Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Ask Not What You Can Do

This is a little play on the words of the late, great President.

Ask not what you can do to further your political career and your standing in the community.  Ask not how many awards that you can win based on false impressions of your deeds.  Ask not how you can mislead the public with ten versions of everything that you have said.  Ask not what you can do without losing favor with your party.

Ask what you can do to really serve those with disabilities and how you can make a REAL difference in the lives of those that you pretend to help.

Autistic boy wins settlement in N.J. school suit - Philly.com

Autistic boy wins settlement in N.J. school suit - Philly.com

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Duncan's 82% NCLB Failure Prediction Way Off Base, New Data Show

Duncan's 82% NCLB Failure Prediction Way Off Base, New Data Show

In fact, only three states, plus the District of Columbia, actually hit or exceeded Duncan's estimate on failure to make AYP: the District, at 87 percent; Florida; at 89 percent; Missouri, at 88 percent; and New Mexico, at 87 percent.

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Adam’s Story Excerpt

Adam’s Story Excerpt

Mommy, I Wish I Could Tell You What They Did To Me In School Today
Everyday Atrocities Faced by Special Needs Children

By Richard S. Stripp, Sr.

IN LOVING MEMORY OF NOAH V. VARCADIPANE8/4/1996 – 11/14/2009 “MOMMY’S SUPERMAN”

The children and adult characters in this book are based on students and individuals that the author has interacted with and/or worked with directly.

The majority of children who “speak” in this book are non-verbal. Their words which you will read are fictitious and were never spoken by them but are based on actual events that occurred in their lives. It is the author’s belief that if the non-verbal children in this book could speak, what you are about to read is what they might have said.
Any conversations between the author and anyone in the book are based on actual events and conversations.

“Never, never be afraid to do what’s right, especially if the well-being of a person or animal is at stake. Society’s punishments are small compared to the wounds we inflict on our soul when we look the other way.” ~ Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Capturing the essence of an IEP Meeting with humor - National special education | Examiner.com

Capturing the essence of an IEP Meeting with humor - National special education Examiner.com

Judge slams San Francisco school personnel for delay and stall tactics - National special education | Examiner.com

Judge slams San Francisco school personnel for delay and stall tactics - National special education Examiner.com

The anti child industry devoted to keeping services at minimum - National special education | Examiner.com

The anti child industry devoted to keeping services at minimum - National special education Examiner.com

The anti child industry Part 2 - National special education | Examiner.com

The anti child industry Part 2 - National special education Examiner.com

The anti child industry: Where the big money goes - National special education | Examiner.com

The anti child industry: Where the big money goes - National special education Examiner.com

Does your school have a secret history of abusing disabled children? Find out here - National special education | Examiner.com

Does your school have a secret history of abusing disabled children? Find out here - National special education Examiner.com

Missouri

1. North Mercer R3, Mercer, MO (Seclusion Room: Closet converted to seclusion room)
2. Underwood Elementary School, Lee’s Summit R-7 School District, Lee’s Summit, MO (Seclusion: Child kept in closet for most of a month)

Disability Programs In Limbo Following Supercommittee Collapse - Disability Scoop

Disability Programs In Limbo Following Supercommittee Collapse - Disability Scoop

Monday, November 28, 2011

Looking For Honest Legislators

I am looking for HONEST legislators that want to make a difference in the lives of familes that are affected by autism.  I don't care which party they belong to.  I have talked to legislators on both sides of the aisle.  Some seem honest, some don't.  It doesn't matter what party they belong to.  I would think that it depends on the morals that they grew up with, the conviction they have to do the right thing, their need to help others rather than themselves, and whether they are willing to meet their maker with an open heart or will lie to Him like they have lied on earth.

We need change.  Children are being abused.  Children's futures are being stolen from them.  This is happening while we sit back and do nothing. 

Why do we continue to vote with our party?  Why are we willing to let people's lives be destroyed in the name of a political future?  Why do voters just vote instead of doing their homework?  Why don't people believe what is in black and white?  Are we really that lazy or stupid?  Do we just not care anymore?  Do we think that it won't matter? 

