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| Senator Holsman's Legislative Update for April 2, 2013 | |||||||||
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| BrightFarms Announces 100,000 sq. ft. Greenhouse Construction in Ilus Davis Park | |||||||||
After years of preparation, the nearly five-acre site is ready for construction. The farm is part of the larger Port Authority plan for the riverfront, which is one of the largest urban riverfront development sites in the country. The farm will energize the riverfront while dramatically scaling up urban agriculture in Kansas City. It will grow enough crops to meet the fresh vegetable consumption needs of up to 5,000 Kansas City residents, create 25 full-time, green-collar jobs, facilitate over 100 construction jobs, and prevent storm water from going into local waterways. By growing locally, BrightFarms delivers produce that is thousands of miles fresher, more flavorful, and better for the community. "In addition to improving our local food security and creating jobs that cannot be outsourced, this project will enhance Kansas City's nationwide reputation as a hub of innovation and one of the most modernizing economies in America," says Senator Holsman. "BrightFarms is not only growing local produce, they are growing our local economy," says Mayor Sylvester "Sly" James. "We are thrilled to welcome BrightFarms to our community, which is rapidly becoming a model of sustainability." Councilman, 1st District At-Large Scott Wagner, says, "The history of Kansas City is intertwined with the history of U.S. agriculture. BrightFarms' entrance into Kansas City puts our city back on the forefront of 21st century agriculture and we are very excited to be a part of that."
"The Kansas City Port Authority and elected officials have been tremendous champions of BrightFarms and have a visionary plan for the future of this city," says BrightFarms CEO Paul Lightfoot. "We can't wait to grow millions of pounds of fresh local produce a year and partner with the most innovative local supermarket." The idea of urban agriculture is visionary one, seeing local food systems not as they are today but what they can be in the future. The work of organizations like BrightFarms demonstrates that this vision is closer rather than farther from reality. The effort being done by organizations like BrightFarms typifies the recommendations made last year by the Joint Committee on Urban Agriculture. The result from the Joint Committee on Urban Agriculture produced what is now SB 228, sponsored by Senator Holsman. This piece of legislation is in front of the Agriculture Committee in the Senate, and would provide economic incentives to entrepreneurs to develop blighted pieces of property in our urban core for the purpose of local and sustainable food. Please contact members of the Senate Agriculture, Food Production and Outdoor Resources Committee to support passage of SB 228, the Missouri Urban Agriculture Act, in order to encourage future urban agriculture developments in blighted communities across Missouri. |
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| Legislation on Capitol Improvements Receives Senate Hearing | |||||||||
The act specifies that the newly created fund on Capital Improvements will be subject to appropriations by the General Assembly, and that other improvements may take place on a private gift basis. Read Senate Bill 299 here. |
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| Partnership for Children Hosts Press Conference at Statehouse | |||||||||
Among other discussion points during the conference, legislators highlighted Senate Bill 133, sponsored by Senator Keaveny (D-St. Louis) and co-sponsored by Senator Holsman. This bill would allow school districts to receive state aid for children (ages 3-5) eligible for free and reduced lunch who are participating in a district-operated pre-kindergarten program. The PFC was launched in 1991 as a joint initiative of the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation and Heart of America United Way. As Missouri's leading children's advocacy agency, PFC works with community and state partners to enact legislation and public policy that positively impacts children and their families. PFC consistently collaborates with others and has launched initiatives to tackle critical issues impacting Missouri's children and youth. PFC is a member organization of Voices for America's Children. Learn more about the PFC here. |
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| Slate of Gubernatorial Appointments from the 7th District Confirmed by Senate | |||||||||
| Several
citizens from Missouri's 7th Senatorial District were appointed
by the governor to serve the state on boards and commissions.
These appointments were subject to approval by the Missouri Senate,
and by rule, appointees must be sponsored through the confirmation
process by their home member. Senator Holsman recently had the distinction of sponsoring the following individuals: To learn more about the Missouri's Boards and Commissions click here.
