Mo. Senate Republicans outline agenda for 2013

CHRIS BLANK and DAVID A. LIEB, Associated Press

Friday, November 9, 2012

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Republicans in the Missouri Senate pledged Thursday to focus on education and jobs in the next legislative session and planned to iron out the specifics at a caucus meeting next week.

Newly nominated Senate President Pro Tem Tom Dempsey said the acronym "BIG" describes the GOP's priorities in the Senate: "build" infrastructure, "invest" in education and "grow" the economy.

"We're working first on a jobs agenda, getting people to work. And that's our focus," said Dempsey, R-St. Charles.

Although next week's meeting was expected to focus on the policies, some ideas were already surfacing.

Sen. Eric Schmitt, R-Kirkwood, the chairman of the Senate's economic development committee, said he wants to consider broad-based tax cuts in addition to an overhaul of the state's existing tax credits.

Sen. Ron Richard, R-Joplin, who was chosen Thursday as the majority leader for the 2013 session, said he intends for the Senate to concentrate on economic development.

In past sessions, the Republican-controlled Legislature has included changes to employment discrimination laws and the workers' compensation system as part of a package that it said could improve Missouri's business climate. But Democratic Gov. Jay Nixon has vetoed the bills, citing concerns about weakening the legal protections for workers.

The Republicans this week preserved their supermajority in the Senate, controlling 24 seats in the 34-member chamber. The GOP picked up several state House seats, now giving it a veto-proof majority in that chamber too.

Still, Dempsey said he plans to work with Nixon's administration and legislative Democrats.

"I believe the jobs agenda that we are going to advance in the Senate will have broad bipartisan support for most of those items," Dempsey said. "I'm not going to discard anyone's support, not Senate Democrats nor the minority party in the House. I believe that at the end of the day, just as he was supportive of certain business related items in the Senate, that we can get Gov. Nixon's support on our priorities."

Sen. Jolie Justus, D-Kansas City, who as chosen Thursday as the chamber's minority party leader, said many Democrats are interested in enacting new economic development incentives.

"I suspect there'll be a big emphasis on job creation — that seems to be what we're all talking about right now," Justus said.

More like this story

FussyOno 6 months, 1 week ago

"Republicans in the Missouri Senate pledged Thursday to focus on education and jobs in the next legislative session" Yeah, right. Non union, minimum wage jobs with no health benefits, pension, annuity, or retirement. Company store jobs. Junk jobs. What you would expect from stingy, workman hating corporate controlled Republicans. Missouri, when will you wake up and join the wise, and kick the Republicans, who hate you, out? You could be enjoying benefits like states such as Illinois or Massachusetts now enjoy if only you would elect the right leadership. You keep destroying your own prosperity by voting in those whose only concern is to preserve the riches of the rich.

TrueStory 6 months, 1 week ago

I am sorry that business owners want to pay their family bills and not just their employees. We are in business for a profit. Mr. Obama just gave my family a 30% pay cut.....no matter how hard I work. One of my employees will be loosing their job so I can make up some of the difference. Yeah Obama. I am sure my ex employee will be singing his praises.

RobHunterJohnson 6 months, 1 week ago

You are in the likes with Papa Johns owner, why don't you just cut back to 30 hrs a a week like he is going to? Rob

TrueStory 6 months, 1 week ago

So you think that is all it will take to make up a 30% pay cut. I guess you don't understand how much that is. All my employees will be dropped back in hours, also. I do not think there will be much spending this Christmas.

dokeus6 6 months, 1 week ago

Wow True Story, a 30% pay cut has finally hit you. How about the millions of folks who have been dealing with this type of situation for years? We are so sorry that you and your family won't be able to spend a lot of money at Christmas. Personally, I know I feel for you in your time of need. I'm sure you will find ways to pass that 30% pay cut off to your customers.

Paroquet 6 months, 1 week ago

TrueStory, I guess you were dodging some obligation then. I pay 20% Fed, 6% State, then there are the other things, like sales, property and such. My paycheck walks into a minimum of a 33% tax burden before the ink is dry. And guess what? I live within my societal obligations and my means.

TrueStory 6 months, 1 week ago

Nope no dodging. It had nothing to do with taxes. This is just taken out of my business profits straight off the top. Starting Jan. 1, 2013. Who wants to buy my house?

bluesfan13 6 months, 1 week ago

How are you taking a 30% cut? As a small business owner, you're already paying about 35% (ballparking the figure for simplicity) of your profit in taxes. So now you're saying that instead of taking home 65%, you're only taking home 45% of your profit (by giving up 30% of your already reduced net) (65%-(65%*30%)). What did Obama do to cause that? Or are you saying that Obama is making your business slower, that it's his fault you're losing customers?

