Representative Trent Skaggs (D) and a few other members of the House, including a few in the Democratic leadership, have taken the opportunity to tweak the republican majority's propensity for foisting non-binding resolutions with no practical meaning on the House membership.
...Whereas, the majority leadership of the Missouri House of Representatives finds that criticizing Congress is, like, totally easy and great fun as well - way more easy and fun than doing real work...
HCR 69 Declares that nonbinding resolutions to Congress are a complete waste of time and pledges that the General Assembly will focus on meaningul legislation to solve problems in this state
Sponsor: Skaggs, Trent (31) Proposed Effective Date: 00/00/0000
CoSponsor: Harris, Belinda (110) ..........etal. LR Number: 5317L.02I
Last Action: 03/03/2010 - Offered (H)
HCR69
Next Hearing: Hearing not scheduled
Calendar: Bill currently not on a calendar
"House Republicans have a "plan" to reform gov't top-to-bottom but won't disclose it until Gov. Nixon stands with them to announce it."
Considering that the Republicans think that removing campaign donation limits increases openness in elections, who knows what they could do with reforming the Missouri State Government.
This would be courtesy if the plan can be checked out by both sides before agreeing to an announcement. But keeping a Government reform plan under wraps seems suspicious.
It appears that Representative Chuck Gatschenberger (r) is really, really, really, really, really, really (did I leave any out?) concerned about drivers licenses:
HB 2139 Amends laws relating to driver's license examinations
Sponsor: Gatschenberger, Chuck (13) Proposed Effective Date: 08/28/2010
CoSponsor: Jones, Timothy W. (89) LR Number: 4665L.01I
Last Action: 02/15/2010 - Read Second Time (H)
HB2139
Next Hearing: Hearing not scheduled
Calendar: Bill currently not on a calendar
... Examinations conducted under the authority of this section shall only be administered in the English language so that the applicant can demonstrate his or her ability to read the English language sufficiently to understand highway traffic signs and safety warnings. The director shall neither supply nor permit the use of foreign language interpreters in connection with the written and driving tests required under this section...
Because Missouri [pdf] highway traffic signs and safety warnings are unique in the world and written in Shakespearean prose?
HB 2176 Enacts the State Authority and Federal Tax Fund Act
Sponsor: Guest, Jim (5) Proposed Effective Date: Emergency Clause
CoSponsor: Gatschenberger, Chuck (13) ..........etal. LR Number: 4772L.01I
Last Action: 02/17/2010 - Introduced and Read First Time (H)
HB2176
Next Hearing: Hearing not scheduled
Calendar: Bill currently not on a calendar
...In light of the continuing unconstitutional federal expenditures, the state hereby reasserts its authority under the tenth amendment to the Constitution of the United States...
"Tenther" boilerplate.
...If the general assembly determines the federal government is operating beyond the scope of its constitutionally delegated powers, and is therefor operating unconstitutionally, the general assembly shall disapprove of such actions by the federal government by concurrent resolution adopted by a majority vote of each chamber of the general assembly...
The bulk of the bill bill reads like a delusional declaration of war.
And then, this:
...Section B. Because immediate action is necessary to enable the residents of this state to retain the benefits from tax revenues derived from the people of this state, section A of this act is deemed necessary for the immediate preservation of the public health, welfare, peace, and safety, and is hereby declared to be an emergency act within the meaning of the constitution, and section A of this act shall be in full force and effect upon its passage and approval....
Rep. Tim Jones can't believe the legislature can take on the insurance industry but can't take on "the teachers unions" & school executives. about 9 hours ago from web
Because teacher unions in Missouri have unlimited power and insurance companies don't?
Patty Johnson Announces Candidacy for State Representative
Alderman Bobby Davidson and Lyle Gregory Join Patty at campaign kick-off
BELTON - Raymore attorney Patty Johnson announced today that she is seeking the Democratic nomination for State Representative in the 123rd district, which encompasses Belton and Raymore in Cass County. Patty owns her own firm in Raymore and she works as a guardian ad litem for children and as a family law mediator.
"As a small business owner and the daughter of a farmer, I understand the value of hard work and see first-hand the problems and difficulties facing families in our community. Our families need a voice for common sense and I will be that voice," said Johnson.
Belton Alderman Bobby Davidson and Raymore attorney Lyle Gregory joined Johnson as she kicked-off her campaign on Main Street in Belton.
