3/14 – Missouri House Votes to Expand Access to HealthcareOn Selection You Will Jump to the iframe below
Jefferson City – Missourians who pay for their own health insurance would be able to lower their tax burden under a bill approved by a voice vote in the Missouri House today. House Bill 364 allows Missourians to deduct 100% of what they pay in insurance premiums from their taxable income. |
3/13 - House Supports Measure to Promote Safer SchoolsOn Selection You Will Jump to the iframe below
Jefferson City – The Missouri House approved legislation to assure teachers and other school employees can follow school policy without fear of a needless lawsuit. House Bill 469 strengthens the ability of teachers, principals, and other school personnel to maintain discipline and create an atmosphere conducive to learning. |
3/12 - Legislation to Phase Out Franchise Tax Given First Round ApprovalOn Selection You Will Jump to the iframe below
Jefferson City - The Missouri House today gave first round approval to House Bill 458, which phases out the franchise tax corporations pay, ending it completely in 2010. The legislation was approved by a vote of 101 to 54. |
3/7 - Scholarship and Healthcare Funds Receive ApprovalOn Selection You Will Jump to the iframe below
Jefferson City – House members gave final approval this morning to House Bill 16, a supplemental appropriation bill that sets aside $25 million for need and merit-based scholarships and over $60 million for healthcare facilities and student loans. |
3/5 - House Grants Approval to Mentoring Standards and Alternative Teacher CertificationOn Selection You Will Jump to the iframe below
Jefferson City – Members of the Missouri House of Representatives today gave initial approval to House Bill 620, legislation that establishes mentoring standards for teachers and principals and creates an alternative route for teacher certification. The first component of HB 620 would create a statewide teacher mentoring program. |
2/28 - House Gives Initial Approval to Legislation Prohibiting Missouri Universities from Admitting Illegal AliensOn Selection You Will Jump to the iframe below
Jefferson City – Legislation echoing federal law that would prevent Missouri universities from admitting illegal aliens was given first round approval by the Missouri House today. House Bill 269 was approved by a vote of 122-35. |
2/27 - House Gives First Round Approval to Legislation Exempting Military Retirement Pay from Missouri State Income TaxesOn Selection You Will Jump to the iframe below
Jefferson City – The Missouri House of Representatives gave first round approval to legislation, sponsored by Rep. Will Kraus, R-Raytown, that will exempt military retirement pay from all Missouri State Income Taxes by giving veterans a 100% tax credit for their pension income. |
2/26 - House Wants to Make Long-Term Care Insurance More AffordableOn Selection You Will Jump to the iframe below
Jefferson City – The Missouri House considered legislation today that aims to make it easier to purchase long-term care (LTC) insurance. Currently, Missourians between the age of fifty and eighty can expect to pay from $500 to more than $5,000 annually in premiums for long-term care insurance. Existing law allows Missourians to deduct fifty percent of those annual costs. House Bill 40 would increase the allowable deduction to one hundred percent. |
Committee Approves Protections for ReportersOn Selection You Will Jump to the iframe below
Jefferson City – Reporters believe they should be able to promise confidentiality to anonymous sources. However, orders from Missouri courts requiring reporters to divulge confidential information and current legal precedent have made those promises uncertain. Rep. Tim Jones, R-Eureka, hopes legislation he’s filed will remedy the situation. Rep. Jones calls House Bill 774 the Free Flow of Information Act. The House Special Committee on General Laws recently approved the measure. |
Busy Day: Tax Cuts, Job Creation, Court Limits, English-OnlyOn Selection You Will Jump to the iframe below
Jefferson City – Members of the Missouri House of Representatives concluded their week after approving an array of legislation today. Legislative priorities, announced in the opening address of Speaker Rod Jetton, R-Marble Hill, were among the bills considered. |
Legislation Would Empower State to Enforce Immigration LawsOn Selection You Will Jump to the iframe below
