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9 years ago
Monday, June 15, 2009
Friday, June 12, 2009
Congressman Graves in the news 6/12/2009
I found a couple things about Graves that I think are worth mentioning.
First an article in the falling Star discussing a Republican alternative to health care.
Second, I am not sure that I like this. Mr. Graves has proposed a bill, HR 2767, that would change the definition of what a small business owner is. The new definition would include venture capitalists who are much different than the independent small business entrepreneur. Not sure that this is a good idea.
First an article in the falling Star discussing a Republican alternative to health care.
Second, I am not sure that I like this. Mr. Graves has proposed a bill, HR 2767, that would change the definition of what a small business owner is. The new definition would include venture capitalists who are much different than the independent small business entrepreneur. Not sure that this is a good idea.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Local politicians in the news 6/10/2008
Ryan Silvey: We all need to pay attention in this next state legislative session. Health care is going to come up. Nixon and the Democrats want everyone to pay for a bunch of kids health care. I am gravely concerned about this. I am tired of being told that I need to pay for others health care. Of course if the Federal government beats them to the punch this will all be irrelevant.
Claire McCaskill: The lap dog got her new assignment this week. Claire will be the go-to gal on the new PAYGO program. PAYGO dictates either a cut in spending or a tax increase for any new spending. Well, we know that they won't cut spending! This ought to be entertaining to watch. For the record PAYGO was a Republican concept that they used to keep Clinton's spending in check in the 90s. All you middle class intellectuals that voted for Obama and thought your taxes weren't going to go up under this President, just wait. They want to use PAYGO to cover their healthcare proposal. To be really honest I don't even see how this is feasible with the trillions of new spending that was rammed down our throat already. I guess we'll see.
Claire McCaskill: The lap dog got her new assignment this week. Claire will be the go-to gal on the new PAYGO program. PAYGO dictates either a cut in spending or a tax increase for any new spending. Well, we know that they won't cut spending! This ought to be entertaining to watch. For the record PAYGO was a Republican concept that they used to keep Clinton's spending in check in the 90s. All you middle class intellectuals that voted for Obama and thought your taxes weren't going to go up under this President, just wait. They want to use PAYGO to cover their healthcare proposal. To be really honest I don't even see how this is feasible with the trillions of new spending that was rammed down our throat already. I guess we'll see.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Straight Talk With Sam Graves 6/8/2009
Below is the most recent Straight Talk with Sam Graves. Congressman Graves newsletter from the sixth district in Missouri. Mr. Graves is refusing to support cap and trade, we should all thank him.
It is for that reason that I will not support the cap and tax legislation making its way through Congress. This proposal will lead to higher taxes, fewer jobs and more bureaucracy. In short, it will do more harm than good.
New taxes will hit every Missouri family, producer and small business owner. For agriculture, the energy tax would be a double hit. Not only would farmers be taxed for the fuel they use, but they would also see higher taxes on applications they depend on like fertilizer.
The $646 billion dollar tax would hit the poor the hardest because they spend a greater portion of their income on energy. Various studies suggest that America will lose between 1.8 to 7 million jobs as a result of this new tax.
This bill would put our manufacturers at a self-imposed disadvantage when competing against India and China. Worse yet, placing more restrictions and taxes on manufacturers will simply drive more manufacturing jobs out of the country. We want those manufacturing plants and the jobs they create here in America, not overseas.
I support increasing American energy production, promoting greater efficiency and conservation, and increasing the use of alternative and renewable fuels. But I will oppose this bill because it will hurt our families, producers and small business owners.
Energy Tax Not the Answer
The phrase “first, do no harm” is not actually contained in the medical communities’ Hippocratic Oath. It may not be in the oath, but with the legislation coming out of Washington these days, it is good advice for lawmakers.
It is for that reason that I will not support the cap and tax legislation making its way through Congress. This proposal will lead to higher taxes, fewer jobs and more bureaucracy. In short, it will do more harm than good.
New taxes will hit every Missouri family, producer and small business owner. For agriculture, the energy tax would be a double hit. Not only would farmers be taxed for the fuel they use, but they would also see higher taxes on applications they depend on like fertilizer.
The $646 billion dollar tax would hit the poor the hardest because they spend a greater portion of their income on energy. Various studies suggest that America will lose between 1.8 to 7 million jobs as a result of this new tax.
This bill would put our manufacturers at a self-imposed disadvantage when competing against India and China. Worse yet, placing more restrictions and taxes on manufacturers will simply drive more manufacturing jobs out of the country. We want those manufacturing plants and the jobs they create here in America, not overseas.
I support increasing American energy production, promoting greater efficiency and conservation, and increasing the use of alternative and renewable fuels. But I will oppose this bill because it will hurt our families, producers and small business owners.
Sincerely,
Sam Graves
Monday, June 8, 2009
State representatives in the news 6/8/2009
This article talks about Tim Flook's bill HB 191, the new "jobs bill" that was passed by the state legislators and signed into law June 4th. Here is another article on the same. One thing that I do like about this bill is that it is reducing income into the state's coffers. The more we all run lean through this recession the better, especially our governments, something about forced efficiency to behold.
Read about the earmarks in Missouri here. I can't believe the earmark Blunt asked for in here. He wants $500,000 for a MSU project to research the environmental hazards from meth labs. What? I am to the point of saying to heck with the US Senate and just start worrying about dealing with the state and US Congress. Why is that the Senate attracts these people? Remember he is supposed to be our guy in 2010. So excited……….. Oh, sorry, had to wake back up there.
