Each year, as spring approaches and the Legislature reaches the midpoint of session, the Capitol really begins to buzz with activity. Pieces of the budget start coming together, and every day is packed with crowded public hearings and spirited debate on legislation.
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The Fleischman Family from Arnold.
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Fortunately, during this busy time of year, the weather allows more constituents to make the trip from Jefferson County to Jefferson City to visit my Capitol office. I look forward to these visits every March, because they serve as an important reminder that I am here to serve the people of our district.
Hemophilia Awareness Month
It was a pleasure to visit with constituents who work with the Gateway Hemophilia Foundation (GHF) to raise awareness about hemophilia and Von Willebrand disease. Both conditions are inherited diseases that prevent blood from clotting properly. Von Willebrand disease affects 1 to 2 percent of the population, and hemophilia affects
about 1 in 5,000 males.
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Left to Right: Danielle and Gabrielle Flores, Sen. Wieland, and Chris, Abby and Rieley Schneider. |
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Fortunately, GHF is doing important work in our state to help people afflicted with these conditions. The organization provides emergency financial assistance to people who have been physically, emotionally and financially affected by blood coagulation disorders. They also award four $1,000 scholarships each year to encourage post high school education for students with bleeding disorders.
Legislative Update
Similar to a measure I filed last year in the House, Senate Bill 461, which was heard last week, would allow Missouri’s port authorities to create advanced industrial manufacturing (AIM) zones. An AIM zone is an area that is being developed or redeveloped for any purpose so long as any infrastructure and building built or improved is in the development area. Fifty percent of the employment taxes created by new jobs within such zones will be deposited in the Port Authority AIM Zone Fund. This will help create a long-term revenue stream for our port authorities to continue maintaining and growing their ports.
Missouri’s ports are a great economic investment. At the New Madrid Port, state and federal funding of $2.58 million attracted $70 million dollars of private investment in 2009 alone—a $27.13 return for every dollar invested. In 2011, Missouri ports carried 49.9 million tons of freight valued at $12.5 billion.
Senate Bill 461 isn’t a quick fix, but it does set up a long-term system that can benefit future efforts to invest in the development of Missouri’s port systems.
It’s Fish Fry Season
For Catholics, we are midway through Lent. That means only a few more weeks of Fish Fry dinners at local parishes. A fish fry is a great way to meet your neighbors and support our local churches—who knows, I might even catch up with you at one.
Please visit Sen. Wieland’s official Missouri Senate website at www.senate.mo.gov/wieland. |
