee process. That is not the case this year as the business-like approach taken by our new Speaker has rapidly accelerated the process so we are on pace to consider major policy initiatives sooner rather than later. That is good news because the time we are saving now will pay off immensely in the months to come as we have more time to dedicate to our Family Recovery Plan and to the issues that matter most to Missouri families.
At this point, we are two weeks ahead of the typical session schedule. Just days after our new Speaker was elected on opening day, he named all of his committee chairs and vice chairs. Shortly after that, all committee assignments were finalized and the House gave strong bipartisan support to the rules under which we operate. With that, the groundwork was laid for the House to begin the business of moving legislation through the process. I know many of you have been to the Capitol to see us in action or at least seen bits of the legislative session in television news stories. You’ve seen for yourself how hectic those final weeks of session become as bills and amendments fly fast and furious on the House floor. Being ahead of schedule means we can address the core issues in our Family Recovery Plan earlier in the process and hopefully avoid the final frantic moments when we wait to see if our legislation is passed before time runs out.
Already this session we’ve seen more than 300 bills filed covering issues ranging from job creation to healthcare coverage. Those bills are now making their way to the 50 House committees that will do their best to hone them into effective pieces of legislation before sending them to the full House for debate. One of the bills moving rapidly through the process will come before the House in the next few days. The piece of legislation is simple in its design but it carries with it a very powerful message that we as elected officials will not accept a pay raise recommended by the Missouri Citizens' Commission on Compensation for Elected Officials. The House has voted against the pay raise proposal each time it has come up and this year will be no different. We know that times are tough and there are far better ways to use our tax dollars. This year we will again stand firm in rejecting the pay raises and reaffirming that we are here to serve your best interests and not our own.
This session is off to an impressive start and I am excited to see what we can accomplish in the coming months. As we move along we will get a better picture of where we stand and some of the other issues we will work on, but these first few weeks have given me a great deal of hope that this session will be one of the best ever. Whether it’s through our work on the state budget, the Family Recovery Plan, or other legislation that addresses issues faced by Missourians; we will do our best to make Missouri an even better place to live, raise a family and do business.
Visitors
Although the first weeks of session have been marked with numerous meetings and events, our office has, and always will remain open to constituents who come to visit and discuss their legislative concerns. This week, I had the pleasure of meeting with several of Cape Girardeau ’s own including: Rev. Roy Jones; John Mehner, Cape Girardeau Area Chamber of Commerce; Ilena Aslin, AARP; Suzie Dufek and co., Nurse Anesthetists; Thomas Meyer, Exit Realty; David Soto, Soto Property Management; Jan McClanahan, Abernathy Realty; Brenda Miller, ERA Cape Realty; Wanda Duncan, Realty Executives. I appreciate the time we had to visit and look forward to continuing to serve the 158th district. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact me or my Legislative Assistant, Sean, at (573) 751-1443 or toll free at (866) 742-9478.
We’re only a few weeks into the 2009 legislative session but already it is clear we are on pace to have one of our most productive sessions in years. Traditionally, the first month of session moves at a slower pace as we wait for our committee assignments and then for legislation to begin making its way through the committee process. That is not the case this year as the business-like approach taken by our new Speaker has rapidly accelerated the process so we are on pace to consider major policy initiatives sooner rather than later. That is good news because the time we are saving now will pay off immensely in the months to come as we have more time to dedicate to our Family Recovery Plan and to the issues that matter most to Missouri families.
At this point, we are two weeks ahead of the typical session schedule. Just days after our new Speaker was elected on opening day, he named all of his committee chairs and vice chairs. Shortly after that, all committee assignments were finalized and the House gave strong bipartisan support to the rules under which we operate. With that, the groundwork was laid for the House to begin the business of moving legislation through the process. I know many of you have been to the Capitol to see us in action or at least seen bits of the legislative session in television news stories. You’ve seen for yourself how hectic those final weeks of session become as bills and amendments fly fast and furious on the House floor. Being ahead of schedule means we can address the core issues in our Family Recovery Plan earlier in the process and hopefully avoid the final frantic moments when we wait to see if our legislation is passed before time runs out.
Already this session we’ve seen more than 300 bills filed covering issues ranging from job creation to healthcare coverage. Those bills are now making their way to the 50 House committees that will do their best to hone them into effective pieces of legislation before sending them to the full House for debate. One of the bills moving rapidly through the process will come before the House in the next few days. The piece of legislation is simple in its design but it carries with it a very powerful message that we as elected officials will not accept a pay raise recommended by the Missouri Citizens' Commission on Compensation for Elected Officials. The House has voted against the pay raise proposal each time it has come up and this year will be no different. We know that times are tough and there are far better ways to use our tax dollars. This year we will again stand firm in rejecting the pay raises and reaffirming that we are here to serve your best interests and not our own.
This session is off to an impressive start and I am excited to see what we can accomplish in the coming months. As we move along we will get a better picture of where we stand and some of the other issues we will work on, but these first few weeks have given me a great deal of hope that this session will be one of the best ever. Whether it’s through our work on the state budget, the Family Recovery Plan, or other legislation that addresses issues faced by Missourians; we will do our best to make Missouri an even better place to live, raise a family and do business.
Visitors
Although the first weeks of session have been marked with numerous meetings and events, our office has, and always will remain open to constituents who come to visit and discuss their legislative concerns. This week, I had the pleasure of meeting with several of Cape Girardeau ’s own including: Rev. Roy Jones; John Mehner, Cape Girardeau Area Chamber of Commerce; Ilena Aslin, AARP; Suzie Dufek and co., Nurse Anesthetists; Thomas Meyer, Exit Realty; David Soto, Soto Property Management; Jan McClanahan, Abernathy Realty; Brenda Miller, ERA Cape Realty; Wanda Duncan, Realty Executives. I appreciate the time we had to visit and look forward to continuing to serve the 158th district. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact me or my Legislative Assistant, Sean, at (573) 751-1443 or toll free at (866) 742-9478.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Swearing in Ceremony and Inauguration Day
Wow...this month is moving along quickly!
Just to give you an update: Wednesday, January 7th, I was honored to be sworn in at the state capitol. It was exhilarating and reassured me of my desire to be your state representative - to serve you in Jefferson City. Thank you for that opportunity!
Last Monday was The Governor's Inaugural Ball. It was a packed day! It was such an honor to see The Cape Central High School Band perform in the opening parade. Later in the day, I had the chance to address the band and to show them the house floor. Great job for all that you have accomplished. I am proud of your achievements!!
I will use this blog to keep you updated on important events, but also so you feel a part of this experience. It is because of you, that I have the opportunity to serve Cape Girardeau in this capacity. I am honored and humbled. Please comment if you would like for me to contact you directly or if you simply have a comment for me. I will do my best to get back with you in a timely manner.
...and if you have a chance to get to the capitol, my office is always open!
Thank you
Clint Tracy
158th District State Rep
Office 405A
573 751 5173
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