TABLE OF CONTENTS
Hit Ctrl + Click on any topic of interest to go directly to the content.
Good News from Washington: Two Legislative Victories ................................................. 2
Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act
Second Chance Act
Bad News from Washington ........................................................................................... 3
$198 Billion Proposed Substance Abuse Treatment and Prevention Cut
A Surprise for Treatment Advocates in Budget Bill ........................................................... 3
Update on Alcohol/Drug Legislation ................................................................................ 4
Senate Bills
Senate Bills introduced since publication of Capitol Report #21 .................... 8
House Bills.......................................................................................................... 8
House Bills introduced since publication of Capitol Report #21 ..................... 12
Chief Justice of the Supreme Court Praises Missouri’s Drug Courts ................................... 13
MO Responds to Surgeon General’s Call to Action to Prevent and Reduce UAD ................. 14
Missouri’s Youth/Adult Alliance (MYAA) Reports Alcopop Reclassification .......................... 15
MRN Invited to Participate in Civic Engagement Campaign .............................................. 16
Register Now for MRN’s Advocacy Day & Recovery Rally ................................................. 17
Missouri Mental Health Champions Awards Banquet April 16, 2008 .................................. 17
Deadlines for Voter Registration and List of Candidates ................................................... 17
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Good News from Washington: Two Legislative Victories
Advocates for addiction and mental health treatment and recovery services celebrated two major legislative
victories in March. The first was the passage by the U.S. House of Representatives of the Paul Wellstone
Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act (H.R. 1424) on March 5. The legislation, which has been covered in
previous issues of Capitol Report, represents a historic step in a long-term battle for equity and opposition to
insurance discrimination. The battle is not over, since the Senate has passed its own version of parity
legislation, and the two chambers will have to arrive at a compromise. The second victory came a week later,
as Congress passed the Second Chance Act (H.R. 1593), which will help individuals returning to communities
from the criminal justice system get their lives back on track. Both measures have been the subject of
thousands of contacts with elected officials over a period of many years, by individuals and broadly-based
coalitions, including faith community organizations at the national level.
The vote on the House parity bill was 268 to 148. A news feature by Join Together’s Bob Curley (March 6)
includes statements by key people in the parity campaign and the challenge ahead:
“We’ve waited 12 long years for this historic day,” said Jim Ramstad (R-Minn.), co-chair of the
Congressional Addiction, Treatment and Recovery Caucus with Rep. Patrick Kennedy (D-R.I.) I am
grateful that the House has taken this important step to end the discrimination against people who need
treatment for mental illness and chemical addiction.” Ramstad, who is retiring from the House,
cosponsored the parity bill with Kennedy, who said he hoped passage of the legislation “will help erase
the stigma associated with mental illness and substance abuse.”
The House bill received critical support from Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), who appeared at a pre-vote
rally on the steps of the Capitol and spoke in favor of the measure during the floor debate on March 5.
Pelosi said that ensuring that Americans have equal access to addiction and mental health treatment has
economic benefits and also would benefit returning veterans. “Illness of the brain must be treated like
illness anywhere else in the body,” said Pelosi, who called the Wellstone Act “a comprehensive bill to help
end discrimination against those who seek treatment for mental illness.”
The strong bipartisan House vote is generally seen as an important message to the Senate, which passed the
Mental Health Parity Act of 2007 by unanimous consent on September 18, 2007. Nevertheless, the task ahead
of House/Senate negotiators is daunting, especially since there are only a few weeks left on the Congressional
calendar, and there is strong opposition from the Bush administration, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and
the trade association America’s Health Insurance Plans.
Pat Taylor, executive director of Faces and Voices of Recovery, said that while there are “significant
differences” between the two bills, “we think they can be worked out. “ unlike the Senate bill, for
example, the House legislation requires that out-of-plan addiction and mental-health treatment be
covered by insurers if plans do so for other illnesses, and that insurers include coverage of all illnesses
listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), the “bible” of the mental-health
field. That’s the same standard used in the Federal Employees Health Benefits Plan.”
The Missouri Recovery Network (MRN) has sent out an action alert from Faces and Voices of Recovery that
its members “help keep the heat on Congress for this historic action. We know that the American public
supports ending insurance discrimination ….. For too many years, we have heard promises of action, now
Congress is poised to make the promise a reality…. We need your help in asking your Senators and
Representatives to support passage of a strong bill this year.” For help in communications with members of
Congress, visit http://www.facesandvoicesofrecovery.org/publications/enews/2008-03-14/wellstone.php.
A wide-ranging coalition of civil rights, religious, health, housing and addiction worked in support of the
Second Chance Act. The Bush administration has indicated its support for it and President Bush is expected
to sign it. The Act reauthorizes a Dept. of Justice grant program for people returning to the community from
incarceration; grants would be provided to states and local areas by providing substance abuse and mental
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health treatment, job training and education opportunities. The Act authorizes $110 million annually for
this grant program. In order to receive grant funds, applicants would be required to provide an analysis
and identification of regulatory and statutory barriers to an individual’s reentry into the community. Also, the
Act requires coordination between various agencies, including state substance abuse, child welfare, and
criminal justice agencies. Several other grant programs are authorized, including programs that strengthen
addiction. It is important to note that this legislation authorizes, but does not appropriate, money for
these grant programs. Funds would still need to be approved by the annual federal budgeting process. See
http://www.facesandvoicesofrecovery.org/publications/enews/2008-03-14/second_chance_act.php for more
detail.
Bad News from Washington
President Bush’s Federal Fiscal Year 2009 budget plan is drawing considerable concern from advocates for
substance abuse prevention and treatment. Approximately $198 million would be cut from the budget of
the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the primary federal funding source
for many state programs. Capitol Report will review the President’s recommendations to Congress, monitor
Congressional reaction, and report on developments in future issues. The new federal fiscal year begins on
October 1, 2008.
A Surprise for Treatment Advocates in Budget Bill
Passed by the Missouri House
The Missouri House of Representatives has passed the package of bills that constitute the state’s operating
budget for Fiscal Year 2009, which begins on July 1, 2008. The $22.5 billion recommendation represents an
increase of almost $1 billion over the current year. The bill passed by a vote of 87-66 on March 27. During
the debate, Republican legislators described its budget as generous, but with the necessary fiscal restraint.
