Happy Fall, Ya'll!

Take a moment out of your busy schedule to read my Weekly Capitol Report. My office puts this newsletter together especially for my constituents so you can read what is happening in our state's capitol. If you have questions, comments, or even information you want included in the report, please contact my office!


New Interim Committee to Review State Activities Association

I was recently appointed to a newly-created interim committee in the House that will take a look at the progress made by the Missouri State High School Activities Association in implementing recommendations made by a separate interim committee in 2007.
The Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) is the governing body for high school activities throughout the state of Missouri. Approximately 580 high schools are members of MSHSAA. In recent years, both members of the public and legislators have expressed concerns regarding how MSHSAA conducts its business.
The House Interim Committee on MSHSAA Issues was created by House Speaker Todd Richardson to track and compare the progress of previously recommended MSHSAA reforms outlined in the report issued by the 2007 Interim Committee on MSHSAA Reform.
Our committee will focus on five key areas in its investigation:


1. MSHSAA's financial audits of receipts and expenditures.

2. MSHSAA's compliance with Sunshine Laws and transparency of activities.

3. MSHSAA's fairness and consistency in its application of their Constitution, Bylaws, and Board Rules and Regulations.

4. MSHSAA's compliance and role in insuring student safety.

5. Any other issues that may arise.


Chairman Steve Cookson has said his primary goal is to ensure the organization that oversees all high school activities in the state is acting in a transparent and accountable way that protects the best interests of young Missourians.
We will hold our first hearings at the State Capitol at the end of October.


Moving Wall Memorializes Fallen Heroes

In a few weeks our nation will pause to honor and respect the heroes who have made great sacrifices to protect our freedoms. Just a few days ago, tens of thousands of Missourians made their way to the State Capitol to pay tribute to the many brave individuals who gave their lives in the Vietnam War.

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Moving Wall was in Jefferson City from Sept. 24 -- 28 and folks from near and far, and of all ages, were able to visit and see the names of 58.307 names inscribed on the wall. Officials who helped bring the wall to Jefferson City said peak times saw approximately 800 visitors each hour with non-peak times producing 400 visitors per hour. In total, more than 30,000 people stopped to visit and pay their respects and spend a few moments in remembrance of those who gave all for this nation.

Attorney General Investigates Claims against Planned Parenthood

I have received countless letters, calls, and emails regarding the recent atrocious videos of Planned Parenthood officials discussing the sale of fetal tissue and body parts. As both the Missouri House and Senate continued to investigate the allegations against Planned Parenthood, and the debate raged on in Washington, D.C. with talks of defunding the organization, the state Attorney General also began his own investigation. This week Attorney General Koster released the findings of his investigation that indicate the Planned Parenthood facility in St. Louis has not sold fetal tissue or body parts.

Koster's 50-page report claims that the fetal tissues from more than 300 surgical abortions performed at the St. Louis facility were properly incinerated. According to the report, the tissues can be tracked from the clinic to the pathology lab to the incinerator, and there is no evidence that tissues have ever been sold.

Missouri is one of several states that has investigated Planned Parenthood following videos that some claimed were proof that the organization breaks federal law by selling tissues for profit. States such as Georgia, Indiana and Massachusetts have already conducted investigations and cleared Planned Parenthood of breaking the law. While Koster's report appears to find no wrongdoing in Missouri, the chair of the House committee investigating Planned Parenthood has said she plans to continue the committee's efforts. She said the report still leaves several questions that need to be answered.