Doug Ervin: I am continually fascinated at how people naturally assume health care must be addressed by the government. They failed to do anything with health care at the state level in the recent session, failure here is a good thing in my eyes. This article discusses this issue.
Sam Graves: HR 2454 has the potential to spike energy prices, nah, really!?
The Stouffer Report June 5th
Below is the most recent e-newsletter from Senator Bill Stouffer. There is a lot of information about Tim Flook's "jobs bill" (HB 191) that was just passed in the legislature and signed by Nixon June 4th. I am not as yet convinced that this thing is going to create a whole bunch of jobs, but at least they are not trying to create more government with it. I really am not a big fan of TIFs and TDDs, personally I think the government ought to stay out of development and let business decide where to go. The problem is so many states do it now that choosing not to may put you at a disadvantage.
The Stouffer Report:
Putting People Back to Work
While Protecting Taxpayers
The Legislature passed a major jobs bill this year. House Bill 191 contains dozens of provisions intended to create the right climate for job production and job growth. It also makes changes to tax credits and who gets them.
The approach used to do this is quite different than that in Washington DC. The state’s legislature chose to reduce taxes and other burdens on employers instead of simply growing government and calling it “job growth.”
At the center of House Bill 191 is the Quality Jobs Act which has proven itself to be successful in the years it has been in existence. The program assists businesses that wish to expand, hire additional employees, pay a wage that equals or exceeds the average for the county where the business is located and pay at least 50 percent of employees’ health care premiums. Under the bill, the annual amount of tax credits that can be awarded will be increased from its current maximum of $60 million to $80 million.
Tax credits issued by the Missouri Development Finance Board (MDFB) are capped in House Bill 191. Starting in the next fiscal year (which starts on July 1), the MDFB will not be allowed to issue more than $10 million in tax credits. Taxpayers who contribute to MDFB funds receive a tax credit equal to 50 percent of their contribution. The board has come under fire in recent months for tax credits that will go to the Kansas City Chiefs for renovations to their practice facility. Some of my cohorts in the Senate say the MDFB had relatively no oversight and could spend taxpayer money without consequence.
Tax increment financing is also addressed in the jobs bill. The measure states cities that do not comply with Missouri TIF reporting requirements can not start a new TIF district for the five years following. Tax increment financing is a tool that uses future gains in taxes to finance current improvements that will create those gains. When a public project happens, there is often an increase in the value of surrounding real estate. This increased site value and investment generates increased tax revenues. The increased tax revenues are the "tax increment." These increments finance debt issued to pay for the project. The Missouri Department of Economic Development will be required to submit its annual TIF report to the Missouri State Auditor, who will then post information provided in the annual reports of municipalities on her website.
House Bill 191 also creates new guidelines for Transportation Development Districts (TDDs), which — like TIFs — are a form of public-private partnerships. Once approved, a developer can build not only the business, but the road to get you there and pay for the work through a slightly higher sales tax at that business. Recent state audits have shown TDDs are being used more often, but have no state oversight. The bill will have TDD board members submit annual reports to the State Auditor, and public hearings will be required before a TDD is formed in any area. TDDs have proven themselves to be a less-expensive way for developers to construct new businesses and build the roads to get you to them. Now, there will be more oversight to ensure people are not abusing TDDs.
The jobs bill also features the “Big Government Get Off My Back Act,” which prohibits state-imposed user fees from being increased for the next four years. This section of the bill is aimed at helping small businesses with 25 or fewer employees. These businesses are the backbone of our state, especially in rural Missouri. I have to say, I think this portion of the larger bill is probably one of the better things we did this session.
I pray this recession ends quickly and we can return to happier financial times in Missouri. The governor signed House Bill 191 on June 4. Hopefully, we are heading in the right direction to get folks back to work again in Missouri.
Senator Stouffer serves the counties of Carroll, Chariton, Cooper, Howard, Lafayette, Macon, Ray, Saline, and a part of Clay.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Congressman Sam Graves-This Week in Washington June 4th, 2009
Below is the most recent This Week in Washington from Congressman Sam Graves.
This Week in Washington- June 4th, 2009
1. H.R. 2200 - The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Authorization Act –This bill authorizes $15.7 billion for TSA programs and activities for FY2010 and FY2011. This bill funds the programs and directs the policy of the TSA, among other things.
Congressman John Mica and I offered an amendment to focus TSA’s resources where they can be most effective. There are roughly 51 security directives from TSA that have never been through the rule-making process. Some of those directives really aren’t applicable to smaller airports or general aviation enthusiasts.
However, because these directives did not go through the normal rule-making process, those voices of the public, industry, employees, pilots, etc have never been heard. My amendment simply says that after 180 days of a security directive being in place, the rule making process must begin. In other words, TSA will hear from the public, industry and others how a security directive affects them. It does not prohibit TSA from issuing a security directive.
The bill passed by a 397-25 vote, and my amendment was adopted by a 219-211 vote and is included in the bill.
2. H.R. 626 - Federal Employees Paid Parental Leave Act of 2009 – Currently, federal employees are guaranteed 12 weeks of unpaid leave for the birth or adoption of a child. HR 626 would allow federal employees to substitute 4 weeks of paid leave and expands coverage to foster children as well. It is estimated that this bill will cost over $938 million over five years. This bill pertains only to federal employees. At a time when Missouri families are struggling to find and keep jobs, I am not going to ask them to pick up the tab for a benefit that many of them do not have. The bill passed the House and now heads to the Senate. (Thanks Sam! I am sure that Bond and McCaskill will let us down on this.)
