Home Buyout Program and Sex Education

Newsletter

March 9, 2016

Friends & Neighbors,

If you would like to learn more about the issues addressed in this newsletter or would like to discuss any matter involving state government, please contact my Capitol office.

For a full list of my legislation, click here.

Sincerely,

Maria Chappelle-Nadal
14th District
(573) 751-4106

Home Buyout Program Legislation Approved by Committee

Senate Bill 600 was passed out of the Senate Commerce, Consumer Protection, Energy and the Environment Committee by a vote of 10-1. SB 600 is now headed to the senate floor for a full debate. If approved, the legislation would create a buyout program for homes contaminated by radioactive waste near the West Lake landfill. I’ve spoken at length about this issue, and the lack of action on the part of the federal government. This bill is the first real step taken in addressing an environmental disaster that is literally killing citizens in our state.

I’m grateful to the committee members for their compassion and putting much thought into understanding the breadth of this catastrophe. There is still much work to be done, but the buyout program is noteworthy in that it will let 91 families escape the hazardous conditions, and is a tacit agreement by the Legislature that there is indeed a problem. I look forward to debating the measure with my colleagues on the Senate floor. This is a pro-life issue where all can agree.

Senate Bill 671 Heard in Committee

Racial profiling is a problem throughout America. Last year, I filed legislation improving the state’s reporting requirements for racial profiling because our current system is not working effectively. People are adversely impacted by racial bias. Senate Bill 671 includes scientifically recognized benchmarks to analyze the data by the attorney general. Most important, SB 671 holds public officials accountable to the people. Only by requiring the necessary follow-through on municipalities which have been determined to have targeted minorities can we truly address the inequities of the justice system. Without the kinds of changes proposed in this legislation, systemic racism will continue across our state and be protected under our current laws. We must change course.

Sex Education Legislation Heard in Committee

This week, Senate Bill 672 was heard in the Senate Education Committee. Students today are put at a disadvantage and in peril by a lack of comprehensive sex education. This bill addresses issues of sexually transmitted diseases, safe Internet practices and repeals failed abstinence laws. Giving juveniles the information they need to make good choices is essential to their success later in life. Today’s schools have to be a part of the education process and can provide a neutral ground for accurate information to be provided. Without this legislation, children will continue to put themselves at risk of many dangerous behaviors which are easily preventable.

Capitol Visitors

Shown above, Sen. Chappelle-Nadal visited with students from Flynn Elementary, the senator's childhood school, during their visit to the Capitol on Wednesday, March 2, 2016.

It was an honor to serve as a panelist on Thursday afternoon at the Blacks in Government (BIG) St. Louis Metro Chapter’s 12th Annual Program and Training for Black History Month. The panel discussed “What Really Matters — Our Communities for 2016.” Our conversation was broad and informative to members and attendees alike. During the program, I shared some of my current legislation, radioactive waste contamination, and my vision for our community. It was a wonderful program, and I was flattered to have been asked to participate by federal employees.

Over the weekend, I traveled to Long Beach, California, for a meeting of the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO). We convened to discuss emerging energy policies. Our group discussed the future needs of energy, economic trends in the Energy sector, various energy sources, climate change and cybersecurity for critical energy infrastructure. It is obvious to most of us, America is too reliant on coal. We need to increase our usage of renewable sources of energy. It was a privilege to be able to participate with such a knowledgeable group.

Heroin antidote, drug registry get some support, but legislative passage remains elusive in Missouri - St. Louis Public Radio (Feb. 25, 2016)

Sen. Maria Chappelle-Nadal: St. Louis Nuclear Waste Issues and Upcoming Elections - Environmental Echo (Feb. 28, 2016)

Missouri lawmakers debate 'stand your ground,' state budget and sex education - Kansas City Star (Feb. 29, 2016)

Missouri could consider bill about cancer-causing radon gas - KSDK 5 (Feb. 29, 2016)

Missouri lawmakers discuss 'stand your ground' law - Kansas City Star (March 2, 2016)

Mo. Senate OKs limits on union fees in paychecks - St. James Leader Journal (March 2, 2016)

Missouri senator proposes expanding "stand your ground" law - Fox2Now St. Louis (March 2, 2016)

Missouri senator proposes expanding "stand your ground" law - Springfield News-Leader (March 2, 2016)

Allegations that police pointed gun at child proven false - Fox2Now St. Louis (March 2, 2016)

Video refutes claims that St. Louis police held children at gunpoint - St. Louis Post-Dispatch (March 3, 2016)

Missouri senator proposes expanding "stand your ground" laws - Columbia Daily Tribune (March 3, 2016)

Missouri Senate approves limits on union fees in paychecks - Southeast Missourian (March 3, 2016)

Deadly gas target of new senate bill - KSDK (March 3, 2016)

Beer bill narrowly passes through Senate - Missouri Times (March 3, 2016)

'Paycheck protection' bill sent to Gov. Nixon; he vetoed similar legislation in 2013 - St. Louis Post-Dispatch (March 4, 2016)

Missouri Legislature passes limits on paycheck union fees - Hastings Tribune (March 4, 2016)

“Dear Senator Chappelle-Nadal, I wanted to thank you for your 'PSA' improvisation at yesterday morning’s hearing of HB 1568 regarding Naloxone to prevent drug overdoses. I know that stigma, misunderstanding, and ignorance of the disease of addiction are common place among our citizens and leaders, so I am so grateful when policy makers like you speak up about the need for funding and education on the topic of Mental Health.” Angela

“Thanks for the updated information. Please keep me informed of anything available. Thanks” Elbert

“I am very grateful that you thought enough to send me a birthday greeting, I will never forget your act of kindness. P.S. May God forever keep & bless you.” Linda

“Senator, I look forward to seeing you when we visit the Capitol. We hope you continue to support us in our effort to challenge Alzheimer issues. Thank you.” James

“Dear Senator Chappelle-Nadal, thank you for the warm reception that you gave to Missouri librarians during our recent visit to Jefferson City. Thank you for the important work that you do on behalf of those with no voice. And, finally, thank you for the support that you show for all libraries and the patrons we serve. Warmly,” Lisa, Joe & Elizabeth