The best present you can give a family that is affected by autism is change.  Give them their lives back.  We don't need a day to recognize disabilities.  We live with them every day.  We need laws to protect us.  We need legislators willing to what they CLAIM to do.  We don't need stupid bills that make us look good.  We need bills that will hold DESE accountable, our schools districts accountable, and our legislators accountable.

Do Parents of Children With Autism File More Lawsuits?

Do Parents of Children With Autism File More Lawsuits?

Sunday, November 27, 2011

Penn State Scandal Shines Light on Child-Abuse Reporting Laws

Penn State Scandal Shines Light on Child-Abuse Reporting Laws

I have been witness to and heard stories of school employees that emotionally, psychologically, and verbally abuse children. This should be included in these laws. Bullying is bullying. Zero tolerance should apply to everyone in a school building. Not just the children.

Court Declines Review of School Vaccine, Religious-Flier Cases

Court Declines Review of School Vaccine, Religious-Flier Cases

States Falling Short in Serving Infants, Toddlers With Disabilities?

States Falling Short in Serving Infants, Toddlers With Disabilities?

Some states fare particularly poorly, Easter Seals found. Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, the District of Columbia, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, and Tennessee serve fewer than 2 percent of their population. On the other hand, some states do much better: Massachusetts, New Mexico, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, and Wyoming serve more than 4 percent of their population through Part C.

Saturday, November 19, 2011

UMKC-led consortium gets grant to help disabled - KAIT-Jonesboro, AR-News, weather, sports, classifieds-

UMKC-led consortium gets grant to help disabled - KAIT-Jonesboro, AR-News, weather, sports, classifieds-

Benson says MO education chief driving off KCMSD administrators - KCTV 5

Benson says MO education chief driving off KCMSD administrators - KCTV 5

UCM won't renew contract to sponsor KC charter | The Associated Press | News | Washington Examiner

UCM won't renew contract to sponsor KC charter The Associated Press News Washington Examiner

St. Louis Beacon - Lawmakers hear plight of St. Louis students at education hearing

St. Louis Beacon - Lawmakers hear plight of St. Louis students at education hearing

Friday, November 18, 2011

APS superintendent says handcuffing boy, 7, was inappropriate | KOB.com

APS superintendent says handcuffing boy, 7, was inappropriate KOB.com

More Double Talk II

He did ask Jolie Justus if he could be on the Blue Ribbon Panel. He wasn't invited to the Bi-State Autism Initiative meeting. He asked me to get him an invitation. I did. He came and sat two seats away from us so that no one would think that he was affiliated with us. He left early and stopped by and spoke to Jolie Justus. After the meeting was over she came up to us and told us that he asked her if he could be on the Blue Ribbon Panel. He also states that he didn't want to be on the Blue Ribbon Panel because he was going to be on the Missouri Autism Commission. The list for the Missouri Autism Commission just came out and he is not on it.


As for the Autism Blue Ribbon Panel, I did not speak to Senator Justus about letting me on the Commission. Senator Gibbons, who leads the Senate told me he had wished he had known of my interest in autism before the apointments because he would have wanted to appoint me. We did discuss having me added to the panel after the appointments, but I instead plan to serve on the Autism Commission as a House member. It would have been difficult for me though to make all their hearings with my interim commitee and service on the Missouri Children's Services Commission of which I am now serving as Chairman. Jeff Grisamore

He made it appear that his invitation to the ball was a big deal. Anyone can go to the ball and no one needs his personal invitation. We went to the Autism Rally, in Jefferson City, and he stopped two feet in front of us to talk to his talking heads. Then he walked right past us and completely ignored us. He met with us in November of 2006. That was almost 2 years ago. We met at Atlanta Bread Company twice. It should have been three times, but he didn't show up for the third visit after requesting the meeting. He met us at the church once. We met at Dairy Queen once after the meeting of the legislators at the district office. When the Governor came to Children's Mercy he ignored us until the governor spoke with us. Then you acknowledged us. We haven't received correspondence from you in six months except for the email thanking me for inviting you to Beauchamps and you were not invited. We asked you not to campaign that night, after finding out that you were coming and that's exactly what you did. You turned the event into your event and acted as though you had put it together or that we had put it together for you.

