State Rep. Shelley Keeney News

HB 1186 – Administering Driver Exams in English

2012-02-17T22:57:14Z

This week, the House debated HB 1186, a measure requiring driver’s license examinations to be administered only in English. Support for English only laws is growing across the nation, and Missouri was on the cutting edge of this trend. In 2008, Missouri voters made English the official language of all government proceedings with 89% of the vote. In the House, we have taken that vote seriously, and now, we are taking the next step.

HB 1104 – Identification at the Voting Booth

2012-02-13T16:24:01Z

Elections are the lifeblood of democracy, and the “One Person One Vote” principle supporting our elections is there to ensure that every vote counts. For these reasons, it is our duty as legislators to protect the integrity of our elections and the principles on which they are based. I hope you know by now that the recent non-binding primary election had been discussed and voted upon in the past legislative session in an attempt to resolve the problem.

Employment Law Reform

2012-02-03T20:25:48Z

When a business is searching for a location to build or expand, several factors are being considered -- including the overall business environment of the state. For this reason, the legislature has made improving our business climate a priority in the job-creation pillars of our Blueprint for Missouri. This week the House moved forward with the Blueprint by debating HB 1219, a measure reducing litigation costs for businesses across the state.

The Missouri Human Rights Act (MHRA) is our version of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and is used against employers for their discrimination against employees in protected classes, including race, sex, national origin, age or religion.

The problem here in Missouri has been exacerbated by court interpretations over the last decade that has made it easier and easier for employees to bring frivolous cases and costly lawsuits against employers. These court interpretations have forced Missouri businesses to comply with “two sets” of anti-discrimination laws. This is causing confusion as a business may be in compliance with one law, but not the other. HB 1219 clarifies this situation by amending the MHRA to mirror federal law, thus making compliance for businesses easier.

HB 1219 also allows cases filed under the MHRA to be decided quickly and earlier in the process. Under federal law, an employer can get a ruling on a frivolous suit through a summary judgment. This greatly reduces the cost of litigating a case and allows employers to spend more time and money on expanding their businesses, not on fighting lawsuits.

HB 1219 also adds damage caps to discrimination suits by implementing a scale based on the size of the business. The larger the business an individual is suing, the more money the individual can collect.

Finally, HB 1219 adds whistleblower protection to the MHRA. Currently, if an employee refuses to participate in an illegal activity, they may be fired for insubordination. This bill keeps these employees from losing their job simply because they refuse to do something illegal.

Here in the House, we are committed to protecting small businesses that are hiring new employees or expanding their businesses from being bankrupted by a single lawsuit. HB 1219 ensures compliance with our discrimination laws and reduces litigation costs for businesses across the state giving them more money to expand or hire new employees.

I enjoyed having the Black River Electric representatives and the county commissioners visit in Jefferson City this week. It’s always good to see familiar faces from home in our capitol. I also enjoyed attending the Madison County Chamber of Commerce Banquet and the Wayne County Wild Turkey banquet. Thanks to all of those who give of their time to support these organizations and make these banquets such a huge success!

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

You may also go to the House members’ website and sign up for the newsletter on my home page, as well as have access to other House information including current legislation details and the status. http://www.house.mo.gov/member.aspx?year=2011& district=156

As always, I appreciate hearing from you about your comments, opinions and concerns regarding legislative matters and state government. You may also write me at: “Shelley Keeney; Missouri House of Representatives; State Capitol -- Room 313; Jefferson City, MO 65101-6808."

State of the State Address

2012-01-24T14:30:43Z

Every January, the governor gives his state of the state address. And, much like prior years, the speech included his budget and a laundry list of things he would like to see us pass this session. As I reflect on what the governor said, there were several key points from his address that stood out in my mind.

2012 – 96th General Assembly, Second Regular Session

2012-01-19T13:04:40Z

The annual prayer breakfast kicked things off bright and early on the first day of this year's legislative session. Legislators, staff, and community members came together and asked for wisdom and prayers for the General Assembly and its members -- this was certainly a great way to begin our work here in Jefferson City. The session began in a unique way, with the reading of the Bill of Rights and the Preamble of the Missouri Constitution. I was honored to be one of the representatives who participated in this reading.

Income Tax Time -- Tips

2012-01-09T14:22:37Z

No one likes to pay taxes, but as the income tax preparation and filing time is here for another year, I believe it is important for government to operate efficiently for you in this process. So as you work on your tax return, I want to share with you some tips that can help make filing your taxes more painless.

Looking Ahead to the 2012 Legislative Session

2011-12-22T20:55:49Z

With the 2012 legislative session reconvening on January 3, members of the Missouri House and Senate have turned their attention to the 2013 fiscal year state operating budget and important public policy concerns. Thursday, December 1st was the first day legislators could begin submitting legislation for the 2012 session and dozens of measures have already been filed in the House and Senate.

Remembering the Reason for Christmas

2011-12-19T14:39:13Z

In recent years, a growing number of public officials and activist groups have worked to reduce Christmas to a non-religious holiday and at times have even attempted to deny its origins. Let me offer to you some true words about the real meaning of Christmas -- as spoken by a previous president. Remember that the country was in the midst of a war.

Safe Holiday Shopping

2011-12-08T21:14:20Z

With last minute Christmas shopping upon us, all of us should keep a few safety tips in mind during any shopping trip.

Redistricting of Legislative Districts

2011-12-01T20:06:26Z

As outlined in an earlier report, Congressional and state legislative districts are redrawn each decade after the census. The census population for Missouri is now seven percent less, at just under six million. A bi-partisan citizen panel appointed by Governor Nixon met during early 2011 to redraw the legislative district boundaries for the 2012 elections.