Chappelle-Nadal Supports Funding for Disparity Study

Gov. Jay Nixon proposed the study in his State of the State address.

Sen. Maria Chappelle-Nadal, D-University City, today thanked Gov. Jay Nixon for including a $1-million appropriation in his proposed budget to fund a disparity study. A disparity study will help determine what barriers exist due to discriminatory business practices that prevent minority and women owned businesses from participating in state contracts.  “If Missouri is going to invest taxpayer dollars towards improving our infrastructure, now is the appropriate time to ensure minority and women owned businesses in our state are allowed to compete for state contracts on a level playing field,” Sen. Chappelle-Nadal said. “Right now, we know that not all contractors in the state are getting a fair shake. And since the last disparity study in …

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Billy Frank Thornton

1:42 pm on Saturday, February 2, 2013

As taxpayers, we deserve the best use of our public treasure. How incredible is public policy spending our funds in other than the best possible way. We live in a competitive society...those not able to compete on the basis of quality, should improve.   more ›

Wash U Vice Chancellor Named to Higher Ed Board

Gov. Nixon appointed Mark W. Smith, assistant vice chancellor and director of the Career Center at Washington University, to serve on the Midwestern Higher Education Commission (MHEC).

Gov. Jay Nixon appointed Mark W. Smith, JD, assistant vice chancellor and director of the Career Center at Washington University in St. Louis, to serve on the Midwestern Higher Education Commission (MHEC). The Missouri Senate confirmed the appointment May 3. The term ends Jan. 1, 2014. The commission, a regional body that serves 12 states, advances higher education through interstate cooperation and resource sharing. MHEC members seek to promote improved student access, affordability and completion; reduce operational costs; analyze public policy and facilitate information exchange; enhance regional higher education cooperation and dialogue; and encourage quality programs and services. Founded in 1991, the MHEC serves the states of …

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From the Senator's Desk

2012 Legislative Session Wrap Up

Sen. Maria Chappelle-Nadal's column.

Sometimes a legislative session is noteworthy because of bills that were sent to the governor that improve the lives of Missouri citizens or make our state a better place to live and work. Sometimes a legislative session is noteworthy because of what did NOT pass, and I think the 2012 session falls into the latter category.  When the session got underway in January, we were told making Missouri a “right-to-work” state and eliminating the prevailing wage laws were key to creating jobs and improving the state’s economy. The truth is that both proposals would result in lower wages for Missouri workers, which would do nothing to boost the state economy since workers would have less to spend and the state would collect less tax revenue. …

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Arch Grants Awards First $750,000 in Grants

Washington University-affiliated startups to receive $50,000 along with mentoring, networking support to grow businesses in St. Louis.

Ten Washington University in St. Louis-affiliated entrepreneurs are among the winners of $750,000 in inaugural grants from Arch Grants, the global business plan competition providing $50,000 grants to startups and taking no equity in return. Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon and Jim McKelvey, Square co-founder and head of the Arch Grants Advisory Board, joined Arch Grants Monday to announce 15 startups that will each receive $50,000 in funding to help launch and grow their business and create a more robust startup culture and infrastructure in St. Louis. The 10 WUSTL-affiliated winners comprise five alumni, three faculty members and two students.  They are: To date, Arch Grants has secured more than $2.9 million in funding from a mix of individual, …

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MO Legislature Passes Ellinger's Prison Reform Bill

The legislation now needs Gov. Jay Nixon's signature.

Gov. Nixon Endorses Clay Over Carnahan

Endorsements are piling up for both candidates.

Election 2012

Gov. Nixon Endorses Clay in 1st District Race

Endorsements are piling up for both candidates.

Rep. William Lacy Clay scored a major endorsement today from the head of Missouri's Democratic Party. Gov. Jay Nixon issued a press release in support of Clay, who faces a primary fight from fellow incumbent Democrat Rep. Russ Carnahan. "For over 25 years, Lacy Clay has been a powerful voice for working families and a tireless advocate for the people of St. Louis," Nixon said. "He’s the right man to continue serving the people of the First Congressional District, and I fully support his re-election." St. Louis Mayor Francis Slay and St. Louis County Executive Charlie Dooley backed Clay almost immediately after Carnahan got into the 1st District contest. He also received the support of the local AFL-CIO on April 4. “Organized labor is …

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Gov. Nixon Names Susan Plassmeyer to State Board

University City resident will serve on the Truman State University Board of Governors.

Gov. Jay Nixon announced nominations to 18 boards and commissions. A University City resident was among his nominations. Susan Plassmeyer of U City was named to the Truman State University Board of Governors. The Truman State University Board of Governors works to support the University mission which is to offer an exemplary undergraduate education to well-prepared students, grounded in the liberal arts and sciences, in the context of a public institution of higher education. Since 2007, she has held the position of Assistant Vice Chancellor of Alumni and Development, Administration and Development Services for Washington University in St. Louis. Gov. Nixon nominated Plassmeyer for a term ending Jan. 1, 2018. The nominees will be subject …

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From the Senator's Desk

Taking a Stand Against a Bad Employment Discrimination Proposal

Sen. Maria Chappelle-Nadal's column.

I have always said that I was elected to speak for the people I represent, and this week in the Missouri Senate I continued that tradition. For the second week in a row, minority members of the Senate and spent many hours standing in opposition to a bad piece of legislation currently under consideration in the Senate. Senate Bill 592 would modify the state’s law relating to the Missouri Human Rights Act and employment discrimination. The bill would roll back decades of achievements in discrimination law, and is aimed at muzzling whistleblowers who risk their jobs to point out the criminal activity at their companies. The measure would also limit corporate culpability in discrimination and whistleblower lawsuits in Missouri. There are two …

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