From the first meeting in November, to you attending the ball, to the other follow up meetings, I have spent more time with your group than any other constituency, y. Our focus January through May is the legislative session and the three autism bills I am working. My legislative work on autism will continue in future sessions as well in addition to serving on the Commission we are creating. I did not even know you were at the Autism rally. I wish you would have come to me. Had I known you were there, I would have been happy to speak to you.  Jeff Grisamore

Here is a portion of his "Urgent Request"

I urgently need your help. To continue my fight for the disabled and their families, I need to raise significant funds for my re-election this year. My ability to influence funding and services for the disabled for years to come is related to how much I can raise for my campaign.

March 31st is an important deadline, as April quarterly reports for campaign financial disclosures will show contributions received through March 31st. Any and all contributions that I can receive by March 31st will greatly help our cause of advocating for the disabled.


My goal is to raise up an army of grassroots supporters by the hundreds and thousands who will stand with me to fight for the disabled and give them a stronger voice in Jefferson City.


My passion driven priorities for the disabled is very innovative and ambitious, but I can't do it without your help. I need an army of grassroots supporters to stand behind my campaign so that I can raise enough funding to assume future chairmanships and leadership in the House.


Contributions of any amount up to and totaling $325 per person in the primary cycle (now through August 5th) and $325 in the general election cycle (8/6 through 11/4). Couples can give up to $650 now in two separate checks for $325. Children 14 and over can do the same.


For those who can't give that much, even $30 is helpful and just $3 can count you among our coalition for the disabled and make a statement as we mobilize an army of supporters to fight and advocate for individuals with disabilities. Jeff Grisamore

Most of his constituents are broke from fighting with the school district that he is in bed with.

One of Many Lies

For example, she posted Jackson County property records claiming them as proof I do not have a mortgage and that Bill Kenney paid for our house. He was the builder who owned and sold us the house. In truth, we have two mortgages, the 2nd we incurred to cover expenses after our daughter died. Jeff Grisamore


The following are emails that I have received from Representative Grisamore. If you want to go to Jackson County, MO’s website you can look up anyone’s mortgage. He does not have one. I received each of these emails at different times and I do have a hard copy of them. You can’t have it both ways. First he said that the house was offered to them right after his daughter’s death and a significant portion of the house was gifted through the benevolence of friends, family and a foundation. Then he said that they bought the house before their daughter died and then got a second mortgage following her death. Which is it?

First, you stated, “You don’t have a mortgage on your house. Bill Kenney paid for your house.” I have no idea where you got that assumption. In truth, we have two mortgages on our house. The first from when Bill Kenny sold us the house as a builder/developer and friend and the second we assumed after our daughter died to cover unexpected bills and expenses following her death. Bill did not pay for our house and did not contribute one penny to the purchase contract. He did discount the house from the list price of about $220,000 to just over $200,000 and we do have two mortgages on our home. Please do not perpetuate the false assumption that he paid for our house and we do not have a mortgage. Jeff Grisamore

I will say to answer your questoin of how we live in a $200,000 house with such a low salary, we were offered the house right after our daughter died and a significant portion of the house was gifted through the benevolence of friends, family and a foundation. We do not make $100,000 a year as you claimed and never have. We bought that house in 2003 when my salary was much higher and it is difficult to keep up with our mortgage. We have considered downsizing, but want to honor the generosity of those who helped us with the home by trying to stay in it and it is a bad sellers market anyway.  Jeff Grisamore

You previously told me that your house was offered to you right after your daughter died. Now you are saying that you got the second mortgage after your daughter died. You also said that a significant portion of the house was gifted through the benevolence of friends, family, and a foundation.

You don't have a mortgage. All mortgages are on the Jackson County, Missouri website and can be looked up. This is all that they have for you.

https://records.co.jackson.mo.us/results.asp?id=0FNT1JgSg%3D%3D%21%1FR1JJUZ%2EtioQkCM1%2F%21kZSRVkcCU4u%03FIEpFR&cabinet=opr&fld=Tee&id2=WVJZHguYmVzdWx0cm9yIE5hb%2FziQiLh%21y5hc3A%3DqmsgdG8gUUX%21%21F%033RXNwIExpb

