Tuesday, October 2, 2007

Jason Grill - "The Right Man for the Job" - Platte County Magazine

Below are excerpts from a September Platte County Magazine Interview with State Representative Jason Grill, District 32.

COUNTY profiles -The Right Man For The Job
Jason Grill Finishes His First Session In Missouri House
Missouri State Representative Jason Grill - District 32

A note from the editor.

I first met Jason Grill in June when he arrived at River Rock Coffee Company for
the Platte County Magazine launch party.

It was so flattering because he had no idea
what COUNTY was going to be about and what it would look like,

but he had gotten an invitation and he was there.
Ah… I thought. The consummate politician. He
was charming, engaging and full of energy
about what we were doing and how he
thought it was going to benefit the entire area – not only his district.

Then, within two days of the launch party I got a
hand written thank you and congratulatory letter
on official letterhead.

I was impressed all the more and knew this was a man to get to
know and to follow.

We next met informally in Parkville to discuss this interview and to explore topics. I knewthen that my first impressions were
right on – this is a man that anyone could love and he is
not just a politician, but a politician with a vision, a mission and a message.

When we met again for this formal interview, we were both sorry that we could not meet in Platte County. We tried, but alas,
our mutual schedules called for meeting on
the Plaza. We met at Plaza Three SteakHouse around four,

before their dinner crowd came in and it was perfect.
He had a later meeting to plan his ten year St. Pius X
high school reunion nearby and I had been close by earlier that day, so it worked. I was just glad that we could meet again

in time to get the story in this issue and hope that
you enjoy getting to know Jason as much as I have.

PCM – OK, you lost your first race (see relat-
ed sidebars with this feature profile), and
you won the second and you are here! State Representative
Jason Grill. You have to be looking forward to
the next session and then running for reelection. Who will
run against you?

JG – I am truly just focused on getting ready
for the next session, but as of right now,

no one is declared to challenge me and I
haven’t heard of anyone interested.

PCM – OK. Your first session is over and
you are looking at the next. What have you
learned and where are you going? What is
the message you want your district and all
others concerned to have about you?

JG – My message is simple. Any idea is an
idea that can take wings if presented correctly and put through the right process. At
the end of the day – or the session – I just
want the residents of my district to know
that I did everything within my power to
represent them honestly and with integrity.
I listen to the people I talk to, Sabrina, and
I try my best to understand what they want,
then I take their opinions with me to
Jefferson City.

PCM – So, how do you make everyone happy?

JG – Well, unfortunately it is not possible
to make everyone happy. I understand this.
I represent not only my district in Jefferson
City, but also the state of Missouri. At the
end of the day, I have to make my decisions
based on what the people tell me they
want. what I have researched and, then,
what I feel is ultimately the best for my district
and Missouri in the overall picture. I put that objective over my own
personal political ambitions and beliefs.
Other representatives and lobbyists make
compelling arguments for their own dis-
tricts and the interest groups that they
serve respectively - many well founded,
some superficial, and some self serving. I
am not a proponent of either extreme par-
tisan politics or politics driven heavily by
special interest groups.

PCM – So how do you ignore the pressure
you must get from the partisans and the
special interest groups?

JG – I can’t say that it is not a challenge. But,
I do not, nor will I ever believe that politics
can be truly effective without compromise.
No one side is ever completely right. This is a
democratic society – the representation of all
sides and the effective compromise for the
greater good is what makes it democratic. We
all have to work together for the greater good

not our own selfish interests. We must find solutions to
the problems that face Missouri. Only partisan politicians and the
special interests want things there way
or the highway. The people in Platte
County are level headed, independent
individuals who just want effective leadership
in government that they can trust.

PCM – So, you feel that you know your con-
stituency. How do you achieve that?

JG – I was born and raised in Platte
County. I knock on doors. I interact with
individuals at the grocery store. I talk with
folks at the gym. I return phone calls. I
return emails. I go to as many events in my
district as I possibly can and get reports on
the ones I can’t go to. You can not repre-
sent people you don’t know and they won’t
trust you to represent them for very long if
you don’t have an understanding of who
they are and what they need.

