| |
Welcome to the new home of Lee's Summit Tribune. We are dedicated to providing you the most current and accurate news and events in Lee's Summit
 | |  |
|
Capitol Report
July 21, 2012
Mike Cierpiot
Religious Freedom in Public Places (Amendment 2)
In a few weeks, Missourians will have the opportunity to vote to protect and expand their right to pray in public places. The proposed constitutional amendment was approved overwhelmingly by the Missouri General Assembly in 2011 and is something I strongly support.
If approved by voters the amendment will allow people to pray in public places as long as their actions do not disturb the peace. It also will allow students to express their religious beliefs in assignments free from discrimination and would protect them from being compelled to participate in assignments that violate their beliefs. In addition, it will reaffirm the right of employees and elected officials of the State of Missouri to pray on government premises and public property.
This is a change I believe is necessary to reaffirm our rights to pray in public without worry about potential legal consequences. On August 7, voters will have the option to make this change a permanent part of the Missouri Constitution.
Health Exchange Ballot Language Called into Question (Proposition E)
Another ballot initiative that Missourians will have the opportunity to vote on in November has become the source of controversy in recent weeks. During the legislative session the General Assembly approved the proposed constitutional amendment to prevent the implementation of a health care exchange in Missouri without the approval of the legislature or the people. Our goal was to stop the governor’s office from putting into place this part of the federal health care plan without input from the people.
The current controversy related to the measure stems from the ballot language written by the Secretary of State’s office. Rather than simply ask voters if they believe a health exchange should require legislative or voter approval, the ballot language asks Missourians if the law should be changed to “deny individuals, families, and small businesses the ability to access affordable health care plans through a state-based health benefit exchange”.
Already this deceptive language is the subject of a lawsuit. It is obvious it was written to mislead the people into voting against a common sense provision that simply ensures we all have a say in whether a health exchange is put into place in Missouri. Hopefully the lawsuit will be successful and we will see more appropriate language appear on the ballot when Missourians go to the polls in November.
Missouri’s Move Over Law Expands (SB 611)
As you travel this summer be aware that a new law will require you to “move over” when you see transportation department vehicles flashing amber or white lights. Every year employees with the Missouri Department of Transportation put their lives at risk as they work along our highways and roads. While motorist have learned to move over for emergency vehicles, many drivers do not afford the same courtesy to road crews. Now, Missouri law will require that we take the time to move over for the thousands of individuals who work for our Transportation Department as well. The new law officially takes effect August 28 but I urge all drivers to observe the new law immediately. It’s the right thing to do to keep our highway workers safe.
Protecting the Elderly from Abuse (SB 689)
Another bill signed into law this week will provide additional protections to older Missourians. Specifically, the bill will make it a crime for an individual to use undue influence over an elderly person to take unfair advantage of that person’s vulnerable state of mind, neediness, pain, or agony. Undue influence would include improper or fraudulent use of a power of attorney, guardianship, conservatorship, or other fiduciary authority. The goal of the bill is to protect some of Missouri’s most vulnerable citizens from individuals who would utilize their finances for personal gain rather than for providing appropriate care.
| |
 | |  |
| | |
|
Other Recent Articles from the News Category:
| |
| | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
The “FREE” Store Grand Opening, Saturday, December 4, Downtown Lee's Summit.
|
|
|