3. H. Res 232 - Toys for Tots- This was my resolution recognizing and commending the Toys for Tots Literacy Program for its contributions in raising awareness of illiteracy, promoting children’s literacy, and fighting poverty through the support of literacy. Through this initiative comes an inspiring story. Alferd Williams, a son of sharecroppers, had a simple and uncomplicated dream – he wanted to learn to read. That is how the then 70-year-old came to enroll in Alesia Hamilton’s first grade class at Edison Elementary School in St. Joseph. With help from Alesia, Alferd learned to read. And in the process he inspired a movement to do more to combat illiteracy. The Toys for Tots Literacy program was started with the goal of providing the nation’s least fortunate children with books and educational material.
Small Business Hearing
The House Small Business Committee convened to discuss health care reform and the impact of its costs on small businesses. According to the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) nearly 46 million Americans are without health care coverage and more than 26 million of those are small business owners, employees and their dependents. (I am a little bit confused on this one, if you are smart enough to run your own business, shouldn't you be smart enough to know that you should have health insurance? I new I needed health insurance at 19 years old, what's their excuse?)
As Congress gets set to consider comprehensive health care legislation, my principal objective is to make health care more affordable without sacrificing access to quality doctors. Allowing businesses to pool together to negotiate better health insurance rates would help bring down the cost. The Chairwoman, Nydia Velázquez, and I have introduced the bi-partisan CHOICE Act, which would do just that.
A federal mandate that employers provide health insurance for their employees is one option that may be included in a comprehensive health care reform bill. NFIB estimates that an employer mandate could cost our economy roughly 1.6 million jobs, including one million alone in small businesses. Any health care proposal must first consider small businesses.
A mandate would only reduce job creation and could mean the end of many small businesses. The House will be in session next week.
Have a good weekend.
Sincerely,
Sam Graves
This Week in Washington- June 4th, 2009
1. H.R. 2200 - The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Authorization Act –This bill authorizes $15.7 billion for TSA programs and activities for FY2010 and FY2011. This bill funds the programs and directs the policy of the TSA, among other things.
Congressman John Mica and I offered an amendment to focus TSA’s resources where they can be most effective. There are roughly 51 security directives from TSA that have never been through the rule-making process. Some of those directives really aren’t applicable to smaller airports or general aviation enthusiasts.
However, because these directives did not go through the normal rule-making process, those voices of the public, industry, employees, pilots, etc have never been heard. My amendment simply says that after 180 days of a security directive being in place, the rule making process must begin. In other words, TSA will hear from the public, industry and others how a security directive affects them. It does not prohibit TSA from issuing a security directive.
The bill passed by a 397-25 vote, and my amendment was adopted by a 219-211 vote and is included in the bill.
2. H.R. 626 - Federal Employees Paid Parental Leave Act of 2009 – Currently, federal employees are guaranteed 12 weeks of unpaid leave for the birth or adoption of a child. HR 626 would allow federal employees to substitute 4 weeks of paid leave and expands coverage to foster children as well. It is estimated that this bill will cost over $938 million over five years. This bill pertains only to federal employees. At a time when Missouri families are struggling to find and keep jobs, I am not going to ask them to pick up the tab for a benefit that many of them do not have. The bill passed the House and now heads to the Senate. (Thanks Sam! I am sure that Bond and McCaskill will let us down on this.)
3. H. Res 232 - Toys for Tots- This was my resolution recognizing and commending the Toys for Tots Literacy Program for its contributions in raising awareness of illiteracy, promoting children’s literacy, and fighting poverty through the support of literacy. Through this initiative comes an inspiring story. Alferd Williams, a son of sharecroppers, had a simple and uncomplicated dream – he wanted to learn to read. That is how the then 70-year-old came to enroll in Alesia Hamilton’s first grade class at Edison Elementary School in St. Joseph. With help from Alesia, Alferd learned to read. And in the process he inspired a movement to do more to combat illiteracy. The Toys for Tots Literacy program was started with the goal of providing the nation’s least fortunate children with books and educational material.
Small Business Hearing
The House Small Business Committee convened to discuss health care reform and the impact of its costs on small businesses. According to the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) nearly 46 million Americans are without health care coverage and more than 26 million of those are small business owners, employees and their dependents. (I am a little bit confused on this one, if you are smart enough to run your own business, shouldn't you be smart enough to know that you should have health insurance? I new I needed health insurance at 19 years old, what's their excuse?)
As Congress gets set to consider comprehensive health care legislation, my principal objective is to make health care more affordable without sacrificing access to quality doctors. Allowing businesses to pool together to negotiate better health insurance rates would help bring down the cost. The Chairwoman, Nydia Velázquez, and I have introduced the bi-partisan CHOICE Act, which would do just that.
A federal mandate that employers provide health insurance for their employees is one option that may be included in a comprehensive health care reform bill. NFIB estimates that an employer mandate could cost our economy roughly 1.6 million jobs, including one million alone in small businesses. Any health care proposal must first consider small businesses.
A mandate would only reduce job creation and could mean the end of many small businesses. The House will be in session next week.
Have a good weekend.
Sincerely,
Sam Graves
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Clay County Pachyderm Meeting June 11th!
I wanted to get this put up again. I think I had the date wrong last time. June 11th is the next Clay County Pachyderm Club meeting. It will be at 6:00PM at Tommy's Restaurant on Antioch Road. I had planned on attending but have another obligation that I must attend to.
Friday, June 5, 2009
Bob Nance Capitol Report June 4th
This is Representative Bob Nance's R-36 most recent Capitol Report. Lots of education stuff below in this one.