Jefferson City – While the federal government continues to grapple with immigration reform, a special committee in the Missouri House has taken steps to address the issue. Last night, the House Special Committee on Immigration considered two measures. One would require additional training and procedures of Missouri law enforcement officers. The other would formalize the state’s legal responsibility regarding illegal immigrants seeking public assistance. |
House Strengthens Quality Jobs LegislationOn Selection You Will Jump to the iframe below
Jefferson City – The thriving economy and healthy job growth experienced by Missouri in recent years would receive an additional boost under legislation passed today by the Missouri House. Sponsored by Representative Ron Richard, R-Joplin, House Bill 327 revises the Missouri Quality Jobs and Enhanced Enterprise Zone legislation. |
Tax Credit for Missouri Built Vehicles Could Boost JobsOn Selection You Will Jump to the iframe below
Jefferson City – Missourians who plan to buy vehicles assembled and sold in the state might want to wait and see if a bill considered by a House committee today becomes law. House Bill 488 received unanimous approval from members of the House Special Committee on Job Creation and Economic Development. It would allow Missourians purchasing vehicles built and sold in Missouri—including cars, trucks, and motorcycles—to apply for a tax credit equal to the state sales tax paid on the vehicle. Bill sponsor Representative Michael Spreng, D-Florissant, believes his measure provides more benefits than a tax credit. |
House Members Debate Role of Missouri CourtsOn Selection You Will Jump to the iframe below
Jefferson City – Some members of the Missouri House of Representatives are concerned about judges overstepping constitutional limits to their power. Sponsor of House Joint Resolution 1, Rep. Jane Cunningham, R-St. Louis, acknowledges the state constitution clearly delineates the boundaries of power Missouri’s branches of government must abide by, but she believes her resolution adds timely and needed clarification. |
Legislation Would Make It Harder to Amend the Constitution On Selection You Will Jump to the iframe below
Jefferson City – Legislation considered in the House Committee on Elections today would make it more difficult for Missourians to tinker with the Missouri Constitution. Two legislators, lamenting the financial influence of out of state interest groups as well as the ease by which the state’s highest law has been amended, offered different solutions for tightening the process used to amend the state constitution. Representative J.C. Kuessner, D-Eminence, was wary about a recent upswing in constitutional amendments on Missouri voters’ ballots. |
Self-Defense Legislation Passes HouseOn Selection You Will Jump to the iframe below
Jefferson City – Legislation protecting a property owner’s right to use defensive force was passed in the House today. The measure, a combination of House Bills 189 and 60, is based on the Castle Doctrine—a concept derived from English Common Law that says an individual should be able to defend himself when violently attacked in his home. Representative Kenny Jones, R-Clarksburg, was the House handler of the bill. |
House Considers Additional FundingOn Selection You Will Jump to the iframe below
Jefferson City – Representative Allen Icet, R-Wildwood, presented a bill today to fill in funding gaps for various state programs. As chair of the House Budget Committee, Rep. Icet handles all bills that concern appropriations. House Bill 14 augments funding for programs in areas including education, agriculture, mental health, and public safety. Rep. Icet noted the House Budget Committee passed HB 14 with unanimous approval. |
Tax Exemptions, Castle Doctrine Receive Initial Approval in HouseOn Selection You Will Jump to the iframe below
Jefferson City – Members of the House today gave initial approval to bills authorizing tax exemptions and protecting property owners’ right to use defensive force. Speaker Rod Jetton, R-Marble Hill, is the lead sponsor of House Bill 444, a combination of bills that exempt Missourians from paying the state tax on Social Security income or its equivalent. Confident in a budget surplus predicted to be as much as $300-500 million, Speaker Jetton nonetheless expressed caution about additions made to his bill. |
Ticket to Work Passes in House, Goes to SenateOn Selection You Will Jump to the iframe below