"It is time for new leadership in state government. Patty will put working families first over special interests as our State representative and that's why I'm proud to support her," said Bobby Davidson.
"Given Patty's community leadership and her commitment to helping families in need, she is absolutely the best choice as our next State Representative," said Lyle Gregory.
Patty serves as the President of the Board of Directors for Hope Haven, Cass County's Domestic Violence Shelter, and she is Secretary for Bel-Ray Sunrise Lions Club. Patty and her husband Jerry are actively involved in St. Paul's United Methodist Church in Raymore.
###
The 123rd Legislative District covers northwest Cass County immediately south of Jackson County. The seat is currently held by republican Chris Molendorp who is in his first term. By Representative Molendorp's (r) list of bill sponsorship we see that he's interested in insurance, all kinds of ethics reform, and he's a "tenther".
Looking at Molendorp's fourth quarter 2009 campaign finance report, filed with the Missouri Ethics Commission in January, we see :
Detailed Summary of Committee Disclosure Report
Committe: FRIENDS OF CHRIS MOLENDORP
1. TOTAL RECEIPTS FOR THIS ELECTION PREVIOUSLY REPORTED $8,650.00
2. ALL MONETARY CONTRIBUTIONS RECEIVED THIS PERIOD $8,500.00
9. TOTAL ALL RECEIPTS THIS ELECTION(SUM 1B + 7A - 8A) $17,150.00
25. MONEY ON HAND AT THE BEGINNING OF THIS REPORTING PERIOD (INCLUDING FUNDS IN DEPOSITORY, CASH, SAVINGS ACCOUNTS AND ALL OTHER INVESTMENTS) $2,270.29
28. MONEY ON HAND AT THE CLOSE OF THIS REPORTING PERIOD (SUM 25 + 26 - 27) $9,016.68
[emphasis added] That's some burn rate.
And where did Molendorp's contributions come from?:
They complain, they say they're a'gin it, they show up on the Faux News Channel to mouth unintelligible random health care obstruction talking points, but when it comes down to it, Missouri republicans, in all their hypocrisy, will still take the check. Senator Claire McCaskill (D) called their bluff:
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill sent a letter today to leaders in the Missouri State Capitol asking for their input on whether the federal government should rescind previously passed but as of yet unspent aid for state governments that was part of the federal stimulus bill. In the letter, she also asks whether additional aid from the federal government for state governments should be provided during these difficult economic times.
As the state begins to determine budget priorities for Fiscal Year 2011, McCaskill is asking leaders in Jefferson City for more information on how federal aid is being used in this year's state budget, as well as what programs and services the state would cancel in next year's budget if the federal government chooses not to extend any additional aid.
"Washington doesn't know best," McCaskill wrote in an open letter to state elected officials. "That's why three-fourths of the [stimulus] money has gone to the states, tax cuts, and unemployment and COBRA benefits. If you want us to rescind the remaining money that you will spend this year and next, please let me know how Missourians will be hurt, so I can make an informed decision."
McCaskill, who has fought against bad spending habits in Washington over the last three years, has heard from many state legislators that they are unhappy that the federal government provided financial aid to states last year as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. However, since the state government is required to balance their budget, they used approximately $1.5 billion of this federal aid in their Fiscal Year 2010 budget and are set to use $858 million in the Fiscal Year 2011 budget. McCaskill also asked for clarity on what areas of state budget would have been cut last year had the lawmakers not had available the $1.5 billion in federal aid...
...Although McCaskill sent the request as an open to letter to all state legislators, she also sent individual copies to the leadership of both the Missouri Senate and House of Representatives.
Okay, that's a start. It would have been nice if our Democratic members of Congress had acted like, you know, Democrats nine months ago.
And, as for those republicans in control of everything in Jefferson City, are they willing to play chicken with Missouri's economy and the quality of life for everyone in the state?
