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Matt Blunt eNewsletter - Aug. 2, 2006
Wednesday, August 02, 2006
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In This Issue:
From the Governor's Desk...
Offering Help and Hope: Pregnancy Support Centers
 One of my highest priorities as Governor is to protect innocent human life. The arrival of our son, Branch, has reinforced in our family how precious young life is and how important it is to defend the lives of those who cannot defend themselves.
Pregnancy support centers are an incredibly valuable tool in our communities to help protect life while caring for expectant mothers. These centers welcome women with information, discussion, and practical support, which can make all the difference to a woman considering abortion. Pregnancy support centers also offer practical support for expectant mothers by providing pregnancy tests, clothing, counseling, parenting classes, and sometimes even financial assistance with housing costs or utilities.
In the 2006 legislative session, I proposed and have signed into law a plan to provide a tax credit for charitable donations to pregnancy support centers. The tax credit is not available for donations to any organization that performs abortions or refers clients to abortionists. This new incentive will help centers that support life to expand services and increase the number of women they are able to serve.
It is a blessing to see the dedication and love with which the individuals who staff and support the centers work. Their actions are helping reduce the number of abortions in Missouri while providing love and faithful support for expectant mothers.
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Blunt Boosts Funding for College Education
 Governor Blunt believes that great futures begin with a great education and that providing the opportunity for an outstanding education is government's most important responsibility. In keeping with that commitment, Gov. Blunt authorized the first significant funding increase in years for Missouri public colleges and universities.
The funding provides an additional $17.2 million for four-year colleges and universities and an added $2.7 million for community colleges. These funds will allow Missouri's schools to remain competitive with other states and continue providing a world-class education to high school graduates. The spending bill also includes an extra $2.5 million for student financial aid to enable more Missouri students to pursue a college degree.
"The savings we have realized through better fiscal management of state government has allowed for new investments, which are moving Missouri forward," Gov. Blunt said. "Our success this year enables us to provide this much needed funding for our college students and institutions without new, job-killing taxes."
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Blunt Signs Ethanol Bill to Benefit Missouri Consumers, Farmers, Environment
 Governor Blunt is proving to Missourians that he is a man of his word by following through on his campaign promises. He has delivered on his promise to make Missouri a leader in renewable fuels through his 10 percent ethanol standard, which he has signed into law.
The new law will require gasoline sold in Missouri to contain at least 10 percent ethanol by 2008 and will make use of the Show-Me State's agricultural resources to support the use of renewable fuels. Ethanol promises to improve the quality of the environment, reduce the nation's dangerous dependence on foreign oil, and support farm families through a stronger demand for corn production.
"Ethanol makes sense for Missouri," Gov. Blunt said. "It is good for our national security, the heartland economy, consumers, and the environment."
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Ethics Reform Will Increase Transparency in Government
Transparency and accountability in government are essential to securing and maintaining the public's trust in their elected officials. To strengthen these qualities in Missouri government, Governor Blunt signed strong ethics reform legislation to reveal more thoroughly the sources of political contributions as well as place greater restrictions on the activity of lobbyists.
The legislation, which has bipartisan support, provides more openness. Blunt already had established by executive order a strict code of conduct for his office that prohibits staff from accepting gifts from lobbyists.
"The old system simply was not working," Gov. Blunt said. "These changes will shed more light and empower the people with greater information about the men and women who seek to serve them in public office."
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In The News...
What The Liberals Don't Want You To Read!
Affordable Health Care
Kansas City Star - July 24, 2006
A Boost to Safety
Southeast Missourian - July 22, 2006
Blunt Challenges Lawmakers to Act
Kansas City Star - July 18, 2006
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