PCM – It’s interesting that you mention the
knocking on doors. I met a couple – Bill and
Julie Hartoung, both doctors in your district –
who had wonderful things to say about you.
Julie’s comment when I asked her what she
thought of you was this – “I am a die hard
republican. But this guy knocked on my door
and he connected with me.”

JG – That is very flattering and I am glad to
know that she felt a connection. As a mod-
erate, mainstream legislator I have received
support from Democrats as well as
Republicans. It’s hard to remember everyone by name
when you are out there hour after hour, day
after day, knocking on doors.
However, I do remember the people I meet, the
issues we discuss, and any stories
they care to share. I listen to all sides and arguments,
and have an open door policy. No matter
what political party you are, or whether you
voted for me or not, I took office to
effectively represent all individuals in the
32nd District.

PCM – Well, enough about politics. Let’s
talk about Jason Grill the man. You grew
up here right? Went to school here? Have
lived here all your life right? How does your
family feel about your political life?

JG – Yes, I grew up here. I went to St.
Therese grade school and then to St. Pius X
high school. I graduated from Saint Louis
University earning an economics degree
and to law school at the University of
Missouri-Columbia where I earned my law
degree. My father is a Platte County attorney, my mother just retired from U.S.
Army Corp of Engineers. I have a large
extended family here. They are all extremely supportive. We are a close knit group.
Having grown up here only makes me more
passionate about what I am doing. In edition to serving as a legislator

I am also anattorney and an adjunct
professor at Park University.
My family helps me balance my career and

my duties by encouraging me
and by believing in what I am doing.

PCM – So, what do you do in this so called
‘life” of yours while you are not out making
Missouri and Platte County a better place?
What do you read? Where do you go? How
do you unwind?

JG – Because I truly love what I do, I enjoy
the all aspects of my political and profes-
sional life. There are many family events –
weddings, birthday parties, dinners and the
like all the time, and attending these events
is a large part of my life. I read all the local
papers and the KC Star, I like the local
magazines – KC Magazine and COUNTY
of course, and quite frankly beyond keeping up with

professional journals and political news, I read GQ,
Esquire and Men’s Journal. I also read historic biographies of
great presidents – just finished a good book
on JFK and another on Lincoln. And to
unwind and stay in shape I run at the
YMCA or at English Landing Park in
Parkville and play tennis or basketball
when I can.

PCM – We are both watching our watches
and I know you have another engagement,
so what is the last word Jason?

JG – The last words for me would have to
be just these– I care deeply about Platte
County. I love the great state of Missouri
and want to do what I can to make it a bet-
ter place for everyone. That is why I got
involved in government. I truly believe
strong communities will lead to a better
way of life for all Missourians.

PCM – Thanks Jason. I think that you will
get your wish and I wish you all the best. I
look forward to many future interviews
and to watching your career move forward.

JG – Thank you very much!

Tuesday, May 29, 2007

Rep. Grill's persistance and bipartisan approach leads to passage of his HB 933 language

Jefferson City-Rep. Grill's sponsored House Bill 933, might have met its end in the Senate because of the partisanship of the Mohela debate, however the pertinant language of this legislation will become law.

Rep. Jason Grill, D-Parkville, worked with House handler of Senate Bill 82 and General Laws Committee Chairman, Steven Tilley, R-Perryville, to get language that will help those in the miliary and their families. Rep. Grill offered House Amendment 12 to Senate Bill 82 on the House Floor. This amendment states that an application for a driver’s license or renewal would be sufficient when signed by person who holds a general power of attorney executed by the currently deployed member of the U.S. Armed Forces.

Rep. Grill's sponsored language stayed in the Senate Bill through the House/Senate Conference Committee and on May 25th, the bill was signed by the President of the Senate.