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| Commerce Committee Hears Bill on Expansion of Missouri's Net-Metering Laws | |||||||||
The legislation provides certainty to the future of solar installation in Missouri. Solar companies from around the state worked with Kansas City Power & Light, Empire Electric and Ameren UE to advance the interests of Missouri's electric consumers by coming to the table and deciding what was best for all parties going forward. The Missouri solar industry began in 2007 with the passage of the Easy Connection Act sponsored by Senator Holsman. In 2008, the industry took another step forward with overwhelming (66 percent) statewide approval for Proposition C, Missouri's Clean Energy Initiative — making Missouri one of 29 states to pass renewable energy objectives. Partial implementation of Prop C through the Solar Rebate Program has created substantial economic benefits generating thousands of solar energy installation and related industry jobs. "The proposed legislation will benefit the solar industry, utilities and consumers," says Susan Brown, Brightergy principal and MOSEIA vice chair. "Clean, solar energy is of great interest to businesses and homeowners that want energy choice. We have seen our business double in size every year since these laws were passed." Some of the provisions include increasing the size of net metered systems from 100 to 200 kilowatts, allowing for annual true-up of excess energy and reducing the time allowed for utilities to approve certain interconnection applications. In addition, the rebate afforded to solar installation provided under Prop C will be phased out over a period of five years, coming to a complete phaseout in 2018. "I am proud to see the dramatic growth in the solar industry over this past six years." said Senator Holsman. "The improved technology and falling costs have helped diversify our electric fuel resources, which is not only good for the economy, but also is a top National Security priority. This legislation will provide market certainty for the industry, utilities and consumers." The provisions of SB 396 would only apply to service areas in Missouri served by the state's "Investor Owned Utilities" (IOUs), being Kansas City Power & Light, Empire Electric and Ameren UE. Find the expansion of net metering legislation here. |
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| Red Bridge Elementary Students Visit the Missouri State Capitol | |||||||||
| The
fourth grade class from Red Bridge Elementary in the Center School
District recently made a trip to Jefferson City to tour their
state Capitol. The group of 50 school children were introduced
as special guests on the Senate Floor, as well as on the House
Floor. The group also took tours of the Capitol building, the
Missouri Supreme Court, and of the Governor's Mansion. The group of school children learned lessons of civic engagement and witnessed their government in action on their day trip to Jefferson City. If you are looking to make a trip to Jefferson City and would like to schedule appointments for your group, please visit this link to the Missouri state parks to make reservations. |
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| General Laws Committee Conducts Hearing on Industrial Hemp | |||||||||
The measure, sponsored by Senator Holsman, would remove industrial hemp from the list of those classified as "controlled substances." Industrial hemp is classified as cannabis sativa containing less than one percent of THC, tetrahydrocanibanol, the active ingredient in the street drug marijuana. Industrial hemp can be grown in low grade soil and takes little amounts of water, making it an excellent crop for farmers during times of drought. Industrial hemp can be harvested and manufactured into a number of products including fibers, ethanol, and bio-fuel, as well as paper and plastic products. Data from Canadian industrial hemp farmers indicate a consistent yield of $255.00/acre from a crop of industrial hemp, based on use.
The measure restricts the ability to grow and cultivate industrial hemp to those citizens who have not previously been convicted of a felony. The hearing in Missouri came just a day before the Kentucky Legislature gave approval to similar legislation. Find the story about the Kentucky bill here. Find Missouri's industrial hemp legislation here. |
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| Henry Bloch Honored at State Capitol | |||||||||
One of the honorees was Henry R. Bloch. A household name in the Kansas City area, Henry's leadership and philanthropy have been instrumental in establishing such world class attractions as the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, National World War I Museum, Kansas City Symphony, Kansas City Museum of History and Science, and the Kansas City Art Institute. Henry R. Bloch was honored for his continuous efforts to support the arts community by the Missouri Arts Council with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award and a resolution from the Missouri Senate. Learn more about the Missouri Arts Council here. |
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| Kansas City Firm Hufft Projects Honored with Excellence in Business Award | |||||||||
Business leaders from Prier Products Inc., a brass plumbing manufacturer located in Grandview, was also one of the 22 recipients of the small business award. Learn more about the MO SBTDC and MO PTAC here. |
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| Conservation Department Update | |||||||||
Fishing Skills Location: Discovery Center Date: April 20 Time: 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Walk-in (all ages). Has it been awhile since you went fishing? Brush up on your fishing skills and possibly learn some new techniques. You can practice casting, baiting a hook and learning to tie a fly in preparation for fishing trips. Did you know? Missouri is home to 1.1 million anglers. Fishing recreation contributes $2.1 billion of economic impact to the Missouri economy, supports over 21,000 jobs, and generates well over $122 million in state and local sales tax per year. Take a Kid Fishing Day Location: Discovery Center Date: April 20 Time: 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Registration required (ages 5 and up; ages 16-64 must have a valid Missouri fishing license to fish). Are the kids hounding you to take them fishing? Here is your chance to take them fishing and leave the details to us. We'll spend the morning learning basic skills like casting, baiting a hook, using a lure and knot tying. Then, we'll spend the afternoon fishing at a nearby pond. All fishing gear will be provided but you will need your own transportation to the pond. Reserve by April 19. Did you know? The most popular game fish in Missouri are catfish, with nearly 500,000 anglers pursuing catfish annually. Crappie and bass are the second and third most popular game fish with approximately 400,000 anglers pursuing each year. The Anita B. Gorman Discovery Center in Kansas City provides thousands of citizens an opportunity to enjoy Missouri's wonderful fish, forest and wildlife resources. Learn more about the Discovery Center here. |
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Senator
Holsman addresses a press conference on funding for early
child education (photo complements of the Missouri
Times). 
