Mark Your Calendars for Jan. 24 and Feb. 9-11!
 Governor Blunt Delivers State of the State Address on Jan. 24
The Governor will have an exciting progress report for Missourians in the State of the State Address scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2007, at 7 p.m. Watch for live broadcast coverage of his firsthand report on the progress Missouri is making on jobs, increased funds for education at all levels, and balancing the budget with no job-killing new taxes.
State Lincoln Days Feb. 9-11
 Meet us in St. Louis! Lincoln Days 2007 will be a great opportunity to gather with GOP leaders and Republicans from across the state for fun and fellowship and to plan for the future of the Missouri GOP! Please visit www.molincolndays.com for more information. This year's Lincoln Days will be held in St. Louis at the Hilton St. Louis Frontenac. |
A Year for Progress!
 In preparing Missouri's new budget and our legislative plans for the year, I have been able to work from the foundation of very strong results in 2006.
At home, of course, Melanie and I cherish each day of Branch's growing up and the warm and precious memories of parenting in 2006!
For Missouri, 2006 was a great year. Our state has moved forward on many fronts, without the job-killing burden of new taxes that are part of the Democrat leadership's flawed vision for the future.
We increased education funding by nearly one third of a billion dollars in only two years. Last year, our Administration delivered a $20 million increase for Missouri's colleges and universities. The Lewis and Clark Discovery Initiative gives us the opportunity to provide an added $350 million for scholarships and quality enhancing investments at campuses across the state.
Fiscally responsible governing has changed an inherited budget deficit of $1.1 billion into a budget surplus.
Missouri families have found a new era of economic opportunity in more than 45,000 new family-supporting jobs created with the help of pro-jobs, pro-growth policies like litigation reform, workers' compensation reform, and the Quality Jobs Act.
Nationally, Missouri is a leader in renewable fuels with the legislation I signed for a 10 percent ethanol standard for gasoline sold in Missouri. This brightens the future for family farming and rural communities, reduces America's dependence on foreign oil, and makes the air we breathe cleaner.
I also signed Missouri's Jessica's Law to protect children from sexual predators with mandated life sentences and a minimum of 30 years time served. If a prison term is completed, the offender will be electronically monitored for life through GPS technology. I am also pleased to have sought and signed new pro-life legislation to respect the sanctity of life, honor Missouri values, and reduce the number of abortions in Missouri.
Thank for your friendship and support and for what you are doing to help advance our shared work on behalf of Missouri's future!
New Safety Standards Imposed on Group Homes
Missouri must do all it can to protect those who are unable to provide for themselves. Governor Blunt is acting to enhance the safety of group homes after the tragic fire at the Anderson facility that claimed 11 lives.
The Governor immediately ordered an assessment of all previously established safety laws and regulations for such residential care facilities. When this revealed several areas for improvement, he ordered sprinkler systems be installed in all long-term care facilities as a first step. Further action now requires that each instance of suspected abuse or neglect in the mental health system be reported, investigated, and tracked. By executive order, he also has instituted individualized training for families on identifying and reporting suspected abuse or neglect.
Governor's Prayer Breakfast Precedes New Lawmaking Session
 For Governor Blunt, faith is a cornerstone for effective leadership and government. The annual Governor's Prayer Breakfast on Thursday, January 4, focused on leadership, faith, and community in shaping public policy.
Joining the Governor as keynote speaker for the bipartisan audience of lawmakers and state officials was former U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft, twice Missouri's chief executive. Ashcroft's dedicated public service to Missouri and the nation has been distinguished by strong religious faith and values that help guide his life and decisions. The breakfast featured both Democrats and Republicans, along with leaders from several religious backgrounds.
"I ask every Missourian to remember our elected representatives in prayers for graciousness and wisdom in the new legislative session," Gov. Blunt said. "As we begin a new year, let us join across party and religious lines to act in a spirit of trust and good will."
Why MOHELA Should Matter to You
Springfield News-Leader
States Experiment with Expanded Health Coverage
USA Today
Governor's Medicaid Reform Supported
Jefferson City News-Tribune
Talking Points: The facts, not the liberal spin!
Visit www.mattblunt.com for more!
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