JMO4Rep Update - Autumn Edition

Friends, Constituents, and Allies,

Now Is the Time for Healthcare Insurance Reform

I spent the first twenty years of my work life without health insurance. Uninsured people in my family have died prematurely because of delaying care over worries about how to pay for healthcare. I have constituents who have been unable to obtain coverage for an adopted child due to a loophole in state law. I have constituents with children with a chronic condition who are worried that the child will no longer have Medicaid once he or she turns 19. The painful stories I have heard repeatedly for years leave me baffled about why some are trying to preserve the system we have now. The United States ranks 37th in the world, despite spending more than anyone else, a state of affairs skewered musically in this video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yVgOl3cETb4

Personal stories – as individuals struggling under our current health care systems, health care providers, community leaders, or faith leaders – are one of the most powerful ways to demonstrate the need for comprehensive health care reform. Please share your story as part of the “Voices for Health Care Reform” campaign, and Missouri Health Care for All (of which I am a member) will share it with Missouri media and elected officials. Go to this link to share your story:

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=ATUl0gg2nX0WanqyWtYqbg_3d_3d

Even if you have already called your member of the U.S. House and Senate, do it again. You can use this toll free number to call: 1-800-828-0498. Now is the time for healthcare that:
- covers everyone, regardless of income
- is affordable, including for small businesses
- reduces outrageous out-of-pocket expenses
- bans denying coverage for pre-existing conditions
- reduces or significantly eliminates the "donut hole" for Medicare prescription drug coverage for seniors

If you want to add your name to an e-mail list of folks who support healthcare insurance reform, here's one of many places to do that:
https://secure3.convio.net/ucc/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=443&utm_source=4&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=100k_healthcare&JServSessionIdr002=imi1ptexv5.app333a

That's a really long link, so if it breaks in transmission, you'll have to cut and paste on the part that drops off.

Surrounding Our Schools With Care Update

The Roosevelt High School Community Counsel is looking for volunteers to tutor high school students in mathematics, specifically Algebra 150. Volunteer tutors will receive materials and lesson support. The tutoring program operates during school hours at the school at 3230 Hartford St. Volunteers will be screened through the St. Louis Public Schools volunteer screening process. For more information, please contact Sarah Chilenski at sarah.chilenski AT gmail.com or Norah Ryan at norah.ryan AT att.net or 314-727-3386 x 14 (daytime).

The Roosevelt Community Council is looking for volunteers to serve breakfast to the Roosevelt High School football players at the Homecoming game on Oct. 31. The breakfasts really are a great way to interact with the students, and your presence and support is really appreciated by the teams, coaches, and staff at Roosevelt. If you'd like to volunteer for, please email Jenni George at georgejennifer@sbcglobal.net. Volunteers usually need to arrive around 9:00am.

Here's the schedule for the remaining games. Come out and cheer!

Friday. Oct. 16
7pm
vs. Webster G.
at Webster G.

Friday, Oct. 23
7pm
vs. Chaminade
at Chaminade

Saturday Oct. 31
1:30pm
vs. Vianney
at Roosevelt

Several after-school programs are starting at Roosevelt including: reading, gardening, cooking, Explore St. Louis, and possibly French, track, and/or "rap, rhythm and rhyme." If you are interested in helping with any of these after school groups, contact Sarah Chilenski, Sarah.Chilenski AT mimh.edu.

Supplies are needed for the cooking and gardening groups. If you are able to donate any of the following, contact Sarah Natwick, sarah.natwick AT slps.org: measuring cups, spoons, aprons, fabric, thread, yarn, knitting needles, crochet hooks.

Another exciting new program at Roosevelt High School is "Conscious Choice" which gives young women support in delaying motherhood and completing a college degree. Shirley Harvey and Karessa Morrow report that 198 Roosevelt students have joined! Mentors are needed for these young women, and activities that are currently planned include career shadowing, visiting college campuses together, and assisting with the college application process. Let's throw a "college shower" for these 198 young women, instead of a baby shower! To volunteer, e-mail Gwendolyn Meyers, gwendolyn.meyers AT slps.org.

Principal Sonya Wayne says things are off to a great start at Shenandoah Elementary School. To volunteer at Shenandoah, call her at 314-772-7544.

