by Representative Jim Whorton
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During the time I work on your behalf in Jefferson City, my mind frequently focuses on individual components of that work and sometimes I come up with unusual perspectives about our legislative actions. For example, this past week, along with considerable time spent in the perfection process, we "third read and passed" 56 individual pieces of proposed legislation.
My perspective and question is: Can we even measure or comprehend the total impact on Missouri citizens and resources if all these proposals are also passed in the Senate and signed into law by the Governor? It is somewhat unlikely that all of these bills will maintain their individual identity as some may be combined with other similar pieces during Senate consideration; others may not see action due to time constraints.
It also is very likely that more than 150 new bills will be passed and signed into law by this General Assembly. I’m not implying that each of these bills is not worthy or even necessary when considered on their individual merits; however, when considered collectively, we are increasing government’s control on us as citizens, even though our leaders say they stand for smaller government. Somehow, in regard to new bills, we should be able to do fewer, not more.
An example of a bill that apparently won’t be passed this year is Senate Bill 816, known as the cable television bill. I have had a lot of local concerns expressed to me regarding the issue and I agree it is best to allow more time in order to identify more factual information. There probably have been more questionable, non-substantiated statements in the Capitol surrounding this proposal than other bills this session. The bill’s sponsor, Senator Griesheimer, has withdrawn the bill from current calendars.
Some of the House action that I believe you should be aware of; includes HJR 39, a proposed constitutional amendment that would, upon voter approval in November, reaffirm citizens’ rights of speech, specifically prayer, in public places. It also would require schools, receiving state funds, to display the First Amendment of our United States Constitution in a conspicuous and legible manner.
House Committee Substitute (HCS) HB 1349 establishes a program for supporting small Missouri farmers to purchase breeding livestock. The program would subsidize interest on loans for one year by allowing tax credits equal to those interest charges. Several criteria have to be met; however, it has the potential to help both new and expanding livestock operations.
House Bill 994 requires that only persons younger than 21 years of age will be required to wear protective headgear when operating or riding a motorcycle. Currently, all motorcyclists are required to use protective headgear.
HCS HBs 1461, 1375, 1110, and 1103 allows justifiable use of deadly force by those within their own personal property who believe they are under imminent threat of harm.
HCS HBs 1270 and 1027 is the proposal that requires gasoline sold in Missouri to contain at least ten percent ethanol by Jan. 1, 2008. There are certain exceptions to the so-called ethanol mandate. Some exceptions relate to specific uses; whereby, non-blended gasoline will be available and some exceptions pertain to the overall bill under certain market criteria. Under those conditions, distributors would not be required to pick up and deliver ethanol to their retailers.
As usual, we had several visitors in the Capitol this week. I was able to spend a little time with Dr. Neil Nuttall, President of NCMC, as well as Sheriffs Rodney Herring, Grundy County; Steve Cox, Livingston County and Tom Parks, Linn County. Each of these individuals was in Jefferson City in regard to respective pending legislation, and they all were very helpful to me and my colleagues as a source of firsthand information. I apologize for not having space to mention everyone, but I was pleasantly surprised two early mornings to be greeted by home folks bearing breakfast. Wright Memorial Hospital administration assisted staff from St. Luke’s and provided an informational breakfast session on Tuesday as did Grand River Mutual’s own Wendell (Apron) Myers on Thursday at a similar event hosted by the telecommunication providers. We sincerely appreciate those who can visit and we sincerely appreciate those of you who are with us in spirit. It’s because of you that we are here.
Please feel free to keep in touch; our email address is [email protected] and our phone number in Jefferson City is (573) 751-1649.