“Education is a better safeguard of liberty than a standing army. “ Edward Everett
In the District
We are still in the process of working with all appropriate entities of government to try to solve flooding in Orrick. This includes both the north and south areas of 210 highway.
A fundraiser for the Orrick Community Center is this Sunday from 11- 2. A “free will” donation will be accepted for the Ribs and Burger luncheon. Funds go toward the operation of the center.
Education
HCS #2 SB291 passed in the last days of session and is on the Governors desk. It deals with many aspects of education. Some of its component allows:·
GENERAL ELECTION DAY IN NOVEMBER 2009: This act provides that the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November 2009 will be a general election day for the purpose of allowing school districts to incur debt. ·
STUDY ON OPEN ENROLLMENT OF STUDENTS BETWEEN SCHOOL DISTRICTS: The Joint Committee on Education must study the issue of open enrollment of public school students across school district boundary lines. It must submit a report of its findings, and any recommendations for legislative action to the General Assembly, by December 31, 2009. ·
USE OF SECLUSION ROOMS: This act requires school district discipline policies to prohibit confining a student in an unattended, locked space except for an emergency situation while awaiting the arrival of law enforcement personnel. ·
MISSOURI SENIOR CADETS PROGRAM: This act creates the Missouri Senior Cadets Program, which will provide opportunities for twelfth graders in public school to mentor kindergarten through eighth grade students as described in the act. ·
The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education will commission a study comparing the performance of charter school students with an equivalent group of district students representing an equivalent demographic and geographic population that will be conducted by the Joint Committee on Education. ·
SCHOOL FLEX PROGRAM, COMPULSORY ATTENDANCE AGE & HOME SCHOOLS: This act establishes the School Flex Program to allow eligible students to pursue a timely graduation from high school. The program is available for eleventh and twelfth graders who have been identified by their principal and parent or guardian. ·
This act also changes the requirement for compulsory attendance age for school districts. Current law defines the compulsory attendance age as sixteen. This act changes that to seventeen years or age or successful completion of sixteen credits toward high school graduation. In addition, for purposes of home schooling, this act defines a completed credit towards high school graduation as one hundred hours or more of instruction in a course. ·
P-20 COUNCIL: This act allows the Governor to establish the "P-20 Council" as a private-not-for profit corporation on behalf of the state. The purpose of the P-20 Council will be to create a more efficient and effective education system to more adequately prepare students for entering the workforce and will be reflected in the articles of incorporation and bylaws. ·
PERSISTENCE TO GRADUATION FUND: This act creates the Persistence to Graduation Fund. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education will establish a procedure for school districts to apply for grants to implement drop-out prevention strategies. ·
TEACHING STANDARDS FOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS: Each public school must develop standards for teaching by June 30, 2010, including charter schools operated by the board of a school district. ·
VOLUNTEER AND PARENTS INCENTIVE PROGRAM: This act creates the Volunteer and Parents Incentive Program, to be implemented and administered by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Under the program, the Department will provide a reimbursement to parents or volunteers who donate time at certain schools. The provisions of this section will expire in six years unless reauthorized. ·
PARENTS' BILL OF RIGHTS: This act requires the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to produce "The Parents' Bill of Rights," to inform parents of children with an individualized education program of their educational rights under federal and state law by January 1, 2010. ·
SCHOOL DISTRICT RECORDS: This act allows school districts to maintain permanent records in a digital or electronic format. School districts must follow the manufacturer's guidelines, suggestions, and recommendations when using digital or electronic storage media and must not use them beyond the manufacturer suggested or recommended period of time. ·
CHANGE IN SCHOOL DISTRICT BOUNDARY LINES: Under current law, when a board of arbitration is appointed to determine whether to modify the boundary lines between school districts, the board must base its decision, in part, on the presence of actual educational harm to children, due to a significant difference in time involved in transporting them. ·
MISSOURI PRESCHOOL PLUS GRANT PROGRAM: This act creates the Missouri Preschool Plus Grant Program as a pilot program within the Missouri Preschool Project. ·
VIRTUAL COURSES FOR SCHOOL DISTRICTS AND CHARTER SCHOOLS: This act provides that school districts that offer virtual courses to resident students who are enrolled in the school district shall receive state school funding. ·
EDUCATION FUNDING: This act modifies the elementary and secondary education funding formula. It removes from the calculation of the state adequacy target the inclusion of the gaming revenues from the repeal of the loss limits. This becomes effective July 1, 2009. ·
Beginning on July 1, 2010, the moneys derived from the passage of Proposition A will be deposited into the Classroom Trust Fund and distributed to school districts in that manner. ·
This act eliminates, after the 2008-2009 school year, the penalty on a school district that experiences a decrease in summer school average daily attendance of more than 35% from the 2005-2006 summer school average daily attendance. This becomes effective July 1, 2009. ·
FOSTER CARE EDUCATION BILL OF RIGHTS: This act establishes the "Foster Care Education Bill of Rights." Each school district must designate a staff person to be an educational liaison for foster care children. This liaison would assist with proper educational placements, transferring between schools, ensuring transfer of grades and credits, requesting school records, and submitting school records that have been requested. ·
A child placing agency will promote educational stability for foster care children when making placements. A foster care child may continue to attend his or her school of origin pending resolution of a dispute.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY REQUIREMENTS: Beginning with the 2010-2011 school year, school districts must ensure that students in elementary schools participate in moderate physical activity, as described in the act, for the entire school year for an average of 150 minutes per week, or thirty minutes per day. Students with disabilities must participate to the extent appropriate. Middle school students may, at the school's discretion, participate in at least 225 minutes of physical activity per week.
