Congressman Billy Long Issues Video Press Release Welcoming Southwest to Southern Missouri

US Congressman Billy Long issued a video press release in celebration of Branson Airport's acquisition of Southwest Airlines as a carrier.

Missouri Senator Kit Bond (Photo)

From Missouri Lincoln Days

Missouri Lincoln Days Photo by Darin Codon

Matt Blunt signs Clean Water Legislation in Branson

Missouri Governor Matt Blunt signed clean water legislation in Branson yesterday. (Click to See Official Press Release)

Photo: Governor Matt Blunt in Branson Convention Center. Photo by Darin Codon

Missouri Capitol Moves To Branson Missouri Thursday

Branson Missouri will be Missouri's Capitol for a day Thurday, May 22nd.
Governor Matt Blunt will hold a press conference and meet with citizens from 1:00 to 2:30 at Branson City Hall.
From 1:30 to 2:30 Missouri Department Directors will be available for citizen inquiry.

Matt Blunt on 2008 Missouri Legislative Session (Video)

Governor Matt Blunt delivered this address on YouTube shortly after the legislative session ended.
Missouri Democrats took advantage of the media coverage during the last days of the session issuing a straight F Report Card dispatch the moment the Missouri Legislative session ended Friday.

Missouri Legislature - Final Hours

Missouri's 2008 legislative session moved from months of stalemate to movement in the final hours.

Local Missouri Rep. Dennis broke down in tears as he described the final hours of the Missouri House to a local television station. "It was awful, 6 people holding up the democratic process but in the end the people won" creaked wood referring to the infamous village law which was pushed into action during the special economic development session last year.

The AP summed up Missouri's legislative session and the final hours yesterday. The article is posted on Branson Agent.

We tuned in live to the broadcast which was humorous, eventful and deserving of more in-depth analysis - which we hope to deliver as Branson Missouri moves into the political spotlight hosting the Republican Convention in days.....

Missouri Official News - Government Offices Reporting Roundup Week 1 2008

Missouri Attorney General's Office  - Additions to Web Page illustrate commitment to open government.

Missouri Governor Matt Blunt's Office – Plan to expand opportunities for Missouri Families working to overcome autism

Missouri Governor Matt Blunt's Office – Funding Increase to Support Health Care for low income Missourians

Missouri Governor Matt Blunt's Office – Plan to further Promote Alternative Fuel

Missouri Governor Matt Blunt's Office – FY 2008 Scholarship increase is benefiting more than 37,000 Missouri Students.

Missouri Governor Matt Blunt's Office – Principles to Improve Local Property Tax Laws

Missouri Governor Matt Blunt's Office – State Employee Salaries added to Missouri Accountability Portal

Missouri Attorney General Jay Nixon's Office - $9.2 million in consumer restitution recovered in 2007 through mediation

Missouri Attorney General Jay Nixon's Office - Financial fraud, credit and debt issues top list of consumer complaints to Attorney General's Office in 2007

Missouri Governor Matt Blunt's Office – Largest Funding Allocation in 15 Years to First Time Buyers

Missouri Governor Matt Blunt's Office – Blunt lauds Missouri's Emergency Management Agency National Accredidation

Missouri Governor Matt Blunt's Office - Gov. Blunt Announces Funding to Ensure Clean and Safe Water for Drinking and Recreation

Missouri Governor Matt Blunt's Office - Gov. Blunt Announces Plan to Increase Access to Mo HealthNet Services

Missouri Attorney General Jay Nixon – Action to Stop Pollution on Table Rock Lake

Missouri Attorney General Jay Nixon - Nixon recovers $780,722 from Missouri inmates for the cost of their care in 2007; five-year total tops $3.6 million

Missouri Official News - Government Offices Dec 17, 2007

Courtesy Branson Agent
Missouri Governor's Office - Blunt's Higher Education Initiative Distributes additional 1.8 million to benefit Missouri Students
Missouri Governor's Office - Governor seeks expedited extradition for suspected murderer Timothy Krajcir
Missouri Department of Natural Resources - Suggests giving Missouri Department of Natural Resources gift certificates as Christmas gift
Missouri Department of Natural Resources - 2007 Achievements
Missouri Attorney General's Office - Nixon convicts Lake-area developer who employed illegal immigrants violator pays $980,000 in fines
Missouri Governor's Office - Blunt announces $2.5 million tax credit for renovattion of Antioch Mall in Kansas City
Missouri Governor's Office - Blunt Announces $1 million for MSU-UMR Engineering Program
Missouri Governor's Office - Blunt Outlines Immigration Plan