HB 1781 Changes the laws regarding carrying concealed weapons in the State Capitol Building
Sponsor: Riddle, Jeanie (20) Proposed Effective Date: 08/28/2010
CoSponsor: Brown, Dan (149) ..........etal. LR Number: 3549L.01I
Last Action: 01/25/2010 - Read Second Time (H)
HB1781
Next Hearing: Hearing not scheduled
Calendar: Bill currently not on a calendar
INTRODUCED BY REPRESENTATIVES RIDDLE (Sponsor), BROWN (149), DIXON, VIEBROCK, ZERR, GUERNSEY, COX, DIEHL, SMITH (150), FRANZ, BRUNS, CUNNINGHAM, JONES (117), JONES (89), NOLTE, FLOOK, ICET, KINGERY, LOEHNER, WALLACE, SANDER, KRAUS, MUNZLINGER, GATSCHENBERGER, DAY, WRIGHT, FISHER (125), LAIR AND VIEBROCK (Co-sponsors).
3549L.01I D. ADAM CRUMBLISS, Chief Clerk
AN ACT
To repeal section 571.107, RSMo, and to enact in lieu thereof one new section relating to concealed carry endorsements, with a penalty provision.
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the state of Missouri, as follows:
Section A. Section 571.107, RSMo, is repealed and one new section enacted in lieu thereof, to be known as section 571.107, to read as follows:
571.107. 1. A concealed carry endorsement issued pursuant to sections 571.101 to 571.121 or a concealed carry endorsement or permit issued by another state or political subdivision of another state shall authorize the person in whose name the permit or endorsement is issued to carry concealed firearms on or about his or her person or vehicle throughout the state. No driver's license or nondriver's license containing a concealed carry endorsement issued pursuant to sections 571.101 to 571.121 or a concealed carry endorsement or permit issued by another state or political subdivision of another state shall authorize any person to carry concealed firearms into....
.... (5) Any meeting of the governing body of a unit of local government; or any meeting of the general assembly or a committee of the general assembly, or the state capitol building except that nothing in this subdivision shall preclude a member of the governing body of a unit of local government holding a valid concealed carry endorsement from carrying a concealed firearm at a meeting of the body which he or she is a member and except that nothing in this subdivision shall preclude a member of the general assembly or an employee of the general assembly holding a valid concealed carry endorsement from carrying a concealed firearm at any meeting of the general assembly or a committee of the general assembly or in the state capitol building. Possession of a firearm in a vehicle on the premises shall not be a criminal offense so long as the firearm is not removed from the vehicle or brandished while the vehicle is on the premises....
HB 1952 Allows voters to challenge another voter's registration
Sponsor: Cox, Stanley (118) Proposed Effective Date: 08/28/2010
CoSponsor: Funderburk, Doug (12) ..........etal. LR Number: 4721L.01I
Last Action: 02/03/2010 - Read Second Time (H)
HB1952
Next Hearing: Hearing not scheduled
Calendar: Bill currently not on a calendar
Because, of course, the word of one voter over another will always get us accurate actionable information in a timely manner without endangering the rights of anyone? Because, of course, their motives are pure?
...."Vote caging" is when a political organization, typically a political party, compiles a "caging list" of voters whose mail came back undeliverable or who did not return the receipt, and uses that list to challenge those voters as not being validly registered. The challenges can occur prior to Election Day or at the polls....
The end result?:
....What happens when a voter on a caging list is challenged at the polls?
The procedures vary state by state. The voter may end up voting a provisional ballot (which is less likely to be counted). Or a voter may be asked to prove their place of residence, by producing a utility bill for instance (though many cannot provide such documentation on the spot). In some cases, a challenged voter may get flustered, or embarrassed, and may simply leave and not vote. I personally have seen this happen with many elderly voters.
In any case, the voter is delayed and may be intimidated. If the challenging of voters slows down the voting process for other voters, it can create lines and discourage those with only minutes to spare who may be trying to vote on their lunch break. Caging lists used to challenge voters can also create confusion in the polling place, which can become extremely busy either as the polls first open or as work lets out. Again, delays can develop and voters get frustrated and leave. Collectively, the vote caging practice has the potential to disenfranchise thousands of voters, which is its aim....
The bill, because we've all been made aware of widespread voter fraud in the State of Missouri?:
Man, the relatively low number of "Total Votes" in special elections always surprises me. And it shouldn't, given our current political environment. We all know getting modern Americans to actively participate in their own Democracy is just as tough as getting them to watch American Idol. Oh, wait.