Democrats noted at various points that it leaves much essential work undone. The Department of Mental
Health’s share of the budget is $1,163,353,377. The Division of Alcohol and Drug Abuse would receive
modest increases over the current year. The comparisons with the final FY2008 and earlier versions of the
FY2009 bill are as follows:
Sections of DMH
Appropriations Bill
Administration
Prevention & Education
Treatment
Compulsive Gambling
SATOP Program
Total
FY2008 (HB1010)
Final -- May, 2007
2,303,944
11,939,954
90,798,370
485,340
4,480,338
110,007,946
FY2009 (HB 2010)
Introduced
2,390,712
12,011,230
95,349,550
490,810
4,524,294
114,766,596
FY2009 (HB2010)
House Committee
2,390,712
12,175,520
97,148,184
499,638
4,600,632
116,814,686
FY2009 (HB 2010)
Approved by House
2,390,712
12,175,520
98,048,184
499,638
4,600,632
117,714,686
For specific line items within sections, see http://www.house.mo.gov/billtracking/bills081/bills/hb2010.htm.
In earlier action, the Appropriations Subcommittee on Health, Mental Health, and Social Services had
generally adhered to the governor’s recommendations, with a few exceptions. The Subcommittee decreased
the state employee COLA (cost of living allowance) to 2% (later changed to a flat rate for all state employees)
but increased the provider COLA to 2%. The Access to Recovery program for Faith Based Providers (federal
funds), which has been deleted by the Governor, received $1.1 million. One Assertive Community Treatment
(ACT) mental health team, a priority for Rep. Margaret Donnelly (D-St. Louis) but excluded by the Governor,
was funded at $444,000. In its mark-ups, the Budget Committee added a 3% inflationary increase to
community providers (from 1%), thanks to advocacy by Rep. Danie Moore (R-Fulton) and other
committee members, including Rep. Donnelly and Rep. Rob Schaaf (St. Joseph). Rep. Moore chairs the
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Subcommittee on Appropriations for Public Safety & Corrections. She also got bipartisan support for an
amendment increasing funding for mental health services for inmates leaving Dept. of Corrections custody.
The Alliance of Advocates for Mental Health an Substance Abuse Services noted that the Budget
Committee ended the day with “a DMH budget that was significantly better than the day started (a net gain of
$6 million in General Revenue) and a big thanks should go out to the committee members that listened to the
community providers and the community advocates.” The Alliance urged advocates to send thank-you
messages to those members.
During House debate on the budget, Rep. Jamilah Nasheed (D-St. Louis) offered an amendment which
would have taken the money designated for laptop computers, as proposed by the Governor, and put it back
into the Intervention Fund (Inmate Revolving Fund) to use for intervention and treatment of substance abuse.
“It’s not right,” she said, “that money was not intended to be used for computers. We should be using it to
reduce the recidivism rate, and to support re-entry into the community.” Her statements resulted in some
confusion on the House floor, with Representatives not sure about the intent of the amendment. One House
member noted that he had gotten “about 100 emails on this issue.” The amendment failed on a voice vote.
However, later in the debate, Budget Committee Chairman Allen Icet (R-Wildwood) offered an amendment
which appropriates $900,000 from the Inmate Revolving Fund for a “meth treatment pilot project.”
At this time it is unknown whether this is a response to the “intervention fee” controversy or some other
development. It appeared to come as a surprise to those who have been following the progress of the budget
for the Division of Alcohol and Drug Abuse. In any case, the $900,000 item is in the bill that was approved by
the House and sent to the Senate on March 28 and will be taken up by the Senate Appropriations Committee.
The Senate Appropriations Committee will make its recommendations to the full Senate. These can be
amended on the Senate floor. The final Senate version is likely to differ from the House version. A Conference
Committee will negotiate the differences and a “truly agreed to and finally passed” version will have to be
approved by both chambers. That version must be on the Governor’s desk by May 9. Then the
Governor has the power to make changes in any line item via amendatory veto.
Update on Alcohol/Drug Legislation
More than 1,800 bills have been introduced to date in the 2008 session of the Missouri General Assembly.
Action has been taken on the following bills included in Capitol Report #21. Bills on which no action was taken
since that report have been deleted from this update.
Senate Bills
SB 724 - (Scott) – Gives advanced practice registered nurses who hold a certificate of controlled substance
prescriptive authority to administer or dispense controlled substances in schedules II-V while operating
under a collaborative practice agreement. 47 states have such a law. Referred to the Senate Committee on
Financial & Governmental Organizations and Elections, which conducted a hearing on January 28. It was
approved by the committee on February 4, passed by a Senate vote of 30-1 on February 19 and sent to
the House. It was second read in the House on February 21.
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SB 732 (Champion) – Establishes a drug monitoring program in the Dept. of Health and Senior Services
and modifies existing record keeping for controlled substances and pseudoephedrine products. Referred to
the Senate Committee on Seniors, Families & Public Health, which conducted a public hearing on January 29.
The committee reported an SCS for the bill on February 14. The bill was passed by a Senate vote of 310, on March 13 and sent to the House. It was second read in the House on March 19.
SB736 - (Bartle) – Requires school districts to adopt policies for the random testing of student athletes for
the unlawful use of drugs, including but not limited to anabolic steroids. Any student who tests positive shall
not be allowed to participate in interscholastic athletics or intramural sports for the remainder of the year and
the subsequent academic year. Referred to the Senate Committee on the Judiciary and Civil & Criminal
Jurisprudence. This bill was combined with SB 747 below, becoming SCS SB’s 747 & 736). The final version
of SB 747 (see below) does NOT include this provision.
SB 747 (Ridgeway) – Prohibits the use or possession of alcoholic beverage vaporizers and modifies
provisions relating to underage drinking. Any person guilty of providing alcohol to a minor or who
knowingly allows a minor to drink on his or her property or knowingly fails to stop a minor from drinking may
be subject to a claim by the parent or legal guardian of such minor for resulting damages. Makes four
changes to the Minor in Possession (MIP) law: (1) Prohibits any person who has three MIP violations
from receiving cost reimbursement under the “A+ Schools Program; (2) allows any peace officer to request
the minor to submit to a chemical test to determine BAC, and, if the person refuses, shall be deemed “visibly
intoxicated;” (3) requires court clerks to forward copies of MIP judgments to be forwarded to the Highway
Patrol within 20 days, and the information to be entered in the MULES system; and (4) prohibits the
suspension of driving privileges for first MIP from being included in the person’s driving record, but allows
internal use of such information by the Dept. of Revenue. Referred to the Senate Committee on the Judiciary
and Civil & Criminal Jurisprudence. SS#2 for SCS was amended and adopted on March 6. The bill was
passed by a Senate vote of 31-0 on March 13 and sent to the House. It was second read in the House on
March 19.