Jefferson City – Members of the House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly in favor of restoring healthcare for more than four thousand disabled workers in Missouri. The Ticket to Work Health Assurance Program, established in House Bill 39, combines federal and state resources to enable disabled Missourians to stay at work without losing needed healthcare coverage. Bill sponsor, Representative Charles Portwood, R-Ballwin, said the bill is a good step for government and for the disabled community. |
Legislation Would Address Shortage of Large Animal VeterinariansOn Selection You Will Jump to the iframe below
Jefferson City – A bill considered in the House Committee on Agriculture Policy today could encourage more veterinarians to enter the field of large animal practice. House Bill 693 would modify an existing loan forgiveness program previously enacted but never funded by the state legislature. Committee chair and bill sponsor, Representative John Quinn, R-Chillicothe, said the need for the program is great. |
Testimony on Helmet Law Heard in CommitteeOn Selection You Will Jump to the iframe below
Jefferson City – Members of the House Special Committee on Homeland Security today heard testimony on a bill that would limit the requirement for motorcyclists to wear a helmet in Missouri to people under the age of twenty-one. Proponents and opponents of the measure, House Bill 155, offered arguments on the basis of personal freedom and injury and fatality statistics. Ann Jones of Jefferson City summarized the feelings of many present at the hearing. |
House Honors State Champion Football and Softball TeamsOn Selection You Will Jump to the iframe below
Jefferson City – Harrisonville High School’s state champion football and softball teams were honored today by Representative Luke Scavuzzo, D-Harrisonville, and the Missouri House of Representatives. The legislative body applauded the two teams and Rep. Scavuzzo presented each with a congratulatory resolution signed by himself and Speaker of the House, Rod Jetton, R-Marble Hill. |
Measures to Fight Hunger, Aid Sheltered Workshops Head to SenateOn Selection You Will Jump to the iframe below
Jefferson City – Members of the Missouri House of Representatives registered nearly unanimous support for three measures to help struggling Missourians today. Two bills proposed by House Speaker Rod Jetton, R-Marble Hill, would help elderly Missourians struggling to put food on the table. The other measure, offered by Representative Steve Hobbs, R-Mexico, increases the financial security of certain nonprofit organizations employing many of Missouri’s disabled and blind citizens. |
House Priority, Healthcare for Disabled Workers, Receives ApprovalOn Selection You Will Jump to the iframe below
Jefferson City – A bill that would restore healthcare for more than four thousand disabled workers received initial approval on the House floor today. According to the bill’s sponsor, Rep. Charles Portwood, R-Ballwin, House Bill 39 reflects the interests of members of both the majority and minority parties in the House. |
Primary Seat Belt Law Approved by House CommitteeOn Selection You Will Jump to the iframe below
Jefferson City – By a vote of 8-2, the House Committee on Transportation approved House Bill 90, a measure that would give Missouri law enforcement officers the power to pull over drivers for not wearing their seat belts. Currently, Missouri’s secondary seat belt law allows police officers to issue tickets for failing to wear a seat belt only if the vehicle is pulled over for a separate traffic offense. According to bill sponsor, Representative Neal St. Onge, R-Ballwin, a primary seat belt law will benefit all Missourians. |
House Looks to Bolster Sheltered Workshops, Protect FirefightersOn Selection You Will Jump to the iframe below
Jefferson City – The House of Representatives wrapped up legislative business this week by considering two bills. House Bills 300 and 352 would strengthen the financial foundation of Missouri’s sheltered workshops, maintain the integrity of the firefighting profession, and protect volunteer firefighters’ jobs. |
Senior Nutrition Initiatives Receive Initial House ApprovalOn Selection You Will Jump to the iframe below
Jefferson City – Members of the Missouri House of Representatives today debated two bills aimed to help Missouri seniors receive adequate nutrition. Speaker Rod Jetton, R-Marble Hill, believes the measures he’s sponsored, House Bill 453 and House Bill 454, will make a needed, positive impact on Missouri seniors. |
