Ed Emery bill eliminates tenure for all teachers hired after August 2013

Under a bill sponsored by Sen. Ed Emery, R-Lamar, tenure will be a thing of the past once current teachers retire or leave their current positions.

SB 408 says that no teacher hired after Aug. 28, 2013, (the day the bill would go into effect) would be eligible for tenure.

Emery's omnibus bill also includes the following;

-Giving all school districts grade cards, rating them A, B, C, D, or F

-A grading system must be put in place for teachers, with most of their grade determined by student test scores

-Districts must adopt pay schedules that do not use advanced degrees or experience as factors

-Districts can pay more to those who teach math, science or special education

-When schools have to eliminate faculty due to budget problems, number of years served in the school district cannot be used as a factor.

Shane Schoeller tapped as new GOP executive director

(From the Missouri Republican Party)

Missouri GOP Chairman Ed Martin announced this morning that the Republican Party has hired Shane Schoeller to serve as the new Executive Director of the State Party.  Schoeller was selected after a nationwide search, which included more than 45 applicants from around the country.

“I’m excited that Shane will be joining the Missouri Republican Party team,” said Ed Martin.  “Shane is a passionate and articulate messenger for the Republican Party.  He knows politics and understands the state, and he will bring to the Party an invaluable knowledge of the General Assembly.  With Shane’s leadership, I am confident that we will achieve success in 2014 and beyond.”

Earlier this month, Schoeller penned an op-ed in the Missouri Times discussing the Republican Party’s path forward (read it here).

“I am honored to have the opportunity to work with Chairman Ed Martin, our elected Republicans and grassroots activists across our great state to lead the Republican Party forward,” said Schoeller. “We must effectively communicate to all Missourians that our best days are ahead by electing Republicans committed to economic growth and prosperity for our state, and our nation. Together, we can build on our historic veto-proof majorities in the Missouri General Assembly, retain our clear majority in our federal congressional delegation, and restore Republican leadership in Missouri's statewide offices.”

Schoeller, the Republican nominee for Secretary of State in 2012, brings grassroots, political, and elective experience to the Missouri GOP.

Schoeller served three terms in the Missouri General Assembly, including two years as Speaker Pro Tem of the Missouri House of Representatives.  In addition to his experience as an elected official, Shoeller has also served as a field representative for Senators Ashcroft and Bond.  Later he became a legislative assistant to then-Congressman Roy Blunt and chief administrative aide to Secretary of State Matt Blunt.

Billy Long: It's time to build the Keystone Pipeline

In his latest newsletter, Seventh District Congressman Billy Long urges approval of the Keystone Pipeline.

I am for an “all of the above” energy policy which would use our own resources and technology.

The Obama administration is still delaying a decision on the Keystone XL pipeline, a project developed by TransCanada to connect Canadian oil to U.S. Gulf Coast refineries.  It’s been more than four years since the pipeline permit was submitted. That’s over 1,600 days.  To put that in perspective, it took less time for the U.S. to fight and win World War II.  As the administration continues to stall, let’s look at some of the facts on the Keystone XL pipeline:

• Building the pipeline would create at least 20,000 new jobs;
• Up to 830,000 barrels of oil would reach U.S. markets every day through the pipeline- almost half of what we import from Persian Gulf countries;
• The pipeline has passed multiple environmental reviews conducted by the State Department;
• TransCanada has agreed to an additional 57 special safety conditions to build and maintain the pipeline, making its design one of the safest ways to bring oil into the U.S.

With gas prices jumping recently and the economy struggling to add jobs, the president is running out of reasons to reject the Keystone XL pipeline. 

I support the pipeline because we should increase our oil supply from reliable, stable sources such as Canada, and decrease our reliance on oil from hostile regimes in the Middle East. The Keystone pipeline presents an opportunity to do just that. It is also a step in the right direction towards America’s energy security and ultimate energy independence. Furthermore, during a time of economic instability, the Keystone pipeline provides an opportunity for work for thousands of Americans.  It’s time to move forward and build the Keystone XL pipeline. 

The bottom line is our nation has opportunities right here in North America to meet our current and future energy needs. Americans are tired of rising gas prices and being at the mercy of adversarial foreign governments.  The president talks a good game when it comes to energy but he has failed to walk the walk. While he continues to create obstacles, I will continue to work in Congress to ensure that we take every opportunity to use the resources we have to secure our economic future.

It is important for us as a nation to be good stewards of the environment.  However, we must take care to ensure that we do so in a responsible way.  Protecting the environment should never be an excuse to impose new regulations or other handicaps on the American economy, nor should we be hesitant to use the cheap and abundant fossil fuels that our economy relies on.  As these issues come before Congress I will take steps to protect the environment and our economy. 

By putting our country’s abundant natural resources to use, we can lower prices at the pump, break free from our dependence on unstable sources of foreign oil, and put hard working Americans back to work.

5:41 tops Amazon Joplin Tornado book rankings for fifth straight week

5:41: Stories from the Joplin Tornado is the top-ranked Joplin Tornado book on Amazon. com for the fifth straight week.

1. 5:41: Stories from the Joplin Tornado, Randy Turner, John Hacker, 89,668
2. When the Sirens Were Silent, Mike Smith, 102,850
3. 5/22: Stories of Survival, Stories of Faith, Scott Hettinger, 317,739
4. 32 Minutes in May, Joplin Globe, 341,218
5. Joplin 5:41, Kansas City Star, 375,239
6, Miracle of the Human Spirit, Mark Rohr, 472,637
7. Singing Over Me, Danielle Stammer, 666,156
8. Spirit of Hope, Randy Turner, John Hacker, 1,419,847
9. When the Storm Passes, Julie Jett, 1,694,532
10. Joplin Tornado House of Hope, 2,503,808
11. EF5 at 5:35, Kathryn Sandlin 3,655,660
12. Mayday in Joplin, Donald Clugston, 3,763,792

Sarcoxie School Board member held for trial on sex charge

Sarcoxie Board of Education member John Lewis wil remain behind bars while a federal judge weighs evidence provided by witnesses that he would not be a flight risk or a danger to the community.