SB 764 (Wilson) -- Waives the lifetime ban on food stamp eligibility for persons convicted of drug-related
felonies. Provides that under an option contained in current federal law, a person who has a felony conviction
under federal or state law involving possession, use or distribution of drugs shall be eligible for food stamp
benefits if such person successfully participates in, has completed or “is subject to a waiting list to receive
available treatment and enters the treatment program at the first available opportunity,” a treatment
program “approved by the division of alcohol and drug abuse within the department of mental
health,” or is determined by a certified treatment program not to need treatment. The person must meet all
other requirements for program eligibility. Referred to the Senate Committee on Seniors, Families and Public
Health, which conducted a hearing on February 6 and reported the bill to the Senate on February 28. After
heated floor debate, it was amended and placed on the Informal Calendar on March 4.
Report: Legislative researchers have determined that this would add about 15,300 cases to
the Dept. of Social Services food stamp caseload. The costs for a phased-in management of
this caseload would be about $600,000 in FY2009 and more than $2 million in FY2011 (50%
State General Revenue and 50% Federal Funds). The estimate does not calculate the value of
food stamps to the recipient.
Several Republican Senators argued that this would be a soft-on-crime abuse of taxpayer money. Sen,
Jason Crowell (R-Cape Girardeau) said: “Doing drugs is a poor lifestyle choice, and no Missouri
taxpayer should have to be subjected to supporting another person’s poor lifestyle choice.”
(AP, 03-05-08) Several Democratic Senators note that this was a valuable proposal to encourage people
who have turned their lives around to continue their recovery. They said it was shocking that the state
denies food aid to people in recovery. Missouri is one of only 14 states that impose a lifetime ban.
The other 36 states have opted out of the ban, and make food stamps available to people in recovery.
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Senators Chuck Purgason (R-Caulfield) and Jack Goodman (R-Mt. Vernon) amended the bill, first by
requiring monthly drug testing by the Division of Alcohol and Drug Abuse, then by simply gutting the bill
by adding the word “not” to the proposed waiver. Since the bill did not appear to have the necessary
votes, the sponsor did not call for a final vote but asked that it be placed on the Informal Calendar,
where many bills are sent to die. Majority Leader Charlie Shields (R-St. Joseph), who also opposes the
bill, told AP that he might call the bill for further debate but did not say when that might occur.
The Missouri Association for Social Welfare (MASW) editorialized against the Senate action in its March 7
newsletter. “The state would incur some administrative cost, but this change in law would bring millions
of federal dollars into the state – and all of that new federal money would be spent at local grocery
stores across the state, adding millions of dollars in economic benefit to communities ….. Senate
opponents also ignored the fact that the state imposes no such lifetime ban for food stamps on persons
convicted of non-drug felonies (including violent crimes such as rape).” In an earlier report, MASW
suggested that the measure would draw $14 million in federal money, and that the net benefit to the
Missouri economy could be over $26 million each year if the ban were lifted.
MASW Criminal Justice Task Force Chair Sr. Carleen Reck wrote a letter to the editor of the St. Louis
Post-Dispatch, published on March 14. She cites the economic benefits of SB 764, and adds: “This
lifetime ban is a remnant of the failed war on drugs and unfairly targets people who are not among the
worst lawbreakers. Legislators need to hear from voters who believe that food purchased with food
stamps would be a positive and humane way to help people who have a record of drug abuse but who
now test clean.”
SB 821 (Shoemyer) – Expands the membership of the MO HealthNet Oversight Committee (from 18 to
19) by adding a representative from a rural health clinic as well as specifying that there shall be a doctor of
osteopathy represented in each category of physicians. Referred to the Senate Committee on Health & Mental
Health, which conducted a hearing on January 29. An SCS was reported out by the committee. It was taken
up for debate on February 19 and placed on the Senate’s Informal Calendar of Bills for Perfection.
SB 826 (Justus) – Prohibits the denial, suspension or revocation of a liquor license because of a
conviction of a crime by an employee regardless whether or not he or she were involved in retail sales of
alcoholic beverages. Referred to the Senate Committee on Economic Development, Tourism and Local
Government, which conducted a hearing on January 23. The committee voted the bill “do pass” on February
27 but has not reported the bill to the Senate floor.
SB 843 (Wilson) – Creates a trust fund and commission for youth smoking prevention, funded by money
received under the Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement. Referred to the Senate Committee on Seniors,
Families and Public Health, which conducted a hearing on February 14 and voted “do pass” on March 4.
SB 861 (Shoemyer) – Re-defines the term “intoxication-related traffic offense” to include certain traffic
offenses involving alcohol regardless of whether the defendant was represented by or waived the right to an
attorney in writing, for purposes of enhancement of penalty. Referred to the Senate Committee on Seniors,
Families and Public Health, which conducted a hearing on January 22, and voted “do pass” on March 10 but
has not reported the bill to the Senate floor.
SB 761 (Stouffer) – An “omnibus” bill dealing with transportation and motor vehicles. Among its many
provisions: (1) denial or renewal of a school bus endorsement when records shows that the applicant has
been convicted of an intoxication-related traffic offense while operating a school bus; (2) the drunk
driving memorial sign program to be administered by MoDOT [see SB 881, below]; (3) a plea of guilty or
finding of guilt followed by incarceration, a suspended imposition or execution of sentence, probation or parole
of any intoxication-related offense shall be treated as a prior conviction; (4) allows any judicial court to
establish a DWI court for the purpose of alternatives to the disposition of cases involving any criminal charge
for an intoxication-related offense. Cases may be referred to an existing drug court or to a separate DWI
court. Participants who successfully complete the treatment program may be granted a suspended execution
of sentence or have the penalty reduced. Referred to the Senate Committee on Transportation, which
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reported an SCS for the bill to the Senate on February 7. The bill was amended extensively on March 26, and
then perfected. It is on the Senate Calendar of Bills for Third Reading.
SB 881 (Green) – Establishes the drunk driving memorial sign program. Referred to the Senate Committee
on Transportation, which conducted a hearing on January 30 and reported the bill with a “do pass” recommenddation on February 28. It is on the Senate’s Calendar of Bills for Perfection. It is also included in the
omnibus transportation bill, SB 761, described above.
SB 917 (Goodman) – Creates licensing requirements for prescribing psychologists. It would require
completion of two years of additional training in psychopharmacology and to maintain an ongoing relationship
with a physician. Proponents say that it would improve patient access to mental health services, especially in
rural areas. MO Psychological Assn. President Mark Skrade said that the wait for patients to see a psychiatrist
can run from weeks to nine months. Psychiatrists say that the amount of formal education and training is
inadequate and could cause problems in diagnosis. The bill was referred to the Senate Committee on
Financial & Governmental Organizations and Elections, which conducted a hearing on February 4 and voted
the bill “do pass” on February 25. It has not been reported to the Senate Floor.
