Every Day Numbers for the 14th District
CHILDREN & FAMILY SERVICES
Division of Child Support Enforcement
(314) 877-2700
Jewish Family and Children's Services
(314) 993-1000
NAACP - St. Louis County Branch
(314) 389-1552
St. Louis County Human Services
(314) 615-4453
Youth Emergency Services
(314) 862-1334
CONSUMER PROTECTION
Consumer Credit Counseling Services
(314) 647-9004
Consumer
Credit Reports
1-877-322-8228
Missouri Consumer Protection Hotline
1-800-392-8222
Missouri Dept. of Insurance Consumer Information
1-800-726-7390
CRISIS HOTLINES
Youth Emergency Service Hotline
(314) 727-6294
St. Louis Housing Resource Center
(Homeless Hotline)
(314) 802-5444
Life Crisis Services, Inc. (for Adults)
(24-Hour)
(314) 647-4357
Elderly Abuse Hotline
1-800-392-0210
Child Abuse & Neglect Hotline
(24-Hours)
1-800-392-3738
Alcohol Drug Interventions & Drug Treatment Referrals
1-888-762-3750
HEALTH-RELATED SERVICES
Alzheimer's Association
1-800-980-9080
Birth & Death Records
(314) 615-1720
HIGHER EDUCATION
Missouri School for the Blind
(314) 776-4320
Paraquad, Inc.
(314) 289-4200
HOUSING
Beyond Housing
(314) 533-0600
Housing Authority -
St. Louis County
(314) 428-3200
Home Improvement Grants (North County)
(314) 615-8232
PREGNANCY COUNSELING
Abortion Alternatives
(314) 962-5300
Planned Parenthood & Reproductive Health Services of St. Louis
(314) 531-7526
SENIOR CITIZEN SERVICES
Missouri Rx Program
1-800-375-1406
Long-Term Care Information - Ombudsman
(314) 918-8222
Older Adult Community Action Program
(314) 993-2671
Legal Services of Eastern Missouri (Elderly Law Unit)
(314) 534-4200
TOUR THE CAPITAL CITY
State Capitol Tours
(573) 751-2854
TRANSPORTATION
Call-A-Ride
(314) 652-3617
VETERANS BENEFITS
American Red Cross Blood Services
(314) 658-2000
Missouri Veterans Commission
(573) 751-3779
St. Louis County Office of Veterans' Services
(314) 615-4413
VOLUNTEER ORGANIZATIONS
Big Brothers
Big Sisters
(314) 361-5900
Foster Grandparents
(314) 961-8000
ext. 370
Newsletter
February 7, 2013
Friends & Neighbors,
If you would like to learn more about the issues addressed in this newsletter or would like to discuss any matter involving state government, please contact my Capitol office.
Thank you,
Maria Chappelle-Nadal
14th District
| Funding a New Disparity Study |
There has been a lot of talk this year about rebuilding and investing in Missouri's infrastructure – our roads, bridges and public buildings. This is vital to the success of our state, but we need to make sure everybody has a fair shot at securing the contracts to these projects and upgrades. Over the years, some businesses have thrived through earning state contracts, and many of these businesses have produced valuable infrastructure to our state. We know that not all contractors are created equal, but we also know that not all contractors are receiving a fair shot.
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. During his annual State of the State address, the governor proposed spending $1 million in state funds for a new disparity study. The study would compare the actual number of minority- and women-owned businesses in the state against the actual number of minority and women-owned businesses receiving state government contracts. A disparity exists when minority- and women-owned businesses are underutilized in the state contracting system. The last disparity study conducted in Missouri was commissioned in 1994 and was completed in 1998.
The Missouri Office of Equal Opportunity reports that a disparity study can improve economic growth and create contracting opportunities while increasing tax revenue and adding jobs. A disparity study will determine if any discriminatory practices hinder minority- and women-owned businesses from participating in state contracting opportunities. This new data will help us determine whether or not everyone is receiving equal access to state contracts. Hopefully, my fellow lawmakers who craft our state budget will see the value of learning more about our minority- and women-owned businesses.
| An Honest Conversation About Tax Policy |
Another major issue before the Legislature this year is tax policy reform, and the Missouri Senate already has approved two measures relating to tax credits. Senate Bills 20, 15 & 19 would make changes to certain benevolent tax credits in the state, and Senate Bill 10 would create a tax credit to attract amateur sporting events to Missouri. Lawmakers also are expected to debate bills to change the state's low-income housing and historic preservation tax credit programs (SB 32), provide tax breaks to data storage centers and utility boards (SB 46), create the Missouri Export Incentive Act in order to offer tax credits to freight forwarders doing business at the Lambert International Airport (SB 120).