Following a two and a half hour preliminary hearing Wednesday, Judge David Rush determined there was enough evidence to hold Lewis, 67, a member of the Jasper County Republican Central Committee, for trial on a charge of sexual exploitation of minors.

Among the witnesses testifying for Lewis was John Putnam, Jasper County Republican Central Committee chairman, according to online court documents.

The charges against Lewis are outlined in an affidavit filed in federal court, which alleges Lewis possessed child pornography and exposed himself to minors.

Rush said he will take the testimony under advisement and then issue a ruling on whether Lewis can be released on bond.

Video- Feb. 26 Joplin School Board meeting

This Jet 14 video includes the discussion that led the Joplin School Board to delay its redistricting plan for district middle and elementary schools.

Rebuild Joplin to play host to Hurricane Sandy relief organization

(From Rebuild Joplin)

Rebuild Joplin will host representatives from the New York based disaster response organization Tunnels to Towers (T2T) on Thursday, February 28, 2013. T2T is working on Hurricane Sandy relief efforts.

Rebuild Joplin, which has developed a successful model for home construction allowing them to build over 60 homes for tornado victims, will share information regarding their systems to enable T2T to implement a more efficient and effective disaster response plan.

Rebuild Joplin has developed a construction system process, patterned after an effective system utilized by their partner organization St. Bernard Project in New Orleans. St. Bernard Project is an award-winning rebuilding, nonprofit organization whose mission is to ensure that disaster-impacted communities recover in a prompt, efficient, and predictable way.

T2T representatives will tour Rebuild Joplin projects currently under construction and meet with Rebuild Joplin construction, client services and volunteer recruitment departments.

The Tunnels to Towers Foundation was developed to honor the legacy of love left by Stephen Siller, FDNY, who laid down his life on 9/11. To honor his memory they strive to follow Stephen’s footsteps of selflessness and love by “doing good”. 

Joplin mayor, city manager accept invitation to visit United Arab Emirates

(From the City of Joplin)

Joplin Mayor Melodee Colbert-Kean and City Manager Mark Rohr have accepted an invitation from the United Arab Emirates Ambassador Yousef Al Otaiba to visit their country from March 8 through March 15 of this year.

The invitation was extended to City officials as well as Joplin School and Mercy representatives for the generous hospitality extended by the Joplin community during the UAE group’s visit to Joplin last year. While in Joplin the Ambassador and his party were hosted by Mercy, Joplin Schools and the City, visiting numerous sites struck by the May 22, 2011 tornado, as well as several of the temporary rebuilt facilities.

The itinerary is designed for trip participants to learn more about the culture and personality of the UAE while touring Abu Dhabi, the UAE’s capital, Dubai and Sharjah. Participants will have the opportunity to meet leaders from the UAE government, business, healthcare and education sectors. The delegation will also visit educational and cultural institutions in the UAE.

Trip-related expenses paid for by the UAE Embassy in Washington, D.C.

“We are truly honored to be their guests,” said Mayor Colbert-Kean. “The UAE’s generosity and patronage for our community is evident, not only by this invitation, but also for their significant donations given to aid our recovery. It is a lesson that we all can learn from. We need to look after each other, regardless of the geographic borders, and their goodwill demonstrates this principle.”

Joplin to participate in statewide tornado drill

(From the City of Joplin)

The National Weather Service; the State Emergency Management Agency and the Joplin/Jasper County Emergency Management Agency are promoting weather safety during the 2013 Severe Weather Awareness Week from March 4-8, 2013.

The highlight of the awareness week is the annual statewide tornado drill which will be held at 1:30 pm on Tuesday, March 5. Should weather become a factor, the drill may be postponed until Thursday, March 7. The NWS will kick off the drill with a Tornado Warning which is plainly marked as a test. This test will cause NOAA Weather Radios to activate.

Joplin will sound its sirens and media stations will forward the drill as if this were a real emergency. Next, it will be up to every business and family to participate in the drill by putting their plans into action. Preparing today may make the difference in surviving the storms to come this spring.

Note: Joplin will NOT test sirens on Monday, March 4, which is the regularly scheduled test date, rather deferring to the Tuesday, March 5 test. Additionally, this test will last a full 3 minutes, simulating an actual activation.

PSC approves $27.5 million rate hike for Empire District Electric

(From the Public Service Commission)

The Missouri Public Service Commission has approved a unanimous agreement reached by parties in an electric rate case filed by The Empire District Electric Company (Empire) with new rates expected to take effect on April 1, 2013.  The Commission’s vote today was 5-0.

The unanimous agreement approved by the Commission was filed by the Office of the Public Counsel, the state’s utility consumer advocate, Empire, the Staff of the Missouri Public Service Commission, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, the Midwest Energy Users’ Association and the Midwest Energy Consumer’s Group. 

“We approved the agreement today because it was unanimous in nature including the support of the consumer advocate,” said PSC Chairman Kevin Gunn.  “Parties agreed Empire should receive a rate increase and parties asked that the Commission approve the agreement with an effective date of April 1, 2013.”