"I am very excited that HB 933 language will become law in Missouri," said Rep. Grill. "I appreciate the General Laws Committee Chairman for working across the aisle to do the right thing to help the brave men and women who are serving our country overseas.”

Rep. Grill Helps Gain House Approval of Senate Bill to Help Military Members

Jefferson City – Despite his status as a first-year legislator and a member of the minority party, Rep. Jason Grill, D-Parkville, helped gain approval of legislation that would make it easier for deployed Missourians to renew a driver’s license. Rep. Grill was the handler of Senate Bill 666 that was approved in the House by a vote of 158-0. The bill, sponsored by Republican Senator Delbert Scott, R-Lowry City, contains language identical to that contained in Rep. Grill’s own bill (HB933)

“It was an honor to have the opportunity to handle this bill in the House and I appreciate everything Rep. David Day, R-Dixon, (Chair of the House Veterans Committee) did to help me with this process,” said Rep. Grill. “I am delighted the majority party gave me the chance to lead the effort in passing this issue. It has been an incredible experience for me as a first-year legislator and I am excited we have the chance to help the brave men and women who are serving our country overseas.”

Both SB 666 and HB 933 state that an application for a driver’s license or renewal would be sufficient when signed by person who holds a general power of attorney executed by the currently deployed member of the U.S. Armed Forces. SB 666 has additional language that allows certain licensed professionals to renew a license expiring while they are serving in the military, within 60 days from completing their service.

During the process in the House, SB 666 had one amendment added to it that would allow a military veteran to submit his or her certificate of release or discharge from active duty, noting honorable discharge, as proof of lawful presence for the purpose of obtaining a driver's or nondriver's license.

SB 666 was never brought up for final approval on the Senate floor by Senate Majority Floor Leader Charlie Shields.

Rep. Jason Grill Attaches His Stay-At-Home Parent Tax Credit Proposal to Senate Tax Legislation

Jefferson City – As the 2007 legislative session came to a close, Rep. Jason Grill, D-Parkville, worked diligently to ensure that his tax credit for stay-at-home parents was enacted into law. He attached the legislation, originally sponsored by Rep. Grill in the form of HB 932, to a piece of Senate legislation (SB 582) approved by the House. Unfortunately, SB 582 died in the House and Senate Conference Committee as lawmakers between the two bodies could not agree on their differences.

Rep. Grill’s plan would have helped parents who want to take a more active role in parenting by authorizing a significant tax credit for those who stay at home to raise their children. Specifically, the legislation would authorize the Motherhood/Fatherhood Stay-At-Home Tax Credit for a parent who stays at home to provide care for a child up to 24 months of age. Any parent who was employed before the birth or adoption of a child whose annual salary was less than $100,000 would be eligible for a tax credit equal to 25 percent of their salary in the year before choosing to become a stay-at-home parent. The annual cumulative amount of the credits issued could not exceed $2 million.

“I worked very hard to try and get this legislation passed as many ways as possible near the end of the 2007 regular session because I believe we owe it to the parents of this state to give them the financial support they need to be able to stay at home and effectively parent their children,” said Rep. Grill. “My legislation received unanimous support in the committee process and overwhelming approval as an amendment to the Senate legislation, which bodes well for its chances in the 2008 legislative session."

Rep. Jason Grill Welcomes Parkville Students to State Capitol

Jefferson City – Two students interested in state government made their way to Jefferson City this week to spend time with Rep. Jason Grill, D-Parkville and learn more about the legislative process. Conner Blinzler, 12, and Madison Blinzler, 9, traveled to the State Capitol with their grandparents on May 8.

Conner and Madison spent time with Rep. Grill and his legislator assistant, Kay, during their day-long visit. During their time at the Capitol they toured the building, visited the Whispering Gallery and observed the Missouri House in legislative session.

“I was so impressed by both Conner and Madison as they were so well-behaved the entire time here and had a genuine interest in what we do here in the State Capitol,” said Rep. Grill.