Elementary school students must be provided a minimum of one recess period of twenty minutes per day, which may be incorporated into the lunch period.
TEACHER CERTIFICATION: This act creates a method of obtaining teacher certification from the State Board of Education for individuals to teach in the areas of banking or financial responsibility.
EMPLOYEE BACKGROUND CHECKS AND FINGERPRINT RECORDS: An employee background check and fingerprint record is good for one year and transferable from district to district or to a private or parochial school. A teacher's change in certification will not affect the transferability of records.
FOUR-DAY SCHOOL WEEK: This act allows school boards to establish a four-day school week instead of a five-day school week by the adoption a resolution by a majority vote of board members.
SCHOOL MAKE-UP DAYS RESULTING FROM INCLEMENT WEATHER: Current law requires school districts to make up the first six days of school lost or canceled due to inclement weather and half the number of days lost or canceled in excess of six days. This act creates an exception for the 2008-2009 school year and subsequent school years. School districts may only have to make up a total of ten school days.
This provision is substantially similar to a provision contained in HCS/SB 559 (2009) and HCS/SB 79 (2009) and is similar to HB 682 (2009). (Section 171.033)
SCHOOL BOARDS AND AGREEMENTS WITH CERTAIN POLITICAL SUBDIVISIONS: This act authorizes any school board to enter into an agreement with the county in which the school district is located, or a city, town, or village that is wholly or partially located within the boundaries of the school district to acquire, construct, improve, extend, repair, remodel, or finance sites, buildings, facilities, furnishings, and equipment for the school district's educational purposes. An agreement may provide for the present or future acquisition of an ownership in the facilities, including joint ventures.
In your service
Bob Nance
“Education is a better safeguard of liberty than a standing army. “ Edward Everett
In the District
We are still in the process of working with all appropriate entities of government to try to solve flooding in Orrick. This includes both the north and south areas of 210 highway.
A fundraiser for the Orrick Community Center is this Sunday from 11- 2. A “free will” donation will be accepted for the Ribs and Burger luncheon. Funds go toward the operation of the center.
Education
HCS #2 SB291 passed in the last days of session and is on the Governors desk. It deals with many aspects of education. Some of its component allows:·
GENERAL ELECTION DAY IN NOVEMBER 2009: This act provides that the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November 2009 will be a general election day for the purpose of allowing school districts to incur debt. ·
STUDY ON OPEN ENROLLMENT OF STUDENTS BETWEEN SCHOOL DISTRICTS: The Joint Committee on Education must study the issue of open enrollment of public school students across school district boundary lines. It must submit a report of its findings, and any recommendations for legislative action to the General Assembly, by December 31, 2009. ·
USE OF SECLUSION ROOMS: This act requires school district discipline policies to prohibit confining a student in an unattended, locked space except for an emergency situation while awaiting the arrival of law enforcement personnel. ·
MISSOURI SENIOR CADETS PROGRAM: This act creates the Missouri Senior Cadets Program, which will provide opportunities for twelfth graders in public school to mentor kindergarten through eighth grade students as described in the act. ·
The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education will commission a study comparing the performance of charter school students with an equivalent group of district students representing an equivalent demographic and geographic population that will be conducted by the Joint Committee on Education. ·
SCHOOL FLEX PROGRAM, COMPULSORY ATTENDANCE AGE & HOME SCHOOLS: This act establishes the School Flex Program to allow eligible students to pursue a timely graduation from high school. The program is available for eleventh and twelfth graders who have been identified by their principal and parent or guardian. ·
This act also changes the requirement for compulsory attendance age for school districts. Current law defines the compulsory attendance age as sixteen. This act changes that to seventeen years or age or successful completion of sixteen credits toward high school graduation. In addition, for purposes of home schooling, this act defines a completed credit towards high school graduation as one hundred hours or more of instruction in a course. ·
P-20 COUNCIL: This act allows the Governor to establish the "P-20 Council" as a private-not-for profit corporation on behalf of the state. The purpose of the P-20 Council will be to create a more efficient and effective education system to more adequately prepare students for entering the workforce and will be reflected in the articles of incorporation and bylaws. ·
PERSISTENCE TO GRADUATION FUND: This act creates the Persistence to Graduation Fund. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education will establish a procedure for school districts to apply for grants to implement drop-out prevention strategies. ·
TEACHING STANDARDS FOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS: Each public school must develop standards for teaching by June 30, 2010, including charter schools operated by the board of a school district. ·
VOLUNTEER AND PARENTS INCENTIVE PROGRAM: This act creates the Volunteer and Parents Incentive Program, to be implemented and administered by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Under the program, the Department will provide a reimbursement to parents or volunteers who donate time at certain schools. The provisions of this section will expire in six years unless reauthorized. ·
PARENTS' BILL OF RIGHTS: This act requires the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to produce "The Parents' Bill of Rights," to inform parents of children with an individualized education program of their educational rights under federal and state law by January 1, 2010. ·
SCHOOL DISTRICT RECORDS: This act allows school districts to maintain permanent records in a digital or electronic format. School districts must follow the manufacturer's guidelines, suggestions, and recommendations when using digital or electronic storage media and must not use them beyond the manufacturer suggested or recommended period of time. ·
CHANGE IN SCHOOL DISTRICT BOUNDARY LINES: Under current law, when a board of arbitration is appointed to determine whether to modify the boundary lines between school districts, the board must base its decision, in part, on the presence of actual educational harm to children, due to a significant difference in time involved in transporting them. ·