SB 946 (Dempsey) -- Creates the Tobacco Use Prevention, Cessation and Enforcement Fund to fund a
comprehensive tobacco control program. Referred to the Senate Committee on Seniors, Families and
Public Health, which conducted a hearing on February 14. It gave a “do pass” recommendation to a SCS for
the bill on March 4.
SB 1001 (Justus) - Allows a Kansas City festival district promotional association to obtain a license to sell
alcohol for consumption within the festival district. Same as HB 2421. Referred to the Senate Committee
on Economic Development, Tourism & Local Government, which conducted a hearing on February 6.
SB 1052 (Rupp) – Prohibits licensing of new casinos, increases the tax on existing ones, limits the identification
that needs to be shown, and repeals the $500 loss limit. Missouri is the only state that limits how much a
gambler can lose in a two-hour period. The Gaming Commission estimates that 30% of gambling Missourians
go to other states. Critics say that loss limits helps curb the excesses of compulsive gamblers and saves
their families much grief. The bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Ways & Means, which conducted
a hearing on February 18 and reported it with a “do pass” recommendation on March 27. It is on the Senate
Calendar for Perfection.
SB 1063 (Koster) – The Missouri Methamphetamine Project, which includes provisions dealing with meth
education, treatment, prevention, law enforcement, penalties, and funding of deputy sheriff
salaries. In cases where probation is granted for possession of meth, the conditions of probation shall
include, but not be limited to, referral to a drug court for participation in a substance abuse program or
participation and completion of not less than twenty-eight days in an inpatient substance abuse program. Such
persons shall receive a term of supervised probation of less than four years and shall be subject to mandatory
urine analysis to determine use of controlled substances throughout the term of probation as determined by
the court or board of probation and parole. It also requires the Dept. of Public Safety to develop and conduct a
large-scale statewide advertising campaign to combat the first-time use of methamphetamine among young
people. The campaign shall consist of television, print, and outdoor advertising focusing on the impact meth
has on the individual and his or her family and friends. The ads shall using stark and high-impact imagery
designed to realistically and graphically communicate the risks of meth to young people. SB 1063 has been
referred to the Senate Committee on Pensions, Veterans Affairs and General Laws. There has been no further
action on the bill.
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Senate Bills introduced since publication of Capitol Report #21:
SB 1079 (Bray) – Modifies the provisions of the Missouri Indoor Clean Air Act to prohibit smoking in a
public place or a public meeting or within 15 feet of any entrance to a public place or meeting. It repeals the
provision allowing for a designated smoking area in public places, and creates a crime of littering (Class A
Misdemeanor) if a person throws any cigarettes, cigarette packages or other smoking-related items. The bill
has been referred to the Senate Committee on Pensions, Veterans’ Affairs and General Laws.
SB 1107 (Scott) – Amends various laws pertaining to the Water Patrol, including boating while intoxicated. The BAC level for the crime of operating a vessel with excessive BAC is reduced from .10 to .08.
Various penalties are modified, and the crimes of assault with a vessel and involuntary manslaughter with a
vessel while intoxicated are made universally applicable to the whole state rather than just the big rivers and
lakes. It also creates classifications of prior, persistent, aggravated and chronic for repeat offenses. The bill
was referred to the Senate Committee on Financial & Governmental Organizations and Elections, which
conducted a hearing, and voted to give the bill a “do pass” recommendation. It was reported to the Senate on
March 27.
SB 1109 (Scott) – Modifies the scope of practice for Licensed Professional Counselors. Includes a
requirement for additional education and training for current licensees in the assessment and diagnosis of
persons with mental and emotional disorders. The bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Financial &
Governmental Organizations and Elections, which conducted a hearing, and voted to give the bill a “do pass,”
recommendation. It has not been reported to the Senate Floor yet.
SB 1177 (Barnitz) – Licensed Professional Counselors are included in the definition of mental health
professionals for the purposes of providing services of the DMH Division of Alcohol and Drug Abuse and the
Division of Comprehensive Psychiatric Services.
Referred to the Senate Committee on Financial &
Governmental Organizations and Elections, which conducted a hearing, and reported the bill with a “do pass consent,” recommendation. It is on the Senate Calendar of Consent Bills.
SB 1222 (Engler) – Requires construction employees to take drug tests before working on projects on school
and state property. Referred to the Senate Committee on Small Business, Insurance & Industrial Relations on
February 28.
SB 1265 (Bray) – Imposes various regulations (hours of operation, vehicle safety, drug and alcohol
screening, etc.) on contract carriers that transport railroad employees. Referred to the Senate Committee on
Transportation on March 3.
House Bills
HB 1323 (Sater) – Meth Offender Registry. Requires the Missouri State Highway Patrol, subject to
appropriations, to create, maintain and make available for public inquiry on the Internet a Registry of persons
convicted of, found guilty of, pled guilty to, or grant a suspended imposition of sentence for certain methamphetamine-related offenses. Referred to the House Committee on Crime Prevention & Public Safety on
February 28.
HB 1402 (Dusenberg) – Requires excursion gambling boats to deposit money from jackpots won by gamblers
who have voluntarily excluded themselves from gambling boats into the Compulsive Gamblers Fund.
Referred to the House Committee on Crime Prevention & Public Safety.
HB 1406 (Deeken) – Establishes the drunk driving memorial sign program in MoDOT. Any person may
apply to Mo DOT to sponsor a sign in memory of an immediate family member who died as the result of an
alcohol-related crash. MoDOT will charge a fee to cover the cost of designing, constructing, erecting and
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maintaining the sign. The signs will feature the words “Drunk Driving Victim,” the initials of the deceased
victim, the month and year, and the phrase “Who’s Next?” All private signs are prohibited. Same as SB 881
(Green). Passed by the House by a vote of 82-51 on February 25 and sent to the Senate. The Senate
Committee on Transportation voted a recommendation of “do pass” on March 12.
HB 1408 (Deeken) – Sets up a special fund in the state treasury to be used exclusively to fund prevention,
treatment, and recovery of alcohol-related problems and alcohol-related traffic safety. The special
fund will receive money from alcohol excise taxes collected (currently deposited in the General Revenue Fund)
as well as from private donations. The totals to be deposited in the fund will be implemented over a 3-year
phase-in period. About $10 million would be deposited in the fund next year, $20 million the following year,
and $30 million each year thereafter. Alcohol-related problems are defined and described, as well as the
criteria to be used by the General Assembly in making appropriations from the fund. The bill was referred to
the House Committee on Health Care Policy, which conducted a hearing on March 11.