The unanimous agreement calls for an electric rate increase of approximately $27.5 million.  Under the agreement, a residential customer using approximately 1,000 kWh per month will see an increase of approximately $7.74 per month.  As part of the agreement, Empire will not implement a general rate increase prior to October 1, 2014.

When The Empire District Electric Company filed its rate request with the Public Service Commission on July 6, 2012, it sought to increase annual electric operating revenues of approximately $30.7 million.

The Empire District Electric Company serves approximately 149,500 electric customers in the Missouri counties of Barry, Barton, Cedar, Christian, Dade, Dallas, Greene, Hickory, Jasper, Lawrence, McDonald, Newton, Polk, St. Clair, Stone and Taney.

Joplin School Board delays decision on redistricting

Following a long discussion tonight, the Joplin R-8 Board of Education delayed a decision on the redistricting of middle school and elementary school students.

The decision will be addressed at the March 26 board meeting.

More input will be sought from the community between now and March 26.

Union leader: Stand together against anti-worker attacks

From Progress Missouri

Travel discouraged north of Route 160

(From the Missouri Department of Transportation)

* Travel continues to be DISCOURAGED north of Route 160 through early afternoon as crews clear heavier traveled routes and then move to lesser-traveled roads.

* Storm system continues pushing out of the southwest Missouri area.
Weather Conditions: In southwest Missouri, snow fall totals range from one inch in areas south and east of Joplin and Springfield to 12 inches in Bates, Henry and Benton counties. Snow showers are expected to continue throughout the rest of Tuesday, Tuesday night into Wednesday. 

Travel Conditions: Drivers are being discouraged traveling across much of Missouri north of Route 160 through mid-morning into early afternoon. Less traffic and fewer stranded vehicles on the roads will make it safer and easier for snowplows to keep roads open and quicker to clear them once the storm has moved out of the area.

Road Clearing: This morning, MoDOT crews are making good progress with clearing major roads as the weather system moves out of the area. Already, sections of I-44 and I-49 in the Joplin area and I-44 in the Springfield area are becoming partly covered to mostly clear. Crews in Taney, Christian , Webster, McDonald and Jasper counties have been able to move to lesser-traveled roads to plow and treat them. Crews north of Joplin and Springfield will move to lesser-traveled roads just as soon as the major routes are in a mostly clear to clear condition. 

Please be patient: Drivers are urged to be patient. MoDOT crews will work to get to ALL state routes by the end of the day today. 

Cynthia Davis: We don't have a gun problem; we have a culture problem

In her latest State Talk column, former Rep. Cynthia Davis, R-O'Fallon, (yes, she's still around) aims her guns at those who would oppose her guns.

The way things are going, if Obama would threaten to ban the Bibles, it might increase our sales.  (www.backtobasicsbooks.com)

As the gun and ammunition dealers are seeing customers line up to buy their products, it appears as if more people value their guns than Bibles.

Legislators are clamoring to file new gun laws right and left.  E-mail messages are flying with concerns from all corners of the spectrum.  If you live in Missouri, you can be confident that there are enough gun sympathizers from both parties that the legislature will likely not do anything to restrict our current rights.  Sometimes it appears that the legislators are filing bills just to see how much everyone will react.  My big brother used to try to scare me and sometimes it worked, but it's not nice to treat your constituents that way.  The only acceptable solution is to refuse the urge to panic.

The Sandy Hook tragedy didn't happen because of bad laws and cannot be remedied by creating more laws.  It's okay for us to pause and grieve over the tragedy without creating another injustice by punishing more of the innocent and retaliating on the general public.  

The increase in violence is directly correlated to the break down of the family.  We don't have a gun problem.  We have a culture problem.  A "cultural problem" can only be logically answered with a "cultural solution".

When the family, church and communities were stronger, people naturally contained evil through their critical mass.  There will never be enough government handcuffs, rules, regulations or programs to make up for the loss of a vast network of caring citizens who provide integrity to our social fabric.

 

While some foolish politicians are trying to grab the headlines with their panic-minded legislation, we need to be ever vigilant to observe a pattern.  All countries that have been taken over by tyrants lost their ability to defend themselves before they lost their freedom. 

 

Those seeking to destroy the constitution know they can't do it in one step.  Their plans involve using the most egregious examples to undermine our bill of rights.  We are seeing knee-jerk reactions even from those who were elected on a promise of being in favor of freedom. 

Yokley will join Missouri Times Friday

(From the Missouri Times)

The Missouri Times announced today that Eli Yokley will join the outlet as its managing editor, where he will oversee the growing Capitol newspaper just months after its launch.

 Yokley, a Joplin native who began his career covering the 7th Congressional District primary in 2010, most recently made a name for himself by covering Missouri’s nationally watched U.S. Senate primary and general election in 2012

 “Eli Yokley knows Missouri politics as well as someone three times his age, and has the right kind of energy and ambition to move this paper forward,” said Scott Faughn, publisher of the Missouri Times. “We’re going to give Eli the freedom to independently lead this paper to the next level — where it can truly be Missouri’s newspaper of politics and capital culture.”

 Since founding PoliticMo in 2010, Yokley has shown a proven ability to not only effectively cover the news, but give readers a sense of how and why the news happened. 

 “Politics and policy are intertwined more now than ever before,” Yokley said. “Things happen in the capitol for a reason, and I want to give Missourians a better idea of what happens in their Capitol and who exactly is making the decisions that impact their state.” 

 Yokley will lead and work alongside two other journalists in the Missouri Times’s Capitol office, as well as continuing to visit and report on political developments in Missouri’s small towns and cities — a passion of he developed while covering the 2012 campaign.  