MISSOURI PRESCHOOL PLUS GRANT PROGRAM: This act creates the Missouri Preschool Plus Grant Program as a pilot program within the Missouri Preschool Project. ·
VIRTUAL COURSES FOR SCHOOL DISTRICTS AND CHARTER SCHOOLS: This act provides that school districts that offer virtual courses to resident students who are enrolled in the school district shall receive state school funding. ·
EDUCATION FUNDING: This act modifies the elementary and secondary education funding formula. It removes from the calculation of the state adequacy target the inclusion of the gaming revenues from the repeal of the loss limits. This becomes effective July 1, 2009. ·
Beginning on July 1, 2010, the moneys derived from the passage of Proposition A will be deposited into the Classroom Trust Fund and distributed to school districts in that manner. ·
This act eliminates, after the 2008-2009 school year, the penalty on a school district that experiences a decrease in summer school average daily attendance of more than 35% from the 2005-2006 summer school average daily attendance. This becomes effective July 1, 2009. ·
FOSTER CARE EDUCATION BILL OF RIGHTS: This act establishes the "Foster Care Education Bill of Rights." Each school district must designate a staff person to be an educational liaison for foster care children. This liaison would assist with proper educational placements, transferring between schools, ensuring transfer of grades and credits, requesting school records, and submitting school records that have been requested. ·
A child placing agency will promote educational stability for foster care children when making placements. A foster care child may continue to attend his or her school of origin pending resolution of a dispute.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY REQUIREMENTS: Beginning with the 2010-2011 school year, school districts must ensure that students in elementary schools participate in moderate physical activity, as described in the act, for the entire school year for an average of 150 minutes per week, or thirty minutes per day. Students with disabilities must participate to the extent appropriate. Middle school students may, at the school's discretion, participate in at least 225 minutes of physical activity per week.
Elementary school students must be provided a minimum of one recess period of twenty minutes per day, which may be incorporated into the lunch period.
TEACHER CERTIFICATION: This act creates a method of obtaining teacher certification from the State Board of Education for individuals to teach in the areas of banking or financial responsibility.
EMPLOYEE BACKGROUND CHECKS AND FINGERPRINT RECORDS: An employee background check and fingerprint record is good for one year and transferable from district to district or to a private or parochial school. A teacher's change in certification will not affect the transferability of records.
FOUR-DAY SCHOOL WEEK: This act allows school boards to establish a four-day school week instead of a five-day school week by the adoption a resolution by a majority vote of board members.
SCHOOL MAKE-UP DAYS RESULTING FROM INCLEMENT WEATHER: Current law requires school districts to make up the first six days of school lost or canceled due to inclement weather and half the number of days lost or canceled in excess of six days. This act creates an exception for the 2008-2009 school year and subsequent school years. School districts may only have to make up a total of ten school days.
This provision is substantially similar to a provision contained in HCS/SB 559 (2009) and HCS/SB 79 (2009) and is similar to HB 682 (2009). (Section 171.033)
SCHOOL BOARDS AND AGREEMENTS WITH CERTAIN POLITICAL SUBDIVISIONS: This act authorizes any school board to enter into an agreement with the county in which the school district is located, or a city, town, or village that is wholly or partially located within the boundaries of the school district to acquire, construct, improve, extend, repair, remodel, or finance sites, buildings, facilities, furnishings, and equipment for the school district's educational purposes. An agreement may provide for the present or future acquisition of an ownership in the facilities, including joint ventures.
In your service
Bob Nance
Rasmussen Presidential Poll
Today's daily Presidential Tracking Poll from Rasmussen Reports shows some interesting numbers. For the first time yet Obama's approval index rating has dropped to 0. This means that the same amount of people strongly disapprove of him (34%) as there are people who strongly disapprove of him. If you are wondering I would fall in the latter. The fact that 34% of people in a poll can still say that they strongly approve of him absolutely fascinates me, but that is a whole other discussion. I still think that there are a lot of people out there who buy in to the mentality of "he has only been there for 100 days or so, we have to give him time." Well keep thinking that, as he slowly destroys this nation.
Please sign my petition!
I was sitting and thinking about what could be done about the stupid decision by our government to own two American car companies. The thought hit me to create an online petition. Please join me in telling the government, GM, and Chrysler that we will not bear the burden of your failures. Capitalism should be allowed to succeed.
--
Andrew Palmer
H: 816-781-4248
C: 816-678-6965
http://claycountypolitics.blogspot.com/
Follow me on Twitter @claycopolitics
I am on Facebook, too!
"I swear by my Life and my love of it that I will never live for the sake of another wo/man, nor ask another wo/man to live for the sake of mine." source John Galt from Ayn Rand's Atlas Shrugged
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Straight Talk with Congressman Sam Graves
Below is the most recent Straight Talk with Sam Graves. Mr. Graves addresses the issue of energy independence. This is one that has continued to fascinate me. We have oil resources in this country and because of those on the left that have little sense we have failed to capitalize upon them. ANWR should have a straw stuck in the middle of it, put as many oil rigs as you need in the gulf, and keep up the research on harvesting shale oil. When gas prices go back up don't blame the "evil" oil companies, blame our stupid politicians who are unwilling to stand up to a bunch of wining environmentalists. Luckily Mr. Graves is a little more rational than his peer group.
Energy Independence Should Still Be Our Goal
Last summer we all dreaded every trip to the gas pump. Prices soared to $4 a gallon, putting a strain on every Missouri family and business. Today, gas prices are about half as much as they were last summer.
However, we are still dependent on foreign sources of oil. Now is the time for Congress to take action so that we do not see the return of $4 gas. We need to increase the use of renewable and alternative energy, we need to increase the number of refineries, we need a smart energy conservation plan and we need to keep exploring for energy in America.
