Capitol Report
MISSOURI MEGA-PROJECTS BILL, May 5, 2008
5/9/08 - I am extremely pleased to inform you that HB 2393 has been Truly Agreed and Finally Passed. As you know, the success of this bill has been one of my highest priorities this session.
MEGA-PROJECT BILL, April 21, 2008
4/21/08 - After quickly moving through the House legislative process, my mega-project legislation has been presented before the Senate for debate. With only minor changes made in the Senate committee, it was approved as of Thursday. Again, I look forward to sharing its future progress with you.
SPECIAL REPORT on HOUSE BILL 2393 April 14, 2008
4/14/08 - I am pleased to report to you this week that the House has given its initial “ok” to HB 2393. With only eight representatives voting ‘no,’ it has overwhelming bipartisan support. I sponsored this legislation in response to Bombardier Aerospace announcing that it was seeking to establish a manufacturing plant in Kansas City, KS.
New Progress on Legislation -April 7, 2008
4/07/08 - My committee on Job Creation and Economic Development heard several bills last week. In particular, we voted SB 1073 out of committee and sent it forth to the full body of the House for consideration. SB 1073 was voted consent, meaning that it is not considered controversial, nor does it have any affect on the general revenue fund.
Progress on Legislation - March 31, 2008
3/31/08 - As the end of session nears, the amount of work to be done is ever increasing. Legislators from across the state are tirelessly working into the evenings to complete the tasks at hand. I thought I would take a moment to highlight several pieces of legislation that are steadily making progress at becoming Missouri law.
Bombardier Facility - March 24, 2008
3/24/08 - At a press conference held yesterday, I was proud to be present when the most promising evidence of this development was realized. Bombardier, a Canadian aerospace firm, has announced that Kansas City is a prime candidate in its search for a new manufacturing facility.
Recent News - March 10, 2008
3/10/08 - For the year 2007, Southwest Missouri, including Jasper and Newton counties, received funding in four types of grants: homeless prevention, home repair, match funds, and construction/rehabilitation.
Crossover fatalities on sections where median guard cables were installed are drastically less than the previous year.
Legislative Watch - March 3, 2008
3/03/08 - Read more about Rep. David Pearce’s economic development bill HB 2058 and HB 1314, also known as the Amy Hestir Davis Student Protection Act.
Campus Safety/Pending Bills - February 18, 2008
2/21/08 - On Tuesday February 19 Governor Blunt’s office announced he would be expanding the Missouri Alert Network to include our colleges and universities. The program already includes K-12 schools. In light of recent campus tragedies in other states, Missouri colleges and universities will now have added alert capabilities. We pray it will not be necessary in any of our schools.
Super Tuesday - February 7, 2008
2/04/08 - The democratic process is one that grants us the freedoms and privileges we have come to enjoy, and with the ongoing support and awareness of our young Missourians, will continue to remain effective.
Biodiesel FAQs - February 6, 2008
2/06/08 -Q. What is biodiesel?
A. Biodiesel is the name of a clean burning alternative fuel, produced from domestic, renewable resources such as soybean oil. Biodiesel contains no petroleum, but it can be blended at any level with petroleum-based diesel to create a biodiesel blend.
"Rising Star" - Sign Designs - January 28, 2008
1/31/08 - Sign Designs, located at 1720 West 7th St., and owned by the brother and sister team of John Hipple, Jr. and Denise Neely, was recognized on Wednesday as a “Rising Star” in our state.
More Proressive Work - January 21, 2008
1/24/08 - Already this week we have seen more progressive work in Jefferson City. Three budget bills passed, as we begin making headway at helping Missouri remain a great state in which to live.
Capitol Report - 2007
End of Special Session - August 30, 2007
8/30/07 -I am very proud that during this special session we were able to reach a compromise on our economic development bill (HB 1) and that it passed both the House and the Senate by an overwhelming majority. Now the bill goes to the Governor’s desk for signature.
Special Session - Week of August 20, 2007
8/23/07 -I am proud to say the revision to my bill (now known as HB1) was overwhelmingly passed by my colleagues in the House on Thursday, August 23 2007. It now goes to the Senate and we are hopeful it comes out with few changes. The highway bonds bill (HB2) was also passed and sent to the Senate.
End of Session
5/18/07 - As the legislative session came to a close on Friday May 18 we can now look back on our accomplishments. I want to touch briefly on a few of them here.
