Love note from Jeff City

My Fellow Missourians:

My in-district day on Friday, Feb. 24, began by meeting with Dan Robinson of Lucas Oil Speedway in Wheatland. We discussed statute laws on beverage companies and their policies on distribution and promotion. I then travelled on to Weaubleau City Hall and discussed progress being made on the building of their new city hall. I attended the noon luncheon of the Osceola Chamber of Commerce. While there, I discussed issues of concern with Osceola Schools Superintendent Danny DeWitt and St. Clair County Presiding Commissioner Robert Salmon.

My day started on Monday by having breakfast at the Hermitage Coffee Shop. This is a great place to listen and learn about local issues. I then drove on to Jefferson City and attended a refresher course on Concealed Carry Weapon laws and the most recent changes to statutes at the Missouri Highway Patrol Headquarters.

I will be joining the 8:00 a.m. broadcast tomorrow morning, March 3rd, on KWTO 560 AM. Springfield Representatives Jeff Messenger and Lynn Morris host “Morning Coffee with Your Representatives.” We will be examining prevailing wage and streamlined sales tax. Please tune in and join us for some lively discussion.

Legislation this week:

HB70 that secures ambulance district public funds had a hearing this week in the Financial Institutions Committee. HCR15 relating to promotion of trade with Cuba was unanimously passed through Agriculture Policy Committee on Tuesday. I am hoping to see each of these bills referred on to their respective Rules Committee and then to the House Floor for approval.

HB93 passed through the House today and would provide a boost to the state’s small businesses, including many in rural areas. House members voted to expand the Missouri Works program so that more of the state’s small businesses would be eligible for workforce training benefits. In many areas of the state there are small businesses that do not qualify to obtain the benefits provided through Missouri Works. These businesses fall short of the program’s qualification criteria such as number of workers employed, or health insurance benefits provided. The bill approved this week would allow these businesses to pool together with businesses that do meet all of the program’s criteria in order to receive benefits. Specifically, the bill would allow a group of businesses to qualify as long as the majority of them meet the program’s criteria. The program helps businesses access capital through withholdings or tax credits to embark on facility expansions and create jobs. It works to assist companies with the training of employees in new jobs and the retraining or upgrading of the skills of full-time employees in retained jobs.

Veterans invited:

Missouri Vietnam Veterans Day is Thursday, March 30. In recognition of those who served in this conflict, Vietnam Veterans are invited to the Capitol on this day for a special ceremony and presentation to be followed by a formal recognition at the start of session in the House Chamber. All House members are encouraging veterans throughout the state to come forward to receive 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.

Town hall meetings scheduled:

The General Assembly will not be in session March 20-24. I will be in the district that week and have scheduled several town hall meetings. I welcome everyone to attend to share input and concerns regarding this year’s legislation.

Monday, March 20, 9 a.m., St. Clair County Main Library, 115 Chestnut Street, Osceola.

Monday, March 20, 1 p.m., El Dorado Springs City Hall.

Wednesday, March 22, 9 a.m., Hickory County Library, 99 New Hermitage Drive, Hermitage.

Wednesday, March 22, 1 p.m., Boonslick Regional Library, 102 E. Jackson Street, Warsaw.