Friends,
As expected, the Senate committees voted out all the anti-Firefighter and Labor bills this week. It is only fair that I explain to you all that the Senate has a history of allowing most bills to get to the Floor for debate. This practice is good and bad at times but most view it as fair.
The Paycheck Deception bill that affects First Responders is set on the senate calendar for debate on the Floor for 1-30-2012. At this time I am not sure what day Majority Floor Leader Tom Dempsey will bring up the bill for debate and how much time he plans on giving it once it gets to the Floor for debate. I do know that Senator John Lamping and many of our Friends will be voicing their opinions on our behalf once it does get to the Floor.
Rep Dave Hinson has filed HB 1458, a bill that we support which would change various provisions regarding Fire Protection Districts such as:
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Any director who has been found guilty of or pled guilty to any felony offense shall immediately forfeit his or her office.
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The number of qualified signatures required in order to recall an officer shall be equal in number to at least [twenty-five] fifteen percent of the number of voters who voted in the most recent gubernatorial election in that district.
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321.460. 1. Two or more fire protection districts may consolidate with each other in the manner hereinafter provided, and only if the districts have one or more common boundaries, in whole or in part, or are located within the same county, in whole or in part, as to any respective two of the districts which are so consolidating. ( This removes the boundry requirement)
FYI...there is a lawsuit filed that challenges the constitutionality of the new House District Map. Last week there was a decision by the MO Supreme Court to throw out the new Senate District Map and 2 Congressional Districts. The word on the street is that we may know by Monday if the Court decides that the House Map should be tossed out as well. I am hearing that if the House Map is tossed out then a new one will have to be drawn before Filing begins. I do know that many of the House Democrats and Republicans would like to see a change. I have been telling House Members that the MSCFF will wait till filing is over to see who we will support and give money too.
Below you will find a list of Anti-FF and Labor Bills set on the Senate Calendar.
Have a great weekend and stay warm!
SENATE BILLS set on the Calendar for debate:
Requires authorization for certain labor unions to use dues and fees to make political contributions and bars them from withholding earnings from paychecks
2. SB 439-Mayer, with SCS
Suspends the prevailing wage laws in areas declared by the Governor to be natural disasters for 5 years following such a declaration
3. SB 596-Brown, with SCS
Suspends the prevailing wage laws in areas declared by the Governor to be natural disasters for 5 years following such a declaration
4. SB 438-Mayer
Bars employers from requiring employees to engage in or cease engaging in certain labor practices
5. SB 547-Purgason
Bars employers from requiring employees to engage in or cease engaging in certain labor practices
Mark Habbas
Legislative Director
Missouri State Council of Fire Fighters
314.393.9757
habbas2665@yahoo.com