TrueStory 6 months, 1 week ago

No he just gave us a 30% MORE cut in income other than taxes starting Jan. 1, tax increase not included that is more to come. You people just don't get what is coming. I am not dodging anything. I can't afford to keep an employee and will have to let one go. I pay all my taxes, I am talking a decrease in payment to me for charges my company creates. SHEEESH.

tonto_goldberg 6 months, 1 week ago

Explain how you calculate that 30% cut. You didn't answer bluesfan13's question.

tonto_goldberg 6 months, 1 week ago

Maybe he's planning to cut his own hours.

TrueStory 6 months, 1 week ago

I gave you the details maybe we should make a group math class. I hope you don't own a business.......

TrueStory 6 months, 1 week ago

Of my charges I send away for payment will be sent back to me as paid with 30% less cash. If I send a bill for $100, I will get $70 back and then I have to pay taxes and expenses from the $70, when I used to get $100. That is as simple as I can put it.

bluesfan13 6 months, 1 week ago

So you rely on Medicaid payments for all of your business income? Or at least some other government program for your income? Perhaps charging some of that $30 back to your clients/patients/customers would help.

tonto_goldberg 6 months, 1 week ago

Have you noticed that no one else is getting a 30% pay cut? Did you get audited? Are you having some previous overpayments taken out of your future contract?

Littleinvestor 6 months, 1 week ago

I think previously TrueStory said he/she was in medical field. On Jan. 1, Medicare payments to doctors are going to be cut 27 percent. Maybe that is the story, or not. Still, it would mean 100 percent of the clients are Medicare ones.

TickledPink 6 months, 1 week ago

I find it interesting that several doctors I've talked to are enthusiastic about the ACA, including my own. Guess that just comes back to being overly educated elitists ...

connor 6 months, 1 week ago

Ya then we can pay off all the bills with IOU's just like Illinois or elect a new Senator that can't even speak at her first news conference with any coherency, Like in Mass. No thanks!!! Boone county might be the only place outside of KC and St.Louis willing to listen to your Liberal propaganda at this point. Missouri is going to need all the money it can hold on to while the Liberals in DC pay off their mercenary Hispanic voters from this past election.

The layoffs, land closings and market drops have already begun.

At least Prop. B failed so there is some more hard earned money the educationist won't get.

RobHunterJohnson 6 months, 1 week ago

Conner my meager little old stock page went up Friday? The last 2, of 3 days must have been all the doomsdayers pulling their money, and investing in GOLD? You must be invested in the wrong things? The GOP plan did not work, because Voters are becoming wise to their plan, what you have been harping about for the last 5 months! The GOP better learn to compromise a little better, or they may go the way of Californias GOP; GONE! Hispanic voters? Conner if you have not been watching, the 8 battle ground states dropped Romney like a hot potatoe! I don't think that was the Hispanic vote in PA, MI, WI, and OH. The Hispanic people will change the deomgraphics of this country by 2050! The GOP better start looking at the entire picture, instead of the wealthiest 1%. Rob

dokeus6 6 months, 1 week ago

Just think Grace, you have four more years of he ll to live through.

spelchek 6 months, 1 week ago

So do you.

dokeus6 6 months, 1 week ago

I've been in he ll for years spel. Sorry that you wealthy folks are starting to feel the pinch. Something you haven't had to worry about for a long time. America spoke so deal with it. Quit crying and suck it up. Make the best with what you have like the rest of us Americans are doing.

spelchek 6 months, 1 week ago

You know me as well as I know you which isn't saying much at all.

TrueStory 6 months, 1 week ago

Tell you what, come Jan 1 I will let you choose which employee I have to let go and you can have the privalge of telling her. I am sure not looking forward to it. She voted for Obama and she can thank Obama.

TickledPink 6 months, 1 week ago

So you're choosing her because she voted for Obama? I hope she doesn't figure out who you are, because even though Missouri is a right to work state, you can't fire someone in retaliation for their vote and you've just stated in writing that that's your motivation. Congrats.

spelchek 6 months, 1 week ago

Nope. But you can fire someone for making bad decisions.

connor 6 months, 1 week ago

Better look at it again. 108% turn out in Philly, 140% in Ohio. The Hispanic Mercenary vote is already clamoring for their payment and CEO's are already announcing and moving on Layoffs and hour cuts to less than 30 per week. Over 1.5 Million acres already closed to drilling and thousands of energy sector layoffs already done in just a few days.

Funny thing. Even the old sinking single party states like Illinois were blue in only a few counties. I would be more interested in the demographics close to home if I were you.

