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Bill Stouffer, District 21 Senator, Republican
Stouffer wrote about unemployment in his weekly column:
"We have been in a down economy for a few years in Missouri. Most of the downsides of a recession or an economic slump are obvious, but there are some consequences we fail to comprehend.
"Part of the money that pays federal unemployment benefits comes from business owners. Along with state unemployment systems, the Federal Unemployment Tax Act (FUTA) provides for payments of unemployment compensation to workers who have lost their jobs. Most employers pay both a federal and a state unemployment tax.
"Currently, those who are out-of-work can be on unemployment for 90 weeks. Unfortunately, this system has provided the opportunity for some Missourians to choose not to work, making it hard for Missouri businesses to find good employees.
"I was recently told a story of how FUTA is hurting small business owners right here in rural Missouri in another way."
Samuel Graves, District 6 Congressman, Republican
House Small Business Committee Chairman Sam Graves and Rep. Allen West (R-FL) introduced legislation that will help protect small business contractors by addressing unfair contract bundling. The Contractor Opportunity Protection Act (COP) of 2012 restricts the practice of unjustified contract bundling by providing the Small Business Administration (SBA) and third party groups with the ability to appeal an agency’s decision to bundle. Contracting bundling is the practice of packaging many contracts together as one, essentially making it impossible for small businesses to compete for them, thereby limiting competition to the detriment of the taxpayer. Today’s legislation is part of a comprehensive initiative from the House Small Business Committee aimed at reforming small business contracting policies.
“Legislation that helps more small businesses participate in federal procurement is good for the economy and good for the taxpayer because small firms often perform a service for the government cheaper and often quicker than their larger counterparts,” said Chairman Graves. “Contract bundling is a legitimate part of federal contracting but it can sometimes be carried out unfairly. This legislation helps address this problem by adding more transparency and a stronger judicial check to the process.”
Jay Nixon, Governor of Missouri, Democrat
Gov. Jay Nixon announced that attendance at Missouri's State Parks saw a dramatic increase in attendance in 2011, another sign of Missouri's economic recovery. More that 17.8 million guests visited Missouri's State Parks in 2011, a 9.1 percent increase from 2010. This is the third consecutive increase in attendance since Gov. Nixon took office, reversing a 10-year decline in parks attendance.
Bill Stouffer, District 21 Senator, Republican
Stouffer wrote about unemployment in his weekly column:
"We have been in a down economy for a few years in Missouri. Most of the downsides of a recession or an economic slump are obvious, but there are some consequences we fail to comprehend.
"Part of the money that pays federal unemployment benefits comes from business owners. Along with state unemployment systems, the Federal Unemployment Tax Act (FUTA) provides for payments of unemployment compensation to workers who have lost their jobs. Most employers pay both a federal and a state unemployment tax.
"Currently, those who are out-of-work can be on unemployment for 90 weeks. Unfortunately, this system has provided the opportunity for some Missourians to choose not to work, making it hard for Missouri businesses to find good employees.
"I was recently told a story of how FUTA is hurting small business owners right here in rural Missouri in another way."
Samuel Graves, District 6 Congressman, Republican
House Small Business Committee Chairman Sam Graves and Rep. Allen West (R-FL) introduced legislation that will help protect small business contractors by addressing unfair contract bundling. The Contractor Opportunity Protection Act (COP) of 2012 restricts the practice of unjustified contract bundling by providing the Small Business Administration (SBA) and third party groups with the ability to appeal an agency’s decision to bundle. Contracting bundling is the practice of packaging many contracts together as one, essentially making it impossible for small businesses to compete for them, thereby limiting competition to the detriment of the taxpayer. Today’s legislation is part of a comprehensive initiative from the House Small Business Committee aimed at reforming small business contracting policies.
“Legislation that helps more small businesses participate in federal procurement is good for the economy and good for the taxpayer because small firms often perform a service for the government cheaper and often quicker than their larger counterparts,” said Chairman Graves. “Contract bundling is a legitimate part of federal contracting but it can sometimes be carried out unfairly. This legislation helps address this problem by adding more transparency and a stronger judicial check to the process.”
Jay Nixon, Governor of Missouri, Democrat
Gov. Jay Nixon announced that attendance at Missouri's State Parks saw a dramatic increase in attendance in 2011, another sign of Missouri's economic recovery. More that 17.8 million guests visited Missouri's State Parks in 2011, a 9.1 percent increase from 2010. This is the third consecutive increase in attendance since Gov. Nixon took office, reversing a 10-year decline in parks attendance.
"Having personally visited each of Missouri's 85 state parks, I know that Missouri State Parks provide folks with fun, healthy opportunities to enjoy the outdoors," Gov. Nixon said. "Whether you're seeking adventure, wanting to learn more about our state's history, or simply looking for a place to relax - there's a state park that's right for you. I encourage families to experience all that the Show-Me State has to offer."
Claire McCaskill, US Senator, Democrat
U.S Senator Claire McCaskill introduced the Military and Veterans Education Protection Act along with Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.) and Jim Webb (D-Va.) to improve current laws regarding education benefits for servicemembers and veterans so that federal education dollars cannot be abused by for-profit colleges.
Currently, colleges may only receive 90% of their funds from federal education programs. They must accrue at least 10% of their resources from private sources. This is referred to as the 90/10 financial aid formula. However, a loophole in law allows colleges to count education aid funding provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) Post-9/11 G.I. Bill and the Department of Defense's (DOD) Tuition Assistance program as private dollars.
"We are a nation that treasures, honors and respects those who serve to protect our freedom," said McCaskill. "One way we keep that promise is supporting our servicemembers, veterans and their families in receiving an education so they can transition as seamlessly as possible from service to civilian life. Through this plan we will make certain that educational institutions share that commitment. We must ensure veterans cannot be taken advantage of and protect American tax dollars from being wasted."
Roy Blunt, US Senator, Republican
U.S. Senator Roy Blunt issued the following statement in response to today’s vote to continue the nation’s “holiday” from paying into Social Security:
“I voted against this extension again today because I believe it continues to endanger the future of Social Security by further separating the program from its main source of revenue. Instead of passing short-term fixes, it’s time for Congress and the President to work together to fix Social Security and help get our economy back on track.”