The House Democratic Campaign Committee issued the following press release:
Representative Denny Hoskins (r - noun, verb, CPA) issued his latest legislative update video (something that Fired Up! has been reveling in) and in it he took time to lament being the target of an [our word] "alleged" push poll:
...one of the other things that we've had a lot of, um, ethics bills in, in the Ethics Committee and Government Accountability Committee this week. Um, with one of the things that I've think we should propose is a legislation on, um, ethical push polling. Recently in my home district this week the Democrats launched a push poll. And what a push poll is, uh, I've had several constituents call and, uh, tell me about the push poll as far as what they ask is, yes, would you vote to re-elect Representative Hoskins, and when my constituents ask yes, they provide, uh, some false and misleading and untrue statements about myself or my family. And then after they provide that information then they say, well, would you still vote for Representative Hoskins knowing these other things that we've told you. When several of my constituents asked who was paying for the poll, uh, the polling company, uh, did not, would not disclose that. And I think that that's something, and, you know, ethically that our voters and constituents should know who is paying for the polling and so they can determine themselves if it's a biased poll or not...
Representative Hoskins also put the same story in the written version of his January 28, 2010 "Capitol Report":
....The House Committee on Governmental Accountability and Ethics Reform met again this week to hear testimony on several ethics reform bills. One ethical reform the legislature should address is proper disclosure for campaign rhetoric. I was the subject of a prime example of campaign rhetoric just this week. Disguised as a "survey," a company called Liberty Polling conducted a biased telephone "push-poll" in my district. When asked who paid for the "survey," Liberty Polling would not answer the question. The issue here is not that there was a poll, but that it was veiled and not actually a survey at all. In the name of good ethics and transparency, whoever is paying for the "survey" should be disclosed, especially when the recipient of the call requests that information. I appreciated hearing from a number of constituents that you did not welcome this call. I won't commit space here to go into details about what I was told about the calls, but I'd be happy to discuss it further if you would like....
Representative Albert Liese (D) is term limited out, having represented this St. Louis County district for four terms. There are four candidates in the 2010 race (so far) who are filing campaign finance reports with the Missouri Ethics Commission. First. let's look at the electoral history of the district:
Official Election Returns
State of Missouri General Election - 2008 General Election
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
Okay, in an open seat race in an off year election things were closer.
Let's put it this way - in the 79th Legislative District the Democratic candidate is going to get at least 7,000 votes and in a presidential election year the most a republican can hope for is 7,000 votes. The trick for the Democratic candidate is to increase the safety margin.
Let's take look at those candidate campaign finance reports (in alphabetical order).
I suppose we should have started with this district. Representative Brian Munzlinger (r) is term limited out and there are two individuals who have started raising money for the 2010 open seat race. The district is in the northeast part of the state - east of Kirksville and north of Hannibal. First, let's take a look at a little electoral history.
Official Election Returns
State of Missouri General Election - 2008 General Election
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
Detailed Summary of Committee Disclosure Report
Committe: KERI COTTRELL FOR STATE REPRESENTATIVE 2010
1. TOTAL RECEIPTS FOR THIS ELECTION PREVIOUSLY REPORTED $4,606.81
2. ALL MONETARY CONTRIBUTIONS RECEIVED THIS PERIOD $6,571.35
9. TOTAL ALL RECEIPTS THIS ELECTION(SUM 1B + 7A - 8A) $11,178.16
25. MONEY ON HAND AT THE BEGINNING OF THIS REPORTING PERIOD (INCLUDING FUNDS IN DEPOSITORY, CASH, SAVINGS ACCOUNTS AND ALL OTHER INVESTMENTS) $3,375.63
28. MONEY ON HAND AT THE CLOSE OF THIS REPORTING PERIOD (SUM 25 + 26 - 27) $9,807.31
35. TOTAL INDEBTEDNESS AT THE CLOSE OF THIS REPORTING PERIOD (SUM 29 + 30 + 31 - 32 - 33 - 34) $250.00
[emphasis added]
That's a good fundraising quarter. Let's take a look at where the money came from:
Non-binding health care resolution that urges MO's congressional delegation to vote NO on HCR passes 111-46. #UTD 15 minutes ago from web
Ah, a profile in non-binding courage. Correct me if I'm wrong, but aren't there more than 46 Democrats in the Missouri House of Representatives?
This may explain why Massachusetts voters don't appear to be too concerned about 41 votes in the U.S. Senate (Well, yes, there is Joe Lieberman, too.).
