Re-Elect Nita Jane Ayres

CAPITOL COMMENTS
Nita Jane Ayres
State Representative
District 62

July 28, 2010 ~ Last week I focused on a few of the major pieces of legislation that will soon become law. This week I want to examine some of the other pieces of legislation that have been signed by the governor in recent weeks. The governor had until July 14 to either sign or veto bills passed by the General Assembly. Of course, the weeks read more

July 21, 2010 ~ The last few weeks have been dominated by talk of the special session and the two key issues addressed by the legislature during that time. Unfortunately, that discussion has overshadowed news of several bill signings that occurred during that same period of read more

July 14, 2010 ~ After weeks of negotiations and a lengthy filibuster in the Senate, the General Assembly wrapped up the special session by passing both the Manufacturing Jobs Act and the state pension overhaul bill. While there were elements of both bills that I supported, the final products were ones that I could not fully read more

July 8, 2010 ~  As I’ve talked about the budget process in other columns, I have mentioned our focus on crafting a spending plan that is fiscally responsible. We’re fortunate as a state that our legislature has adhered to a budget philosophy that requires us to live within our means. It has certainly been a blessing in read more

July 1, 2010 ~ The last week has been extremely busy as we have not only been called back for a special session, but the governor has also signed a number of bills into law. While I want to give you a quick update on where we stand with the special session legislation, let me first bring you read more

June 24, 2010  ~ During the regular session, we did our best to craft a balanced budget that would ensure our state lives within its means. As I mentioned at the time, it’s not an easy task as the budget is based on estimates rather than reality. Now, as the reality of our poor economy has continued, it has become read more
June 17, 2010  ~ A few weeks ago I mentioned the proactive approach Missouri has taken to address the problem of illegal immigration. As the Arizona policy made national headlines, it was important to remind Missourians that our own state had already enacted some of the toughest laws in the nation to address this growing problem.   read more
June 10, 2010  ~  Ensuring Health Care Freedom ~ As your state representative, it’s my job to give you and all the people of 62nd district a voice in the legislative process. Of course, there are times when it isn’t easy to determine what the consensus is among the people. Then there are other times when the will of the people  read more
June 3, 2010  ~  Legislation that Will Make Positive Changes for Missouri ~ As the weeks fly by during the interim and more and more bills are signed into law by the governor, I want to share with you some of the changes that are in store for our state. While some of these bills didn’t receive the headlines of some of our higher priority  read more
May 27, 2010  ~  A Day of Remembrance ~ As we head into this Memorial Day weekend, it’s important to remember and honor the many valiant heroes who have given their lives in service to this great nation. Memorial Day, or Decoration Day as it was once called, is much more than just a three-day weekend. It is a time to pay    read more
May 23, 2010  ~  How a Simple Bill Becomes Complicated ~ It has been a little more than a week since the 2010 legislative session came to a close and I’m still collecting my thoughts on what was accomplished, and everything I learned, during what was a hectic few months. As I think about the lessons I learned in regard to the legislative   read more
May 14, 2010  ~  2010 Legislative Session Comes to a Close with a Flurry of Activity ~ It’s been a true whirlwind of activity as the legislative session draws to a close. As I write this on the morning of the final day of session, we’ve reached agreements with the Senate on several significant issues. At the same time, we have several  read more
May 6, 2010  ~  Missouri Ahead of the Game in Dealing with Illegal Immigrants ~ We’re down to one week to go in the legislative session and bills are moving through the process at a remarkable pace. My goal is to keep you updated on all the pieces of legislation that may be of interest to you and your family. In the coming weeks  read more
April 29, 2010  ~  State Budget Finalized Ahead of Schedule ~ As the countdown to the end of the legislative session continues, we were able to complete a highly productive week in the Missouri House. Our focus this week was on completing the state budget but we also took time to pay tribute to some of our greatest    read more
April 22, 2010  ~  Preserving Our Environment ~ Thursday marked the end of another week of the legislative session but it was also a day I hope many of you chose to acknowledge. For those who don’t know, April 22 was Earth Day – a day when we think about our environment and how we can help to preserve it. I think it’s especially important    read more
April 15, 2010  ~  State Budget Inches Closer to Finish Line ~ With the completion of this week, we’re now just four weeks away from the end of session. More importantly, we’re three weeks away from the constitutional deadline to pass a balanced budget. As I told you a few weeks ago, the House passed a version of the budget   read more
April 8, 2010  ~  Local People Solving Local Problems ~ The end of session is only weeks away and things are moving at a hectic pace in Jefferson City, but I was fortunate to have the opportunity to spend an extra day at home in the district this week. As part of our Easter break, the legislature took Monday off to allow members    read more
April 1, 2010  ~  Busy Week Highlighted by Several Visits from Area Students  ~  The state budget we completed in the House last week cut more than $224 million from the governor’s original budget recommendation. As I said in my last Capitol Comments, making those cuts required us to work long hours to find areas where our  read more
March 25, 2010 ~ Budget Process Marked by Tough but Necessary Choices  ~  If you’ve read my previous Capitol Comments, you know I’ve spent a considerable amount of time discussing the state budget. Of the many important issues we consider in the legislature, the budget is at the top of the list. Last week, our House Budget Committee  read more
March 22, 2010 ~ Opposing a Government Takeover of Health Care ~ You can’t turn on your television or pick up a newspaper without seeing something about the federal health care plan currently being considered by Congress. It’s safe to say this has become one of the most controversial issues in recent years. It’s an issue that read more
March 15, 2010 ~ The Importance of Participating in the 2010 Census  ~  While I was home for legislative Spring Break, I had one of the most important pieces of mail I will receive all year delivered to my front door. It’s something you have either received or will receive as well. Of course, I am talking about the forms for one of  read more
March 8, 2010 ~ General Assembly Reaches Session Midpoint ~ The last few weeks have flown by in the blink of an eye and we’ve now reached the halfway point of the 2010 legislative session. Most refer to this time when the House and Senate take a week off as Spring Break. However, for me, Spring Break is not a time for relaxation, read more
March 1, 2010 ~ Intricacies of the Budget Process Part II ~ In last week’s Capitol Report, I began an analysis of how our state’s operating budget is put together. This week, I would like to continue to talk about the process that many believe is the most important function of the legislature. Right now, we’re working through the toughest part of read more
February 22, 2010 ~ The Intricacies of the Budget Process ~ There are some who say the legislature’s primary job is to pass a state budget, and that every other issue ranks a distant second. After a few weeks in the State Capitol, I can tell you it has become very apparent to me that the budget is not only the top item on the agenda, read more
February 15, 2010 ~ First, I am grateful to the people of District 62 for giving me the opportunity to be their representative and to serve them in this way. I was fortunate to grow up in a home where my parent’s demonstrated service and they worked in the community to improve everyone’s quality of life. Because of their example read more

Paid for by Elect Nita Jane Ayres, Kay L. Gerken, Treasurer