HB 327 Passes
5/11/07 - I am happy to inform you that HB 327 has been Truly Agreed and Finally Passed. The House voted on Thursday to accept the previous version of this bill passed by the Senate, and now it is on its way to the Governor’s office. As you know, passage of this legislation has been my main goal, and in an effort to move this bill forward, we did accept the Senate’s amendments as a compromise. Even still, the mandate on Quality Jobs that an organization pay at or above the county average wage to qualify, coupled with the requirement of the organization to pay at least half of the employee’s health insurance, Missourians will undoubtedly enjoy an increase in job growth and quality of life.
Working for Economic Development Bill
5/04/07 -With only two weeks left in the session, my efforts are focused on getting a workable version of my economic development bill (HB 327) passed. The conference committee met Tuesday May 1 and, after much “adding to” and “removing from”, reached an agreement signed by 9 of the 10 members – one Senator refused to sign – and sent the bill back to the Senate. The Senate refused to accept the conference report. The Senate now wants to meet in conference again. The House, by a vote of 155 to 4 on Wednesday May 2, has shown full support of my stance that we refuse to further debate the bill.
Legislation Passed
4/23/07 -With only three weeks remaining in this legislative session and many important bills remaining to be handled, we will be working very hard to represent your best interest. Please keep all of us in your thoughts and prayers.
Click the report for highlights of legislation passed by the House this week.
Birth and Life
4/16/07 -The week began under the pall of the unimaginable horror at Virginia Tech. We hold all of those touched by this tragedy in our thoughts and prayers.
With those tragic deaths in mind, I was proud to vote in favor of HB 1055 which deals with birth and life.
Remaining Storm Debris scheduled for removal
4/09/07 - MoDOT’s Southwest District office has advised us that removal of remaining ice storm debris will take place in cities and rural areas in Jasper and Newton Counties from April 16 through April 27. MoDOT has asked that residents and business owners place the debris at the roadway in front of their home or business for pick up. Please take care to not create a driving or sight hazard.
For info on the status of bills in the house, see the full report:
Richard Hopeful for Beneficial Bills
4/02/07 -As the session draws closer to an end, we have been kept very busy in the House chamber. This week we approved several bills which have much promise for Missourians. Two bills which I am very hopeful for are HB 365 and HB 448. These bills will further our pursuit to provide more jobs, quality jobs, to Missouri’s families.
State Budget Debate
3/29/07 -The past week has been one of great debate over the State’s budget. You will be happy to learn that the House has voted to again increase the spending on such important issues such as education and healthcare. We have increased the budget for Medicaid by $420 million and increased secondary and elementary education funding by $200 million. We continue to work together to finalize the other aspects of the budget.
SUMMARY OF SESSION TO DATE
3/15/07 -The first half of the session is officially completed and we have worked hard on legislation to help all Missourians. Read more highlights of some of our work regarding Economy, Social Security Tax Cut and more.
IDLE REDUCTION TECHNOLOGY
3/05/07 - HB 488 has been passed by the House and I am eager to watch its progress. HB 488 gives an income tax credit for idle reduction technology on class 8 trucks (more than 33,000 pounds). Currently, truckers idle their engine in order to keep the climate of the truck comfortable while at rest, as well as to provide electricity for other basic operations. This technology will operate all functions of the cab of the truck while in idle without the use of the engine. With this technology in use, Missourians will benefit from potentially millions of gallons of diesel gasoline saved per year, a significant decrease in emissions of nitrogen oxide and CO2, and a reduction in noise pollution.
LONG TERM HEALTHCARE/INTERNET PREDATORS
2/26/07 - This week we passed House Bill 40 that will encourage Missourians to buy long-term healthcare insurance. It allows a 100% deduction (the entire amount paid) for long-term care insurance premiums. On March 1, 2007, Governor Blunt and U.S. Attorney Catherine Hanaway launched the “I Know Better” (INOBTR) campaign to help stop internet predators from getting to our children. The website www.inobtr.org provides information for parents about the dangers found on the internet.
UPDATE ON QUALITY JOBS BILL
2/22/07 - On Thursday February 22, 2007, our Missouri Quality Jobs and Enhanced Enterprise Zone bill (HCS HB 327) was third read and unanimously passed on a roll-call vote of 157-0. On Wednesday it was debated, amendments were added, and it was passed on a unanimous voice vote. Now the bill goes to the Senate and the work starts all over again.