HCR 18 Urges the Missouri Congressional delegation to vote against H.R. 3200, the federal health care reform legislation
Sponsor: Diehl, John (87) Proposed Effective Date: 00/00/0000
CoSponsor: LR Number: 4336L.05C
Last Action: 01/19/2010 - HCS Adopted (H)
WITH HA 1 TO HA 1, HA 2 TO HA 1 AND HA 1 AS
AMENDED ADOPTED
HCS HCR 18
Best line of the health care debate so far. Rep Beth Low upon being recognized by Speaker after standing at microphone about two hours waiting. "Thank you Mr. Speaker for helping me break in my new shoes."
HB 1602 Creates the Missouri Energy Freedom Act
Sponsor: Funderburk, Doug (12) Proposed Effective Date: 08/28/2010
CoSponsor: Parkinson, Mark A. (16) ..........etal. LR Number: 3351L.01I
Last Action: 01/12/2010 - Introduced and Read First Time (H)
HB1602
Next Hearing: Hearing not scheduled
Calendar: Bill currently not on a calendar
Rally 'Round the "True Constitution" Convinced that the 10th Amendment of the Constitution prohibits spending programs and regulations? Conservatives have a movement for you.
Ian Millhiser | August 25, 2009
...Tenthers divine all this from the brief language of the 10th Amendment, which provides that "the powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people." In layman's terms, this simply means that the Constitution contains an itemized list of federal powers -- such as the power to regulate interstate commerce or establish post offices or make war on foreign nations -- and anything not contained in that list is beyond Congress' authority....
....The Constitution gives Congress the power "to lay and collect taxes, duties, imposts and excises, to pay the debts and provide for the common defense and general welfare of the United States," thus empowering the federal government to levy taxes and leverage these revenues to benefit the American people. Tenthers, however, insist that these words don't actually mean what they say, claiming that spending on things like health care, education, and Social Security is simply not allowed...
The bill, along with its boilerplate "Tenther" language:
...The Second Amendment protects an individual right to possess a firearm unconnected with service in a militia, and to use that arm for traditionally lawful purposes, such as self-defense within the home...
HB 1506 Creates the Missouri Firearms Freedom Act
Sponsor: Smith, Jason (150) Proposed Effective Date: 08/28/2010
CoSponsor: Dieckhaus, Scott (109) ..........etal. LR Number: 3497L.01I
Last Action: 01/07/2010 - Read Second Time (H)
HB1506
Next Hearing: Hearing not scheduled
Calendar: Bill currently not on a calendar
INTRODUCED BY REPRESENTATIVES FUNDERBURK (Sponsor), JONES (89), McGHEE, ZERR, GATSCHENBERGER, FISCHER (107), KRAUS, JONES (117), SMITH (14) AND KOENIG (Co-sponsors).
3492L.01I D. ADAM CRUMBLISS, Chief Clerk
AN ACT
To amend chapter 9, RSMo, by adding thereto one new section relating to an official designation of the Christmas season.
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the state of Missouri, as follows:
Section A. Chapter 9, RSMo, is amended by adding thereto one new section, to be known as section 9.025, to read as follows:
9.025. The day after Thanksgiving Day until midnight December twenty-sixth of each year shall be known and is designated as the "Christmas Season" in Missouri.
[emphasis in original]
There's got to be a clause in there somewhere acknowledging Talk Like a Pirate Day or the Pastafarians are gonna get upset.
After the opening of the legislative session on Wednesday the House Democratic caucus held a press conference in the House Lounge in the capitol following the earlier republican press conference.
The House Democratic Minority Floor Leader, Representative Paul LeVota, at the podium in the House Lounge.