 “Since I began covering politics, I have done so fairly and objectively,” Yokley said. “Real shoe-leather journalism is as important in 2013 as it was in 1913. With the team I’ve been asked to be a part of, I’m confident we can use it to be Missouri’s premier newspaper of politics and capital culture.” 

 In 2010, Yokley was lauded as one of the top state political bloggers by the Washington Post. Last year, Yokley was awarded “Best Political Blog” for PoliticMo by the Riverfront Times. And in December, Missouri Scout praised Yokley for his work covering 2012 and beyond.

 Yokley, who announced his departure from Missouri News Horizon effective at the end of business on Thursday, will officially join the paper on March 1.

Eli Yokley suspends PoliticMo, named managing editor of Missouri Times

Changes in political coverage of the state of Missouri continued this morning as Eli Yokley, the college student who has built a strong following with his PoliticMo operation, announced he was suspending it and joining the Missouri Times as its new editor.

Missouri Times, which started at the beginning of the year is fronted by former Speaker of the House Rod Jetton.

Yokley announced the decision this morning in an e-mail to the followers of his daily newsletter, which he said will continue but under a different banner:

Good morning, 

 For more than three years, you and others have been great supporters and even better friends as I’ve developed and expanded PoliticMo to be a real statewide force in the Missouri political news arena. Your phone calls, emails, and friendly handshakes when we finally met (beyond Twitter) have been humbling, and your friendship has been rewarding. 

 That is why I wanted you to be one of the first to know about a big opportunity I have decided to accept. Early this year, an emerging newspaper — The Missouri Times — launched in the Capitol with the vision of being the paper of Missouri politics and culture. About a month ago, I sat down with the paper’s publisher, and over the last few weeks, we have met repeatedly about a potential role for me in their operation.

 Last night, after a great deal of thought, I accepted their offer to take on the role of managing editor —  to help lead the paper through this important time in its development. After much consideration, advice from friends, and long discussions with the paper’s current leadership, I’m confident I will be given the freedom to independently lead this paper to the next level. 

 Because of this, I wanted you to know that PoliticMo.com will go on hold, for now. The morning email will continue to go out, though under different branding, and the work ethic and reporting style I’ve developed will continue, just sporting a new header. 

 I’m writing because I want your continued support as I begin this new chapter in my career. Your comments and concerns have always been valuable.  As I’ve said before, thanks for reading, tell your friends about the work we’re doing, and of course, continue to send your tips – I cannot get enough of those. 

 Thanks for all you do.

Yokley also serves as statehouse correspendent for the Joplin Globe.

Hearing for killer of Carthage couple may be delayed

An evidentiary hearing in convicted killer Darren Winans' ongoing attempt to have his sentence set aside and a trial ordered set for Wednesday before Jasper County Judge David Dally may not take place.

Online court documents indicate Dally rejected Winans' efforts to attend the hearing, but offered to delay the hearing if Winans' attorney wants to take a deposition from his client. The attorney, Karl Hinkebein, filed a motion for a continuance today.

Winans is attempting to have his sentence overturned even though he was the one who pleaded guilty to the brutal October 2008 murders of Bob and Ellen Sheldon, owners of the Old Cabin Shop in Carthage.

Winans, 24, pleaded guilty Feb. 28, 2011, to the crimes in a plea deal that kept him from facing the death penalty. His co-defendant, Matthew Laurin, Springfield, pleaded guilty earlier and then committed suicide in the Jasper County Jail.

Winans also received 20-year sentences on two armed criminal action charges and 15 year for burglary, with those sentences to run consecutively with the life sentences for killing the Sheldons.

The taxpayers are footing the bill for his appeal.

Lawyer for Springfield elementary teacher wants sex messages suppressed

The lawyer for Springfield elementary teacher Laura Fiedler, charged with promoting prostitution, has asked that text messages being used as part of the evidence against his client be suppressed.

Ms. Fiedler's arraignment, as well as all pending motions, are scheduled to be taken up during an April 15 hearing in Greene County Circuit Court.

From the Feb. 8, 2012, Springfield News-Leader:

Also charged is the woman who allegedly offered sexual services to an undercover officer in the sting. Kayla L. Yong is charged with misdemeanor prostitution. According to court documents, she also appears under the name Tasha Knox.
According to Yong, 24, of Springfield, both of the Fiedlers arranged clients for her. She said she gave nude massages and manually masturbated clients. She said she never had other sexual contact with clients, court documents said.
According to those documents, Yong charged the undercover officer $150 for her services. The Fiedlers generally kept $35 of the money, Yong told police.
Both of the Fiedlers told authorities they thought they were arranging meetings between employees hired to give massages and customers, according to the probable cause statements in the case.

The Fiedlers reportedly received text messages indicating the sex was taking place.

Mark Fiedler's trial is scheduled for March 18 in Greene County Circuit Court.

Prosecution on the prostitution charge against Ms. Yong has been deferred for two years, according to online court records, indicating she will be providing testimony against the Fiedlers.

Lawyer signs on for Sarcoxie School Board member facing child porn charges

Federal court records indicate that Daniel Whitworth of the Whitworth and McPherson firm of Joplin has signed on as attorney for Sarcoxie School Board member John Lewis, 67, who is charged with sexual exploitation of minors.

Lewis' arraignment is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, in U. S. District Court in Springfield. An affidavit filed Friday accuses Lewis of possessing child pornography and exposing himself to high school boys. The affidavit information can be found at this link.

Lewis is also a member of the Jasper County Republican Central Committee.

Arraignment set for Joplin woman on tornado disaster fraud charge

A March 6 arraignment has been scheduled in U. S. District Court in Springfield for Amy Cherie Feagan, 28, also known as Amy Lawrence, on charges of disaster fraud and making false statements to FEMA.