Summary of Hearing: The Missouri Recovery Network (MRN) and Missouri’s Youth/Adult Alliance
(MYAA) were well-represented at the March 11 hearing. Testimony provided committee members with
personal stories of recovery, the effects of addiction and recovery on families, the value of treatment and
rehabilitation as an alternative to incarceration or a part of the re-entry process for offenders, and the
need for more resources for prevention at the community level. Also presented were arguments in favor
of using money to deal with alcohol-related problem from this funding stream, e.g. the heavy drinkers
who consume large quantities of the product; the compelling state interest in dealing with the
consequences of abuse and addiction; the concept of an “impact fee” to offset the costs to society by
placing more of the burden on those who create those costs; and the precedent already set by the
legislature in earmarking 12 cents per gallon of wine for promotion of grape products and research
conducted by the Dept. of Agriculture.
The committee has not taken action on the bill since the hearing. It still needs to vote on it and report it to
the House. Before the House can put it on the calendar for debate it needs to be approved by the Rules
Committee, which approved that version of the bill in 2006. Even if that happens, time is running out, and it is
doubtful that the bill will make it to the House Floor for a vote. Opposition to the bill will come from legislators
and interest groups which do not want to lose even relatively small amounts of General Revenue which could
be used for other purposes.
HB 1409 (Deeken) – Allows persons who have been convicted more than twice of driving while
intoxicated to obtain an ignition interlock restricted license for a one-year period if the person meets certain
requirements. Referred to the House Committee on Crime Prevention & Public Safety on February 21.
HB 1423 (St. Onge) – Anyone who has had his or her driving license suspended due to an alcohol-related
traffic offense will be deemed to have not fulfilled the suspension and a restricted driving license will not be
issued until the person has completed 30 days of a suspension and has filed proof with the Dept. of Revenue
that the person’s motor vehicle is equipped with a functioning, certified ignition interlock device as a
required condition of the person’s restricted driving privilege. If the person fails to maintain the proof, the
restricted license will be terminated or suspended, or both. Referred to House Committee on Transportation,
which conducted a hearing on the bill on January 22. The Committee approved an HCS for the bill by a vote of
10-0 on February 13. It was referred to the Rules Committee, which voted to send the bill back to the
committee of origin. The Transportation Committee changed and sent it back to the Rules Committee on
March 11, and Rules reported it the House “do pass” on March 27. NOTE: The provisions of the amended bill
apply only to a second or subsequent offense rather than first offense.
HB 1443 (Roorda) – Prohibits a person from intentionally smelling or inhaling fumes of or aiding another
person in the use or sale of specified solvents. Referred to the House Committee on Crime Prevention & Public
Safety.
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HB 1445 (Roorda) -- Creates the crime of altering or falsifying drug or alcohol test results or selling or
transporting a biological sample or adulterant to falsify test results. Referred to the House Committee on
Crime Prevention & Public Safety.
HB 1464 (Nolte) – Prohibits the use or possession of an alcohol beverage vaporizer. Referred to the House
Committee on Crime Prevention & Public Safety. NOTE: This provision is included in SB 747.
HB 1468 (Pratt) -- Changes the laws regarding the crime of endangering the welfare of a child in the first
degree and adds a penalty for the possession of a controlled substance in the presence of a minor.
Referred to House Committee on Crime Prevention & Public Safety, which conducted a hearing on January 29.
The committee approved an HCS for the bill on February 5, but has not yet reported it out.
HB 1489 (Donnelly) -- Establishes the Drug Monitoring Act to monitor the prescribing of certain controlled
substances and modifies existing record keeping requirements for controlled substances and pseudoephedrine
products. Referred to House Committee on Crime Prevention & Public Safety.
HB 1492 (Smith) -- Raises the legal driving age from 16 to 18 years of age and the age to obtain an
instruction permit from 15 to 17 years of age. Referred to the House Committee on Transportation.
HB 1507 (Hughes) -- Eliminates the payment of an intervention fee as a condition of parole. Repeals law
enacted in 2005. Referred to House Special Committee on Urban Issues, which conducted a hearing on the
bill on March 4.
HB 1530 (Smith) -- Allows criminal charges to be filed against a mother who intentionally used or ingested an
illegal controlled substance while she was pregnant which resulted in harm to her unborn child. Referred to
House Committee on Crime Prevention & Public Safety.
HB 1552 (Stevenson) –Specifies that the presence of a controlled substance in the blood is prima facie
evidence that the person was in a drugged condition at the time a test was taken for the crime of
driving while intoxicated. Also lowers the age for which the juvenile court does not have jurisdiction over a
child who is alleged to have violated a state or municipal traffic ordinance or regulation from 15 years and six
months of age to 15 years of age. Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary, which conducted a
hearing on February 12.
HB 1580 (Bruns) -- Requires retailers of tobacco products to have a license issued by the Division of
Alcohol and Tobacco Control, pay an annual fee, and have a retail sales tax license before selling any
products. Referred to House Committee on Crime Prevention & Public Safety, which conducted a hearing on
March 11.
HB 1586 (B. Baker) -- Prohibits the possession or consumption of alcohol in the State Capitol or on the
State Capitol grounds. Referred to the House Committee on Local Government.
HB 1591 (Lipke) -- Creates the crime of driving with a controlled substance in a person's body. Referred
to the House Committee on Crime Prevention & Public Safety.
HB 1592 (Lipke) -- Establishes the Drug Monitoring Act and prohibits the selling, dispensing, purchasing, or
receiving of certain controlled substances by mail order or mobile retail vendor. Referred to the House
Committee on Crime Prevention & Public Safety.
HB 1593 (Lipke) -- Lowers the blood-alcohol content to .08 of 1% for the crime of operating a vessel with
excessive blood-alcohol content. Referred to the House Committee on Crime Prevention & Public Safety.
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HB 1601 (Bringer) -- Creates a rebuttable presumption that the person whose name appears in the controlled
substance log book which pharmacies are required to keep and maintain is the person whose transaction is
recorded. Referred to the House Special Committee on Healthcare Transformation.