Criteria: Grantee Begins with GRISAMORE JEFFREY J

Search Results - 1 match

Displaying Records 1 to 1


Instrument Number Book-Page # Pgs Date Filed Document Type Grantor

(+) = More Names Grantee

(+) = More Names Legal Description Index Status Image

2003I0010364 2 01/28/2003 WARRANTY DEED BKS CONSTRUCTION LLC GRISAMORE JEFFREY J (+) SUBDIVISION; CITY LEES SUMMIT; SBD MEADOWS AT SUMMIT RIDGE 1ST PLAT I69/97 LE; LT 17-17 Perm

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Grisamore States That I Must Go Through Him To Talk To District

"As for a committee on autism and special needs in R-7, I have spoken to the Superintendent and Board, which relates to why he spoke to you. If that committee is formed, you will have one voice, although I would like to see D on it too, along with others, such as J. That will be up to R-7. Given your antagonism toward me and them, you are most fortunate you are being considered to be on such a committee. I would encourage you to consider changing your approach for the sake of LSASG's credibility and influence with R-7 and beyond. Your current approach is only isolating and alienating yourself from me and others who are doing much to help children with autism and their families. "  Representative Grisamore



The Superintendent assured me that Jeff Grisamore didn't have the district's ear and that the meetings between the district and me had nothing to do with Grisamore.




"Rep grisamore is getting ahead of himself. There have been no follow up discussions about any ideas that may have been mentioned in some setting. Honestly, I do not recall discussing this committee but I may have forgotten. It happens. My invitation to discuss the issues is for you only at this time. You and I can discuss together where all of this goes from there. I hope this clarifies my intention. I do not go into this knowing where we will end up but do feel our dialogue has the potential to make us a better district and help you better understand our challenges. I am really looking forward to our meetings."

Julio Artuz, 15-Year-Old Special Needs Student, Records Teacher Verbally Abusing Him (VIDEO)

Julio Artuz, 15-Year-Old Special Needs Student, Records Teacher Verbally Abusing Him (VIDEO)

Monday, November 14, 2011

EXCLUSIVE: Fulton superintendent 'concerned' about alleged abuse - CBS Atlanta 46

EXCLUSIVE: Fulton superintendent 'concerned' about alleged abuse - CBS Atlanta 46

These same things happen in Missouri every day. What has the "Champion for those with disabilities" done to stop it? What has he done to ensure that children with disabilities aren't sent home early? What has he done to ensure that children with disabilities are reaching their full potential. What he has REALLY done is use those children to further his politcal career.

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Restraint and Seclusion in Kindergarten - Share Your Story: Share Your Child's Experience With Restraint and Seclusion

Restraint and Seclusion in Kindergarten - Share Your Story: Share Your Child's Experience With Restraint and Seclusion

Special needs child suffers alleged abuse at hands of teacher - www.ktnv.com

Special needs child suffers alleged abuse at hands of teacher - www.ktnv.com

Fraud in the Lunchroom? : Education Next

Fraud in the Lunchroom? : Education Next

Thursday, October 27, 2011

House of Representatives Will Let Clock Run Out On Session - OzarksFirst.com

House of Representatives Will Let Clock Run Out On Session - OzarksFirst.com

Rep. Jeff Grisamore's, R-Lee's Summit, final action was to declare the House adjourned. Somewhat significant is that Grisamore did not declare the House adjourned sine die, which is the declaration that closes House and Senate sessions so that no further action can take place.

"It is awfully disappointing," said House Minority Leader Rep.Mike Talboy, D-Kansas City, assessing the outcome of the session. "Especially when you look at the economic climate that we're in and the despair that we have with the unemployment rate."

Of course Grisamore didn't adjourn sine die. He couldn't collect more of the tax payers money if no further action took place. He has no other income (at least that is what he CLAIMS, but we all know different).

Thursday, October 20, 2011

Is he really dedicated

If you read any press releases, speeches, etc from Representative Grisamore once sentence will always be in it.  His dedication to persons with disabilities.  While on the surface that seems to be a good thing, it is his actions, not his words, that prove otherwise.  I have a child with a disability and Grisamore has done nothing but make it harder on him.  But, he has certainly used my child's disability to gain favor with the public.  How low can one man go and how long can the public be so blind?