THREE IMPORTANT BILLS PASS HOUSE
2/15/07 - We passed three important bills that will reduce air pollution from the tricking industry, another that authorizes a state income tax deduction on ANY social security benefit, and another that allows for employed Missourians with disabilities to receive medical assistance. More information is in detail in the report.
RON'S TWO-BILL COMBO PASSES HOUSE
2/05/07 - I am pleased to report that the Special Committee on Job Creation and Economic Development (the committee I chair) unanimously passed House Committee Substitute for House Bill 327. This is a combination of two bills I sponsored, House Bill 327 (regarding Missouri Quality Jobs) and House Bill 328 (regarding Enhanced Enterprise Zones). I am very proud of the overwhelming bipartisan support shown by the members of my committee. We are truly dedicated to the betterment of Missouri.
"MEAT AND POTATOES"
Press Release - 1/22/07 - This week saw the completion of committee assignments, which means that next week public hearings on bills will start in earnest. I am looking forward to this part of my job, which I feel is the “meat and potatoes” of our work here. We will keep you informed about the bills we hear in committee and the outcome of those hearings.
For Governor’s State of The State Address, click here.
NEW 2007 SESSION
1/08/07 - We returned to Jefferson City last week for the First Regular Session of the 94th General Assembly. We have been busy since then setting out our goals for this session and organizing ourselves.
HAPPY HOLIDAY
12/04/06 - As another holiday season is fast approaching, I’d like to take a moment to say “Thank You” for your support during the past year and to wish each of you a very Happy Holiday and a safe and healthy New Year.
END OF SESSION REPORT
5/23/06 - Another successful legislative session has drawn to a close and we were able to keep promises that were made at the beginning of January. Back then we set out some specific goals to address problems in Missouri and to provide opportunities for growth.
PROMISES MADE, PROMISES KEPT
5/09/06 - Before the start of this session, I promised you we would accomplish the goals we set out last year. There were many nay-sayers as you can well imagine. I am very proud to report to you that as this legislative session ends, we have successfully accomplished those goals.
UPDATE AS SESSION NEARS CLOSER TO END
5/05/06 - Election administration, colleges and universities, health insurance plans, assisted living facilities, eminent domain, economic development
TOPICS AS SESSION NEARS END
4/27/06 - MoDOT meets with legislators on roads and bridges in our area, plus funds for MSSU and economic development omnibus bill.
DRIVER LICENSE RENEWAL SIMPLIFIED FOR OVER 65
4/20/06 - House Bill 1704, recently voted out of the House Rules Committee, will exempt individuals over 65 years of age who have previously been issued a license, non-driver license or instruction permit from showing proof of lawful presence at the time of renewal.
EMINENT DOMAIN BILL UPDATE
4/12/06 - I would like to inform you as to the current (April 12, 2006) situation concerning our attempts at reforming eminent domain in light of the controversial Supreme Court decision handed down last year. I wrote you last week concerning House Bill 1944 which, if passed, will greatly expand the rights of property owners by curbing abuses of eminent domain.
EMINENT DOMAIN BILL RESTRICTS USE
4/06/06 - On Monday April 3 the House Committee on the Judiciary passed House Bill 1944, a bill reforming Missouri law on eminent domain in order to ensure protection of landowners’ rights. report 3/10/06
TEACHER LIABILITY PROTECTION BILL
I have some thoughts I would like to share with you today about the importance of attracting, retaining and protecting good teachers in Missouri schools.
ETHANOL BILL
3/09/06 - A 10% ethanol standard is an important step that Missouri needs to take if we are to become a national leader in the renewable energy industry.