Several excellent principals retired from 59th district schools in 2009: Dr. Alice Roach from Carnahan High School of the Future, Dr. Gerald Arbini from Monroe Elementary, and Dr. Carol Hall-Whittier from Shepard E-Mints. Thanks for your many years of service, and happy retirement to all.

Awards Recently Received
I am thankful to have been recognized this year by the following groups:
Progressive Legislator of the Year, MO Progressive Vote Coalition

Human Rights Award, Church Women United, St. Louis Region


SAGE Visionary Award


Faith Aloud Award

Certificates of Appreciation, MO Immigrant and Refugee Advocates & Interfaith Legal Service for Immigrants
Serving in the minority party makes it very difficult for me to move legislation forward. It's always appreciated when ally groups notice that I am trying hard to win progress on our shared agenda for justice.

Note: To reserve tickets for the Nov. 14 Pro-Vote Annual Awards dinner, go to: http://www.missouriprovote.org/ProgressiveAwardsDinner.asp

Opportunities to Do Good Things

Repower America has asked me to share this announcement. Repower America is a campaign in support of transitioning to a clean energy economy to create millions of jobs, break our dependence on dirty fossil fuels, reduce the threat of harmful pollution and leave a healthy Earth for our families. Right now, landmark clean energy and climate legislation is moving through the U.S. Congress and our Senators may cast the deciding vote. If you support clean energy and comprehensive climate legislation, please call 877.9.Repower to leave a message for Senator McCaskill and Senator Bond and let them know. To learn more about Repower America and sign up to get involved, you can check out this website, www.repoweramerica.org.

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"Come Cruise Down the River" on the historic Becky Thatcher Riverboat and sing Happy Birthday to Ollie Stewart of Southside Senior Citizens Center, 3017 Park Avenue. Boarding starts at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 24, at 50 N. Lenore K. Sullivan Blvd. on the Riverfront. Tickets are $60 for the two-and-one-half hour voyage which includes a brunch, Dixieland music, and a chance to mingle with a fun crowd including radio legend (and all-around-great-guy) Bernie Hayes. For more information, call Ollie Stewart or Ruth Rowan at 314-664-5024.

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"Are you smarter than a Youth?" - A Trivia Night event supporting the youth group (grades 6-12) at Lafayette Park United Methodist Church in missions, service, and fun activities. It's at 2300 Lafayette on Oct. 17. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; play starts at 7 p.m. Popcorn and refreshements will be provided as long as the supply lasts. Feel free to bring your own foods and beverages - No alcohol allowed. Mulligans, raffles, 50/50 will be available. Also, a silent auction will offer items for sale.

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Congratulations to the Chippewa-Broadway Business Association for receiving a substantial Neighbors Naturescaping grant from Operation Brightside! Get your Halloween groove on by attending their special networking membership social, Thursday, October 29, from 5 - 7 p.m. at the Jefferson Avenue Bistro. Holloween costumes are optional. Refreshments will be served. Door prizes. Guests are welcome.

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Metro Transit Planning Workshops

Moving Transit Forward

Beginning October 13, Metro will launch a series of transit planning community workshops where the public will be asked to help create the long-range vision of transit in the St. Louis region, and share their ideas for improving transit service and expanding the system.

You are invited to participate in one of more of these important discussions throughout the region:

Thursday, October 15

6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Herbert Hoover Boys & Girls Club

Sportsman’s Park Unit

2910 N. Grand Ave.

St. Louis, MO 63107

Metro Access: #70 Grand



Saturday, October 17

9:00 am - 11:00 am

Southwestern Illinois College

Main Complex, Room 1410

2500 Carlyle Ave.

Belleville, IL 62221

Metro Access: College

MetroLink Station



Monday, October 19

5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

St. Louis Community College

Florissant Valley

Student Center, Multi-Purpose Room

3400 Pershall Ave.

Ferguson, MO 63135

Metro Access: #36 Spanish Lake



Tuesday, October 20

11:00am – 1:00pm

City of St. Louis City Hall

1200 Market Street, Rotunda

St. Louis, MO 63103

Metro Access: Civic Center MetroLink Station, #99 Downtown Circulator



Thursday, October 22

5:30 pm - 7:30 pm

Eric P. Newman Center

Washington University

Medical Center

320 S. Euclid Ave.

St. Louis, MO 63110

Metro Access: Central West End

MetroLink Station



Monday, October 26

5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Carpenter Branch,

St. Louis Public Library

3309 S. Grand Blvd.

St. Louis, MO 63118

Metro Access: #70 Grand



Tuesday, October 27

5:30 pm - 7:30 pm

Mehlville High School Library

3200 Lemay Ferry Rd.

St. Louis, MO 63125

Metro Access: #73 Carondelet

If you cannot participate at the above public forum in your area, please considering attending one of our workshops in other districts. Up-to-date information on the transit planning community workshops can be found at the new Metro blog, Nextstopstl.org.