Missouri House Representative Jeff Grisamore Secretary in a voicemail - YouTube

Missouri House Representative Jeff Grisamore Secretary in a voicemail - YouTube

It's (Past Time) to Step Up, Kansas City - Bring On The Cats

It's (Past Time) to Step Up, Kansas City - Bring On The Cats

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

When Hope Seems Lost | International Coalition for Autism and All Abilities#more-1332#more-1332#more-1332

When Hope Seems Lost International Coalition for Autism and All Abilities#more-1332#more-1332#more-1332

4-year-old says teacher's aide spanked her with shoe - CBS 5 - KPHO

4-year-old says teacher's aide spanked her with shoe - CBS 5 - KPHO

Bedford family alleges abuse of autistic child in $20 million lawsuit - WTKR

Bedford family alleges abuse of autistic child in $20 million lawsuit - WTKR

When is Representative Grisamore going to start adddressing these issues. It's not enough to get your name in the papers. You must walk the walk if you are going to talk the talk. He has never addressed what is going on in our schools and how children with disabilities are not being serviced and are being abused.

Thursday, August 25, 2011

State Rep Jeff Grisamore responds to citizen emails concerning proposed State budget cuts | GreenSummit Dispatch

State Rep Jeff Grisamore responds to citizen emails concerning proposed State budget cuts GreenSummit Dispatch

I have been talking to the next likely Speaker of the House about my interest in being appointed as the next Chairman of the Appropriations Committee for Health, Mental Health and Social Services, which would automatically also place me on the Budget Committee.



While I voted present on the mega-amendment proposing the above cuts in protest to them and the process, I voted to refer the recommendations for House Bills 10 & 11 back to the Budget Committee,

could have jeopardized my future appointment as Chairman, a position through which I can do a lot more good for our most vulnerable citizens in the future. To vote present and no on two simply symbolic votes could have jeopardized all of that.





Kansas City State Rep. Talboy Calls Lee’s Summit Grisamore Cowardly for Domestic Violence and Sexual Abuse Program Cuts | GreenSummit Dispatch

Kansas City State Rep. Talboy Calls Lee’s Summit Grisamore Cowardly for Domestic Violence and Sexual Abuse Program Cuts GreenSummit Dispatch

Grisamore Didn't Vote, Again

http://www.stltoday.com/news/state-and-regional/missouri/article_b24814f7-2434-5390-80e4-51a47f9a8ef5.html

Is anyone surprised that Grisamore didn't vote?  Doesn't he only vote on issues that he believes will make him more popular.  Don't forget his infamous present vote.

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Sometimes I sit and relive the past four years. I think of all of the tears, anger, frustration, fear, anxiety, and hurt that my family has gone through. Then I think of all of the other families that are going through the same thing. Their lives being destroyed while they sit back and helplessly watch it happen.


One thing always comes to mind. How do the people that are paid with my tax dollars sleep at night? How can they destroy the life and future of another human being and then take their paycheck? How can they hug their children while they are destroying the lives of other children?

I was raised in the 60s and the 70s. My parents were strict and taught us to be honest, caring, and loving human beings. We were taught that you never progress in life without hard work, integrity, honor, and respect. You never hurt others or lie.

I wonder what the parents our of teachers, principals, superintendents, legislators, and school board officials taught their children. Would they be disgusted by the things that their children do to innocent children? Would they be dismayed that their children care about nothing more than self promotion and the almighty dollar? Would they be proud that their children are successful because they are robbing children of their future? My parents would disown me. They would not tolerate the behavior that I see every day.

I have been to many school meetings and sat across the table as these people have lied, cheated, and stolen my child's future. I have seen my legislator sell out my child to further his political career and then lie about it and call me a politcal stalker.  I am powerless to stop them. They have all of the power and my hard earned tax dollars have bought it for them.

How many lives are going to be destroyed before this is stopped? How many people are willing to stand up for their children no matter what the consequences are? I am. I have been for four years. Its a lonely journey and I invite you to join me.

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Only One Session Left

I am so happy to know that Representative Grisamore only has one session left.  Amen.  Gone will be the deceit and the use of disabled children to promote himself.  I only hope that the citizens of Lee's Summit will really look into their hearts and minds and choose wisely next time.  Beware of false prophets and promises that will never be kept.