A federal grand jury indicted Ms. Feagan in December.

According to court records, Ms. Feagan applied for disaster assistance between June 3 and June 7, 2011, claiming she had lost her apartment during the Joplin Tornado, when she did not live at the address she told FEMA officials.

Kanakuk counselor may serve only four months for molesting boys

Taney County Circuit Court Judge Mark Orr sentenced Kanakuk counselor Lee Bradberry, 23, Auburn, Ala. to 10 years in prison today for sexual crimes involving underage boys, but Bradberry could be out in as little as four months.

Bradberry's sentence, included a 120-day callback or "shock time." At that time, the judge could place Bradberry on probation for the remainder of the 10 years.

Bradberry was sentenced to four years for sexual misconduct with a child under 14, seven years for statutory sodomy and two 10-year sentences for child molestation. All of the sentences are to run concurrently. The probable cause statement in Bradberry's case is shown below.

MODOT discourages travel north of Route 54 tonight

(From the Missouri Department of Transportation)

Travel is DISCOURAGED north of Route 54, including areas in Vernon, Bates, Henry, Benton, northern Cedar, St. Clair and Hickory counties, Monday night through Tuesday because of expected blizzard-like conditions. 

* Drivers also are urged to stay off roads in Kansas City/St. Joseph area and wide portions of central and northern Missouri because of heavy snow and high winds.

Weather Conditions: In southwest Missouri, rain is expected to change to snow beginning mid-afternoon Monday roughly north of Route 54. Significant snowfall amounts are expected in Vernon, northern Cedar, Bates, Henry, Benton, St. Clair and Hickory counties. 
During the overnight hours, counties south of Route 54 will see rain change to snow, although lesser accumulations are predicted south of a line from Joplin to Bolivar to Buffalo. 
The winter storm will impact wide areas of central and northern Missouri. 

Travel Conditions: Drivers are being discouraged traveling across much of Missouri north of Route 54 overnight and in the morning because of the potential for deep snow and winds reaching 30 mph. 
Less traffic and fewer stranded vehicles on the roads will make it safer and easier for snowplows to keep roads open and quicker to clear once the storm has ended.

Road Clearing: During the storm, MoDOT crews will focus their efforts on keeping major roads driveable. That includes roads like I-49, Route 54, Route 13, Route 7 and Route 65. As they can, crews will make a pass along lesser-traveled routes to keep at least one lane passable. When the storm moves out of the area, crews will focus efforts on clearing the heaviest traveled roads first and then the lesser traveled roads. 

Please be patient: This is shaping up to be a major winter storm. Drivers are asked to be patient. MoDOT crews will work to clear major and secondary roads as quickly as possible. 

Winter Weather Driving Tips: 
* Buckle up. 
* Adjust your speed to conditions. 
* Stay at least 100 feet behind a truck plowing/salting the road. 
* Keep your windshield and other windows clear to help you see. 
* Be alert for road conditions that may change as you drive. 
* Don't tailgate. 
* Focus on driving and avoid distractions. 
* Allow for extra travel time if you must travel. 

White House; Sequestration would cost Missouri $11.9 million in education funds

On Sunday, White House officials released information on how sequestrations would affect each state. Missouri's potential cuts can be found at this site.

Education cuts are as follows:

Missouri will lose approximately $11.9 million in funding for primary and secondary education, putting around 160 teacher and aide jobs at risk. In addition about 17,000 fewer students would be served and approximately 60 fewer schools would receive funding. In addition, Missouri will lose approximately $10.8 in funds for about 130 teachers, aides, and staff who help children with disabilities.

Defense cuts are listed below:

In Missouri, approximately 8,000 civilian Department of Defense employees would be furloughed, reducing gross pay by around $40.3 million in total. Army: Base operation funding would be cut by about $56 million in Missouri. Air Force:Funding for Air Force operations in Missouri would be cut by about $14 million.

Stacey Newman: Rep. Leara wants to send me to prison

In her latest report, Rep. Stacey Newman, D-St. Louis, addresses pending legislation, including Rep. Mike Leara's bill making the filing of any gun control legislation a felony.

JUST WHEN YOU THINK YOU'VE SEEN IT ALL....

 So far it's been about stopping eligible voters from voting.  

 Last week I wasn't sure of the theme in the Capitol but it grew more and more unusual each day.  

 Last Monday I was subject to legislation filed by Rep. Mike Leara (R-Sunset Hills) which would send me to prison just for filing for my universal firearm background check bill - yes, you read that correctly (see more below).   All activities in the Capitol were suspended Wednesday afternoon and Thursday as legislators/staff were sent home because of the impending snow storm.  

 Good thing.  

 CHILDREN AND FAMILIES AND THOSE WITH DISABILITIES COMMITTEE

 We heard testimony on three bills in an unprecedented committee hearing Tuesday that lasted for 4 1/2 hours following session (a committee hearing normally scheduled for 2 hours).  The length of the hearing was out of the ordinary and so were the bills:

 1) House Bill 402 - sponsored by Rep. Lindell Shumake (R- Hannibal)

    FAMILY INTERVENTION ORDERS   

    This would establish family intervention orders for the treatment of persons who abuse chemical substances.   The main witness providing testimony was David Usher of the Center for Marriage Policies who wrote the bill based on his own research.  He provided many statistics (but no sources) that included 3/4 of domestic violence cases involve substance abuse and that the highest rate of divorce involves couples who unequally abuse substances.  

When asked by the committee if his overall goal was encouraging drug abuse treatment or preservation of marriage, his answers were unclear.