If you have questions, please email ajones AT metrostlouis.org. Thank you for supporting public transit in St. Louis.

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Looking for a little Halloween fun? Then attend the Democratic Central Committee Party:

Friday, Oct. 23
7:00 - 10:00 PM
Glaizers Union Hall
5916 Wilson Ave, St. Louis City

Costume Contest, Prizes, Games, Live Music, Food and Drinks!

$100 Tables (includes 10 tickets)
$15 tickets in advance
$20 at the door

Please make checks payable to: St. Louis City Democratic Central Committee, PO Box 1233, St. Louis, MO 63188. For more info, Jack Coatar, (314) 374-0691.

Correction to District Directory
For those who received a district directory through the mail, please make this correction. On page 11, delete the American Red Cross Adult Day Care. This facility is no longer open.

JMO

JMO4Rep Update - Independence Day Edition 2009

Friends, Constituents, and Allies,

This long-overdue wrap up of Legislative Session - 2009 is finally being sent out during Independence Day weekend, giving me the opportunity to wish each of you a very happy and meaningful holiday. May our nation continue to build on the best of our history and correct the worst of our history, always moving toward the realization of "liberty and justice for all."

Highlights of the 2009 Legislative Session

The major issue of the 2009 Legislative Session was the state budget. With many Missouri jobs lost and sales tax receipts also down, finding a way to adequately fund our state’s essential needs was a huge challenge. The House budget process included deep cuts to health, mental health, and social services, so I voted no on the budgets for most state departments. Fortunately the Senate saw things differently and used about $785 million from the federal economic stimulus package to fund most items in Gov. Jay Nixon’s proposed $23 billion budget.

In addition, $381 million of federal stimulus money was approved for various special projects, including a $112 million radio system for emergency responders and $12 million for Metro buses. Nixon has said he will veto some items in the bill, and that is a good idea given next year’s economic forecast. We need to save some of these funds for another projected budget shortfall.

If you would like to see a map of where stimulus funds are being used go to:
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&vps=1&jsv=164e&oe=UTF8&msa=0
&msid=109982008125654529511.00046cf553c686239e668

Detailed budget facts sheets are also available at:
http://oa.mo.gov/bp/facts.htm

Below is a brief review of the bills that were truly agreed and passed this legislative session. They are currently being reviewed by Governor Nixon whose signature would make them law. All signed bills will become law on August 28th, 2009.

HB 62: Omnibus Crime Bill
-Prohibits drivers under 21 from sending text messages while driving
-Keeps sex offenders 500 feet from playgrounds, pools, and childcare facilities
-Prohibits beer bongs and kegs on most Missouri rivers and streams.
-Increases penalties for cattle rustlers
-Prohibits possession of an alcohol beverage vaporizer
-Requires an awareness program regarding financial exploitation of the elderly
-Prohibits the use of false or misleading diplomas

SB 37: Establishes caseload limits for public defenders

SB 36 & 112: increases the child-rape penalty from 30 years to life without parole

HB 863: Child-Witness Protection Act: Allows an age-appropriate oath administration, a child-preferred time to testify, and a comfort item, such as a stuffed animal, on the stand.

SB 202: Allows riders age 21 or older to go helmetless on all Missouri roads except interstate highways. (I was glad to hear that Gov. Nixon vetoed this one.)

HB 577: Prohibits fake insurance cards, prohibits life insurance companies from providing or restricting coverage based on past or future travel destinations, and requires coverage of prosthetic devices. The bill also makes MO Healthnet information available on the Department of Health and Human Services website.

HB 205: Requires all cigarettes sold in Missouri to self-extinguish beginning in 2011.