Missouri Department of Economic Development - HUME $500,000 Community Block Development Grant

Missouri Official News - Government Offices Reporting Roundup

Missouri Governor's Office – Blunt Calls for Death Penalty for Violent Sexual Predators

Missouri Attorney General's Office – Nixon busts Star Reservation Vacation Club 

Missouri Governor's Office – Blunt's appointment to Missouri Western District Court of Appeals

Missouri Governor's Office – Blunt announces one million dollar grant to Missouri Firefighters 

Missouri Attorney General's Office – Nixon wins judgement $122k in damages from Credit Repair Company

Missouri Governor's Office – First Lady Melanie Blunt seeking candidates for Inaugural First Lady awards to honor Missouri Women 

Missouri Office of Administration – Governor's Council on Disability Announces Inclusion Award Winners

Missouri Department of Transportation – Missouri Cracks Down on Drinking and Driving 

Missouri Secretary of State – Carnahan states Jesse James history being preserved

Missouri Governor's Office – Blunt says tax credit will bring 180 new jobs to Kansas City 

Missouri Department of Corrections - Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony Friday for Hannibal Community Supervision Center

Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education – Four Missouri High School Students Selected as delegates in the U.S. Senate Youth Program 

Missouri Department of Transportation – MoDot says look at website for ice damage and road conditions 

Missouri Office of Administration – Governor Council on Disability Sponsors Annual Poster and Journalism contest.

Missouri Department of Natural Resources – Air Commission considering odor recommendations 

Missouri Department of Natural Resources – Advice on keeping drinking water safe

Missouri Department of Natural Resources – Diesel cleanup in Ripley County 

Missouri Department of Natural Resources – DNR encourages newspapers to meet recycled content goal for 2008

Missouri Governor's Office – Blunt asks all Missourians to nominate candidates for "Above and Beyond Citizen Honors Award" 

Missouri Governor's Office -  Blunt tours area shelters, pledges assistance to storm battered communities

Missouri Governor's Office – Blunt announces mobilization of National Guard (Dec. 11) 

Missouri Attorney General's Office – Jeff Merrell and Jay Nixon nail disbarred attorney

Missouri Attorney General's Office – Godstock promoters restraining order continued 

Missouri Governor's Office – National Guard sent to Columbia in anticipation of severe storm

Missouri Department of Social Services – Shelters open across state to assist those without power 

Missouri Department of Transportation – Traffic signals without power should be treated like four-way stops

Missouri Attorney General's Office – Nixon says scam targets Kansas City credit union customers 

Missouri Attorney General's Office – Nixon announces 15,000 settlement with Marketlinkx over no-call violations

Missouri Department of Social Services – Shortage of Missouri parents for orphaned children 

Missouri Governor's Office – Blunt announces statewide hotline for Winter Storm Shelter Locations

Missouri Governor's Office – Blunt asks for tax credits to beef up cattle industry 

Missouri Governor's Office – Show me solutions highlights Kids Harbor shelter

Missouri Governor's Office -  Blunt meets with Fraternal Order of Police (Backdated) 

Missouri Department of Social Services – Missouri lung cancer rates high despite national decline (Backdated)

Missouri Department of Agriculture – Missouri Wine Industry packs a powerful economic punch 

Missouri Attorney General's Office – Nixon helps in KC groundbreaking ceremony for revitalization of Black Archives

Missouri Attorney General's Office – Nixon to brief US Supreme Court on Second Amendment rights 

Missouri Governor's Office -  Blunt concerned inaction in Washington could slow tax-returns

Missouri Governor's Office – Blunt announces Nurses Dispatched to storm devastated areas 

Missouri Governor's Office -  Blunt announces education package to prepare Missouri students for 21^st Century careers

Missouri Governor Calls For Death Penalty for Violent Sexual Predators

Governor Matt Blunt issued a press release today regarding proposed legislation to apply the death penalty to "forcible rape and forcible sodomy when the victim is less than 12 years old.