The GoP picked up their fair share of States as well. I believe they are up to 28 now including a lock on Wisconsin's Senate and New Hampshire if I am not mistaken while the Democrats only retook Minnesota. These States are backed into a corner and not without options. I have seen many a comment already saying that the demographic shift has already made a change just not the change you and other Liberal's were hoping for.

tonto_goldberg 6 months, 1 week ago

What demographic trend is going to create enough angry old white men to replace the ones that die every year in the red states?

connor 6 months, 1 week ago

So basically your saying that White Men are angry and there aren't enough of them to matter? Interesting guess there is no point in Affirmative Action anymore then right?

tonto_goldberg 6 months, 1 week ago

It has nothing to do with Affirmative action. It's a quote from Lindsey Graham:

“The demographics race we’re losing badly,” said Sen. Lindsey O. Graham (S.C.). “We’re not generating enough angry white guys to stay in business for the long term.”

RobHunterJohnson 6 months, 1 week ago

Keep the GOP as usual, and you will get what you don't want Conner, The GOP better start compromising that was the way it used to work! Rob

muleman 6 months, 1 week ago

Nothing works like it used to, not even me.

RobHunterJohnson 6 months, 1 week ago

Grace, Post Dispatch today: Iraq rethinks its order from Russians for weapons? Helicopters assault type and who knows what else? On this Veterans Day, one has to ask why were we there? A little over a couple of years ago we were still fighting, and Dying on the streets of Iraq? The GOP needs to rethink their position, I am not Radical Right, such as my view of you, nor am I Radical Left. I am at the center with so many in this Nation, just 3 presidents ago I was a Die Hard Republican, you could not budge my position, Defence, Guns, and Babies. Looks like you are stealing one from me about paying our fair share, I will repeat it like a broken record, I AM WILLING TO PAY MY FAIR SHARE, HOW ABOUT ALL THOSE 1% WHO SPENT A FORTUNE TO NOT PAY? Rob

connor 6 months, 1 week ago

The wonderful thing about These United States is that safeguards are still in place that can deal with Mob Rule handily and the current democrat strategy of race baiting and paid for Mercenary voting. The Progressive's managed to get the Senators elected rather than appointed by the State legislatures but the entire system is still heavily weighted to the States once certain criteria are reached. One more State becoming totally Republican lead, no matter how small or sparsely populated, and the true power of the Constitution shifts decidedly into one camp. The Democrats may want to think their strategy through long and hard before they go alienating the Majority of Natural born citizens of this country and 90% of it's land mass.

This election has done more to shift the political game into a new arena than any one in over a century.

RobHunterJohnson 6 months, 1 week ago

Conner, just got done with a Great Turkey meal over at a West Side Church! Can I get you to clarify your point? Natural born Citizens? I do wonder what you are driving at once again, I thought we were all Natural Born Citizens! Except for a few that think President Obama is not! Rob

connor 6 months, 1 week ago

I can understand why a Liberal would not know this but a Natural Born citizen is one who was born in the USA or outside of it with parents who were US citizens (there are other stipulations as well) whereas a Naturalized citizen is an immigrant.

Funny thing Romney won every state with photo ID laws and those states retained their Republican representatives as well. Hmmmmmm.

eileen10 6 months, 1 week ago

Still don't know exactly what I am si I'll just say in the middle but I finally knew something! Yep. I know the difference. Oops. Not si. so.

eileen10 6 months, 1 week ago

P. S. I checked those sites out. Wow. Love them! Put them on my favorites list.

connor 6 months, 1 week ago

eileen a really good blog to follow is "view from the right". Larry Auster (the author) doesn't cover all the news headlines out there and a fair amount of his commentary is from readers he corresponds with and then reprints their comments but they have some eye opening opinions from time to time. You can google search "view from the right" and get a link to it.

RobHunterJohnson 6 months, 1 week ago

oh , I know! I just like seeing you at your best? When we the people vote, we are Americans, you are not happy with the results of the latest elections? That is fine, but you cannot blame it on an army of Hispanic voters who were not Americans! I voted, and I presented my information to the lady, she said you are the guy that always wants his sticker with the back to place on his hard hat! Then her husband comes over and also said yeah there is another guy who wants his sticker like that? Now that is service Conner, and all these peolple who you are accusing of not being Americans is a bunch of Hog Wash, and I know most republicans do not think like you do. Just Fox and Conner! Rob

connor 6 months, 1 week ago

You voted in an ID state good for you.

Let's see... The 10 counties Obama won in Colorado. 104% to 110% voter turn out. MY bet is they were not all citizens.

Black Panthers throwing election officials out of polling stations then refusing to allow them back in even with a court order. And they get 99% to 100% turn out there somehow magically.

52 democrats arrested for voter fraud so far and counting.

141% voter turn out in one Florida county and over 100% in others. Again not all legal citizens.

