|
|
 |
 |
 |
|
Blunt eNewsletter - September 23, 2006
Friday, September 22, 2006
|
From the Governor's Desk...
The Guardians of Our Freedom and Security
 America changed forever on September 11. The day we were attacked is burned into my memory, as I am sure it is in yours as well. Thousands of people were murdered. Thousands of families lost parents, grandparents, children, friends, and coworkers.
We stood as one people, united in grief and determination to prevail over a terrible enemy. Firefighters, law enforcement, and first responders served their fellow Americans with heroic compassion. Strangers became neighbors. Neighbors became friends. Many civilians became Soldiers, willing to risk their own lives to protect our nation from terrorists who seek to destroy us.
I have been honored and privileged to meet with Missourians who serve in the line of fire in Iraq and Afghanistan. Men and women in uniform are doing a tremendous job in the danger and difficulty of war. Their bravery, dedication, enthusiasm, and determination to win are profoundly inspiring.
Some may have forgotten September 11 or, because the homeland has been kept safe for five years, may have set aside the reality of that day. As a nation, an excellent way to stay focused on what matters most is to think of the thousands of servicemen and women who are standing guard this day and every day, right now, in places far away and at duty stations here at home.
Please be thankful for what they are doing. When you see a person in uniform, tell them how you feel and remember them in prayer.
A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, the Governor served for five years on active duty. He currently serves as a Lieutenant Commander in the Navy Reserves. He was the first statewide elected official in Missouri history called to active military duty and served for six months in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, America's response to the September 11 attack.
[ Back to Top ]
Goodbye to Predatory Lending in Nursing Homes
Many of our families rely on caregivers at nursing homes and long-term care facilities to provide daily care to loved ones who are unable to remain at home. Governor Blunt is protecting these hard-working caregivers from predatory payday lenders.
The Governor has ended a practice started under previous administrations of allowing nursing homes to be business locations for payday lenders, who typically charge exorbitant interest rates to employees who borrow.
Now, activities in long-term care facilities are limited to those directly related to patient care and administration. By Blunt's decision, the Department of Health and Senior Services will not grant or renew requests for onsite payday lending.
[ Back to Top ]
Jim Talent Needs YOU for "Show-Me RED" Weekend
 Senator Jim Talent has delivered results in Washington, D.C., for the Show-Me State. He has been a strong and consistent voice for Missouri families. It is more important than ever that Missouri voters send Jim Talent back to our nation's capitol. To help do this, we are planning a tremendous grassroots movement to make sure voters make their voices heard on November 7, and we need your help!
The "Show-Me RED" weekend, September 22, 23, and 24, will give you the opportunity to lend your support to Sen. Talent through activities like phone banks and neighborhood walks. Please, sign up today to help spread the message of Talent's accomplishments with your friends and neighbors!
[ Back to Top ]
Universities Champion Governor's Plan for Education
 Every day, more people see the amazing opportunity offered by Governor Blunt's Lewis and Clark Discovery Initiative for higher education in Missouri.
Gov. Blunt met with presidents and other school representatives from across Missouri to present details about how the Blunt plan will boost the quality of higher education, expand scholarships, and empower our students to achieve more, contribute more, and earn more throughout their working lives.
"I wish to commend Governor Blunt and our legislative leaders for working to find new ways to fund much-needed capital projects for our universities and colleges," University of Missouri President Elson Floyd said. "Ensuring that our teaching and research facilities are up-to-date is crucial to our ability to provide the best education possible for Missouri's students."
Those with direct knowledge of higher education's needs overwhelmingly support the Governor because they know how much it will do for students, their schools, and Missouri's future.
"It is a testament to the Lewis and Clark Discovery Initiative that so many leaders stand together to support students, campuses, and a brighter Missouri future," Gov. Blunt said. "Never has Missouri had such a significant opportunity to improve learning, expand research, and help create high quality, cutting-edge jobs for the future."
Blunt's initiative will provide campuses with $335 million for facility improvements and $15 million to help turn advances in technology to Missouri's economic gain. The Governor also will seek an additional $25 million annually for student scholarships in his budget requests for at least the next two years. The resources will be secured with no new taxes on hardworking Missouri families.
[ Back to Top ]
Blunt Honors a Giant, Missouri's Dr. Carver
 The work of George Washington Carver, born in Newton County in the 1860s, had a tremendous impact on agriculture in Missouri and America. A former slave, Dr. Carver became a successful inventor and scientist. He was the greatest pioneer of crop rotation and diversification, championing the revival of "worked-out" soil.
On September 5, Governor Blunt dedicated the home of Missouri's Department of Agriculture as the George Washington Carver State Office Building.
 Joining him for the dedication was Dr. Benjamin Hooks, a civil rights pioneer who served as executive director for the NAACP for 15 years and was the first African-American to serve on the Federal Communications Commission.
"This is a fitting tribute to a native Missourian and a great scientist. Dr. Carver's genius was a revolutionary force in American agriculture, in multiple ways," Gov. Blunt said. "Like Dr. Carver, Benjamin Hooks has been a strong force for the betterment of life. I am honored that he joined us for this important occasion."
[ Back to Top ]
 Earlier, we reported on Duck Creek Technologies, a small, southwest Missouri insurance services company that began using the Quality Jobs Act to benefit their employees and the community. The firm is expected to create more than 60 new jobs with increased pay and healthcare benefits over the next five years. The incentives provided under the Quality Jobs Act have given Duck Creek a significant boost, and the company has grown by 535% since 2003. This growth will continue to help Duck Creek create more, high-quality jobs for Missouri families.
Because of its tremendous growth, the company recently has been named to the Inc. 500 list, which profiles the most innovative, dynamic, and fast-growing companies in the nation. Congratulations to Duck Creek Technologies!
[ Back to Top ]
In Case You Missed It...
Area Lawmakers Agree with Governor
Neosho Daily News - September 13, 2006
You Load Sixteen Tons...
St. Louis Post-Dispatch - September 14, 2006
Letter from Governor Matt Blunt
Columbia Daily Tribune - September 7, 2006
Gov. Blunt Right to Protect Business
Springfield News-Leader - September 3, 2006
[ Back to Top ]
The following stories of interest appeared recently in Missouri's news media: |
|
|
|
|
|