Unanimous, Bipartisan Support Shown for Job Creation IncentivesOn Selection You Will Jump to the iframe below
Jefferson City – The House Special Committee on Job Creation and Economic Development today passed a House Committee Substitute for House Bill 327. The bill combines features of House Bill 328 with the original provisions of HB 327. Together, they expand Missouri’s ability to attract businesses and family-supporting jobs. Bill sponsor and committee chair, Representative Ron Richard, R-Joplin, expressed his considerable pleasure in the bipartisan work of the committing in putting together changes to the Quality Jobs Act, a measure passed in 2005. |
House Debates, Gives Initial Approval to Medicaid Fraud BillOn Selection You Will Jump to the iframe below
Jefferson City – Today, members of the Missouri House of Representatives ironed out the details of a bill to penalize healthcare providers who defraud Medicaid. Bill sponsor, Representative Rob Schaaf, R-St. Joseph, has been the lead representative for the House since this measure began receiving attention last year. |
House Measure to Help Low-Income Missourians with Heating CostsOn Selection You Will Jump to the iframe below
Jefferson City – For the second year in a row, low-income Missourians are poised to receive additional state assistance with heating costs. By a vote of 155-0, members of the House today passed an emergency supplemental bill, House Bill 15, to commit $6.3 million from state general revenue funds for the Utilicare Stabilization Fund. “Utilicare” supplements the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). |
Senior Nutrition Initiatives Receive Committee ApprovalOn Selection You Will Jump to the iframe below
Jefferson City – Speaker Rod Jetton, R-Marble Hill, received initial support for his efforts to help Missouri seniors put food on the table. Yesterday, the House Special Committee on Senior Advocacy approved two bills proposed by Speaker. The measures, House Bills 453 and 454, are identical to two senior nutrition initiatives Jetton proposed last year |
House Takes First Steps to Restore Healthcare for Disabled WorkersOn Selection You Will Jump to the iframe below
Jefferson City – A House special committee today voted unanimously to pass House Bill 39, a measure that would reinstate healthcare for approximately 4,100 Missouri workers with disabilities. The bill’s sponsor, Rep. Charles Portwood, R-Ballwin, believes his legislation, on a fast track in the House, will finally receive approval in both legislative bodies. |
Lawmakers Consider Ending Tax on Seniors’ Benefits and PensionsOn Selection You Will Jump to the iframe below
Jefferson City – A bill filed by Speaker Rod Jetton, R-Marble Hill, was one of several presented before the House Special Committee on Tax Reform today. Speaker Jetton’s bill would end Missouri’s tax on seniors’ Social Security bene |
Legislation Filed to Exempt Military Retirement Pay from Missouri State Income TaxesOn Selection You Will Jump to the iframe below
Representative David Day, (R-Dixon), filed legislation this week that will exempt military retirement pay from all Missouri State Income Taxes by giving veterans a 100% tax credit for their pension income. |
Speaker Jetton Backs Governor’s ProposalsOn Selection You Will Jump to the iframe below
Jefferson City – During a visit with Capitol reporters today, Speaker Rod Jetton, R-Marble Hill, responded to questions on higher education initiatives, tax cut proposals, life science funding and health care reforms outlined in Governor Matt Blunt’s State of the State speech. |
Governor Blunt Outlines Plan for Health Care, Education & Tax ReliefOn Selection You Will Jump to the iframe below
Jefferson City – Tonight, Governor Matt Blunt delivered the annual State of the State address to Senators and members of the House of Representatives convened for a joint session of Missouri’s 94th General Assembly. While his speech outlined support for a host of proposals in the coming year, Governor Blunt focused on three initiatives that would comprehensively increase access to health care, assure a world class education for Missouri children and provide tax relief |
House Rejects Pay Raise for Elected OfficialsOn Selection You Will Jump to the iframe below