*****Commentary******
I disagree with Governor Matt Blunt's position but offer an alternative solution. Prisoners convicted of such crimes should be given the opportunity to drink hemlock - they should have the right to kill themselves.
Associate Circuit Judge Tony Williams stated in open court last week that child molesters and wife beaters were two classes of people who create the greatest challenge to "correctional institutions".
Recently, I had a chance to speak with guards for a Taney County prisoner by the name of Ronald Darling. He was recently convicted of sodomy with an infant. Daring is on suicide watch while in the custody of the Taney County Sheriffs department. The expense of guarding him around the clock means other prisoners have less attention dedicated to their needs - including medical services. Darling was given a 20 year sentence after a successful prosecution by Jeff Merrill, the Taney County Prosecutor's office.
Though Darling has been convicted he hasn't fully taken responsibility for his actions. He stated to a guard that he was a victim of abuse as a child.
Because of his crime against children, Darling isn't safe in the presence of other inmates. Given the opportunity they might take his life. Due to this fact his entire sentence will be served in protective custody - an extra expense to save his own life.
Many prisoners are fathers and some are victims of sexual abuse themselves. It's not uncommon for sexual abusers of children to serve lighter sentences than drug crimes. As a result harming such an inmate is a badge of honor, perhaps a way to reconcile their own past and insurance that such people will never be able to walk the streets again. Criminals views are often harder on crime than the legislatures who dictate how criminals should be punished.

Nixon reaches agreement with Branson travel agency over No Call violations; Vacations4U to pay $15,000 penalty

(Missouri Attorney General's Office Press Release)
St. Louis, Mo. — A Branson travel agency that placed telemarketing calls to Missourians on the state No Call list will pay a penalty of $15,000 and cease violating the No Call law under an agreement with Attorney General Jay Nixon. Nixon’s assurance of voluntary compliance with Vacations4U, which also does business under the name Worldwide Vacations, and its owner Dennis Dodd, was filed on Thursday (Dec. 6) in St. Louis City Circuit Court. Many of the complaints from consumers came from St. Louis.

Nixon filed a lawsuit against the defendants after his office received numerous complaints from consumers registered on the state No Call list who were contacted by Vacations4U. The defendants attempted to persuade consumers to purchase tickets to shows or vacation packages to Branson in the calls, Nixon said.

According to the agreement, Vacations4U will pay a penalty of $15,000 and stop violating the state No Call law. In addition, the defendants will be required to pay a civil penalty of up to $2,000 per violation if they violate any of the terms of the agreement, and a penalty of $5,000 per violation for any future violation of state consumer protection laws.

Missouri Official Office Releases

The following links are to articles generated by official government sources and posted on Branson Agent.

Liberty Missouri named capital for a day - Matt Blunt

Blunt Calls for 15 million for UMKC Pharmacy and Nursing Building - Matt Blunt
This was an interesting move. Branson native Senator Jolie Justus was punished during the 2007 legislative session for an attempted filibuster of the Republican proposal to overhaul MOHELA by selling student loans to private companies. Justus protested the Senate's move to force a vote on her blog in a post called "Free and Fair Discussion". Justus popped back firing a couple shots of her own during Senator Jack Goodman's "Castle Doctrine Bill." The money from selling the loans was allocated towards capital improvements at Missouri's Universities. Justus was punished by Missouri Republicans who stripped UMKC from benefiting from the move.

Two St. Louis Travel Companies Indicted - Jay Nixon

Taney and Stone County water systems among those identified as failing to comply with state standards - Missouri Department of Natural Resources

Blunt approves over $56 million for water quality improvement - Missouri Department of Natural Resources

Director of Agriculture Discusses the Importance of Agritourism with Missouri Producers - Missouri Department of Agriculture


Nixon requests Public Counsel to immediately seek recusal of PSC Chairman in Aquila merger case - Jay Nixon

Winter Gas Prices to Rise Missouri Department of Natural Resources -

Missouri's Department of Natural Resources forecasts higher gas prices this winter.

Natural gas users can expect to spend an average of $78 more on winter heating, while propane users could be looking at a $221 average jump

Full Press Release

Governor Blunt Announces First Round MOHELA funds released

It was the pinnacle of partisan politics during the 2007 legislative session. Governor Blunt announced the first round of funding from the privatization effort called the Lewis and Clark initiative which sells student loans and provides money for educational institutions. Here's where the first round went.

