Greetings, My Fellow Missourians

Last Friday, I had an in-district opportunity to present a Resolution to Sugarfoot BBQ during the monthly Osceola Chamber Luncheon. Sugarfoot BBQ, in Osceola, was chosen as a recipient of the Restaurateur of the Year award by the Southwest Missouri Restaurant Association. They were awarded this accolade during the Southwest Missouri Restaurant Association’s 3rd Annual Golden Fork Award ceremony held on January 20, 2019. Sugarfoot BBQ is owned by Craig and Nancy Bryant, Tyler Bryant and Jody and Meredith Phillips. The restaurant opened for business in 2010.

I updated the Chamber on the Civil War Passport Program and presented them with the official Passport Book. Osceola has three sites included in the Passport Program: 1st and 2nd Missouri Brigade Monument (fork of the Sauk and Osage Rivers along Hwy 82), Burning of Osceola Monument (Osceola Cemetery at 755 Hwy WW) and Cox-Harris Plantation House (2.4 miles south of Hwy 82 at the junction of Hwys WW and V). To purchase a passport book or receive your passport stamp for these sites, visit the St. Clair County Library, 115 Chestnut Street, Osceola. Library Hours: Monday – Thursday 8- 9, Friday 9-5, Saturday 9-2, Closed Sunday. An alternate stamp site is RV Park and Campground, 140 Parkview Drive, Osceola, open through November. Please call ahead (417)646-8675

Royal Navies Flagway. This will be a great site to see along Route 54. We plan to once again plan and promote our Annual 100 Mile Yard Sale on Labor Day weekend. The two day event will be on Friday August 31st and Saturday September 1st. For more information please visit www.discover54.com .

Floor Action

House approves plan to empower local voters to decide potential merger of St. Louis City and County (HJR 54)

Members of the House have advanced a proposal that would allow Missouri voters to decide whether to change the constitution to ensure local residents get the final say on a potential merger of St. Louis City and St. Louis County. The legislation comes in response to the Better Together ballot proposal that would utilize a statewide vote to decide if the city and county should merge into a metropolitan city with a unified government.

HJR 54 would also prohibit ballot measures to dissolve any city or county or merge any city or county with another city or county unless there is a majority vote in each affected city or county authorizing the dissolution or merger. The sponsor of the bill said the provision will protect all counties in the State of Missouri.

“This is not just singling out St. Louis City or St. Louis County. In the event there is ever a statewide vote to force consolidation of two counties, you can rest assured that HJR 54 will come to your aid,” he said.

The legislation now moves to the Senate for consideration. If approved by both chambers, the proposal would go on the November 2020 ballot for voter approval.

HB 1137 establishes the criteria of a worker to be considered as an independent contractor. It states that independent contractors shall have a written contract that states the person is an independent contractor, not an employee, and that the person is responsible for all costs, fees, and taxes as an independent contractor. Supporters say the bill will help define who is considered to be an employee. They also say the bill provides a definition of an independent contractor and an objective analysis. They say the bill will give statutory clarity that would be helpful for businesses, employers, and employees.

Upcoming Events

This year the El Dorado Springs Annual Car Show will be held on May 11.  I will be honoring VFW Post 257 for their 100th Anniversary. A vehicle from the Wounded Warrior Family Support Division will be there. Come join us for a day of patriotism and cars. For more information, visit their Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/Route-54-Cruisers-729822893719997/.

It is my honor to serve the constituents of District 125. If you ever have questions, concerns, or input, please feel free to contact me any time at (573) 751-4065.

YOUR District 125 Capitol office is 413B, and YOU are always welcome!

If you would like to be added to the e-mail list to receive our Capitol Reports, you may e-mail me at warren.love@house.mo.gov or call the Capitol office at (573) 751-4065 and speak with my Legislative Assistant Amy Helton.