Senator Maria Chappelle-Nadal 2013 Mid-Session Review newsletter

Video: 2013 Mid-Session Review

Lawmakers returned from mid-session recess this week. I thought this would be a good time to look back on the first half of session. This video recaps some of my legislative highlights on the Senate floor, in committee and in press conferences during the last few months. I am hopeful the second half of session will be just as exciting as the first. Thank you for watching.

Gun Violence & Firearms Safety Awareness

This week I stood up and educated the Missouri Senate about the issues regarding gun violence and firearms safety during debate on the Senate floor. The measure the Senate debated and passed relates to our constitutional right to keep and bear arms. The upper chamber gave its approval to a measure that is, in my opinion, a complete waste of time and would only reaffirm rights we currently have. This proposed constitutional amendment would really do nothing. This right is already afforded to us in Missouri’s constitution and the U.S Constitution. In my opinion, the measure is “political red meat,” intended to strike fear in the hearts of our citizenry about an overreaching federal government and our law enforcement officials who are sworn to protect us.

Here is the bill summary for Senate Joint Resolution 14:

SCS/SJR 14 - This proposed constitutional amendment, if approved by voters, modifies provisions regarding the right to keep and bear arms. This amendment provides that a citizen has the right to keep and bear arms in defense of their family, in addition to the current rights in defense of home, person and property. The amendment removes language stating that the right to keep and bear arms did not justify the wearing of concealed weapons. Finally, the amendment provides that the rights guaranteed under this provision of the Constitution are unalienable. The State of Missouri is obligated to uphold these rights and shall under no circumstances decline to protect against their infringement.

During debate, I read statistics and stories collected from around the state relating to instances of gun violence, accidents and horrible tragedies caused by firearms. I expressed my concern over the issue of gun violence within the urban core and discussed Senate Bill 124, a measure I sponsored that would bring accountability to gun owners and could possibly protect some of our youth from instances of horrible gun violence and tragedy. The bill has not yet been scheduled for a public hearing, which is unjust and unfair for the citizens who have fallen victim to senseless gun violence and horrific gang activity.

I am all for gun ownership and upholding our Second Amendment Rights. However, until we address the real problems associated with firearms in this country, we are only spinning our wheels.  In the near future, SJR 14 will most likely come to a voting booth near you. You can be rest assured this initiative will cost our state precious dollars which could be used to actually address the problems we face, but the majority in the Senate wants to beat their chests and drum up some votes in an effort to win elections.

Attorney General Files Lawsuit Regarding Bridgeton Landfill

I would like to update you on a situation that you have probably heard about regarding the Bridgeton landfill where residents have been battling a horrible situation. Now Missouri's top attorney is taking action against the owners who have shown little regard for the residents who live nearby. Chris Koster, Missouri's Attorney General, recently filed a lawsuit against Republic Services, Allied Services and Bridgeton landfill to ensure they develop a plan to stop odors produced by a fire burning underground near the intersection of Interstate 70 and Interstate 270 in north county.

Last week, the director of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR) requested legal action, and now the AG's office is helping. This is a terrible situation, and I am glad we are finally seeing some movement on the issue. Please feel free to contact my office or leaders in your neighborhoods to keep the pressure on the landfill owners to fix this.

In a press release released on Wednesday, the AG's office says, "in addition to addressing the odor problems and correcting the environmental violations, the lawsuit seeks to provide remedies to help local residents and businesses deal with the ongoing effects of the burning waste. The lawsuit also seeks to ensure that Republic, rather than taxpayers, pays for the costs of experts hired by DNR to perform ongoing, intensive environmental testing. Koster noted that DNR has committed to sharing the experts’ analysis and test results with the public as quickly as possible."

Earth Day Forum at Clayton High School

Please join me on Saturday, April 20, 2013, for my "Earth Day Forum" featuring lawmakers, environmentalists, and officials from the Missouri Department of Conservation and the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. The event is free and open to the public, and I would encourage you to do or learn something about protecting our precious Earth, even if you cannot attend my event.

