Capitol Report from Chuck Gatschenberger
April 12, 2010
Jefferson City, MO
Legislative Update
HCR 39 Passes – On April 8th, legislation that I proposed claiming Missouri’s sovereignty under the Tenth Amendment to the United States Constitution…over all powers not otherwise enumerated and granted to the federal government under the United States Constitution…passed out of the House and on to the Senate for approval. One more step in the right direction.
2nd Amendment Rights – House Bill 1787 was passed by the House. (This bill is similar to my HB 1206) This legislation expands and defends our Second Amendment rights. If this bill becomes law, the age to obtain a concealed carry permit will be reduced from 23 years old to 21 (which is law in most states). The Castle Doctrine is also expanded to include property that you lease, so if you are renting your residence and someone breaks in you are legally able to use deadly force to defend yourself and your loved ones. During floor debate, an important amendment was added to the bill to protect gun owners. Currently, if you are drinking in your home and have a gun in a safe upstairs you could be charged with unlawful possession of a firearm if you are intoxicated, in your own home! This amendment fixes this loophole and allows you to keep firearms in your home and not be committing a crime if you have a glass of wine or beer. I am proud to continue to support our Second Amendment rights.
Rebooting Government (ctrl-alt-del) – State Spending – A historic downturn in the economy has exposed many of our government programs as bloated and inefficient in many ways, and we will not right this ship by continuing with the status quo. It is well past time that we think differently about the function we want government to take in our lives.
The Senate took an extraordinary step toward your concerns and desires during a special “Rebooting Government” event on March 24. They solicited citizen ideas on how government can cut back, and then they took an entire day to split into committees and determine which suggestions were viable and how we might begin to implement them. Total Taxpayer Savings Identified: $689.3 MILLION to $789.4 MILLION!
You can view the full report, or continue to submit your suggestions, by clicking on the “Rebooting Government” icon located on the Missouri Senate homepage… www.senate.mo.gov.
As we move into the future, I will continue to advocate the reduction of government and taxes and the protection of taxpayer dollars. By reigning in spending and being smart with your money, we can bring about the economic recovery we need, and establish a better government for tomorrow.
Want to Track Legislation?
Go to: www.house.mo.gov/billcentral.aspx?pid=26 where you can search by bill number; keyword; sponsor or co-sponsor.
“When a man assumes a public trust, he should consider himself a public property.” Thomas Jefferson
STAY IN TOUCH
As always, please let me know your thoughts about these or other matters of concern by calling my office at 573-751-3572 or by emailing me at chuck.gatschenberger@house.mo.gov.
REAL FACTS
Socialism—The main problem with it…is that sooner or later you run out of other people’s money!
FUN FACTS
Pawpaws bloom this month.
American toads begin calling.
Honeybees swarm.
April 15th is the average day of the last frost in Central Missouri…now plant something!
Quick Links
www.house.mo.gov
www.mo.gov
www.senate.mo.gov
www.treasurer.mo.gov/mainUCP.asp
www.modot.org
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qtjfMjjce2Y
IN GOD I TRUST
Chuck G.
Chuck Gatschenberger
State Representative –District 13
State Capitol Building, Room 415B
Jefferson City, MO 65101
Phone: 573-751-3572
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