Monday, March 14, 2011

FOX Files: Prop B Foe May Have Conflict Of Interest - KTVI

FOX Files: Prop B Foe May Have Conflict Of Interest - KTVI

Prop B Supporters Outraged By MO Senate Vote - KTVI

Prop B Supporters Outraged By MO Senate Vote - KTVI

Prop B Latest In A String Of Laws Overturned By Missouri Senate - KTVI

Prop B Latest In A String Of Laws Overturned By Missouri Senate - KTVI

Missouri Senate runs over voters on puppy mills | Midwest Voices

Missouri Senate runs over voters on puppy mills Midwest Voices

Missouri House authorizes changes in voter-approved minimum wage law | Midwest Voices

Missouri House authorizes changes in voter-approved minimum wage law Midwest Voices

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Don Wells Really Needs a Tutorial on Democracy | Fired Up! Missouri

Don Wells Really Needs a Tutorial on Democracy Fired Up! Missouri

Missouri lawmakers at odds with voter-approved laws | Springfield News-Leader | News-Leader.com

Missouri lawmakers at odds with voter-approved laws Springfield News-Leader News-Leader.com

List of Missouri House Members That Voted Against Public Will

Voters in 2006 approved a ballot measure that allows Missouri's minimum wage to rise above the federal level based on annual inflationary adjustments. The measure passed with 76 percent of the vote. House Democrats said Tuesday that state lawmakers were wrong to overrule the initiative.

The following decided that they did not have to listen to the will of the people, but decided they knew best and would vote against the people.

HB 61


Prohibits the state minimum wage from exceeding the federal minimum wage and specifies that every employer must pay each employee receiving gratuities as compensation a wage of $3.63 per hour

INTRODUCED BY REPRESENTATIVES NOLTE (Sponsor), SCHARNHORST, SCHAD, ALLEN, AND SCHNEIDER (Co-sponsors).


Eight Republicans refused to go along with their leadership's mean-spirited effort to make life even harder for families who are really struggling to make ends meet: Ryan Silvey of Kansas City, Ann Zerr of St. Charles, Lyle Rowland of Cedar Creek, Don Phillips of Kimberling City, Mike McGhee of Odessa, John McCaherty of High Ridge, Kent Hampton of Malden and Paul Fitzwater of Potosi.


McCaherty actually voted for the bill in committee. Kudos to him for listening to his constituents instead of the corporate special interests.

Minimum Wage Bill Heads To Missouri Senate

I suggest that we allow Mr. Grisamore to work at a minimum wage job and not get insurance that is paid for by Missouri taxpayers.  Would he last in his $200,000 home that he only paid a dollar for if he were forced to live in poverty?

Minimum wage bill heads to Missouri Senate


By Rudi Keller Columbia Daily Tribune

Published March 3, 2011 at 1:57 p.m.

JEFFERSON CITY — The Missouri House voted 92-60 Thursday to take away a voter-approved cost-of-living adjustment for minimum wage workers.

After nearly an hour of debate that brought passionate pleas for workers countered by arguments that businesses need certainty in costs, the House approved the measure that is a top business priority for the legislative session.

The bill did not, however, receive the 109 votes needed to override a veto if it makes it through the Senate, and nine Republicans joined a solid Democratic vote against the measure.

In a plea to the House, Rep. Jeanette Mott Oxford, D-St. Louis, asked for the chamber to defeat the bill so families could keep up with inflation. “Let's not pass this bill to make sure that Missouri workers are mired in poverty and are little more than slaves,” she said.

But Rep. Jeff Grisamore, R-Lee's Summit, said small local businesses are being pushed under by rising costs, especially the increase in the minimum wage since 2006.


“It can be largely attributed to the fact that they as a small business owner cannot endure unlimited, unchecked increases in the minimum wage due to the cost of living,” Grisamore said.

Missouri's minimum wage was increased to $6.50 by voters in 2006, after 10 years without a change in the federal minimum of $5.15 an hour. The ballot measure included a provision that as prices changed, the minimum wage would change as well, but if the federal minimum was set above the state minimum, employers would have to pay the federal rate.