I can blame it on Hispanic mercenary voters, illegal voters in non-Id states and the Grinch if I want to. The info is out there and we are deep in solid red state bliss here. Let the proven Conservative and Republican readers of this Newspaper decide for themselves. I know that scares you. Voters with intelligence and free will.

tonto_goldberg 6 months, 1 week ago

Citation?

asb 6 months, 1 week ago

More of the same lies with no accurate citation. No fraud documented beyond about .004%, and more in red precincts than blue. This bit about the Panthers is completely unfounded race fear with Willie Horton's name all over it. Go ahead Conner, keep up the song until yer one of the last singing it. But it's lies.

eileen10 6 months, 1 week ago

I found it and will read what they say but there's a lot so it will take me a while. Since it's from the right doesn't that mean their totally anti-Obama? No give or take? Well. I guess I'll find out.

connor 6 months, 1 week ago

VFTR is pretty much just Conservative. He has his perks but he lays into left and right or what he considers not right I guess. I only mention that sight because he ends up getting some insights I don't see in other places.

eileen10 6 months, 1 week ago

Okay. After all is said and done and my eyeballs have flopped on my cheeks from all the reading I'll be doing I think I'll break down and drink a few bottles of wine. Hickup...throw up..pass out.

tonto_goldberg 6 months, 1 week ago

Here's a good summary of the GOP excuses and rationalizations about the most recent elections. It's from Britain, but puts almost all of the right-wing USA talking points in an interesting perspective. The last four paragraphs say it all.

ht tp://blogs.spectator.co.uk/alex-massie/2012/11/the-view-from-the-cocoon-of-denial-and-epistemic-closure/

eileen10 6 months, 1 week ago

I typed it in and found nothing but opinions from people. Is that the right place ? Did you mean to scroll to the bottom to the last person there?

tonto_goldberg 6 months, 1 week ago

The slew of harsh assessments of the voters by right-wiong pundits and talking heads are in italics - they sounded like excuses and rationalizations to me. The Spectator's opinion is this:

"When your rhetoric collides with voters’ sense of their own reality then you cannot or should not be surprised that voters prefer their reality to your imagination.

Note too amidst all this howling and wailing and gnashing of teeth how there’s no attempt to understand why Americans voted the way they did. No attempt to wonder why the Republican party offered such a paltry economic message. No attempt to ask why the GOP had no healthcare policy that would actually soothe justified concerns about both Obamacare and how an ordinary family on $50,000 a year might have better, more affordable healthcare.

Demographics are certainly a problem for the GOP. Everyone has known this date was likely coming for many years now. Nevertheless demographics are not destiny. At least they do not have to be. Demographics may be the new sexy but the answer to the GOP’s problems lies in policy, not just “targeting” chosen demographic groups with new and shinier baubles.

Fixing that is a tough and rock-strewn road but it’s a better place to start along the road to recovery than maintaining this kind of epistemic closure or the conviction that the United States is now hurtling along a road to some kind of socialist perdition."

The Spectator writers are British so they don't really have a dog in the fight. I thought their summary was good. You may think otherwise. It's not a test with a pre-defined "right" answer.

eileen10 6 months, 1 week ago

Whew. I have a lot of reading to do. I have a difficult time understanding some of this stuff i.e. words I have to look up or how things fit together but eventually I'll figure it out. I hope.Politics isn't my strong point. I've advanced beyond baby steps but a person has to have a start in order to advance. And I thought microbiology was hard. That was a cake walk compared to this.

JCLifer 6 months, 1 week ago

I still think Republicans would do well to get out of consenting adults' bedrooms, let gays be and let them marry. Republicans also need to get out of womens' health issues.

Biggest problem is they get their secular world mixed up with the spiritual worlds.

The spankings will continue to escalate until they learn these lessons.

jcguy25 6 months, 1 week ago

I completely agree. I think this is precisely the reason they lost. If they would simply focus on running the government and quit trying to run people's lives based on their own religious beliefs, they would not be losing their voter base.

connor 6 months, 1 week ago

And who said Republicans lost?

Romney lost although I still feel that had a lot to do with voter fraud but whatever.

The Republicans once again picked up seats in the House even with democratic redistricting that managed to assure some losses in Illinois and Kalifornia. Republicans gained full control of another 2 full states as well.

Picking up seats in the house while losing the Presidential race is another red flag of warning as well that something isn't quite right. It would be wise to pay attention to it.

Point of fact the Republican party is actually stronger than it was before the election.

TickledPink 6 months, 1 week ago

Lifer, I fully agree with you. Until the two can be differentiated, there is no hope for the party.

Connor: In what universe? My prediction (and I hope I'm right) is that by the election in 2020 - possibly even by 2016 - we'll have 3 distinct and separate parties - Democrat, Republican, Tea Party. Please please please take all the freaks with you to the TP and let the real Republicans get back to business!

connor 6 months, 1 week ago

Three parties is possible if the Repubs try and swing left. The third party contender this time around actually got enough votes in a few states to have put Romney over the top. Florida is a good example of one it really hurt in.