Also testifying were Samantha Caraway, a Miss Missouri contestant who presented her pageant platform;  Kerry Messer with Missouri Family Network/Americans United for Life and a mother whose daughter is in an abusive marriage.

 2) House Bill 513 - sponsored by Rep. Kurt Bahr (R - O'Fallon)

    PROTECTION OF PARENTAL RIGHTS

Rep. Bahr (vice-chair of this committee) presented this in 2012 as a Parental Rights Amendment to the U. S. Constitution.  The bill specifies that the liberty of a parent to direct the upbringing , education and care of his/her child as a fundamental right to which the state would be prohibited from infringing upon and would apply to all laws. Rep. Bahr testified that a state statute is badly needed since the U. S. Supreme Court has restricted parental rights.

 A mother testified that she is concerned what might occur if this is not law.

 3) House Bill 343 - sponsored by Rep. Casey Guernsey (R-Bethany)

 PUBLIC ASSISTANCE BENEFITS

 Rep. Guernsey testified he drafted this on behalf of several constituents who believed there was fraud with the federal temporary assistance for needy families program (TANF).  He had no statistics or data but insisted this reform would save taxpayers funds.

The fiscal review of HB343 included a loss of over $6 billion in federal funds to Missouri and the requirement of 34 new fulltime positions which must be state funded.

 Rep. Guernsey testified that citizens on this regulated program were somehow taking advantage of the government.

 REP. LEARA WANTS TO SEND ME TO PRISON

 He filed HB633 last Monday which reads:

    "Any member of the general assembly who proposes a piece of legislation that further restricts the right of an individual to bear arms, as set forth under the second amendment of the Constitution of the united States, shall be guilty of a class D felony."

 Because last month I introduced HB187, Universal Background Checks for Firearms (closing the gun show and internet loophole for unlicensed dealers), I would be subject to indictment.

 Rep. Leara stated publicly this week, "“I filed HB 633 as a matter of principle and as a statement in defense of the Second Amendment rights of all Missourians". He said, “ I want it to be clear that the Missouri House will stand in defense of the people’s Constitutional right to keep and bear arms.”

 Seriously.  

 Instead of common sense legislative solutions to prevent further gun violence tragedies, such as the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, Rep. Leara wants to "make statements" and headlines.  

Winter weather advisory issued for Joplin area

(From the National Weather Service)

WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 6 PM THIS EVENING TO NOON CST TUESDAY...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN SPRINGFIELD HAS ISSUED A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SNOW AND BLOWING SNOW... WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 6 PM THIS EVENING TO NOON CST TUESDAY.

* TIMING AND AREAS AFFECTED... AREAS NORTHWEST OF A CRANE TO VICHY MISSOURI LINE THIS EVENING THROUGH MID DAY TUESDAY.

* SNOW ACCUMULATIONS... SNOWFALL AMOUNTS OF 1 TO 5 INCHES ARE EXPECTED. THE HIGHER SNOWFALL ACCUMULATIONS WILL OCCUR ALONG AND NORTH OF A JOPLIN TO IBERIA MISSOURI LINE. A TIGHT GRADIENT IN SNOWFALL IS EXPECTED WITH THIS STORM... AND AMOUNTS COULD VARY BY SEVERAL INCHES ACROSS JUST A SINGLE COUNTY.

* WINDS AND VISIBILITY... ALONG WITH THE SNOWFALL AMOUNTS... NORTHEAST TO NORTH WINDS WILL GUST IN EXCESS OF 30 MPH AT TIMES. THIS WILL RESULT IN BLOWING AND DRIFTING OF SNOWFALL... ESPECIALLY ACROSS EAST TO WEST ROADWAYS. BLOWING SNOW WILL ALSO FURTHER REDUCE VISIBILITY.

* IMPACTS... MODERATE SNOWFALL THIS EVENING THROUGH TUESDAY MORNING WILL LIKELY RESULT IN HAZARDOUS TRAVEL CONDITIONS ACROSS THE AREA INCLUDING DURING THE TUESDAY MORNING COMMUTE.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SNOW AND BLOWING SNOW MEANS THAT VISIBILITIES WILL BE LIMITED DUE TO A COMBINATION OF FALLING AND BLOWING SNOW. USE CAUTION WHEN TRAVELING... ESPECIALLY IN OPEN AREAS.

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... STRONG STORM SYSTEM TO BRING SIGNIFICANT SNOWFALL TO PORTIONS OF SOUTHEASTERN KANSAS AND CENTRAL MISSOURI...

.A STRONG STORM SYSTEM WILL MOVE EAST FROM THE SOUTHERN PLAINS TODAY AND TONIGHT. RAIN OR A MIX OF RAIN AND SNOW WILL OVERSPREAD THE REGION DURING THE DAY TODAY... BEFORE PRECIPITATION BEGINS TO CHANGE OVER TO ALL SNOW THIS EVENING THROUGH TUESDAY MORNING. AN AXIS OF HEAVY SNOW IS LIKELY WITH THIS SYSTEM... AND CURRENT INDICATIONS ARE THAT THIS SWATH OF SNOW WILL CLIP AREAS ALONG AND NORTH OF A LINE FROM COLUMBUS KANSAS TO VERSAILLES MISSOURI. SOUTH OF THIS LINE SNOWFALL AMOUNTS OF ONE TO FIVE INCHES CAN BE EXPECTED ALONG AND NORTH OF CRANE TO VICHY MISSOURI LINE. A TIGHT GRADIENT TO THE SNOWFALL IS EXPECTED WITH THIS STORM. THEREFORE... SMALL CHANGES IN THE TRACK OF THIS SYSTEM COULD RESULT IN CONSIDERABLE CHANGES TO FORECAST SNOWFALL AMOUNTS.