The bill sent to the Senate would permanently tie the state wage to the federal wage, preventing the inflation adjustment from pushing it above that level. The current state wage is $6.95 an hour, so employers are currently paying the federal rate.

The proposal setting the higher state rate and allowing for the inflation adjustment passed with 76 percent of the vote statewide.

Minimum wage bill heads to Missouri Senate | The Columbia Daily Tribune - Columbia, Missouri

Minimum wage bill heads to Missouri Senate The Columbia Daily Tribune - Columbia, Missouri

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Missouri House endorses legislation capping state's minimum wage at federal rate

This from a man that paid a dollar for his house, voted present when abused women needed him to vote, made over $100,000 a year from a charity for widows and children, and has received reduced lunches for his children.  Really?!!  Maybe if he were forced to pay for his home, feed his own children, and work in the real world he would understand.

Missouri House endorses legislation capping state's minimum wage at federal rate


By Chris Blank

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) - The Missouri House on Tuesday endorsed capping the state's minimum wage at the federal rate, a move that would reverse a voter-approved measure that allowed minimum pay increases based on inflation.

Supporters said the legislation would help companies compete against those in other states and improve Missouri's business climate, arguing regular minimum wage increases could force employers to lay off workers and raise prices for their goods.

"We cannot sustain unchecked, unlimited growth in the minimum wage and expect to retain and create and protect jobs in the state of Missouri," said Rep. Jeff Grisamore, R-Lee's Summit. "We have got to support this to be competitive with other states and protect jobs and protect small businesses in Missouri."

Voters in 2006 approved a ballot measure that allows Missouri's minimum wage to rise above the federal level based on annual inflationary adjustments. The measure passed with 76 percent of the vote. House Democrats said Tuesday that state lawmakers were wrong to overrule the initiative.

"What part of 'The people have spoken,' don't you guys understand?" said Rep. Jake Zimmerman, D-Olivette.

The House legislation would limit the state's minimum wage to the federal minimum wage. It would require Missouri workers who earn tips — such as waiters and waitresses — to be paid $3.63 per hour. The measure needs another vote before moving to the state Senate.

Currently, Missouri's minimum wage is $7.25 per hour, which is the same as the federal minimum wage. Missouri employees who earn tips — such as restaurant waiters — must be paid $3.625 by their employers, however businesses must make up the difference if workers do not earn enough from tips to hit the $7.25 minimum wage.

Federal law requires tipped employees to be paid at least $2.13 by their employers if workers earn enough money through tips to hit the minimum wage.

Critics of the bill defended the minimum wage, saying increases could boost the state's economy by increasing how much money workers would have available to spend.

Several business owners previously urged state lawmakers to change the minimum wage law, contending it could help employers get through the economic downturn. The measure was among six priorities identified by a coalition of business groups for the legislative session.

"As the minimum wage increases, the ability of employers to continue to employ workers is damaged, particularly affecting entry-level workers," said Dan Mehan, the president of the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry. ""Missouri employers want the opportunity to reinvest these funds into their business in order to expand their work force thereby reducing unemployment in the state."

———
Minimum wage is HB61.

——
Online:

Legislature: http://www.moga.mo.gov

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Special Needs Scholarship Tax Credit Bill Returns | Children's Education Council of Missouri - CECM

Special Needs Scholarship Tax Credit Bill Returns Children's Education Council of Missouri - CECM

Bill Filed to Expand Charter Schools Statewide, Increase Accountability | Children's Education Council of Missouri - CECM

Bill Filed to Expand Charter Schools Statewide, Increase Accountability Children's Education Council of Missouri - CECM

Obama Budget Brings Mixed Bag For People With Disabilities - Disability Scoop

Obama Budget Brings Mixed Bag For People With Disabilities - Disability Scoop

Waiting Lists, Fragmented Services Among Developmental Disability Barriers - Disability Scoop

Waiting Lists, Fragmented Services Among Developmental Disability Barriers - Disability Scoop

Friday, February 11, 2011

Addresses for Jeff Grisamore

Just a little background check. 