Jefferson City – Today the Missouri House of Representatives, led by Speaker of the House Rod Jetton, R-Marble Hill, voted 118-37 to reject the Missouri Citizens Commission on Compensation’s proposed salary increase for elected officials and Missouri judges. |
Preview of the State of the State AddressOn Selection You Will Jump to the iframe below
Listen to an audio preview of Governor Blunt's State of the State Address along with comments from House Speaker Rod Jetton and Minority Floor Leader Jeff Harris. |
Missouri House Passes Rules with Bi-Partisan VoteOn Selection You Will Jump to the iframe below
Jefferson City – Members of the Missouri House of Representatives today debated and passed the procedural guidelines that will govern lawmaking in the House for the next two legislative sessions. Members of both the majority and minority lent their support to the passage of the new rules. |
House Members Echo Governor’s Call to Improve Access and Quality of Missourians’ Health Care On Selection You Will Jump to the iframe below
Jefferson City – Representatives Rob Schaaf (R-St. Joseph) and David Sater (R-Cassville) today joined Governor Matt Blunt as he announced proposals to improve needy Missourians’ access to quality healthcare. |
End Unjust Tax on Seniors, says Speaker JettonOn Selection You Will Jump to the iframe below
Jefferson City – Flanked by fellow legislators and Missouri seniors, Speaker of the Missouri House Rod Jetton (R-Marble Hill) today announced the Senior Tax Justice Act, his proposal to end Missouri’s tax on senior’s Social Security benefits. According to Speaker Jetton, Missouri’s strong economy has made it possible to end what he calls an unnecessary, unjust tax. |
Speaker Jetton Names Committee Chairs for the 2007 Legislative SessionOn Selection You Will Jump to the iframe below
Jefferson City— House Speaker Rod Jetton, R-Marble Hill, today named 48 members of the Missouri House of Representatives as committee chairs for the 2007 legislative session. |
First Full Week Gets UnderwayOn Selection You Will Jump to the iframe below
Jefferson City – The Missouri House of Representatives will hear from the highest ranking member of the Missouri judiciary this week. Chief Justice Michael A. Wolff will deliver the annual State of the Judiciary when a joint session of the Missouri House and Senate convenes on Wednesday at 10 a.m. |
Speaker Jetton Calls House to OrderOn Selection You Will Jump to the iframe below
Jefferson City – Speaker Rod Jetton (R-Marble Hill) reflected on past successes and unveiled legislative priorities as members of the Missouri House of Representatives were sworn into office today.
Legislators of the 94th Missouri General Assembly elected Jetton to his second term as Speaker of the House and Representative Carl Bearden (R-St. Charles) to another two years as Speaker Pro Tem. Speaker Jetton is optimistic legislators will continue to work together for Missourians.
“The Missouri House of Representatives has worked together to make a real difference for our citizens,” said Jetton. “Missouri has gone from losing more jobs than any other state in America to adding thousands of new jobs for our working families. Two years ago, we faced a billion dollar budget shortfall and now we anticipate a healthy surplus of $300-500 million. We’ve improved the efficiency of government programs, provided more money for our children’s schools and put tough laws in place to put a stop to meth production, sex crimes and drunk driving.”
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House Favors Familiar Faces for Leadership On Selection You Will Jump to the iframe below
Jefferson City – A few new but mostly familiar faces will take the helm of the majority and minority parties of the Missouri House of Representatives this week. |
Republicans Continue to Hold Majority in Missouri House On Selection You Will Jump to the iframe below
Jefferson City - As the Missouri House begins the First Regular Session of the 94th Missouri General Assembly, the Republican Party continues to hold the majority. Republicans control 92 House seats while Democrats hold 71. Previously the Republicans had controlled 97 seats while the Democrats held 66. It takes 82 seats to control the House.
There are 28 first-year legislators among the 163 members of the House. Of the new members, 18 are Democrats and 10 are Republicans. These representatives were elected to the House during the November 7th election and now begin their official duties as elected officials.
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