Representative Paul LeVota: Thank you very much for, uh, the time today with you guys as the House Democrat [inaudible] prepare for this next session. Um, I'll be very brief and I'd be interested in your questions and, uh, what we think is the priorities for this session. Um, as I stated on the floor I do agree with the Speaker about some of the priorities that he outlined. And I'm proud to say the House Democrats have been championing these things for many years. First, when it comes to creating jobs, we need to get our economy going again, we need to do those tangible things that make sense for small businesses and the growth and expansion of, of new businesses, uh, in the State of Missouri. We should be focused on that, what we can, to create jobs. That's challenging. And a separate point that we're gonna focus on is the budget. As revenue is, has been a downturn we're gonna have a very challenging session. We look forward to working very closely with the majority and with the administration to really identify what are the top priorities in this budget cycle. We've always, we've always done that. Uh, third, ethics reform. House Democrats, for seven years, have introduced ethics reform measures and those ethics reform measures now have the attention of the majority. The things that we'll be pushing for are, are things that've been outlined. But number one on that list is the reinstating of campaign finance limits. We believe that comprehensive ethics reform has to include the reinstation of campaign finance limits. You look about what the people of Missouri wanted, in nineties they voted, about seventy-five percent, that they wanted the limits. Now in the State of Missouri it's perfectly okay to give a candidate for state representative a hundred thousand dollar donation where you can't give a candidate for President of the United States. That has [inaudible] limits. We think the money that comes through needs to be stopped, it needs to go back to what the people of Missouri think, and that has to be included in anything that was gonna be called comprehensive ethics reform. And finally, we're gonna be very well aware of this, the Federal government and Congress is working on a health care reform bill. We have been the champions of increasing access to health care for years. We will be waiting for Congress with that bill and we will be prepared to do what we need to do to implement it in Missouri. My fear is that we're gonna have a idea that the federal government's gonna do something [inaudible] pass a bill and all the work is done. We know to really make sure that we're helping people in the area of health care, helping small businesses reduce their, um, costs on that, that we need to make sure that we're doing, um, our part to implement the Federal program. I don't know what the Federal program will be, but I'm pretty confident that there will be something. So, with that, I agree with the Speaker, I'm glad that he's picked up on some of the priorities that we've been pushing for years. It's gratifying when years ago we've been pushing some of these things and, with no response, but, uh, persistence, persistence, persistence. So with that I'll, um, be glad to answer your questions, or any of my members of my caucus....
After the opening of the legislative session on Wednesday the House republican leadership (along with members of their caucus) held a press conference in the House Lounge in the capitol.
Speaker Ron Richard: Good afternoon. As, uh, outlined in our speech, uh, a few minutes ago we, uh, started the Special Standing Committee on Government Accountability and Ethics Reform. Uh, Representative LeVota and I again appointed, uh, Representative Bruns, Lipke, Day, Nolte, Brandom, Burnette, Witte, Morris, Wallace, and Curls. Kevin Wilson and, uh, were chair, and, uh Sally Faith vice chair. Um, we'll pass no tax increases, that's, I think I said that twice. I think I've said that a couple times every year and that is final. Um, we will practice fiscal discipline in the, in our budget process and balance the budget. It's not that tough. It's, uh, what we're supposed to do with the Constitution. So we will do what we are charged with. And course we will have a economic development package second to none. That's what we do and we'll try to get the other side in a timely basis. Hopefully we can get it passed before the last day, as we did last year. Steve Hobbs will be chair of Insurance, replacing Representative Yates who went on to greener pastures. Representative Charlie Denison will chair Special Standing Committee on Infrastructure and Transportation, replacing Steve Hobbs. Questions....
From left to right (foreground), Representative Steve Tilley (r), Speaker Ron Richard (r), Representative Bryan Pratt (r).
The session opened with, interestingly enough, an invocation. So, again, this is redundant:
...that the General Assembly and the governing bodies of political subdivisions may extend to ministers, clergypersons, and other individuals the privilege to offer invocations or other prayers at meetings or sessions of the General Assembly or governing bodies...
There was a recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. New Representative Stacey Newman was sworn in. Then, Speaker Ron Richard addressed the House:
....Honored guests in the side gallery, please come to order. Members please take your seats.
Today I welcome the representatives and guests to the opening of the second session of the ninety-fifth General Assembly. It is my honor to have former Representative Fred Kratky, [inaudible] he and I were close, uh, with me in the day. He was with me and I [inaudible] again. So, Representative, former Representative Kratky, thanks for coming and honoring me today. [applause]
Today we stand at the precipice of the future. Immense uncertainty faces all of us. We are at a time in Missouri history where few have been. Let us work together as never before. Times demand it. We must never forget we sit in the people's chamber and our sacred duty as their elected officials is the maintenance of the integrity and sanctity of the Missouri House of Representatives. We are here to make our state a better place for all our citizens to work and live. With every vote we take we must never forget the trust Missouri has put in all of us. We, as members, expect nothing less than the highest integrity in this chamber and the people of the state deserve nothing less. [applause]....
....Honored guests in the side gallery, please come to order. Members please take your seats.
