Love note from Jeff City

Greetings, My Fellow Missourians

Last Friday I attended the monthly Osceola Chamber Luncheon. I made a brief announcement of my plans to file legislation to honor Dr. Charles Bourland by naming the bridge on 13 Highway that crosses the Osage River arm of Truman Lake in his memory. Dr. Bourland worked for NASA at the Johnson Space Center developing new foods and food packages for Apollo and was responsible for the quarantine food systems on the recovery ships for Apollo 12 and 13. After retiring as Director of the NASA Space Food Program, Charles still worked as a consultant to NASA, as well as many universities.

The guest speaker at the Chamber Luncheon was Osceola School Superintendent Michael Frankenstein. He gave a report on upcoming plans for the school. He drew our attention to the benefits of the new 4 Day School Week. This is a fast-growing trend in Missouri and now 61 districts are operating on a four-day school week. It is also a great way to draw new staff and creates a way to schedule mandatory Professional Development. Superintendent Frankenstein also updated us on the renovation of the two high school bathrooms and the upgrades to the four locker rooms in the main gym. Both projects are scheduled to be completed by January. 

On Monday, Dec. 2, legislative pre-filing will begin. I plan to file several bills this Session. One that I will be working on is getting the Butterfield Overland Trail recognized for its national importance and included as one of the routes in the National Trails System. In 1858, John W. Butterfield answered the call of the United States government to develop and operate an overland stage route from Missouri to California. The Butterfield Overland Mail Company’s successful run helped unite the country and facilitate the development and expansion of the United States. 

I will be working on Outdoor Advertising. In past years it became apparent that we need to make some legislation changes to sign placement on private property. I will continue to work on these regulations and restrictions of private land owners by sponsoring legislation to lift some of the restrictions regarding “intervening land use” and private land owners when relating to signage. 

Message from MoDot-

While the holiday season is joyous for most, it is also one of the deadliest times on our nation’s highways. There were 53 people killed and 242 seriously injured in Missouri traffic crashes between Dec. 10, 2018 and Jan. 1, 2019. Nine of the fatalities and 46 of the serious injuries involved a substance-impaired driver. 

“Heavy traffic coupled with Missouri weather is enough to contend with without adding alcohol or drugs to the mix. Driving impaired is never worth the risk of a tragedy and is simply irresponsible,” said Jon Nelson, executive committee chair of the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety. “We all owe it to the other millions of travelers on the roadway to make smart choices. Please plan ahead to find a safe and sober ride home.”

Make sure everyone arrives alive at holiday gatherings this season. The best ways to ensure safe travel are to drive sober, buckle up and put down the phone.  We are all part of the solution.  Please consider the following tips:

• Don’t risk it – if you plan to drive, don’t drink.

• Encourage safe driving behaviors among family, friends and co-workers.

• Choose a designated driver before partying.  A designated driver is someone who drinks NO alcohol at all.

• Take mass transit, a taxicab, ride share or ask a friend to drive you home.

• Party hosts should include alcohol-free beverages.

• Spend the night where the activity is being held.

• Report impaired drivers to law enforcement.

• Buckle up and put your phone down.

As you attend that holiday party, or just stop off for a social hour, please remember that when you feel different, you drive different. Remember, alcohol is not the only substance that impairs one’s ability to drive. Other drugs, including prescription medication, can be just as impactful. Alcohol and drugs both impair driving and make for a deadly combination that can ruin the holidays for many families in an instant.

To help deter impaired driving this holiday season, Lyft is offering a holiday promotion of $5 off a safe and sober ride home. Simply use the code SHOWMELYFT for your one-time discount and ensure you make it home safe for the holidays.

For more information please visit www.saveMOlives.com. 

Interim hours: Now that Session is over for 2019, I will be back in the District full time. If you need any assistance my Legislative Assistant Amy Helton will continue to be in my Capitol office Tuesday-Thursday and will be happy to help you.