* Harris Stowe State University Children and Parent Education Center, $26,972
* Missouri State University, $22,273
* Northwest Missouri State University Plant Biologics Center, $6,998,855
* Southeast Missouri State University River Campus, $16,540,000
* Truman State University Pershing Building, $6,250
* University of Missouri-Rolla Engineering Building, $3,304,673
* St. Charles and East Central Community Colleges, $4,000,000
* Department of Economic Development Missouri Technology Corporation, $8,512,500

The governor did a good job of spinning the dismal report issued by the state auditor last week in a press release issued today.

Joint Custody - Missouri Ranks #1 in Midwest Marijuana Production

 

This here be outlaw country. Rural Missouri history is rich with stories about our outlaw past. The story delivered earlier this week from the Highway Patrol - Grow It. Harvest It. Get Arrested - The message was delivered through MissouriNet:

It's fall....It's been dry....Corn and bean fields have turned
brown.....making it easier to find Missouri's top cash crop....

And the Highway Patrol is busy arresting those who harvest it.

More people have been arrested in Missouri for growing marijuana than
have been arrested in any other Midwestern state. The Patrol's state
coordinator for marijuana eradication, Captain Ron Walker, says
Missouri, the nation's acknowledged meth capital, is likely the
marijuana capital of the Midwest. He says there are a variety of
reasons---Missouri is a crossroads; it has good soil for growing the
crop. It also has recorded more arrests by far than any nearby state.

But he says Missouri does not compare with the west coast states.

Walker says pressure from law enforcement and economic opportunities
are driving more marijuana operators indoors. Competitive pressures
also are creating a more dangerous climate. Walker says officers have
seized 163 firearms in making arrests this year--more than usual.

-------------
The message delivered after the invasion of Afghanistan was "Drugs Support Terrorism." Do you think the government should have a double standard for domestic and foriegn marijuana possession?

Holden Mayor Nepotist - Attorney General wants him axed

Missouri Attorney General Jay Nixon issued a press release today accusing the Mayor of Holden of practicing nepotism:

Warrensburg, Mo. — Attorney General Jay Nixon has filed a petition in Johnson County Circuit Court seeking the ouster of Holden mayor Michael Wakeman on the grounds that he violated the nepotism provision of the Missouri Constitution by appointing his brother-in-law as fire chief. Wakeman was elected to a four-year term as mayor of Holden in April 2006 and appointed Larry Miller, his brother-in-law, as fire chief that same month.

On July 17, 2007, the Attorney General’s Office sent a letter to Wakeman informing him that the appointment violated the nepotism provision of Article VII, Section 6 of the Missouri Constitution

More...

MOHELA Audit complete concludes oversight needed

Susan Montee reported results today in regards to the Missouri Higher Education Loan Authority (MOHELA) audit. Results weren't good. Montee cited a number of areas of concern including unusually large sums of money for former employees, "2.3 million in severance benefits to four former executives who either resigned or whose employment was terminated in recent years" Montee wrote:

More than $46,000 was expended on the annual MOHELA Board retreats. Two of these annual retreats (in November 2004 and 2005) were held at a luxury resort south of Branson. The cost of the November 2004 retreat totaled at least $12,334, and included $6,605 in room charges (guest room charges ranged from $319 to $409 per night), $4,421 in catering charges, and $1,308 in other charges. More than $1,500 was spent related to alcoholic beverages. The cost of the November 2005 retreat totaled at least $16,596, and included $11,685 in room charges, $3,871 in catering charges, and $1,040 in room service and other charges. The November 2006 annual retreat was held in St. Louis and at least $17,398 in costs were incurred related to this retreat, including $3,403 in meeting room and lodging costs, $8,120 in catering charges (including over $1,200 for alcoholic beverages), and $5,875 in meal and entertainment expenses at a local dinner theatre.

The activities predate Governor Matt Blunt's Lewis and Clark Discovery Initiative, which liquidates $350 million in asset to fund capital improvement projects at Missouri's colleges and universities. The issue was the focal point of Missouri Republican legislative efforts during the 2007 session.

Passage was a priority for Republicans who broke rank with Senate tradition to stop Senate Democrats from continuing an extended filibuster during the 2007 session. Kansas City was punished specifically after Senator Jolie Justus ignored warnings the Republicans were willing to use the "nuclear option" to stop debate and force a vote to the floor.

