Dear Constituents,
As the Second Regular Session of the 98th General Assembly is underway, I am ready to roll up my sleeves and continue to be the voice for the
voiceless. As we all know, the year of 2016 in Missouri politics will be a defining moment for our city, our state, and our country. I truly believe that
my constituents and I can make a difference. You can make a difference by staying actively involved in the political process. I can make a difference
by continuing to work on legislation for the good of the people.
Every day, I am reminded why I am here, to work for my constituents. However, I cannot do my job without your continued input and participation
in the democratic process. I invite you to read my 2016 legislative priorities and to weigh-in with your feedback.
- Senate Bill 626 – Affirmative Consent: This act would require colleges and universities to inform their students and employees about the
“affirmative consent” standard used for determining consent to sexual activity. - Senate Bill 628 – Body-Worn Cameras: This bill would require Missouri’s largest police departments to provide officers with body-worn
cameras while on duty and to record all interactions with the public. Body-worn cameras have a proven track record of repairing
community-police relations by reducing both frivolous lawsuits and excessive force by police. - Senate Bill 690 – Homeless Veterans Housing: This legislation would increase the tax credits available for developers who endeavor to build
housing for homeless veterans. These tax credits are essential for urban economic development and for ensuring our heroic veterans have
the housing they need to build their lives in our cities. - Senate Bill 691 – Lost/Stolen Firearms: This legislation would reduce a criminal’s access to firearms by requiring anyone who has a gun
stolen in the City of St. Louis to report the theft so law enforcement can identify stolen weapons before they end up in the possession
of violent criminals. - Senate Bill 724 – Ban the Box: This bill follows the lead of the City of St. Louis and the federal government by prohibiting public employers
from asking about a past criminal record on job applications before an interview is conducted. Banning the box in the state of Missouri will
promote self-disclosure and open the door for those previously incarcerated to return to the community and contribute positively. - Senate Bill 725 – Minimum Wage: This legislation would send a ballot measure to a vote of the people to raise Missouri’s minimum wage.
The wage increase from $7.65/hour to $9.00/hour would begin on Jan. 1, 2017. The wage will then continue to increase by $1 per year until
2020. - Senate Bill 726 – Deadly Force: This is a common-sense measure that will align Missouri’s statute with the U.S. Supreme Court ruling in
regards to when police officers can use deadly force. In its current form, Missouri’s statute is unconstitutional. - Senate Bill 747 – Social Promotions: This legislation will end social promotions, which continue to harm our children’s chances to succeed.
- Senate Bill 833 – Savings Promotion: This legislation would authorize banks and credit unions to incentivize savings by automatically
entering their customers into a raffle when they deposit a certain amount of money into savings accounts. - Senate Concurrent Resolution 48 – Domestic Violence Awareness Month: Domestic Violence is another issue that affects too many
Missourians to be ignored. Strong families and healthy relationships are an integral part of every vibrant community, and I believe that
preventing domestic violence should be a priority for every Missourian. - Senate Concurrent Resolution 49 – Mental Health Awareness Month: Mental illness persists as a problem in our state and throughout our
country. Mental illness is continually neglected in the state budget and among private healthcare providers. Awareness will go a long way to
get mental health back in the public conversation. - Senate Concurrent Resolution 50 – Suicide Prevention Awareness Month: My Suicide Prevention resolution will establish an awareness
month in Missouri. Suicide touches so many of us. Yet, it is so rarely discussed. My resolution will help to bring the issue out of the shadows
I am once again proud to represent the city I love in our state’s Capitol. I do not take that responsibility lightly. Thank you so much for your input
and support. I am always delighted to see my constituents in the halls of the Capitol Building. Please contact me if you would like to schedule a
time to visit my office in Jefferson City.
Thank you,
For more information on SEn. Nasheed, visit her Missouri Senate website at www.senate.mo.gov/nasheed or email her at Jamilah.Nasheed@senate.mo.gov.