By issuing new tax credits and expanding the sunset of others, the Legislature is essentially picking winners and losers. Currently the state of Missouri has 61 different tax credit programs that drained more than $600 million from the general revenue fund. That means less money for education, social services and other vital functions of state government. I am not a proponent of keeping the same trend going – which is to spend, spend, spend. We need to have an honest conversation about our state's tax policy. Our policy must be fair, balanced and dedicated to service all, not just the rich.
My position on tax credits is similar to how a struggling family would deal with a tight budget. We need to establish priorities, think long-term, live within our means, and be practical, sensible and comprehensive when discussing tax credits. I believe in tax policy reform in which corporations must contribute. They must be obligated to make a commitment to help the poor and downtrodden.
Few have the ability to take advantage of the tax credits we are giving away like candy to certain, hand-picked members of the business community. The Missouri Chamber of Commerce contends Missouri has an educated workforce, but what are businesses doing to invest in areas of our state with high poverty rates, limited education, homelessness and high-unemployment? It is one thing to say certain tax credits produce jobs, but I want to know who benefits from these new jobs. Certainly not for the majority of constituents in my district who struggle to make ends meet. Let's start this conversation now.
| Video: Senate Bill 169 |
Wednesday afternoon I presented Senate Bill 169 to members of the Senate Education Committee. The measure would require certain financial information to be included in a school district's bond filing and on a ballot when voters authorize a school district bond issuance. The idea behind the bill is for total transparency regarding school district's debts, and to offer citizens the best information they need when making an educated decision in the voting booth.
Click here or on the picture above to watch Sen. Chappelle-Nadal present SB 169.
Earthquake Awareness Events in Missouri for the Month of February
Lt. Governor's Senior Service Award Accepting Nominations
Sen. Chappelle-Nadal with Reginald D. Dickson during his nomination hearing before the Senate Gubernatorial Appointments Committee. Mr. Dickson has been nominated to serve as a member of the Harris-Stowe State University Board of Regents.
 |
Sen. Maria Chappelle-Nadal Named to Lead the St. Louis Regional Caucus (St. Louis Post-Dispatch)
Sen. Chappelle-Nadal Renews Call for Gun Safety (University City Patch)
Second Injury Fund Debate Begins in Mo. Senate (St. Louis Public Radio)
Chappelle-Nadal Supports Funding for Disparity Study (University City-Patch)
Sen. Chappelle-Nadal Talks Gun Bill During Press Conference (University City-Patch)
"I support strict gun control laws, including registration checks and bans on assault weapons.
Thank you." – Chris
"You are right, parents should be forced to tell schools that they own firearms, they should also be required to tell schools if any family members are on welfare." – John
"I applaud you for the advancements you have made from such a humble beginning. It seems that your determination has benefited our community and continues to assure us that God has given us a true leader. Oh, I haven't forgotten that you once said that you would monitor my voting performance, which woke me up and made me realize my responsibilities as a citizen.
Take care and thank you for representing our community." – Willie Moore
"Greetings Maria! Loved your video! Keep up the good work! - Fareedah Sama Sidqui-Muhammad
Friday, Feb. 1 - Sunday, Feb. 3, 2013
Friday night, I had the pleasure of attending a Shavuot at a dear friend's house where we read the Ten Commandments and celebrated the moment when God delivered his message to his people inscribed on two stone tablets, which he gave to Moses on Mount Sinai. The Ten Commandments still guide many of our laws today and have provided mankind with a blueprint regarding ethics and morality.
Saturday, I gathered with some friends to discuss current legislation under discussion in the Senate relating to Missouri's Second Injury Fund, a reserve created to help injured workers when a current work-related injury combines with a prior disability to create an increased combined disability. Several of my colleagues in the Senate are currently fighting for workers' rights on this issue as the bill moves through the legislative process (SB 1).
Sunday, I relaxed and packed for the American Heart Association's "Go Red Day at the Capitol."
Sen. Gina Walsh, D-St. Louis; Sen. S. Kiki Curls, D-Kansas City; Sen. Chappelle-Nadal and members of the Missouri Senate staff celebrate the
American Heart Association's "Go Red Day at the Capitol"
to raise awareness about the causes of heart disease and stroke.
Members of the Adult Daycare Association during their legislative
visit to the State Capitol on Wed., Feb. 6, 2013.