HB 1619 (Jones) – The Drug Monitoring Act requires the Dept. of Health and Senior Services to monitor the
prescribing and dispensing of all Schedule II through Schedule V controlled substances by all licensed
professionals who prescribe and dispense. Included in the bill is authorization to contract with other state
agencies or private vendors, develop an educational course, and work with associations for impaired
professionals to ensure intervention, treatment and ongoing monitoring of patients who have been
identified as addicted. It also requires sellers of pseudoephedrine products to keep an electronic log of
each transaction. (similar to SB 732) Referred to House Committee on Crime Prevention & Public Safety,
which conducted a hearing on February 5. The committee reported an HCS for the bill “do pass” on February
13 and the Rules Committee did so on February 18. It was debated by the full House on March 4 and 5,
amended it, passed it by a vote of 84-69 on March 6 and sent it to the Senate. It has been referred to the
Senate Committee on Seniors, Families and Public Health, which has scheduled a hearing for April 1..
HB 1620 (Jones) -- Authorizes certain advanced practice registered nurses to enter into collaborative
agreements with physicians to administer and dispense controlled substances. Referred to the House
Special Committee on Professional Registration & Licensing, which conducted a hearing on March 6.
HB 1703 (Bruns) -- Revises the laws regarding prior, persistent, aggravated, and chronic intoxicationrelated traffic offenders and requires continuous alcohol monitoring as a condition of parole or
probation for some offenders. Referred to the House Committee on Crime Prevention & Public Safety.
HB 1708 (Pollock) -- Increases the penalty for certain commercial drivers who are convicted of operating a
commercial vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs from a class B to a class A misdemeanor. Referred
to the House Committee on Crime Prevention & Public Safety.
HB 1709 (Sater) -- Creates the Tobacco Use Prevention, Cessation, and Enforcement Trust Fund to be used by
the Department of Health and Senior Services for a comprehensive tobacco control program. Referred
to the House Committee on Health Care Policy, which conducted a hearing on March 11.
HB 1791 (Cooper, R.W.) -- Defines "licensed professional counselor" and includes these individuals as
mental health professionals working in the Division of Comprehensive Psychiatric Services. At a hearing on the
bill, proponents noted that it would allow LPC’s to conduct assessments for involuntary commitments and
said that there are not enough practitioners available to assess persons who pose a substantial risk to
themselves and others. DMH and the Coalition of Community Mental health Centers support the bill. Referred
to the House Committee on Professional Registration & Licensing, which conducted a hearing and reported the
bill “do pass-consent” and sent it to the Rules Committee on March 6. Rules also reported the bill the House
Floor “do pass-consent” on March 12. The bill was perfected, i.e. given first-round approval, on March 27.
HB 1792 (Cooper, R. W.) -- Changes the laws regarding licensed professional counselors. Referred to the
House Committee on Professional Registration & Licensing, which conducted a hearing on February 28.
HB 1839 (Low) – Establishes Christy's Law which requires all health care personnel involved in the examination
of a rape victim to inform the victim of his or her right to be tested for the presence of a date rape
drug. Referred to the House Special Committee on Family Services, which conducted a hearing on March 5.
HB 1889 (Meadows) – Requires the Missouri state highway patrol to provide a real-time electronic log
book for pharmacies to use to enter certain drug transactions. Referred to the House Committee on Crime
Prevention & Public Safety.
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House Bills introduced since publication of Capitol Report #21:
HB 2033 (Page) – The Drug Monitoring Act requires the Dept. of Health & Senior Services to develop a
program to monitor the prescribing and dispensing of all Schedule II through Schedule V controlled substances
by all licensed professionals who prescribe or dispense in Missouri. All information is to be confidential. Also
requires a person selling pseudoephedrine products to keep and electronic log of each transaction. Referred
to the House Special Committee on Healthcare Transformation.
HB 2119 (Roorda) – Any person who unlawfully distributes or delivers any controlled substance to any person
and that person’s injection, inhalation, or ingestion causes his or her death will be guilty of first-degree
involuntary manslaughter. Referred to the House Committee on Crime Prevention & Public Safety, which
conducted a public hearing on March 11.
HB 2153 (Silvey) – Prohibits any person under age 21 who is not an underage entertainer from being
allowed inside a drinking establishment. Violation is a Class C misdemeanor. Introduced on February 14
but not referred to committee. NOTE: This bill is MYAA priority legislation.
HB 2168 (Grill) – Increases the penalty for the crime of selling tobacco products to any person
younger than 18 from $25 to $250 for a first offense, $100 to $500 for a second offense, and $250 to $1,000
for a third or subsequent offense. Referred to the House Committee on Crime Prevention & Public Safety.
HB 2190 (Nasheed) – Phases out the sales and use tax on food over a six-year period and replaces those
revenue with a tax on beer, wine and spirits. NOTE: The summary refers to the alcohol tax as a “sales
tax,” but the bill refers to the charges levied at the wholesale level (similar to Rep. Deeken’s proposal). In
each of the three categories, the bill reads: “The rate of the charge shall be the percentage of the purchase
price paid or charged, adjusted annually, necessary to replace the amount of revenue lost each year as a
result of the reduction in the percentage of tax imposed on food…..” The money would be put in the school
district trust fund. The bill was referred to the House Committee on Tax Reform, which conducted a public
hearing on March 4. No further action has been taken.
HB 2297 (Dougherty) – Beer with the brand name “Budweiser” is selected for and shall be known as the
official beer of the state of Missouri. The bill was introduced on February 28, but has not been referred
to committee. It is co-sponsored by Reps. Darrough, Schneider, Oxford, Young, Spreng and Funderburk.
Report: An Associated Press story made its way into many news outlets around the country. A Google search
found more than 3,500 links, including several from foreign countries, by March 20. USA Today gave it space,
and Join Together included the item in its e-newsletter. Some advocates for substance abuse prevention and
treatment services have expressed concern about the implications, and the kind of message it sends to our
culture; others point to it as another example of the alcohol industry’s influence on legislation and public policy,
or another example of waste of taxpayer money, since it costs money to process a bill even if it doesn’t go
anywhere.
A March 12 editorial in the Jefferson City News-Tribune calls it “one of the more ludicrous ideas advanced this
legislative session.” It objects to the Budweiser designation primarily because it, unlike other state symbols, is
“product-specific:” The editorial raises the question about whether any alcoholic beverage deserves to be
elevated to the stature of state symbol. “In the final analysis, designating a commercial product as a state
symbol is poor public policy.”
Numerous suggestions have been advanced for other “official state symbols” that might be considered by
Missouri lawmakers, as well as legislators in other states. To see suggested symbols or to submit your
suggestions, please visit the MYAA Blog.
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HB 2330 (Brandom) – Requires the Dept. of Social Services to develop a program to screen and test
applicants for or recipients of the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Program benefits who the
dept. has reasonable cause to believe, based on the screening, engages in the illegal use of controlled
substances. Applicants or recipients who test positive for the use of a controlled substance after an
administrative hearing will be declared ineligible for TANF benefits for three years beginning on the date of the
administrative hearing decision. The dept. will refer individuals who tested positive to a substance abuse
treatment program approved by the DMH Division of Alcohol and Drug Abuse. The bill was referred to
the House Special Committee on General Laws on March 13. A hearing has been scheduled for April 1.