My goal is to continue the conversation within our communities and throughout the world about how important it is for us to be good stewards of our environment. I hope to see you there and please mark your calendars. The event will be held at Clayton High School in the Stuber Gym. If you have any questions regarding the event, please feel free to contact my Capitol office.

Community News - 

Sen. Chappelle-Nadal's 2013 Online Legislative Survey

Celebrating the Launch of Lifelong Learning at UMSL

Missouri Department of Conservation to Host Discover Nature Wetlands Fun Day

Human Trafficking-Modern Day Slavery Forum in Kirkwood (Word Doc.)

Maria In the News -

Officials Urge Action Now Against West Lake Landfill (University City Patch)

Update: Missouri Attorney General Files Lawsuit Against Bridgeton Landfill Owner (Florissant Patch)

St. Louis Officers Face Discipline Over Handling Pot from Traffic Stop (St. Louis Post-Dispatch)

Senate Endorses Amendment Strengthening Gun Rights (The Lebanon Daily Record)

Citizens Comments - 

"Thanks so much for your ongoing support of the college and our students. Ann tells me that you spoke up today at the Education Hearing about the property tax concerns we have with the new higher education funding. I appreciate your attention to these issues that face St. Louis Community College and Florissant Valley in particular. Have a wonderful Easter holiday."
– Marcia

"Let me first say that I had the opportunity to meet you in the halls of the Capitol on March 12, 2013 (when I was testifying against the elimination of the circuit breaker at a Senate Appropriations Hearing), and you couldn't have been nicer. Secondly, I want to thank-you for speaking in support of the circuit breaker. I benefit from this tax credit, and would be greatly disadvantaged were it to be eliminated. As mentioned above, I testified against its elimination; to that end, I'd be more than happy to send you a copy of my testimony, if you'd like for me to do so? Do you feel that you will be in a position to filibuster the bill in order to prevent it from getting to a third-read vote?" – Cory

"Senator, Thanks so much for making time to see us during Memory Day. It was heartening to hear families sharing their stories with you. I want to thank you for your support of increased funding of Alzheimer's Service Grants, which are dedicated to respite." – Tiffany

"We are so happy that we are now in Sen. Chappelle-Nadal’s district. Finally, someone that is for the people and that we share political beliefs. Welcome!" – Gary

"I just wanted to say how much I appreciate the work that you have done to make a positive change with this bill. It not only speaks to the needs of those individuals who have a legitimate need for this program, but it also illustrates perfectly what happens when members from both parties meet on common ground to work for the good of the people of the great state of Missouri."

"I just wanted to take a moment to applaud you both for your work together on this bill, and I believe we will see it pass through the Senate with overwhelming support."

"I will be advocating for our consumers at the Capitol in the near future, and I want to take a moment to meet the both of you if possible. Thank You!" – Calvin

 Weekend Review -

March 15 - March 25, 2013

My mid-session recess was great, even though I contracted food poisoning which prevented me from attending some events. I was able to take care of some business, relax and study legislative issues pending in the Senate. On Friday, March 15, I attended the Women Lawyers' Association Legislative Luncheon. Attendees discussed current legislation and the issue of employment discrimination.

On Monday, March 18, I was excited to tour the SSM Health Center in Bridgeton and met with hospital leadership. The hospital proudly serves many of my constituents. We discussed the issue of Medicaid eligibility reform and how it could effect the facility. On Wednesday, March 15, I was a guest on the "Ray an AFT" radio program hosted by WGNU.

On Friday, March 22, I hosted a one of my quarterly meetings with mayors and elected leaders from the district. Our discussion was centered around taxes, several proposed laws that could impact municipalities, economic development, and highway construction on Natural Bridge Road.

 Deuce of the Week -

This week I was pleased to sponsor Brian McIntyre, as a member of the
Missouri State Board of Chiropractic Examiners during his nomination before
the Senate Gubernatorial Appointments Committee.