The democrats can keep winning the Presidency if they want as long as it costs them the house like it did once again this year and the house stands it's ground that is almost as good. The democrat strategy of Urban vote only is actually doing them more harm than good as a party.

asb 6 months, 1 week ago

The GOP did pick some house, but the Teaparty lost significantly. The more the GOP moderates, the more they'll win, based on their traditional core values rather than the extremes of the FRight. The House, while more republican, is saner than on November 5th.

connor 6 months, 1 week ago

Typical Obummer supporter response.

For any of you who are interested here is a blog that has many links to the voter fraud witnessed across the country last week. From individual reports, news articles and some videos taken by witnesses. Of course the Obama-media won't follow up on them so the Obama-bots can simply say there is no documentation. First person documentation doesn't count to these guys and they will just dismiss any that is presented.

obamavoterfraud.blogspot.ca/

That's ok though in RED State Missouri "Show me" is good enough to see through the lefty denials.

jcguy25 6 months, 1 week ago

Of course it is Connor.. keep telling yourself that. That's why all the other political advisors from all networks and even long standing members of the Republican party itself are saying the Republicans are out of touch and are not connecting with minority groups right? Because they are stronger than ever. That's almost as good as someone else that predicted a Romney landslide. LOL

connor 6 months, 1 week ago

Well the Republicans picked up a number of Blue dog democrats this year. Believe whomever you want but several states, including Missouri. went waaaaaay right this election. Waaaaay Right. The Republicans may not connect with minorities but guess what? The Democrats are losing the White vote as well because they are disconnecting from them.

jcguy25 6 months, 1 week ago

Yeah, and the white conservative christian vote is becoming the minority so it's not a demographic the Dems are worried about. So the House picked up a couple seats for Repubs.. the Senate picked up a couple seats for Dems, which the Republicans thought they could get the majority.

RobHunterJohnson 6 months, 1 week ago

JC Lifer good point, there is more to elections than Babies, and Guns! The Republican party needs to figure it out? Conner I thought you voted in an ID state? WHERE DID YOU VOTE? I was one of the 39% of white guys that voted for President Obama! I did so because he was the best choice on the ballot, 2 years from now bring me some politicians that are pallatable, and I will mull them over again. I am not interested in Veto proof State houses, or Veto proof American Congresses! I am interested in compromise, or someone defending the things that so many of us cherish. True Story would you really fire that woman who voted for Obama? YOU ARE A PIECE OF WORK! You probably pay peanuts to you employees, and I for one hope she collects UNEMPLOYMENT on your business, and raises your Unemployment premium for all the rest of your employees for good! (Check into it before you let her go) Don't be fooled by your NT name, employees know what there bosses are up to! All they have to do is see the screen from the News Tribune left on, or over your shoulder? Rob

connor 6 months, 1 week ago

Typical assumptions and baseless accusations without a shred of fact to back any of it up. Robhinter jumps to conclusions that Truestory pays "Peanuts" with no qualifying evidence just like a Liberal when in fact it would be likely a business owner would be forced to let their higher paid employees go in a cash strained environment first.

The same tactics Democrats always employ.

The fact is Republican's as politicians do not get involved in telling anyone what to do in their bedrooms or life. NO Republican running for office that I am aware of said he or she was going to ban abortions or gay marriage or anything else. Certainly Romney didn't and neither did Akin. At one time they said they were against abortions on moral grounds but I was not aware of either saying they were going to ban them. Not that they could anyway.

Standing your ground that tax payers should not fund abortions is not telling anyone they can't have one it is simply saying we aren't paying for your personal mistakes.

However banning food choices, forcing lifestyle taxes and sin taxes, regulating choices in every aspect of purchases and ownership and forcing people to buy services is controlling people's lives and the Democrats excel at that.

Saying Republican's were going to ban such things is the same as those videos that are out there of little black children saying that Romney was going to make them work in the fields again. Pure Democrat fear mongering.

Paroquet 6 months, 1 week ago

Connor? I'm echoing What Mulberry (morus) said;

If republicans are conservative, why did former legislator Bartle (a republican) work to ban a private business?

Most of the Republicans I know would be all down with enacting "thought crimes". The politics of fear is that on which they operate. And frankly, it's pretty sickening.

I am Conservative. That's why "Bed, Bath, and Beyond" still exists. Not because I shop there, but because I don't really care who does. It's their business. Notwithstanding MO is a "right to work" state--if you don't like a business, don't patronize it.

Me? I don't like strip clubs, so I don't go to them. Do I have a problem with them existing? Nope.

That's conservative, Connor. Like it or not, you are a liberal.

connor 6 months, 1 week ago

Hate speech legislation and thought crime is a liberal move. Not Conservative as is forcing the populace to buy insurance.

You have absolutely no idea what a Conservative is but not worth my time explaining it to you again.

Paroquet 6 months, 1 week ago

And the conservative republicans voted to ban strip clubs, where those who work there do so voluntarily, and the patrons are there on their own time and dime why? And you will tell me that was conservative.

I'm waiting with baited breath for your response to that one.