THE HEAVIEST SNOW IS EXPECTED TO FALL FROM MONDAY EVENING THROUGH EARLY TUESDAY MORNING. DURING THIS TIME... HEAVY SNOWFALL RATES IN EXCESS OF AN INCH PER HOUR WILL BE POSSIBLE IN SOME LOCATIONS. IN ADDITION... GUSTY NORTHEAST TO NORTH WINDS WILL RESULT IN CONSIDERABLE BLOWING AND DRIFTING OF SNOWFALL.

Gun rights supporters rally in Joplin

In this video, you can hear such quotes as "I'm entitled to my AR-15 by the Constitution," and a comparison between gun rights supporters and Rosa Parks. The rally was held Saturday in Joplin.

KOAM TV 7 Joplin and Pittsburg

KCPT discusses Leara bill to make filing gun control bills a felony

Gatschenberger: My last three paragraphs are word for word like Tim Jones' report

In his latest report, Rep. Chuck Gatschenberger, R-Lake St. Louis, promises no gun control legislation will pass in the Missouri House.

I’ve received a multitude of emails, calls, and letters the past week from constituents who are greatly concerned about a bill filed by Rep. Rory Ellinger (D-86).  Rep. Ellinger, along with three other St. Louis representatives, filed House Bill 545.  I respect Rep. Ellinger, and I know he believes he is doing the right thing by introducing this bill.  But I cannot agree.

 HB 545 is a direct attack on the second amendment that would make many law-abiding gun owners felons.  The bill seeks to ban the possession, sale, transfer or manufacturing of certain semi-automatic rifles and magazines that are capable of holding more than ten rounds. It contains no grandfather clause, which means if you currently own any of the semi-automatic rifles and magazines outlined in this bill, you will have 90 days from the effective date of the legislation to surrender, destroy, or remove these currently lawful items from Missouri. If you fail to do so, you could be charged with a Class C felony.

 The Second Amendment to the United State Constitution reads:

“A well-regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.”

 Here in Missouri, the Republican-led legislature is dedicated to upholding and protecting the fundamental rights of our citizens as outlined in the Constitution. Legislation that is clearly an infringement on our Constitution must not be allowed to become law, and with the current makeup of the General Assembly, it will not be allowed to become law.

 One piece of legislation being proposed in the House to protect the rights of Missourians is HB 170 called the "Firearm Protection Act," sponsored by Rep. Casey Guernsey (R-2). This legislation is designed to shield our citizens from President Obama's gun control mandates, executive orders and proposed legislation that would limit our fundamental Second Amendment rights. The Firearm Protection Act specifies that no official shall enforce a federal firearm law when the firearm is manufactured and remains in the state and that any new federal law banning or restricting ownership of a semi-automatic firearm is unenforceable. In addition the legislation would make any attempt to curb a Missourian’s Second Amendment rights a class D felony and directs the Attorney General of the State of Missouri to defend Missouri citizen's rights to keep and bear arms.

Missouri legislators believe it is their fundamental responsibility to defend and protect Missourians’ basic constitutional rights framed in both the US and Missouri Constitutions.

(You can see that not only are the last three paragraphs of Rep. Gatschenberger's report the same as that of Speaker of the House Tim Jones, but so are some of the earlier paragraphs.)

Tim Jones: Gun control bills deserve a swift and public execution

In his latest report, Speaker of the House Tim Jones, R-Eureka, tells about all of the wonderful things he and his fellow Republican legislators are doing to protect our Second Amendment rights from those in the federal government and in the General Assembly who would take them away.

The Second Amendment to the United State Constitution states:

“A well-regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.”

You have probably heard a lot of talk in the past few months, especially this past week, about all the different tactics being proposed by Democrats in D.C., and now Missouri, that not only violate, but actually eradicate, our second amendment rights.

One of the most appalling attacks, HB 545, came late last week from Rep. Rory Ellinger (D-86). House Bill 545 is one of the most preposterous anti-gun bills filed this year as it would turn many law-abiding gun owners into felons. This infringement would ban the possession, sale, transfer or manufacturing of certain semi-automatic rifles and magazines that are capable of holding more than ten rounds. It contains no grandfather clause, which means if you are currently in possession of the semi-automatic rifles and magazines outlined in this bill, you will have 90 days from the effective date of this legislation to surrender, destroy or remove these currently lawful items from Missouri. If you fail to do so, you could be charged with a Class C felony.

Here in Missouri, the Republican led legislature is dedicated to upholding and protecting the fundamental rights of our citizens as outlined in the Constitution. Legislation that is clearly an infringement on our Constitution deserves nothing but a swift and public execution.

 One piece of legislation being proposed in the House to protect the rights of Missourians is HB 170 called the "Firearm Protection Act", sponsored by Rep. Casey Guernsey (R-2). This legislation is designed to shield our citizens from President Obama's gun control mandates, executive orders and proposed legislation that would limit our fundamental Second Amendment rights. The Firearm Protection Act specifies that no official shall enforce a federal firearm law when the firearm is manufactured and remains in the state and that any new federal law banning or restricting ownership of a semi-automatic firearm is unenforceable. In addition the legislation would make any attempt to curb a Missourian’s Second Amendment rights a class D felony and directs the Attorney General of the State of Missouri to defend Missouri citizen's rights to keep and bear arms.

 Missouri legislators believe it is their fundamental responsibility to defend and protect Missourians’ basic constitutional rights framed in both the US and Missouri Constitutions.

Rep. Leara to discuss bill to make filing gun control bills a felony

Rep. Mike Leara, R-St. Louis, will be on the Eric Farris Show on 106.3 KRZK in Branson, sometime between 12 noon and 3 p.m. Sunday.