HB 191: Expands the Quality Jobs Program, exempts businesses with less than $10 million in assets from MO franchise tax, and increases tax incentives for the location an expansion of large business projects. The bill also increases the New Markets Tax Credit program and extends its sunset to 2012. It also caps the historic preservation tax credit at $140 million annually. Smaller projects that utilize less than $275,000 in credits are not included in the cap amount.

HB 1075: changes state unemployment compensation laws in an attempt to draw down federal stimulus dollars to extend benefits for unemployed Missourians. The bill also allows Missourians to receive unemployment compensation if they are without work due to family reasons such as illness or location change in a spouse's employment.

HB 152: Expands the state's DNA profiling system to require DNA samples from all suspects arrested for burglary or violent felonies, including sex crimes.

HB 381: Requires the contracts for Missouri's 183 driver and vehicle license fee office to be competitively bid.

HB 82: creates an income tax exemption for military retirement income and removes the age requirement for the income tax exemption for publicly funded retirement benefits.

HB 620 & 671: Loosens restrictions on bingo to allow charitable organizations to raise additional funds for community service projects and repeals the sales tax on pull-tab and bingo cards sold by charities.

HB 272: creates the Alzheimer's State Plan Task Force to assess the impact of the disease on Missouri and services available to affected residents.

HB 395: requires long-term care facilities that have undergone major renovations as of August 2007 to install an approved sprinkler system. The bill also changes the way long-term care facilities are inspected and surveyed.

SB 1: Establishes regulation of the preneed funeral contract industry including licensing and audits.

HB 111: Allows veterans' service organizations to collect the unclaimed cremated remains of veterans.

SB 291: Omnibus education bill
-Makes a technical change to make Prop A effective
-The bill also allows certain students to attend school and work for credit under a flex school plan
-Changes guidelines for dropping out and creates a fund for dropout prevention strategies
-Allows a four-day school week as long as it meets the required 1,044 hours of required annual class-time
-Requires a designated educational liaison for children in foster care
-Provides opportunities for 12th graders in public school to mentor kindergarten through eighth graders
-Reimburses parents or volunteers who donate time at certain schools with three credit hours at a public college or university
-Creates a study on the effect of open enrollment across school district boundary lines
-Gives St. Louis teachers the option to give up their tenure for an opportunity to earn more money based on their performance under the Teacher Choice Compensation Package

HB 922: Requires school districts to adopt a policy on allergy prevention and response.

HB 390: Prohibits College or university students who are unlawfully present in the U.S. from receiving certain financial aid.

HB 236: establishes Kaitlyn's Law, which requires school districts to allow certain students with disabilities to participate in graduation ceremonies with their class and continue to receive services.

HB 525: Requires the Department of Mental Health to establish programs and serices to help families affected by Autism. The bill also creates a Missouri Parent Advisory Committee on Autism.

HB 683: Exempts new vehicles from safety inspections for five years. The bill creates a drunken driving victims memorial sign program and the Heroes' Way Interstate Interchange Designation program to honor fallen Missouri military heroes who were killed in Iraq or Afghanistan. This bill also includes the designation of the Rabbi Heschel Memorial Highway.

HB 359: gives the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission more flexibility when awarding construction contracts.

HB 544: statutorily requires the Office of Administration to maintain the Missouri Accountability Portal. The also creates a committee to oversee the money from the federal Recovery and Reinvestment Act of '09.

SB 542: phases out the existing statutory cap on the interest rate the state can receive on funds invested with Missouri banks.

SB 44: Establishes regulations on how privately run jails cooperate with local law enforcement and treat their inmates.

SB 141: makes it easier overturn court-ordered child support when DNA testing proves a man is not a child's father.

House Joint Resolution 15 is a proposed constitutional amendment that would provide a property tax exemption for former prisoners of war who suffer from a total service-related disability.

Senate Joint Resolution 5 is a proposed constitutional amendment that would require all home-rule charter counties, with the exception of Jackson county, to have elected county assessors.

The number of House bills introduced in 2009 was 1,241, and 115 of these were "Truly Agreed and Finally Passed" (although some will be vetoed by Gov. Nixon). A full list of bills passed may be found at:
http://house.mo.gov/content.aspx?info=/bills091/rpt/truagree.htm

I am disappointed about a number of items that did not pass, including:

The Tax Justice for A Healthy Missouri plan; health insurance for 35,000 low-wage working parents (Missouri hospitals had agreed to finance this); and requiring health insurance companies to cover adopted and/or autistic children.