I'll get back to you on the federal end of your riposte. That whole 9/11 & f.a.g. dragging & racial ruckus, basically the whole decade from '91 to 2008 put more checkers on the board than I can process off the cuff, and I got even less up my sleeves from '08-on. But, there are a few things I can latch on to where I need to make a salient point.

connor 6 months, 1 week ago

Paroquet - Starting off a reply with detailed descriptive adjectives of insult is not nice. Just saying.

Graceful's comment is true and we all know it. 99% or higher of all voters out there have no clue what the Constitution says past a few sentences here and there and they have zero understanding of the definition or word use that was in place during the last half of the 18th century.

Prohibition was the 18th amendment btw.

The Constitution prohibits an established State religion which is where the separation myth comes into play. Point in fact the government Federal and States have meddled in religious affairs several times over the years.

connor 6 months, 1 week ago

Exactly. I do believe it was argued at some point that in actuality it did confirm that no territory applying for admittance within the union as a state could have an established religion either. It was a chicken/egg argument but basically said that Congress would be violating the Constitution if it approved a state with an established religion. So to speak. I would need to look that up though it's been a while.

connor 6 months, 1 week ago

By the definition of Conservative the banning of strip clubs would follow because they are a sin and socially were not acceptable traditionally. A religious Conservative would be against them. Not that I am against them mind you I used to really enjoy them when I was younger but banning them does not make the banning party a Liberal at all. Doesn't make them necessarily a fiscal Conservative either but typically Religious Conservatives will have common cause with Fiscal or even Social Conservatives in other areas of politics.

For instance I am not against abortion. I am against abortion entirely at the woman's whim and without consent of the father. I am also against mandatory child support leveled at the father since he has no legal say in the matter and isn't given an opt out choice either. None of that is Liberal in fact it is Conservative because it basically says the government should stay out of it. It also allies me for the moment with Religious Conservatives. SO be it.

RobHunterJohnson 6 months, 1 week ago

Conner, true story, has not spoke about insurance on her employees, or retirement for them! They probably do pay peanuts to their employees, all along playing out how broke they are when they really are just greedy, not making their percentage, or return on their money they invested! If you fired me for voting for Obama, I would retain myself one of those fine Lawyers to stick it to the Boss. She sounds like one of those employers. I had a guy approach me with a question about local carpenters, and when I answererd him this was his reply, "you know I want them hungry at the breakfast table, like down on my farm ,they will work for $5 an hour?" That is a true story, the farm is around Springfield, and I told this individual, "well you get what you pay for, so you better bring them up from the farm" you know whats ironic he had to hire a guy here in Jefferson City to do his job, I guess they don't really work that cheap on the farm! His man just finished last week! Just remember conner, if you get your tea party, party, you will just strip away more republican base, and your tea party will never float! If you divide your party it will never stand, so for your sake your tea party better learn to compromise! Rob

3633 6 months, 1 week ago

Why do you continue to argue over things you have no control over?? The election is over, move on. What will be will be, the future is (NOt) ours to see. Quite fighting and work together to get things done!!!!! None of this is going to help anyone.

TickledPink 6 months, 1 week ago

If they work together it will make Obama an even more successful president and that's exactly what they don't want. They failed in their attempt to make him a one term president. We can hope that they'll set aside the bickering now that the election is over, but I personally don't see it happening.

TickledPink 6 months, 1 week ago

We're getting ready to open our business and even though we'll have less than 50 employees, we're happy to offer health insurance. Guess we just have differing ideas on what good business is.

TrueStory 6 months, 1 week ago

Wow you must have something great going on! Hope you know how much your insurance is going to cost you. High deductables don't count!

TickledPink 6 months, 1 week ago

Time will tell, but my market research has shown that it's needed and there's very little competition in the area so we're optimistic.

The best option we found was a BC/BS plan that will end up costing our employees around $150/month for an individual plan. It doesn't excessivly cut in to our profit margin and it has good coverage for the price. There are still a couple things that will need to be discussed with the accountant, but this looks like the plan we're going with.

RobHunterJohnson 6 months, 1 week ago

That is great Tickled Pink, I want to wish you the best, when do you expect to open? I will be watching, a healthy employee is a good employee! The reason the person voted for Obama at true storys place is clearly evident! true story clearly does not get it? Every employee deserves access to good health care through insurance, whether it is through an employer based program or being able to buy for their self in a group block! Rob

JCLifer 6 months, 1 week ago

When are you starting to hire? I know several people who would love to land a job. They are hurting and desparate. They want to work to support their families. Part-time and temporary jobs are not cutting it for them.

eileen10 6 months, 1 week ago

Lifer, I was thinking...ya dangerous I know, but reguardless of who would be opening a business I didn't mean to pick me over someone who needs a job.I found out fast that people can take things the wrong way. So in case anyone read me wrong I just wanted to clear it up.

eileen10 6 months, 1 week ago

Not sure what kind of business you have but if there's anything I can do as a volunteer...pick me!!!! I can't work as a nurse anymore due to the blasted walker but I can move around on my own as long as there aren't inclines with no railings. I'm honest, cute, fluffy, adore people and how's that for a resume. The kicker is....I'd do things for free! I'm serious. I get tired of staring at the walls and I've checked into volunteer work but since I can't carry, climb or run I'm limited but not worthless. If you feel I can help in any way just say yes and I'll give you my phone number.