Congress should act quickly to pass legislation to allow energy exploration in the Alaska National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) and on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS). I have supported this legislation every time it has been brought up for a vote in the House of Representatives.
ANWR is an area the size of South Carolina with billions of barrels of recoverable oil. New technology means that we could explore the entire region while leaving a footprint the size of Kansas City International Airport.
Last year, the ban on exploring for energy on the OCS expired. Yet, many new leases are tied up in bureaucracy or litigation. Congress should send a strong signal that it is serious about energy independence by authorizing energy exploration on the OCS. We are the only developed country in the world that does not allow for exploration that far off our coast.
We need to take advantage of our own resources and act now before $4 gas returns.
Sincerely,
Sam Graves
Energy Independence Should Still Be Our Goal
Last summer we all dreaded every trip to the gas pump. Prices soared to $4 a gallon, putting a strain on every Missouri family and business. Today, gas prices are about half as much as they were last summer.
However, we are still dependent on foreign sources of oil. Now is the time for Congress to take action so that we do not see the return of $4 gas. We need to increase the use of renewable and alternative energy, we need to increase the number of refineries, we need a smart energy conservation plan and we need to keep exploring for energy in America.
Congress should act quickly to pass legislation to allow energy exploration in the Alaska National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) and on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS). I have supported this legislation every time it has been brought up for a vote in the House of Representatives.
ANWR is an area the size of South Carolina with billions of barrels of recoverable oil. New technology means that we could explore the entire region while leaving a footprint the size of Kansas City International Airport.
Last year, the ban on exploring for energy on the OCS expired. Yet, many new leases are tied up in bureaucracy or litigation. Congress should send a strong signal that it is serious about energy independence by authorizing energy exploration on the OCS. We are the only developed country in the world that does not allow for exploration that far off our coast.
We need to take advantage of our own resources and act now before $4 gas returns.
Sincerely,
Sam Graves
Missouri Senators in the News 6/4/2009
Senator Bond and Dianne Feinstein are working together on a bill that will grant duty free access to 14 least developed countries.
Kit Bond: Federal stimulus funds are paying for a battery plant in Lee's Summit and an air cargo facility at Lambert-St. Louis International airport for trade with China. That's nice isn't it, when your kids get older you can tell them all about the two projects we just bought into with their money.
Senator McCaskill on Climate Change
Below is a recent letter that I received from Senator Claire McCaskill on climate change legislation. Ms. McCaskill claims below that she will make sure that our dollars are spent wisely. She must be expecting an epiphany because she sure hasn't done that to this point.
Dear Mr. Palmer:
Thank you for contacting me regarding climate change legislation and "green jobs" in the 111th Congress. I appreciate your comments and welcome the opportunity to respond.
I believe global climate change threatens our health, environment, and national security. Congress needs to implement meaningful reform that addresses this issue as soon as possible. Drafting a responsible measure that makes both significant reductions in carbon emissions and maintains a strong U.S. economy will be difficult, but it is a task my colleagues and I are committed to.
Regarding carbon emissions and potential “cap-and-trade” legislation, I agree that something must be done to protect and preserve our environment for future generations. However, as an elected representative for all Missourians, I will always seek to protect my constituents from undue hardship and ensure that the federal government will spend their hard-earned taxpayer dollars wisely. That is why, as we continue the debate on climate change legislation, I will be working hard to include safeguards that minimize costs, keep government accountable and prevent harm to the U.S. economy.
Working families will be significantly affected by climate change legislation, so any bill addressing this issue should provide financial protection to avoid passing all costs on to consumers. There must be a cushion to offset rising energy costs and provisions that protect American jobs from international competitors that do not face the same environmental constraints. Strong climate change legislation must also spread the burden of rising energy costs evenly throughout the country, rather than disproportionately affecting one region over another. Additionally, the green jobs created by such legislation must be ones that are available to the already skilled workers of Missouri.
My colleagues and I have already taken a good first step on the way to curbing carbon emissions by passing comprehensive energy legislation into law in December 2007. This bill is expected to remove 500 million metric tons of carbon dioxide from the air through improved energy efficiency standards. However, we need to do more. Further investment in clean energy sources along with responsible climate change legislation will drastically reduce carbon emissions and start our country down a cleaner, economically stronger path, including the path to green jobs for Missouri residents.
My colleagues and I will continue to pursue legislation that will achieve real emissions reductions and still protect our nation's economy and Missouri jobs.
Thank you again for contacting me about this very important issue and please do not hesitate to let me know if I can address any other issues that might be important to you.
All best,
Senator Claire McCaskill
P. S. You may sign up for my email newsletter at www.mccaskill.senate.gov
Dear Mr. Palmer:
Thank you for contacting me regarding climate change legislation and "green jobs" in the 111th Congress. I appreciate your comments and welcome the opportunity to respond.
I believe global climate change threatens our health, environment, and national security. Congress needs to implement meaningful reform that addresses this issue as soon as possible. Drafting a responsible measure that makes both significant reductions in carbon emissions and maintains a strong U.S. economy will be difficult, but it is a task my colleagues and I are committed to.
Regarding carbon emissions and potential “cap-and-trade” legislation, I agree that something must be done to protect and preserve our environment for future generations. However, as an elected representative for all Missourians, I will always seek to protect my constituents from undue hardship and ensure that the federal government will spend their hard-earned taxpayer dollars wisely. That is why, as we continue the debate on climate change legislation, I will be working hard to include safeguards that minimize costs, keep government accountable and prevent harm to the U.S. economy.