Children and Families Committee Back in the News

Earlier this year, I told you the story of my exclusion from the Children and Families Committee. That committee was recently back in the news, when committee chair Rep. Cynthia Davis (R-O'Fallon) commented on hunger as a postive motivator in a column she wrote for constituents. Many editorials and much media attention followed, including spotlights on Keith Olbermann's MNBC commentary and The Colbert Report.

A couple of good editorials on the situation may be found at:
http://www.news-leader.com/article/20090629/OPINIONS02/906290316/1006/
OPINIONS/Hunger+wrong+way+to+motivate+children

And http://voices.kansascity.com/node/4973

Surrounding Our Schools with Care Update

Dr. Carol Hall-Whittier Retires: I have been blessed to have Carol Hall-Whittier as principal of Shepard e-Mints Academy during my time as state representative. Unfortunately this school was on the school closings list because of the need for expensive renovations and inadequate enrollment. Dr. Hall-Whittier has announced her retirement, and I enjoyed presenting resolutions in her honor from Gov. Nixon and
from the House of Representatives in early June at a wonderful party in the Central West End. A highlight of the party was her husband crooning (with an excellent voice!) "The Way We Were" to his lovely wife. Happy Retirement, Dr. Hall-Whittier! You deserve a good rest, but I'm sure you're not finished with your crusade to improve public education for all our children.

Chris Nicastro New Head of DESE: The Missouri State Board of Education on July 2 selected Hazelwood School District Superintendent Dr. Chris (Wright) Nicastro as the state’s new commission of education, the top administrator at the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Nicastro will begin work on Aug. 1. Nicastro, 58, will be the first woman to hold the post. She will replace Dr. D. Kent King, who had led the department for more than eight years until succumbing to brain cancer in January. I am very excited about the possibilities that she brings as director of the department in that I was on faculty for the Dismantling Racism Institute for Educators the year that Dr. Nicastro atended, and I was very impressed by her understanding of both oppression and privilege. Best wishes, Dr. Nicastro! I look forward to working with you to erase disparities in educational attainment.

Emily Massengale SLPS Teacher of the Year: Emily Masengale, a tenth grade World Literature and World History teacher from Big Picture High School at Kottmeyer, as SLPS’ Teacher of the Year. A former Teach for America: St. Louis Corps member, Masengale’s eyes were opened to the academic needs of students in urban school districts. Since that time she has dedicated her career to ensuring that her students meet her high academic expectations. Her accomplishments include advancing students reading abilities 1.9 years in one year of teaching at Roosevelt High School
before becoming a part of Big Picture High School, a feat described by Masengale as, "my biggest accomplishment. We started from the ground, no additional training, and a clean slate. This was so exciting yet so challenging all at the same time."

Even though Kottmeyer Big Picture is a few feet north of my district boundary, I still think of it as one of "my schools", partly because I am such a fan of their fantastic principal, Kacy Seals. I am so pleased to see Ms. Masengale receive this honor. Big Picture is moving farther away this fall and will be housed at Northwest High School.

$3,000 Scholarships Available For Young Women: July 17 is the deadline for the 2009 National Foundation for Women Legislators Essay Contest. The full applications may be found at http://www.womenlegislators.org/news.php?id=3759. The focus this year will be on the Bill of Rights as shown through current women in politics and the media. Female High School juniors or seniors, class of 2009 or 2010, are eligible to participate. The seven winners will receive an award, a $3,000 unrestricted college scholarship, and an all-expense-paid trip to NFWL’s 2009 Annual Conference along with their sponsoring
legislator. We ask that you please distribute information about the Essay Contest to your community. This will be a wonderful opportunity for young women interested in politics and leadership.

Important Anniversaries

Paraquad and other members of the Missouri Disability Coalition for Healthcare Reform recently marked the 10th Anniversary of the Olmstead Supreme Court decision. The Supreme Court ruled on June 22, 1999 in the Olmstead case that people with disabilities have the right under the Americans with Disabilities Act to live in the “most integrated setting”.

States received technical assistance from the U.S. Departments of Justice and Health and Human Services on how to reform the Medicaid system to give people with disabilities access and choice to home and community-based services.

