Love note from Jeff City

Greetings, My Fellow Missourians

On my way to the Capitol Monday, I drove the “Discover More on Route 54” Highway. I made some stops in Hermitage. Driving south of Hwy. 254, two new construction projects are well underway: the new Hickory County Health Department facility and the Pitts Family Complex which is home to the newly opened Hermitage Lumber, Inc., which plans an open house and ribbon cutting for March 9 and 10.

Jeremy Hulshof, Editor of The Index of Hermitage and Hickory County, was at the Capitol last Thursday for a Missouri Press Association Legislative Breakfast. He made time to visit with me, and during our discussion of Hickory County issues, he inquired about the maintenance and mowing of local cemeteries, which has been a major concern of the Hickory County Commissioners and trustees of local cemeteries. I pointed out that legislation passed last year stating that ‘the county commission may invest or loan said trust fund or funds in United States government, state, county or municipal bonds, certificates of deposit, first real estate mortgages, or deeds of trust and may utilize investment managers to invest, reinvest and manage assets.’ However, the law change still does not address the immediate, current shortage of interest generated from the principal that has been placed in the custody of the county commission. This interest has been used for maintenance and mowing of the cemeteries. Because of low interest rates, lack of any interest income has caused great difficulties. I have refiled language from last year that would allow ‘the commission to use as much of the principal thereof as the commission deems necessary for such purposes’ (HB2470).

House approves Needle Exchange Bill:

This past Fall, I attended an Opioid Crisis Summit in Columbia. I learned the three approaches to lessen the loss of life due to drug addiction: 1) Prevention; 2) Treatment; and 3) Lessen the Harm. The Missouri House approved legislation this week (HB1620) that would ease state law to allow organizations to give clean needles to users of illegal intravenous drugs. Supporters say the bill will help combat a potential outbreak of diseases like HIV and Hepatitis C caused by the sharing of used needles, and will get more people into drug treatment. The sponsor of the bill explained that individuals who use this type of program to get needles are five times more likely to get into drug treatment because the programs put them in contact with medical professionals. Proponents also say the bill will save the state money in costs to Medicaid of treating people who contract conditions like HIV and Hepatitis C by sharing needles.

2018 Missouri Vietnam Veterans Day:

Since being signed into law in 2012, Missouri Vietnam Veterans Day is observed on March 30 each year. In recognition of those who served in this conflict, Vietnam Veterans are invited to the Capitol on Thursday, March 29 for a special ceremony and presentation at 9 a.m. to be followed by a formal recognition at the start of session in the House Chamber. House members are encouraging Vietnam Veterans throughout the state to come forward to receive special recognition for their service. If you are able to attend, please call our office at 573-751-4065 for special arrangements. The House of Representatives and I would be greatly honored by your presence, and we hope to make this a day of celebration to recognize all the Vietnam Veterans across the state.