Jeffrey I Grisamore is listed at the following addresses:

28729 Willow Branch Road
Alma, MO  64001  10/2003

300 County Road
Alma, MO  64001  2/2004

Mary M. Grisamore is listed at the first address

Jeffrey J. Grisamore is listed at the following addresses:

8812 Wayne Avenue
Kansas City, MO  64131  2001

and his present address in Lee's Summit

Not sure why http://www.zabasearch.com/ lists him with two different middle initials.

Grisamore's Answer As To Why He Sold Out Abused Women

Grisamore's Answer As To Why He Sold Out Abused Women


This is from the Kansas City Star. Grisamore's reason for abandoning this cause was that he needed to remain in good stead with the Republican caucus.

After the news conference ended, some of the advocates said they were especially disappointed in Rep. Jeff Grisamore. The Lee's Summit Republican often speaks up on behalf of disabled and vulnerable children, but he allowed the cuts in the child care subsides to progress out of committee by voting "present" instead of "no."

I asked Grisamore about that after the vote a couple of weeks ago and he said he thought the cuts would have been imposed regardless of what the committee voted, and he needed to remain in good stead with the Republican caucus.

"I had to weigh the fallout," Grisamore explained in an e-mail exchange that we had. I have been talking to the next likely Speaker of the House about my interest in being appointed as the next Chairman of the Appropriations Committee for Health, Mental Health and Social Services, which would automatically also place me on the Budget Committee. He has indicated his interest in making that happen.

While I voted present on the mega-amendment proposing the above cuts in protest to them and the process, I voted to refer the recommendations for House Bills 10 & 11 back to the Budget Committee, even though I disagreed with many elements of those recommendations I have outlined above.

To hold up the process would have simply resulted in the Budget Committee considering them anyway and could have jeopardized my future appointment as Chairman, a position through which I can do a lot more good for our most vulnerable citizens in the future. To vote present and no on two simply symbolic votes could have jeopardized all of that.

Is Grisamore Going To Support This Bill?

Is Grisamore going to support to support this bill?  He claims to be the champion for children with disabilities and he doesn't support crucial bills for families that are affected by disabilities.  This bill is so important to our families.  The last time that this bill was proposed I asked Grisamore why he didn't support it and he said that it was not politically prudent. 

HB 362


Establishes Bryce's Law which authorizes a tax credit for a person donating to a scholarship-granting organization for special needs students if it is not claimed on his or her federal income tax return
 
HB 362 -- Bryce's Law




Sponsor: Scharnhorst



This bill establishes Bryce's Law which authorizes, beginning
January 1, 2011, a tax credit for an individual who donates to a
scholarship-granting organization if the donation is not claimed
on the taxpayer's federal income tax return. The tax credit may
be taken against income tax, corporate franchise tax, insurance
premium tax, financial institutions tax, and express company tax
liability. The credit will be for 80% of the amount of the
contribution but cannot exceed 50% of the taxpayer's state tax
liability, up to $800,000 per year, and is nonrefundable but may
be carried forward for four years or transferred or sold for
between 75% and 100% of its par value. The Director of the
Department of Economic Development must determine, at least
annually, which organizations may be classified as scholarship-
granting organizations and the number of Missouri students with
an individualized education program (IEP).

Up to 10% of students with an IEP may receive a scholarship each
year. Scholarship-granting organizations must meet requirements
for fiscal soundness, percentage of revenues devoted to
educational scholarships, and public reporting. Private schools
qualify to accept scholarship students by meeting specified
requirements including employee background checks and providing
data as requested, among others. Scholarships may also be used
at an accredited public school outside the student's resident
school district. The bill specifies how scholarship checks will
be distributed.

The department must conduct a study to measure student
achievement, satisfaction with the program, and its fiscal impact
on the state and public schools and provide the General Assembly
with a final copy of the evaluation by December 31, 2014. The
department cannot use state funds for the study and may contract
with one or more qualified researchers who have previous
experience evaluating similar programs.

The provisions of the bill will expire December 31 six years from
the effective date.

Monday, January 3, 2011

Grisamore to stay in Missouri | Prime Buzz

Grisamore to stay in Missouri Prime Buzz

How funny that another thing that Grisamore has supposedly been doing did not materialize. A lot of the things that he claims to be doing never materialize. Talk is cheap and actions speak volumes. Somehow it never gets past talk for him.