TickledPink 6 months, 1 week ago

Thanks, Rob! I don't see us opening early next year. We have a lot of inventory to deal with and still working on some details. I agree - a healthy employee is a good employee. With being a very small business, we won't be able to afford someone who is sick all the time. I'd rather pony up insurance than have to hire and retrain someone. Besides, it creates loyalty when you treat your employees well.

TickledPink 6 months, 1 week ago

Yeah, that was supposed to say "until early next year". Fingers got ahead of my brain.

connor 6 months, 1 week ago

It's amazing we are commenting on an article with lines like

"The Republicans this week preserved their supermajority in the Senate, controlling 24 seats in the 34-member chamber. The GOP picked up several state House seats, now giving it a veto-proof majority in that chamber too."

And yet Libs still claim they won? They won the only thing they were paying attention to which is precisely why they are losing America. They can pull their bussing scams and early voter fraud till the cows come home for the national election but inside the states and locally it becomes a bit harder.

Another three states nationwide went totally Republican dominated this election bringing that total up to 23 and Missouri is one of I believe 8 others with Democratic Governors but Republican lead houses. 33 States now have Republican Governors and these Libs still can't see the forest for the trees.

A resident of Texas presented a petition to the White House petition site for secession last Friday and received 25,000 electronic signatures in four days. Not that it is anything official but by current White House rules it needs to be addressed not that Obama ever follows even his own rules.

The Democrats have embraced what they want to become and abandoned the rest of America and it proving their undoing. Slowly but surely, State by State the Republicans are taking back America.

Paroquet 6 months, 1 week ago

Connor? I'm still liking how you consider yourself a "conservative".

You sorta got this thing for wanting to tell people what to do and how to live, down to even intimate details. That doesn't jive with the definition of "limited government".

Can you process that? I really hope you can, because you are very well-spoken, or written if you prefer.

Paroquet 6 months, 1 week ago

Rep & Dem don't mean squat anymore and notwithstanding, a few decades ago I registered as an independent. The current Rep Party wouldn't have me anyway; I'm pagan, an Ordained Minister, a dedicated father & husband, hunter, angler, and environmentalist, and not opposed to same-sex marriage. That whole mix just kinda bothers them--can't wrap their heads around it.

eileen10 6 months, 1 week ago

And you can cook!!

Littleinvestor 6 months, 1 week ago

In MO you don't register by party, you just are a registered voter.

connor 6 months, 1 week ago

So Paroquet I will play along because I am curious. In what way am I telling people what to do, how to live and/or encouraging big government?

And just what kind of definition do you have for Conservative? Something as far out there as your other liberal conglomerate member I bet.

And finally what does your reply have to do with anything I wrote in the above comment?

Paroquet 6 months, 1 week ago

Thanks for playing!

To me, a conservative is about smaller government and government not poking its nose into private matters, especially the personal kind, whose ideas about laws basically involve putting in some legislation that encourages people be good neighbors that are basically common sense for most of us, and staying out of as many pockets as possible.

You're pro-life. That's about as un-conservative as one can get.

As for my post not addressing anything you said, you are absolutely correct. Sometimes I do in a succinct and surgical manner. Other times, my posts are just me doing some spleen venting, pouring in a little comic relief or vitriol as I feel. Sort of like most every other contributor.

And just so you know? I vote split ticket, every time, to force compromise. Because the folks who get into office tend to lose their heads and I want a check or balance.

I don't like special interests that feel special. I don't like the concept of corporate personhood. I don't stomach bleeding hearts. I don't put-up with bullies swinging their johnson around just because they can. And I darned sure think that all need to be held to account, but am willing to listen to excuses for certain actions so I can make good decisions.

I'm pretty basic. I live at the end of a dead-end street because I like being left alone unless someone is invited or expected.

connor 6 months, 1 week ago

Well as usual you jump to conclusions. I am against government paying for abortions and funding planned parenthood which means less government control. I do not think abortion is the answer and I believe feminist pave the way for it to the extreme but my final word (which I have typed here more than once) is in the end it is between her and God and the father. I am just not going to pay for it and if the father isn't consulted or given a choice he shouldn't pay for it either and the government has no right butting in. Oh that too would mean less government.

By some lack of brain connectivity you seem to think not wanting to pay for something is the same as trying to tell someone how to live. I guess when you support welfare entitlements that makes sense if your mind is bent that way.