MISSOURI ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CODE
3/02/06 - Yesterday the committee on Job Creation and Economic Development heard a number of bills, including House Bill 1782. This bill would implement the Missouri Economic Development Code, introduced by myself with support of several of my colleagues. report
2/23/06
READY ACCESS TI AFFORDABLE HEALTHCARE
The stability and health of Missouri’s economy rely heavily on our small businesses. In turn, the health and wellness of the employees of these small businesses rely heavily on the medical insurance they provide. This important relationship is being disrupted by the steady increase of medical insurance rates over the last several years. It is forcing many small businesses to make a difficult decision - drop health insurance or raise prices. report
2/17/06
BEING PREPARED FOR DISASTER
I’m sure everyone is familiar with the Boy Scout motto - “Be Prepared.” The hurricanes last year got a lot of us thinking about being prepared. When you consider the costs of long-term care, the need to be prepared becomes even more urgent. report
2/09/06
HEALTHCARE AND MEDICAL ISSUES
We want to find the best possible ways of improving access and decreasing costs. Missouri needs a system that allows access for her citizens regardless of income or situation. report
2/02/06
IMPROVING ACCESS TO AFFORDABLE HEALTHCARE
We can do a lot at the state level that the federal government can’t do. President Bush mentioned one issue which we particularly need to focus on in Missouri - improving access to affordable healthcare. report
1/31/06
LEGISLATION AFFECTING MISSOURI CHILDREN
I’d like to take this opportunity to share with you some information regarding proposed legislation that could affect Missouri’s many children. A number of different issues are before us that require our attention and consideration. report
1/26/06
LOCAL FOOD PANTRY TAX CREDIT PROGRAM
No one should ever go hungry in this land of plenty, and our food pantries are on the front lines fighting to make sure no one does. That’s why I am very enthusiastic about legislation that will be passed this year to benefit food pantries all over the state. report
1/12/06
BUDGET SURPLUS
Why do we have a budget surplus? As the Governor stated last night, it is because we cut waste, fraud and abuse from state programs. The Governor identified $138 million that has been removed from state government since last year report
9/16/05
SPECIAL AND VETO SESSION
Abortion Regulations; Worker's Compensation Bill; Criminal Statutes, Personal Information; Controversial Environmental Issue. report
5/13/05
END OF SESSION
Highlights of the 2005 session; Missouri Quality Jobs Act, Tort Reform, New School Funding Foundation Formula, Balanced the Budget, Abortion, Meth. report
5/02/05
BUDGET FINALIZATION
With just one week left in this legislative session we are working very hard to accomplish the goals we set out at the start of the session. Most of this week we concentrated on finalizing the budget for 2006. report
4/18/05
CREATING JOBS AND MORE
This week the House advanced several bills that will help create jobs, protect many of our most vulnerable citizens, and further improve our educational system. report
4/04/05
IMPROVING THE ECONOMIC CLIMATE
We have made significant changes to our state’s government by passing quality legislation to improve our economic climate, reform our civil justice system, and change our workers’ compensation laws to reduce frivolous lawsuits. report
3/28/05
ELIMINATING WASTE, FRAUD AND ABUSE
We must eliminate the waste, fraud and abuse that bloats our budget and eats up funds that could be spent on important programs such as education. report
3/14/05
JOB CREATION BILLS SENT TO GOVERNOR
I am proud of the two important job creation bills that were sent to the Governor’s desk, delivering on a major commitment we made to the state. report
3/07/05
GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY
The first order of business was to close the loophole in our current law regarding a minor’s ability to get an abortion. report
2/28/05
JOB CREATION BILLS PASS THE HOUSE
Two major bills that will help with job creation in Missouri were passed this week. report
2/14/05
STATUS/UPDATE ON FIRST STEPS PROGRAM
We need to be certain that those who rely on our state’s safety net can be assured that the net continues to exist. report
2/07/05
FOCUS ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
The Job Creation and Economic Development Committee held a public hearing on House Bill 135 (referred to as the BUILD bill) that will assist small businesses by reducing debt-servicing expenses for companies that issue industrial bonds. report
1/24/05
GOV BLUNT'S STATE OF THE STATE
Our new Governor, Matt Blunt, gave his first State of the State address this week in which he outlined his intentions for bringing jobs to our State, reforming the workers’ compensation and unemployment systems, and ending the abuse of our legal system through frivolous lawsuits. report
1/10/05
NEW RULES PROPOSED
We want to share information with you about the proposed rules changes that were discussed this week during session. As you know, I’ve always worked with both Democrats and Republicans for good legislation that is good for Missouri. report
Ron testifies on HB 2393.
Ron meets with Joplin folks at the capitol asking for additional help for mental illness.
Ron and Rep. Brian Yates - R consider pending legislation.
Ron discusses HB 327 with Rep. Michael Spreng – D (left), Rep. Fred Kratky – D. All are members of the Special Committee on Job Creation and Economic Development, of which Ron is the chair.