Interim Legislative Committee Work

NEWS RELEASE    ---     From the Office of Representative Shelley Keeney - 156^th District

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:	CONTACT:    Rep. Shelley Keeney
July 7, 2011	(573) 751-5912

 Interim Legislative Committee Work

Even though the full legislative session ended in mid-May; interim committee work is continuing in response to disaster problems or in preparation for the January session.  The Speaker of the Missouri House, Steve Tilley, has formed several interim committees.  

Interim Committee on Disaster Recovery - In the wake of flooding around the state, the major tornado that struck the St. Louis area, plus the massive one in Joplin which left a wide path of destruction; the Missouri House has created this committee to address the numerous issues that come along with the clean up after such devastation.  Speaker Tilley included several representatives from Southeast Missouri in part because SE Missouri has had flooding, storm damage and destruction of land and property.  It is an honor to have been selected on serve on this committee.

Committee members will also look at both the short- and long-term recovery process and investigate how the state can assist in helping these regions clean up and move forward.  Due to the magnitude of the Joplin tornado, the Speaker has asked for a report by the end of July on the short-term needs of the area including the detailing about areas where the legislature can assist.  The committee will put together a more in-depth comprehensive report by the end of the year.

Interim Committee on Strengthening Missouri Families - Created to look at ways to improve the family structure in the State of Missouri.  With more than half of all marriages ending in divorce and Missouri’s divorce rate consistently exceeding the national average, the economic and social cost to our state is untold.  The committee has been tasked with looking at innovative ways to promote the family unit and recommend policies that will help build stronger families in Missouri.

Interim Committee on 911 Access - Established to find ways to increase installation and accessibility of the local 911 emergency systems, promote uniformity in the system and look at innovative, cost-effective ways to establish and fund these improvements.  With many regions of the state still lacking the access to 911 systems and other already installed areas with dramatic funding shortfalls, the committee will spend the interim studying this important issue and recommending policies to the legislature designed to address these challenges.

Interim Committee on Budget Transparency - The Speaker appointed a group of bi-partisan representatives who also serve on the full House Budget Committee this term.  They are to study and investigate the efficiency and economy of all branches of government. They will work their way through the state budget to ensure that every dollar appropriated is spent wisely.  With the State of Missouri continuing to go through tough budget years, with little improvement in sight at this time, it’s very important to find waste, fraud and abuse within our state governmental programs.  

Please let me know if you would like to receive my weekly updates via electronic E-Mail, by sending an email with your name to: Shelley.Keeney@house.mo.gov

Because of the interim meetings, please also be aware that I have cancelled my in-district office hours for July as reflected in the newspaper ad. 

As always, I appreciate hearing your comments, opinions and concerns about state government.  Please feel free to contact me in Jefferson City at (573) 751-5912.  You may write me at: Shelley Keeney; Missouri House of Representatives; State Capitol -- Room 313; 201 W. Capitol Avenue, Jefferson City, MO 65101-6806 or email me.