And Dorothy and I are celebrating our 25th Anniversary on July 4, 2009. What a wonderful 25 years it has been! When we met in 1983, we had no idea that I would be a state representative and she would be a hospice chaplain in 25 years. We both love what we do, and we are so fortunate to have a supportive community of faith and wide circle of caring friends.

We have fireworks viewing planned as a part of our celebration - if the weather will cooperate. So, as you are enjoying fireworks somewhere this weekend, imagine you are participating in our anniversary party.

Until next time.

JMO

JMO4Rep Update - Early April Edition

Friends, Constituents, and Allies,

I recently wrote you with concerns about deep cuts that were being proposed in the state budget. The budget debate (in fact the whole budget process) in the House was a big disappointment. To read a fairly detailed summary of amendments passed in the budget debate, go to the Citizens for Missouri's Children website:
http://www.mokids.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=dZ%2fJpud6zWM%3d&tabid=71&mid=565

This Kansas City Star article also offers a good summary:
http://www.kansascity.com/115/story/1108966.html

But related to the "Meals on Wheels" restoration, a shoddy political trick was involved. The Warrensburg Daily Star Journal carried a story about that:
http://www.dailystarjournal.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=3732

The budget-making process has gone downhill during the almost 20 years that I have been closely watching Missouri politics. I blogged about this on Show Me Progress if you'd like to learn more:
http://www.showmeprogress.com/diary/2662/

Your chance to help: The good news is that the Senate is at work on the budget, and it appears they have tossed out the House budget and are using federal recovery dollars to make sure Missouri's needs are met during these challenging economic times. You can help make sure the Senate passes a much better budget than the House passed by attending a rally on Sunday, April 5. Here are the details:

Stop the Bleeding - Start the Healing - A Rally for a Compassionate Missouri Budget
Sunday, April 5, 2 p.m.
Old St. Louis Courthouse, 11 N. 4th Street
Bring your cell phone and bring band-aids!
For more information, call Stacey Sickler at 314-570-5505.

If you are not able to attend the rally, please write or call Senate leadership:

Senator Charlie Shields, President of the Senate: (573) 751-9476,
charlie_shields@senate.mo.gov
Senator Gary Nodler, Chair Senate Appropriations Committee: (573)
751-2306, gary_nodler@senate.mo.gov

Let them know that you are thankful that they are using federal recovery dollars to meet the emergency needs of Missouri's families during this crucial time. Ask them to restore funding for the health, mental health, and social services programs that were cut by the House of Representatives.

In Other News from the State Capital

House Passes End to Fee Office Patronage: By a 143-4 vote, the House of Representatives on Thursday passed a bill to end political patronage in the awarding of contracts to run Missouri’s 183 driver and vehicle license fee offices. House Democrats have made ending fee office patronage a top legislative priority since 2005, but this is the first year such legislation has even been debated by the Republican-controlled House. Democratic Gov. Jay Nixon, who replaced a Republican governor who had expanded the patronage system, voluntarily began dismantling it upon
taking office in January. Nixon ordered the Department of Revenue to award the contracts through a competitive bidding process. The contracts traditionally had been given to political supporters of whoever was governor. HB 381 codifies thoaw changes. The bill now goes to the Senate.

Committee Endorses $700 Million Bonding Plan for Missouri's Public Colleges and Universities: A House committee on March 31 unanimously approved a proposed constitutional amendment that would authorize the state to sell $700 million in bonds to finance construction projects at Missouri’s public colleges and universities. If the measure wins final passage by the General Assembly, it would be subject to approval by Missouri voters. HJR 32 is sponsored by state Rep. Chris Kelly, D-Columbia. A previous voter-approved bond issue is scheduled to be paid off in 2011, freeing up about $39 million a year that could go towards a new bond issue. Under the Missouri Constitution, a vote on the measure would by default be set for November 2010. However, the governor could set the election date as early as August of this year.

1.5 Million Missourians Without Insurance for Some Period of 2007-08: A new report says that 1.5 million Missourians – nearly one-third of state residents under age 65 – lacked health insurance at some point during 2007 and 2008. Of that group, 72 percent were uninsured for six months or more during that period. The report by Families USA, a health care advocacy group, was based on information from the U.S.
Census Bureau and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.

