House Speaker Creates Committee to Investigate Department of Revenue

This week House Speaker Tim Jones announced the creation of an independent, bi-partisan investigative committee to look into the Department of Revenue’s license security lapse.  Their charged goal is to help develop solutions to ensure the department never again violates the privacy rights of Missourians.

The Bi-partisan Investigative Committee on Privacy Protection will be made up of former and current lawmakers as well as former law enforcement officials from across the state.  These prosecuting attorneys and sheriffs will work with House members to find the truth about why license documents were being scanned and stored and why a complete list of concealed-carry weapons permit holders’ names was shared with the federal government.

Our hope is that Governor Nixon will work with the committee so Missourians can finally have the answers they deserve, and so the legislature can ensure that something like this never happens again.

Legislature Adjournment / Congratulations to 2013 graduates

The 2013 session concludes on May 17 at 6 p.m.  Unless the Governor calls for a special session, the General Assembly will not go back into session until the statutorily required annual veto session in mid-September.

The conclusion of the 2013 legislation session also coincides with many graduation services at high schools and college / universities.  In Jefferson City, one of my most basic guiding principles in that education is the best investment we can make in our state.  As graduates walk across the stage to receive their diploma, it is also a step closer, in their own unique way, to making tomorrow better than today.

It is also a proud day for teachers, who get to see the students they have worked hard to challenge and motivate to achieve this milestone.  These teachers dedicate their lives to students and commemorate the students for achieving this day.  It is their chance to see their students succeed and move toward their own greatness.

We also need to make sure that graduation is a time to thank and congratulate all the parents and relatives who helped support and encourage their loved ones.  For some, this meant staying up late to help with a project, or sitting on cold bleachers to cheer for the home team.  Actually, there is an entire team of supporters behind each graduating student who deserve our appreciation.

I’d like to personally offer my congratulations to the 2013 graduates at every level -- this is an important time in your lives!!  I encourage you to take time to celebrate your achievement.  Your family, friends, teachers and community are very proud of you (each and every one).

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Please let me know if you would like to receive my weekly newsletter updates via E-Mail.  Send an email with your name to:  Shelley.Keeney@house.mo.gov  You may also go to the House members’ website (http://www.house.mo.gov/) and sign up for the newsletter on my home page.  There, you also have access to various House and state information and can listen to live audio of the session as well as follow legislative actions.

As always, I appreciate receiving your comments, opinions and concerns regarding legislative matters and state government.  My phone number is 573-751-5912.  You may also write me at: “Shelley Keeney; Missouri House of Representatives; State Capitol, Room 313-1; Jefferson City, MO  65101-6806.