Working families will be significantly affected by climate change legislation, so any bill addressing this issue should provide financial protection to avoid passing all costs on to consumers. There must be a cushion to offset rising energy costs and provisions that protect American jobs from international competitors that do not face the same environmental constraints. Strong climate change legislation must also spread the burden of rising energy costs evenly throughout the country, rather than disproportionately affecting one region over another. Additionally, the green jobs created by such legislation must be ones that are available to the already skilled workers of Missouri.
My colleagues and I have already taken a good first step on the way to curbing carbon emissions by passing comprehensive energy legislation into law in December 2007. This bill is expected to remove 500 million metric tons of carbon dioxide from the air through improved energy efficiency standards. However, we need to do more. Further investment in clean energy sources along with responsible climate change legislation will drastically reduce carbon emissions and start our country down a cleaner, economically stronger path, including the path to green jobs for Missouri residents.
My colleagues and I will continue to pursue legislation that will achieve real emissions reductions and still protect our nation's economy and Missouri jobs.
Thank you again for contacting me about this very important issue and please do not hesitate to let me know if I can address any other issues that might be important to you.
All best,
Senator Claire McCaskill
P. S. You may sign up for my email newsletter at www.mccaskill.senate.gov
Congressman Graves on Climate Change
Below you will find a recent response that I recieved from Congressman Graves regarding climate change legislation. I am gravely concerned about the recent climate change legislation (HR 2454) that has been proposed.
Dear Andrew:
Thank you for contacting me regarding climate change legislation before Congress. I appreciate your comments and this opportunity to address your concerns.
Congress is now considering what type of federal action is needed to reduce carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions. No matter what path we choose, success will require an aggressive and sustained commitment by industry and policymakers to the development and deployment of a wide range of technologies over several decades.
The underlying goal of all bills being considered is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to levels significantly below current levels. This will be achieved, in most instances, by capping emissions and then allowing industry to focus on an array of options to reduce emissions or buy credits on the market. My concerns are that the goals would undermine America's economic security and force consumers and industries to pay significantly higher energy prices. Also, because of the global nature of the climate change problem, solutions should require the participation of the entire world, including developing nations like China and India; however these bills remains silent on this international component.
I believe that we need an all-of-the-above approach to our energy needs. It is important to continue to develop the resources we currently have while supporting efforts like the research and development tax credit that will lead to advancements in energy technology. Also, it is important to extend the production tax credit so we can further develop our wind power in a way that is affordable to both industry and consumers.
I remain committed to working towards reducing our greenhouse gas emissions. However, I do not believe we should do that at the detriment of crippling our economy. Please know that I will take a balanced approach considering both the environmental and economic impacts of all legislation regarding climate change that come to the floor in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Again, thank you for sharing your thoughts with me. Please do not hesitate to contact me if I can be of assistance in the future or visit my website at www.house.gov/graves for more information.
Sincerely,
Sam Graves
Member of Congress
Dear Andrew:
Thank you for contacting me regarding climate change legislation before Congress. I appreciate your comments and this opportunity to address your concerns.
Congress is now considering what type of federal action is needed to reduce carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions. No matter what path we choose, success will require an aggressive and sustained commitment by industry and policymakers to the development and deployment of a wide range of technologies over several decades.
The underlying goal of all bills being considered is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to levels significantly below current levels. This will be achieved, in most instances, by capping emissions and then allowing industry to focus on an array of options to reduce emissions or buy credits on the market. My concerns are that the goals would undermine America's economic security and force consumers and industries to pay significantly higher energy prices. Also, because of the global nature of the climate change problem, solutions should require the participation of the entire world, including developing nations like China and India; however these bills remains silent on this international component.
I believe that we need an all-of-the-above approach to our energy needs. It is important to continue to develop the resources we currently have while supporting efforts like the research and development tax credit that will lead to advancements in energy technology. Also, it is important to extend the production tax credit so we can further develop our wind power in a way that is affordable to both industry and consumers.
I remain committed to working towards reducing our greenhouse gas emissions. However, I do not believe we should do that at the detriment of crippling our economy. Please know that I will take a balanced approach considering both the environmental and economic impacts of all legislation regarding climate change that come to the floor in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Again, thank you for sharing your thoughts with me. Please do not hesitate to contact me if I can be of assistance in the future or visit my website at www.house.gov/graves for more information.
Sincerely,
Sam Graves
Member of Congress
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Local House Representatives in the news 6/2/2009
State Rep. Doug Ervin R-35th will be speaking June 4th at O'Dowds located in Zona Rosa. Doug will be speaking to the Platte County Pachyderms about healthcare and how it relates to small businesses. It does cost and you can find out more at www.pcpaychs.com.
US Rep. Sam Graves discusses Guantanamo detainees and veterans issues at a speech in St. Joeseph. There is a video clip of the speech with the article.
Graves tacks legislation on bill to require airports to continue customer convenience at airports.
State Rep. Ryan Silvey to take help decide how best to distribute your money from the stimulus.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Missouri Senators in the News 6/1/2009
It seems that the Social Security Administration is way behind on processing disability benefit claims. Sen. McCaskill is jumping in the mix.
Senator McCaskill shows her ignorance yet again. I didn't realize her interview on Fox News went this bad. Maybe if she would spend less time on Twitter she might actually be prepared for real questions.
Let's hope that Senator Bond can actually vote no on Sotomayor this time. Because for the most part he is being pretty tight lipped. In fairness she should get her say before the Senate, I just hope the Republicans ask the right questions.
Senator Bond before the aerospace industry.
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