Senate Backs Health Care for Low-Income Citizens: The Missouri Senate on April 1 granted first-round approval to legislation that would restore state health care coverage to about 35,000 low-income Missourians. The plan is similar is similar to one put forth by Gov. Jay Nixon but differs in its implementation. Both the Nixon and Senate plans would provide coverage to working parents who earn up to 50 percent of the federal poverty level, $9,155 a year for a single parent with two children.
Missouri’s Medicaid program currently covers only those making no more than 20 percent of the federal poverty level, or $3,700 a year.

While Nixon’s plan would provide coverage through the existing Medicaid program, HB 306 sponsored by state Sen. Tom Dempsey, R-St. Charles, would create a new program call Show-Me Health Coverage, which would provide different benefits. Both plans would be funded through a voluntary tax on hospitals. The Missouri Hospital Association has agreed to the tax in regard to the Nixon plan, which Republicans in the House of Representatives recently rejected.

House Votes to Eliminate Governor's Power to Fill Vacancies: Vacancies in most statewide elected offices would be filled through special elections instead of gubernatorial appointment under a bill the House of Representatives passed 94-63 on April 2. HB 681 sponsored by state Rep. Jason Smith, R-Salem, is seen as an attempt to prevent Democratic Gov. Jay Nixon from appointing Secretary of State Robin Carnahan’s replacement should she win the 2010 U.S. Senate race. Carnahan’s term as secretary of state ends in January 2013.

Oddly only male representatives chose to debate the bill, and it was one of the loudiest, rowdiest debates of all I've experienced in my five years in office. I reflected on this in a blog at Show Me Progress if you're interested:
http://www.showmeprogress.com/diary/2689/
testosterone-politics-a-losing-combination-for-the-people-of-missouri

Equality News

Iowa Supreme Court Rules in Favor of Marriage Equality: The decision in the case of Varnum v. Brien, overturned the state’s 10-year-old law defining a “valid” marriage as only “between a male and female,” ruling that it violates the Iowa Constitution’s guarantees of equal treatment and due process. This makes Iowa the fourth state, after Massachusetts, Connecticut, and California, to grant marriage equality on the basis of judicial review and the first Midwestern state to recognize the fundamental right of same sex couples to marry. (Last November Californians narrowly voted to re-establish a ban on same sex marriage with the passage of Proposition 8.) Congratulations to Iowa, and a big thank you to all who worked for progress there.

PROMO Lobby Day Successful: It was great to see so many friends at the PROMO Lobby Day on April 25. More than 200 advocates came to the Capitol to speak with legislators about the Missouri Non-Discrimination Act and the Safe Schools Act. It was good to have visits from Will Roth and Sherrill Wayland and to see Alan Easton, Nathan Gerth and many other friends and acquaintances.

St. Joseph Legislator Claims Democrats Are Trying to Bring Back Slavery:
In one of the most racially insensitive (and historically inaccurate) speeches I have ever heard, Rep. Rob Schaaf compared subsidizing health care premiums for families making 200-300% of the federal poverty level to slavery. You can hear the whole infuriating thing at:

http://www.firedupmissouri.com/content/
rep-schaaf-schip-slavery-and-democrats-want-bring-it-back

P.S. In case you are unfamiliar with the federal poverty level, it is based on an outdated formula from almost half a century ago that is no longer accurate. It uses only the cost of food for computation, not other living costs. Families at 200-300% of the poverty level are not affluent by any means, and, depending on special needs in their families (a child with a disability, unusually high housing costs, etc.), they may truly not be able to afford a co-pay for children's insurance.

Surrounding Our Schools with Care Update

Scholarships for Young Women Graduating High School: Don't forget the approaching April 15 deadline to apply for a scholarship from Women Legislators of Missouri. Young women graduating high school this year may apply for a $500 scholarship, Please send request for details to jeanette.oxford@house.mo.gov. One scholarship will be awarded in each of Missouri's nine Congressional districts.

School Board Election on April 7: I have briefing sheets available on the three candidates I have endorsed, so write me if you want to know more about -
Chad Beffa
Emile Bradford-Taylor
Rebecca Rogers
VOTE on April 7

April 7 Election for St. Louis City Mayor, Comptroller, Aldermen (in odd numbered wards): St. Louis City voters have the opportunity to vote for Mayor, Comptroller and half of the Board of Aldermen on Tuesday, April 7.

