House welcomes new faces and new leadership
At noon Wednesday, January 5, 2011, The 96th General Assembly convened at the Missouri Capitol in Jefferson City. Rep. Steven Tilley, R-Perryville, was sworn in as the 70th Speaker of the Missouri House of Representatives. Rep. Shane Schoeller, R-Willard, was sworn in as Speaker Pro-Tem.
House Republicans hold the majority with 106 members. Democrats have 57 members. A veto-proof majority is 109.
There are 45 committees, including 6 Appropriations Committees, the Special Committee on Redistricting and the Committee on Downsizing State Government.
3 Democrats will chair committees. Rep. Linda Black, D-Bonne Terre, will chair the Corrections Committee, Rep. Chris Kelly, D-Columbia, will chair the Appropriations- Public Safety Committee, and Rep. Jamilah Nasheed, D-St. Louis, will chair the Urban Issues Committee.
Rep. Ryan Silvey, R-Kansas City, will chair the Budget Committee.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
"As we embark on this legislative session, let's not look at one another as Republicans or Democrats, but rather as normal dedicated citizens working to make this state a better place to live, work and raise a family."
House Speaker Steven Tilley in his Opening Day Address
FRESHMAN FACTS
This session, there are 85 returning members of the House and 78 newly-elected representatives. Here are a few facts about the freshmen:
59 are Republicans and 19 are Democrats
4 members, while technically part of the freshman class, have previously served in either the House or Senate.
The number of freshman members grows to 80 if you include 2 representatives who were elected in special elections and served during the 95th General Assembly, Rep. Stacey Newman, D-St. Louis, and Rep. Pat Conway, D-St. Joseph.
FAST FACTS
There are 163 members of the House
106 are Republicans and 57 are Democrats
This session, 41 women are serving in the House.
Of which, 23 are Democrats and 18 are Republicans.
2 Former state Senators (Cauthorn and Klippenstein) and 2 former Representatives (Schneider and Wieland) are part of the Freshman class.
HOUSE ISSUES
In the House, Speaker Steven Tilley announced the Show Me Solutions Initiative based on the principles of limited government, fiscal prudence, individual freedom, and personal responsibility. He identified five key component areas relative to the initiative: 1) balance the state budget while holding the line on taxes; 2) foster job creation; 3) increase government accountability; 4) focus education programs on what's best for children; and 5) apply responsibility and free market concepts to expanding quality healthcare.
February is Earthquake Awareness Month in <
Residents encouraged to learn more about how to prepare
Nearly 200 years ago, Missourians experienced powerful earthquakes in the Bootheel region of the state. Three earthquakes, estimated at magnitude 7.0 or greater occurred along the New Madrid fault in the winter of 1811-12.
Small earthquakes occur in the region daily. While earthquakes along the fault do not cause loss of life, they are a natural hazard that no one can predict. Fortunately, there are things everyone can do to be better prepared.
Each February Missouri observes Earthquake Awareness Month. To raise awareness, geologists with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources will partner with local, state and federal agencies and organizations by participating in a number of public activities by providing scientific data about the New Madrid Seismic Zone, mapping for risk assessment, and geologic information about the basics of earthquakes. Missourians are encouraged to attend any of the following public events. Other venues and activities may be added. See this website for additional information: dnr.mo.gov/geology/eqaware.htm
Thursday, Feb. 17 -- Online: FEMA Webinar: "Earthquake Safety and Mitigation for Schools," a one-hour session for school officials, teachers, facility managers and other local stakeholders interested in learning how to reduce earthquake risks and take actions to ensure school safety and continued operations. Webinar begins at 3 p.m. CST. Registration is free: atcouncil.org/events.html
Saturday, Feb. 26 --
Working For You In The District And At The Capitol.
Rep. Billy Pat Wright, District 159
Office 573-751-1494
Toll-Free (866)830-7003
Home 573-624-7561
Email:
"I Promise To Serve Everyone In The District"
Comments
- -- Posted by Dexterite1 on Fri, Mar 4, 2011, at 10:12 AM
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