HB 2368 (Roorda) – Defines "intoxication-related traffic homicide" as involuntary manslaughter in
which the person operates a motor vehicle in an intoxicated condition to cause the death of another person or
murder in the second degree or a homicide from another state where the underlying conduct would have
constituted an intoxication-related traffic homicide. The definitions of "aggravated offender," "chronic
offender," "intoxication-related traffic offense," "persistent offender," and "prior offender" are expanded to
include intoxication-related traffic homicide. Introduced on March 6.
HB 2373 (Harris) – Imposes additional penalties on a person who has been convicted of an intoxicationrelated traffic offense when that person’s BAC was .16 or 1% or higher. Introduced on March 6.
HB 2397 (Funderburk) – Requires drug and alcohol testing of persons providing construction services on
school property. The bill was introduced on March 11 but has not been referred to committee.
HB 2406 (Deeken) – Makes it unlawful for a person under 18 to sell cigarettes or tobacco products or
for any person to require a person under 18 to sell cigarettes or tobacco products. Introduced on March 12
but has not been referred to committee.
HB 2421 (Meiners) – Allows a Kansas City festival district promotional association to obtain a license to sell
alcohol for consumption within the festival district. Referred to the House Special Committee on Job
Creation & Economic Development.
HB 2432 (Harris) – Creates a trust fund and commission on youth smoking prevention. Introduced on
March 13.
HB 2444 (Bland) – Exercises the federal option for food stamp eligibility for persons who had a drugrelated felony conviction if the person has completed a substance abuse treatment program. Identical to SB
764 (see above). Introduced on March 13.
HB 2477 (Hughes) – Allows the expungement of all records associated with a conviction for a nonviolent
crime, misdemeanors, and nonviolent drug offenses. Criteria to be met for expungement: at least 4 years
having elapsed since the applicant has completed imprisonment, probation, parole, graduation for high school
or GED, employment for at least 2 years, 700 hours of community service, etc. The bill was introduced on
March 27.
Chief Justice of the Supreme Court Praises Missouri’s Drug Courts
In the annual State of the Judiciary Address to a joint session of the Missouri General Assembly, Chief
Justice Laura Denvir Smith noted the accomplishments of the state’s drug courts. Her speech, delivered on
February 5, included the following remarks (emphasis ours):
“Drug courts, also, are helping urban and rural communities throughout the state reap similar benefits.
Since they were established in Missouri 15 years ago through bipartisan efforts, our drug courts have
graduated more than 6,200 individuals. An incredible 90 percent of these never return to our
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criminal justice system! I thank my colleague, Judge Ray Price, for his instrumental role in the
development and oversight of these courts as chairman of Missouri's statewide drug court commission. In
fact, the reason he is unable to be with us today is that he is in Washington, D.C., attending a board
meeting of the National Association of Drug Court Professionals.
I encourage all of you to attend a local drug court graduation - it's an amazing expe-rience. In
Stone County, for example, one graduate went from having no place to live, no relationship with his two
sons, no job and spending his time committing crimes and his money on drugs to having a solid
marriage, running a masonry business and coaching his son's football team.
His story is echoed in the experiences of many of our drug court graduates. We have a number of
recent graduates here today, along with some of our drug court staff and judges, and I invite them to
stand and be recognized for their achievements.
These are the types of outcomes that timely and effective court intervention creates all across Missouri.
Keeping offenders out of prison allows them to remain in the workforce and their families to stay intact.
In fact, our juvenile courts have been able to place 120 children back in their natural homes after
a parent graduated from drug court. The success of our drug courts even affects the next generation
of Missourians, as more than 325 drug-free babies have been born to female drug court participants!
And as I'm sure you are aware, protecting our unborn children from the ravages of drugs saves the state
literally tens of thousands of dollars per child and gives every child a chance at a better life.
Alcohol abuse, like drug abuse, can ruin lives. Missouri has had the foresight to establish DWI courts as
part of its drug court programs. The Greene County DWI court recently was one of only four such courts
nationwide to be honored as a model court for its work in turning around repeat DWI offenders. Of its
143 graduates since 2003, only four have been convicted of subsequent DWIs.
As the Springfield News-Leader recently noted, expanded funding of the proven, cost-effective services
offered by such courts will reduce the impact of substance abuse in Missouri. At any given time, our 108
drug courts are working with more than 3,200 offenders - that's approximately equal to the
population of two state prisons Missouri has not had to build. This money-saving investment in
our drug courts really is an investment in a positive future for Missourians. And all drug court funds go
directly to treatment services for your constituents in your communities.”
On the following day, Missouri Department of Transportation Director Pete Rahn delivered the State of
Transportation Address. He did not mention alcohol or drug related issues, such as drunk driving. This is
unusual. Most of the annual speeches by MoDOT directors have included some reference to the need to
reduce driving under the influence to improve public safety.
MO Responds to Surgeon General’s Call to Action to Prevent and Reduce UAD
As part of a national effort to help communities in their efforts to stop underage drinking, a series of Town Hall
Meetings have been scheduled to take place across America during the week of March 31–April 4, 2008.
The town hall meetings are part of a national effort to increase understanding and awareness of underage
drinking and its consequences, and to encourage individuals, families, and communities to address the
problem. These Town Hall Meetings give local communities the opportunity to come together to learn more
about the new research on underage drinking and its impact on both individuals and the community, and to
discuss how their community can implement the recommendations in The Surgeon General’s Call to Action to
prevent underage alcohol use. They are designed to alert and empower the community as well as generate
interest from the media. Participating Coalitions include:
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AvaBillingsRepublic-
Ava Advance 2000
Republic Community 2000
Republic Community Center
Branson-
City of Branson/Liquor Task Force
Carthage-
The Alliance of Southwest Missouri
Joplin Area Coalition
Neosho Neosho Area Coalition
Kansas City- Hickman Mills Prevention Coalition
Northland Coalition
U.P.L.I.F.T.
CassvilleCassville C2000
*Chillicothe- Livingston County C2000
Clayton-
Clayton CommAlliance for Healthy Kids
Clinton-
Bates County CHART
C.O.D.E. Community Organization for
Drug Elimination
*Columbia-
YC2 Drug-Free Columbia (Virtual)
De Soto-
De Soto DARE
East Prairie-
Charleston C2000
East Prairie C2000 Team
Eureka-
Rockwood C-2000
Farmington- St. Francois Co Community Partnership
Grant CityWorth County Cares Coalition
HermitageHickory Co. Comm Improvement
HopkinsMHTF/Maryville C2000
ImperialBlackcat and Jefferson County P.R.I.D.E.
