Febraury 6, 2009

The General Assembly has settled into a “work” routine this week. The Senate debated gubernatorial appointments.

Senators Lager and Rupp stalled Linda Martinez appointment as Director of Economic Development. They perceive conflicts and have asked for her client list on immigration policy. She is a partner with a major law firm Bryan, Cave LLC out of St. Louis.

Senate Leadership wants her confirmation and it will eventually occur.

The House spent the week on a major state economic development package HB 191.

The freshman Democratic Representatives caused a major disruption after several of their members were not recognized for amendments. A few members charged the speakers dais and had to be restrained. The bill was given final approval.

All this occurred despite Governor Nixon’s strong support of the package.

Developments this week include:

Blunt To Chair GOP Health Care Task Force
Rep. Roy Blunt, R-Mo., has been appointed to chair a Republican task force charged with crafting solutions to increase access to quality, affordable health care. The task force also will be responsible for “highlighting the consequences that a government-run health care system would have for American families.”

Youth Smoking
Senator Wilson’s legislation filed for several years was heard again on Tuesday. SB 61 creates the "Youth Smoking Prevention Trust Fund," which shall be funded by moneys received under the Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement. The Commission for Youth Smoking Prevention is established in the Department of Health and Senior Services. The Commission shall fund youth smoking prevention programs modeled after evidence-based programs proven to reduce youth smoking.

This act is similar to SCS/SB 109 (2007) and SB 843 (2008).

Health Workforce
The Senate heard SB 147 on Tuesday. The legislation requires the Department of Health and Senior Services to develop the Missouri Healthy Workplace Recognition Program for the purpose of granting official state recognition to employers with more than fifty employees for excellence in promoting health, wellness, and prevention. The criteria for awarding such recognition shall include at a minimum whether the employer offers workplace wellness programs, incentives for healthier lifestyles, opportunities for active community involvement and exercise, and encouragement of well visits with health care providers. This program has a six-year sunset clause.

This act is substantially similar to a provision in SS/SCS/SB 1283 (2008).

Next Week
Next week the Senate and House will focus on committee hearings from early in the day until late in the evening.

[top of page]