In response to Montee's findings, Blunt said,

"The audit included a number of valuable findings, including notable problems with pension plans for MOHELA employees that may not be in compliance with standard practice or applicable law, which is a concern I outlined in letters to Auditor Montee in January and August.

"The audit findings confirm our concern that MOHELA has not been run as effectively as possible, and so has not reached its full potential to operate in an efficient and responsible way to best fill a very important need for Missouri students.

"I was disappointed the audit did not, as I had requested, include the last ten years of operations, despite the fact that some of the issues addressed in the audit are longstanding ones, and that the audit did not include interviews with previous executives involved with MOHELA's operations.

"My office will continue to examine the findings of the audit and remains fully committed to enhancing accountability and transparency in state government to better serve Missouri students and all Missourians."

Bioethics and the Clone Me State

Stem Cells continue to be an issue affecting our state's highest legislative body. Secretary of State Robin Carnahan presented language today modify Missouri's Constitution to limit stem cell research....

Section 38(e) 1. It shall be unlawful to clone or attempt to clone a human being as that term is defined in subsection 2 of this section. Researchers may conduct stem cell research to discover cures for disease and develop stem cell therapies and cures, provided that the research complies with the limitations of this section and the limitations of Section 38(d). The prohibitions of this section shall be in addition to the prohibitions of Section 38(d).

2. For all purposes within this article, “Clone or attempt to clone a human being” means create or attempt to create a human embryo at any stage, which shall include the one-cell stage onward, by any means other than fertilization of a human egg by a human sperm.

3. No taxpayer dollars shall be expended: (1) to clone or attempt to clone a human being; or (2) to research or experiment using a human embryo, or any part of a human embryo, derived from cloning or attempting to clone a human being.

Missouri Secretary of State Robin Carnahan - Press Release

Missouri Governor Blunt wants Pete Herschend to continue with Board of Education

Missourian's can be proud Pete Herschend has agreed to continue serving on the board of education said Governor Matt Blunt at a Republic school this afternoon. From the press release:

Mr. Herschend, 72 of Branson, is co-founder of Herschend
Family Entertainment Corporation and served as President of the State
Board of Education. Mr. Herschend holds a bachelor's degree in
business administration from the University of Missouri-Columbia and
an honorary doctorate from Southwest Baptist University. He has served
on the Board of Education for the benefit of Missouri children since
1991 and has been an active participant in the governor's METS
initiative.

"Every year, Missouri is gaining ground in core content
areas, but progress is slow and we need to do better. It will take the
attention of all of us to stay focused on improving our standing in
education. While Missouri is exceeding the national average in
measured competencies, we must work together with our communities, our
politicians and our parents to ensure kids get solid starts, in
schools just like this one, with opportunities to continue that growth
with great encouragement, support and resources throughout their
educational years," said Peter Herschend.

Mr. Herschend has also served as President of the Missouri
Attractions Association, the Ozark Marketing Council, and the Missouri
Tourism Commission. He is a current member of the Board of Directors
of the Missouri Chamber of Commerce, the Advisory Board for the
National Multiple Sclerosis Society and the Board of Directors for
Camp Barnabas, among others.

Mr. Herschend's re-appointment is subject to Senate
confirmation for a term ending on July 1, 2015.

Photo Jack and Pete Herschend Co-founders of Herschend Family Entertainment (HFE Corp.)
-----
Governor's Full Press Release

Missouri Economic Scorecard

Investment Division (09/27/07 through 10/03/07)
Interest Earnings: $ 4,335,233.16
Avg. Portfolio Book Value: $ 4,545,474,644.33
Avg. Yield: 4.973 percent
Unclaimed Property Division (09/27/07 through 10/03/07)
Amount Returned To Owners:$ 367,474.50
Number of Accounts Returned: 1,504
Banking Division (09/27/07 through 10/03/07)
State Receipts: $ 487,908,540.74
State Disbursements $ 348,621,653.19
Electronic Transfers: 66,398
Checks Issued: 36,007
Checks Cleared: 29,799
As of close of business on 10/03/07, cash balances were:
Budget Reserve: $536,881,212.14
General Revenue: $580,033,754.50

Every week Missouri's Treasurer Sarah Steelman published an economic report for Missouri Citizens. The figures above are from this week's report (Dates at top).