Polls are open from 6 a.m. until 7 p.m. Don't forget to exercise your voice as a citizen. A full list of candidates is available at:
http://www.stlelections.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=
98-list-of-candidates-filed&catid=38-subpages

As I shared last time, I have endorsed Maida Coleman for Mayor, and I also was pleased to cast my vote for Darlene Green when I voted absentee last week. I think Ms. Green has done an excellent job as Comptroller.

The St. Louis American has also endorsed Coleman for mayor. You may read
that endorsement at:
http://www.stlamerican.com/articles/2009/04/03/news/editorials/edit01.txt

In case you don't have time to read it all, here is a central paragraph: Former state Senator Maida Coleman has weathered far more personal and political adversity than Francis Slay has imagined, and she has remained principled, resilient and – most importantly, in comparison to the incumbent – open to cooperation and shared vision. She has shown a willingness to lead when other elected officials with the power to win votes capitulated in fear from a well-funded incumbent whose political
organization is known to punish disloyalty. Rather than join the uncritical, self-serving support of a seriously flawed incumbent, the Coleman candidacy holds Slay’s feet to the fire. We are impressed that she has done so against great odds – Slay has a 200 to 1 fundraising advantage and was able to claim the Democratic Party’s nomination.

You may also be interested in this article about two recent public meetings where Slay and Coleman appeared together - finally:
http://www.stlamerican.com/articles/2009/04/03/news/local_news/localnews01.txt

ANNOUNCEMENTS

COBRA Workshop: Small business owners may want to attend a 90-minute workshop about new COBRA provisions. (The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 provides for premium assistance for health benefits under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, commonly called COBRA.) Advisors will be onsite to address your specific questions following the session. Space will be allocated on a
first come, first serve basis. Please act quickly to reserve your spot! Workshop and materials provided are free of charge. Visitors must have a valid picture ID and enter through the security checkpoint in the main lobby. ID badges must be worn at all times while in the building. There is parking available around the building and in the immediate vicinity surrounding the building.

The workshop is on April 14, 2009 at noon at the U.S. Dept. of Labor office at 1222 Spruce Street (the auditorium in Room 2.206). To register, call: 816-285-1840.

Chicken and Dumplings Dinner: You are invited to a yummy chicken and dumplings dinner on Saturday, April 25, 5:30-7 p.m. The event is in the fellowship hall at Epiphany United Church of Christ, 2911 McNair, in Benton Park. Tickets are $10 at the door or $9 for those who make an advance reservation by calling 314-772-0263 (or who buy a ticket in advance - I have them for sale).

Proceeds help us with building repairs and other essential costs for our ministry of hospitality and justice-making. Epiphany participates in the following covenants: Just Peace; Open and Affirming; Whole Earth. If you can't attend and want to help anyway, mail your check made out to Epiphany UCC to my address below and I will offer the tickets you purchase to families who come to the food pantry at our church (Joint
Neighborhood Ministry).

4th annual Easter Eggstravaganza: Saturday, April 11, 11:00 - 2:00 at the Community Garden on the corner of Ohio and Crittenden. Enjoy an Easter Egg Hunt, Cupcake Walk, Spring Tattoos, prizes, lunch and photos with the EASTER BUNNY. This event is for children up to age 10. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Linda Hennigh of Benton Park West Neighborhood Association still needs a few volunteers to help the kids with hot dogs and hamburgers and to pass out prizes. Call her at 314-771-2161.
AmerenUE Business Energy Efficiency Program: AmerenUE is offering $42 million in financial assistance for businesses making energy efficiency improvements on existing facilities by purchasing energy efficient equipment, modernizing facilities, or making industrial process improvements. The incentive should not exceed 50% of the total approved project cost. Maximum annual incentive per individual site is $250,000. Maximum annual incentive per individual customer is $500,000.

To obtain the incentive, AmerenUE customers must submit an incentive application with required documentation by completing a form found at http://www.ameren.com/BIZefficiency where details are also available.

You may also get information by calling 866-941-7299.

Until Next Time

Today (April 3) would have been my father's 98th birthday. (It is also my parent's wedding anniversary.) I remember Mom and Dad fondly today andthank them for all they taught me.

Wishing you blessings as you journey into Spring, whether by way of Passover, Lent, Easter, or other spiritual experiences.

JMO