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Dugger Report 2.7.2013

The Missouri House had a short but busy week. The Capitol was abuzz with activity from the Governor’s annual State of the State Address on Monday evening to several committee hearings throughout the week.  As things speed-up in Jefferson City, I wanted to make you aware of an online survey I am conducting.

Currently, if you go to my website at www.house.mo.gov you can fill out a brief survey on some of the key issues the Missouri House will be discussing during session.  Your input is greatly appreciated and gives me a chance to get a feel for your thoughts and opinions so that I can best represent you in Jefferson City.

On Tuesday morning, the House Committee on Elections heard public testimony on my House Bill 48.  HB 48 requires a voter to provide photo identification at the polls on election day. The goal of the bill is to protect the integrity of the election process, not to restrict anyone from voting.  In fact, there are provisions in the bill that would help those in Missouri who might not have or be able to afford an ID to obtain a proper form of ID or provisional ballot. Thus, allowing everyone to partake in the democratic process while safeguarding against voter fraud.

Also this week, I filed House Bill 334.  HB 334 would allow children under the age of 16 to perform agricultural work on a farm owned and operated by the child’s parent, sibling, grandparent, or sibling of a parent without violating child labor laws.  The bill would also allow for a child to perform agricultural work on any family farm or family farm corporation with the knowledge and consent of the child’s parent.

With January now in the past, the Missouri House has just under four months left before the end of session.  Though it seems far away, it will not be long before the final gavel falls on the first session of the 97th General Assembly.  Much remains to be done, but I am excited to work alongside my colleagues from around the state to ensure that at the end of the day, Missouri continues to be a great place to work, live, and raise a family.

For more information about the pieces of legislation mentioned above or about any others that have been introduced, please visit the House of Representatives website, www.house.mo.gov. As always, it is an honor to serve you in the Missouri House of Representatives.