Leara is the representative who filed a bill which would make it a felony to file gun control legislation in Missouri.

Other guests scheduled include former representative and secretary of state candidate Shane Schoeller, R-Willard, who will talk abaout voter ID legislation, and Rep. Don Phillips, R-Kimberling City, who will talk about right-to-work legislation, Medicaid, and other items on tap in Jefferson City.

Accumulating snow possible Monday into Tuesday

(From the National Weather Service)

ACCUMULATING SNOWS POSSIBLE MONDAY INTO TUESDAY...

A STRONG STORM SYSTEM IS EXPECTED TO DEVELOP IN THE SOUTHERN
PLAINS...AND MOVE NORTHEAST TOWARD THE OZARKS OVER THE NEXT FEW DAYS.
WIDESPREAD PRECIPITATION IS EXPECTED WITH THIS SYSTEM...INCLUDING
THE POTENTIAL FOR AN AXIS OF MODERATE TO HEAVY SNOWFALL. AT THIS
TIME...IT APPEARS THAT SIGNIFICANT SNOW ACCUMULATIONS COULD OCCUR
ACROSS PORTIONS OF CENTRAL AND WEST CENTRAL MISSOURI...SOMEWHERE
BETWEEN THE U.S. 54 AND INTERSTATE 70 CORRIDORS. FORECAST
TEMPERATURE PROFILES IN THE ATMOSPHERE ARE SUCH THAT A SHARP
GRADIENT OF SNOWFALL IS EXPECTED...THEREFORE...SMALL CHANGES IN THE
FORECAST TRACK OF THIS SYSTEM WILL MAKE A SIGNIFICANT DIFFERENCE IN
FINAL SNOW ACCUMULATIONS.

WHILE THE AREA OF HEAVIEST SNOW IS EXPECTED TO FALL OVER CENTRAL
MISSOURI...ADDITIONAL SNOW ACCUMULATIONS ARE EXPECTED OVER PORTIONS
OF THE REGION FURTHER SOUTH...INCLUDING THE INTERSTATE 44 AND U.S.
HIGHWAY 60 CORRIDORS DURING THE DAY TUESDAY. WHILE THIS SNOWFALL IS
NOT EXPECTED TO BE HEAVY...ACCUMULATIONS MAY BE HIGH ENOUGH TO CAUSE
TRAVEL IMPACTS.

AGAIN...JUST A SMALL CHANGE IN THE FORECAST TRACK OF THIS
SYSTEM...LESS THAN 50 MILES IN SOME CASES...MAY CAUSE SIGNIFICANT
SHIFTS IN THE SNOWFALL FORECAST. INDIVIDUALS ACROSS THE REGION ARE
ENCOURAGED TO REMAIN UP TO DATE WITH THE LATEST FORECAST
INFORMATION...AND CHECK BACK OFTEN TO NOAA WEATHER RADIO...LOCAL
MEDIA...AND THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE FOR FUTURE
WATCHES...WARNINGS...OR ADVISORIES.

Rep. Sommer promises bill to expand conceal/carry rights

In her latest report, Rep. Chrissy Sommer, R-St. Charles,  says she will fight to protect your right to hold on to your assault weapons, adding that she plans to introduce a bill this week to increase conceal/carry rights. 

The Second Amendment to the United State Constitution states: “A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.” 

Here in Missouri, the Republican led legislature is dedicated to upholding and protecting the fundamental rights of our citizens as outlined in the Constitution. Legislation that is clearly an infringement on our Constitution deserves nothing but a swift and public execution. 

There have been several pieces of legislation filed in the House to protect the rights of Missourians. One of those is my HB 162 called the "Firearm Freedom Act”. This legislation is designed to push back against attempts by the White House to tighten the nation’s gun control laws. 

HB 162 would specify that a personal firearm, firearm accessory, or ammunition that is manufactured commercially or privately in the State of Missouri and that remains within the borders of the state is not subject to federal law or regulation under the authority of Congress to regulate interstate commerce. The bill also would require any firearm manufactured or sold in the state to have the words "Made in Missouri" clearly stamped on a central metallic part of the firearm. 

This piece of legislation, while titled the Missouri Firearms Freedom Act, is about more than just the Second Amendment. This is about our rights as established by the United States Constitution under the Tenth Amendment. I was very pleased to stand up today for Liberty and our state sovereignty under the United States Constitution. 

The legislation now awaits a vote by the House General Laws Committee before moving forward in the legislative process. 

But we cannot just presume that those who want to take aware your rights are just sitting by patiently. Actually you have probably heard a lot of talk in the past few months, especially this past week, about all the different tactics being proposed by Democrats in D.C. and now Missouri that not only violate but eradicate our second amendment rights.

One of those attacks, HB 545, came late last week from Rep. Rory Ellinger (D-86). House Bill 545 is one of the most preposterous anti-gun bills filed this year as it would turn many law-abiding gun owners into felons.

This infringement would ban the possession, sale, transfer or manufacturing of certain semi-automatic rifles and magazines that are capable of holding more than ten rounds. It contains no grandfather clause, which means if you are currently in possession of the semi-automatic rifles and magazines outlined in this bill, you will have 90 days from the effective date of this legislation to surrender, destroy or remove these currently lawful items from Missouri. If you fail to do so, you could be charged with a Class C felony. 

I can tell you that I as well as many of your Missouri legislators believe it is their fundamental responsibility to defend and protect Missourians’ basic constitutional rights framed in both the US and Missouri Constitutions. I have been working months on legislation to expand your rights to conceal and carry and plan on filing this bill sometime this upcoming week.