Jefferson City-Missouri's Youth/Adult Alliance (MYAA)
JoplinCarthage Caring Communities/C-2000
LibertyMilanMtn GroveMt. VernonRichmondRollaSedalia-
Liberty Alliance For Youth
Communities Against Drugs and Alcohol
Wright County Resource Team/C-2000
Mt. Vernon Drug Advisory Council
Ray County Coalition
Phelps County Child Advocacy Network
S.T.A.N.D.
SikestonSmithvilleSpringfield-
SE Missouri Drug Free Communities
Smithville C-2000
Greene Co-UAD Task Force
Stover St CharlesSt. JosephSt. LouisUnionvilleVersailles*Warsaw-
Stover Community Center
Healthy Communities St. Charles County
St. Joseph Youth Alliance/Buchanan Co.
Operation Weed & Seed - St. Louis, Inc.
Putnam County Partners in Prevention
Morgan County CLEAR
Benton Co. Human Services Council
*Denotes Coalitions hosting multiple meetings
Missouri’s Youth/Adult Alliance (MYAA) Reports Alcopop Reclassification
The Maryland Senate passed a bill that would classify AlcoPops as beer and not distilled spirits. AlcoPops
are sweet, fruity, often bubbly alcoholic beverages designed for and marketed to youth. Learn about the
products, the companies that make and market them, and the harms they cause, for example Mike’s Hard
Lemonade and Smirnoff Ice. Alicia Ozenbeger, MYAA Project Director reports “Missouri has already
reclassified AlcoPops as beer. The reclassification was pushed into a provision passed last legislative session
that was missed by many prevention professionals, including our colleagues at PIRE.”
Prevention professionals fear that these actions being taken by states will perpetuate low alcohol prices,
especially for alcoholic drinks that are usually marketed to our youth. Federal studies prove that these fruity
flavored drinks are popular among youth.
The Marin Institute has conducted studies and published reports about AlcoPops and alcoholic energy
drinks. See Join Together Online for more information on Maryland’s reclassification legislation.
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MYAA will be launching an AlcoPops Awareness Campaign to educate parents, educators and retailers
about identification and dangers of this trendy product targeted toward youth during Alcohol Awareness
Month. For more information on the campaign and what you can do to prevent underage drinking in your
community, please visit the MYAA Blog.
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MRN Invited to Participate in Civic Engagement Campaign
The Missouri Recovery Network (MRN) was invited by the national Faces and Voices of Recovery
organization to participate in the 10-state “Recovery Voices Count” campaign. This project will help
engage those in recovery, family, friends and allies in the 2008 election process. Recovery Voices Count is a
national movement which will build recognition of the recovery community as a “constituency of
consequence.” The intent is to help advocates around the country to get involved in nonpartisan voting
activities so that their voices can be heard at local, state and national levels.
The project consists of three areas of involvement:



Voter Registration
Voter Education
Voter Participation
MRN Project Director Brenda Schell is excited about the project. “MRN will build community spirit,
enthusiasm, and commitment around recovery and what we represent,” she says.
More information about the campaign and its various components is available on Faces & Voices of
Recovery. Especially helpful are the “Five Questions to Ask Candidates,” the sample “Candidate Pledge,” and
example or a town hall forum, which are also featured in the most recent issue of “Rising!”
Register Now for MRN’s Advocacy Day & Recovery Rally
The Missouri Recovery Network (MRN) will host its first Advocacy Day at the State Capitol on Wednesday,
April 30, followed by the Annual Recovery Rally on Thursday, May 1, at the Truman Hotel in Jefferson City.
Registration is necessary. There is no fee for Advocacy Day. There is a $30 registration fee for the Recovery
Rally. MSAPCB has awarded 6 CEU’s for this event. Contact MRN at 877-669-2280 or 573-635-6669 for more
information.
MRN Project Director Brenda Schell says about Advocacy Day, “It will give recovery advocates a chance to
rally and collectively come together to share our concerns with our elected officials. This day should be used
as an opportunity to come together as a unified voice and advocate on behalf of those in recovery and
those who still need recovery. It is a day to speak up about issues regarding substance abuse treatment
and recovery support. We should never forget that those at the capitol are elected to represent all of the
people in their districts. If they don’t hear from us, they are likely to get their information from other sources.
The field of substance abuse and addiction needs legislative champions, legislators who become
knowledgeable in relevant issues. If they develop that knowledge and understanding of the issues, their
colleagues will turn to them for advice when it comes time to vote on the issues.”
Keynote speakers for the Rally are Tom Coderre, National Field Director, Faces & Voices of Recovery
(FAVOR), and Mike Barry, President of people Advocating Recovery (PAR) in Kentucky. Tom will address
messaging and how to share messages with public officials. He will address how our stories can help break
down the myths and stereotypes that keep people from getting the help they need. Panel presentations will
include speakers from the DMH Division of Alcohol & Drug Abuse, Dept. of Corrections, Missouri Re-entry
Process, Missouri Drug Courts, Committed Caring Faith Communities (CCFC), and individuals in recovery who
will share their success stories.
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Missouri Mental Health Champions Awards Banquet April 16, 2008
The Missouri Department of Mental Health and the Missouri Mental Health Foundation cordially invite you
to the 2008 Missouri Mental Health CHAMPIONS Awards Banquet on April 16, at the Capitol Plaza Hotel in
Jefferson City.
The 2008 Champions are:
Theresa Taylor who founded Vision House in Cape Girardeau, a faith-based long-term transitional living center
for homeless women with addictions;
Nan Chamberlain who created a college curriculum for incoming social work students and works at a
Community Mental Health Center in Mexico, and
Dan LaLone, who, along with family and friends led an effort in Springfield to establish an apartment complex to
provide independent living for persons with disabilities.
Deadlines for Voter Registration and List of Candidates
The filing deadline for candidates for the August 5 Primary Election has passed, and a list of the candidates
is complete, for the moment, since some may choose to withdraw. The Secretary of State’s website lists
candidates for all offices, including mailing addresses, and updates it regularly. Want to know who is running
for office in the Senate and House districts in which you live? Go here and click on the office or district.
The deadline for voter registration for the August 5 Primary Election is July 9, 2008. The deadline
for the November 4 General Election is October 8, 2008. You will find valuable voter registration
information, polling place listings, and other election-related information at http://www.sos.mo.gov/.
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