Missouri Legislative Report #4 For 2007

Dear Brother & Sister Carpenters,

This has been a very successful month in keeping all the anti labor bills from moving through the legislature.  House Bill #61 would exempt work done on a school in non charted counties from the prevailing wage requirements if approved by the local school board was brought before the House twice this month.  On the second attempt, April 23^rd, this bill was brought to a vote and was defeated by a vote of 94 to 58.  This vote definitely reflected the pressure Carpenters and other labor groups applied to the Legislators.  Several times this month we put out an organized message that this bill and other anti labor legislation should be defeated, and the effects it would have on our workers and the economic effect on our contractors and the state. 

Thanks again to the Carpenters who traveled to Jefferson City this month.  Business Representatives of the Carpenter District Councils can be proud of taking the time to contact and visit with legislators, both Republicans and Democrats, on the merits of the Prevailing Wage.  The vote on HB #61 will definitely put a damper on other anti labor legislation for the remainder of this session.

We have only three weeks to worry about pending bills on the calendar that could be devastating to unions.  The “Sweet 16” group and other Republicans that continue to vote right with the Democrats on proposed labor legislation are definitely appreciated.  A list of this group has been sent to our councils for future support, especially at election time. 

The Lobby Day and Legislative Reception sponsored by the Carpenters’ District Council of St. Louis and Kansas City were successful.  The business representatives and members visited the Capitol and spoke individually with the lawmakers.  The Legislative Reception was attended with over 120 Representatives, and the following day at the Breakfast 17 speakers shared their concerns and ideas on pending legislation.   

This past week the Annual Legislative Charity Softball Tournament was held at Lions & Eagles fields in Jefferson City.  Sincere thanks goes to the carpenters that barbecued and served this large crowd that included many Senators and Representatives.  This was a great opportunity again for Carpenters to informally visit with the legislators about our issues.

Thank you for your time and for being involved.  This is the most critical election of our lifetime coming up in 2008, so let’s work hard and get our candidates elected that will actually help us.