You definitely can write fantasy stories so it is obvious you see things differently but you have no idea what cause and effect is politically speaking. It is a common Liberal problem.

Paroquet 6 months, 1 week ago

Alright. I can grasp your position on the rationale you present. Nobody should have to pay for something that's not their problem.

Now for the rub; when you pay for insurance, you're paying for the insurance of everyone in your group. Now, what is in your insurance plan I might be a participant of and disagree with? Hmm?

And I don't support entitlements as you see them. I don't jump to conclusions either. I cypher front to back unless I'm just spouting-off.

So. Answer my question? What is covered in your group plan that I might object to that is critical for you to make your own health choices?

See? You want to tell people what to do. I want people to play fair, mind their own beeswax, and get along.

You don't want to pay for incidences of a woman's reproductive health that is none of your concern, I don't like paying for others' psych meds, especially anti-depressants, and providing protection for reckless behavior. But, I do, because they'll cover me back for something they might object to covering. Like, oh, I don't know, cancer maybe?

Think. It only hurts the first couple of times.

connor 6 months, 1 week ago

Ahhh wrong again Paroquet. Wrong in so many ways. The fact that insurance groups that offer group coverage must charge a flat fee has been regulated by the government and pushed especially by feminist lobby groups to where insurance companies cannot by law charge more based on gender regardless of which gender actually uses health care more. Funny no one bothered to make that law apply to life insurance or auto insurance did they?

So in point of fact you are once again accusing me of something I have no hand in and actually think is wrong for the government to get involved in and have fought against. In fact your just reaching because well... you have no idea what the difference between Conservative and Liberal really is.

As a matter of fact I have had no medical treatment other than routine check ups for going on 30 years now. The last time I had any medical treatment was for a broken arm. Not an antibiotic or anything besides ibuprofen has passed my lips in decades. Oh I did have to get some tetanus shot updates and other immunity type shots I paid out of pocket for. Only thing health related I got off the government or insurance as a matter of fact were my shots for being deployed overseas and then PCSing back.

Paroquet 6 months, 1 week ago

Hey, I can admit when I'm wrong. But when you go about bandying words like "femenist lobby" and stuff of that sort, you lose me a little. I can almost hear you spitting those words.

I'm not accusing you of anything but misinterpreting what is conservative. Or maybe I've got it wrong. But I sure don't make it a point of telling others what they have to take, or not. Heck, I want cable to go al-a-cart. I got no use for ESPN, but they want me to pay for it!

And I am happy for your continued good health. I've only dumped a few dozen Hamilton's myself for some time. Regular inspection, injection, and detection. You know the drill. Well, and some rabies shots...don't ask. Occupational hazard.

connor 6 months, 1 week ago

Well sir. It used to be women had to pay more for health insurance because they used it more. The same basic rationale was given as the one that is still given for why men pay more for auto insurance and life insurance. Who do you think lobbied and complained and threatened to withhold their voting block to get it changed?

Ya know I do think you kinda mean well honestly, but you really don't seem to grasp the cause and effect actions of Liberal ideology and the differences between political ideologies as a whole.

In fact let me put it this way. You claim you have advanced knowledge of religions and their ideologies. I can tell you do at least to the point that my knowledge extends into that realm. I have some knowledge of that topic as well but only from a historical perspective. However let's just say my knowledge of political ideologies, government types and their defining differences are as in depth through education as you claim your knowledge of Religions is. If you get the point I am trying to make. I also have the framed papers hanging on the wall to back that up.

connor 6 months, 1 week ago

Ayep. There have been studies done that flaming Liberals do lack a certain recognition in the cause and effect areas. The endorphin high from feeling superior on doing a perceived good deed is a base payoff as well. They are like junkies after a fix in some ways. In other ways the selfish reasons are barely contained though.

Paroquet 6 months, 1 week ago

Woah. Think. I know it hurts, but the financial wreck was caused under "conservative" control. The GOP had a GOP. Country got to pay for the hangover.

I think we need to find new words to apply to whatever kinds of parties we have left. English ain't cutting it. "Conservatives" want to legislate what Ladies have up their skirts, and liberals want our guns...or anything else they might find threatening.

I'm actually keen on the main idea of our current state's GA. Heck, everyone I voted for won their office. If the State club can keep it simple, stick to the basics, and not confuse things with three-martini lunches, I'll be totally stoked! :-D

Connor? You and Graceful are just down in the mouth about BO winning, over an out of touch Mormon elitist. I mean, he didn't even have a concession speech prepared in an election he knew was going to be close. Could you be more arrogant than that?

Anyway. That's over. Now, cool your heels for two years. Chill. Wait until things emerge you can do something about. Meanwhile, keep in touch with your legislators, even if they aren't who you voted for. Handwritten letters work best and get the most attention.

May Harmony find you.