“Conner let me know he plans to be President some day and, after seeing the way he was dressed in a collard shirt and tie and hearing some of his questions about the legislative process, I have little doubt he will make an outstanding policy maker and leader in the future. I was fortunate to meet both of these outstanding young people and I look forward to seeing the accomplishments they are sure to achieve in the future.”

Friday, April 27, 2007

Rep. Jason Grill’s Driver’s License Bill Passes in the House by a Unanimous 154-0 Vote and Senate Transportation Committee Approves Unanimously

Jefferson City - Missourians serving in the military and deployed overseas would have an easier time renewing or replacing a driver’s license under legislation sponsored by Rep. Jason Grill, D-Parkville, and approved by the House. The legislation received strong bipartisan support and passed the House by a unanimous vote of 154-0.

The legislation (HB 933) states that an application for a driver’s license or renewal would be sufficient when signed by person who holds a general power of attorney executed by the currently deployed member of the U.S. Armed Forces, if the applicant meets all other requirements set by the director. This will help streamline the renewal process and make situations less complicated for families and individuals with loved ones deployed throughout the world.

“As a freshman legislator and a member of the minority party I knew it would be difficult to get legislation passed this session,” said Rep. Grill, the only Democrat freshman legislator to pass a bill and one of only two other members of the minority party to do so this session at the time.

“However, the overwhelming support of my colleagues from both sides of the aisle made the process smoother. The end result is that we were able to pass good legislation that is the right thing to do for the brave men and women who serve our country overseas.” "As a mainstream member of the House, I have always tried to build bridges across the aisle in order to help all Missourians," said Rep. Grill

After the HB 933 was passed in the House it moved to the Senate where the Transportation Committee voted unanimously in favor of the legislation. “I’ve been fortunate to have strong support from legislators from both parties in the House and that bipartisan support has continued in the Senate. I am hopeful we will see this bill signed into law in the near future," said Rep. Grill.

Rep. Grill’s Legislation to Streamline Driver’s License Renewal Process for Deployed Military Nears Final Steps of Legislative Process

Jefferson City – Legislation sponsored by Rep. Jason Grill, D-Parkville, that would make it easier for deployed Missourians to renew a driver’s license has taken another step closer to final approval by both chambers. Rep. Grill’s bill (HB933), which received unanimous approval in the House and in the Senate Transportation Committee. In the House, Rep. Grill will soon bring to the floor for debate the Senate legislation (SB 666) that contains language identical to that contained in his House bill.

The two bills state that an application for a driver’s license or renewal would be sufficient when signed by person who holds a general power of attorney executed by the currently deployed member of the U.S. Armed Forces. SB 666 has additional language that allows certain licensed professionals to renew a license expiring while they are serving in the military, within 60 days from completing their service.

“Having the language in both bills helps ensure we will get this passed and signed into law this year. I am excited to have the opportunity to handle the Republican sponsored Senate Bill in the House and to help guide it through the final steps of the process,” said Rep. Grill. "I have always believed that it does not matter if an idea come from a Republican or a Democrat as long as it is good for the citizens of Missouri." “This can help eliminate an unnecessary burden for our deployed military personnel who are selflessly serving our country. It’s the right thing to do and I am overjoyed by the support I have had from both parties all throughout this process.”

If either piece of legislation is approved it will then be sent to the Governor’s desk where it will be signed into law.

Rep. Jason Grill’s Bill to Provide Tax Credits to Stay-At-Home Parents Awaits Discussion on House Floor

Jefferson City – Rep. Jason Grill, D-Parkville, hopes to help parents who want to take a more active role in parenting by authorizing a significant tax credit for those who stay at home to raise their children. Rep. Grill is the sponsor of HB 932 that was approved unanimously by the House Special Committee on Tax Reform and currently awaits discussion on the House floor.

House Bill 932 would authorize the Motherhood/Fatherhood Stay-At-Home Tax Credit for a parent who stays at home to provide care for a child up to 24 months of age. Any parent who was employed before the birth or adoption of a child whose annual salary was less than $100,000 would be eligible for a tax credit equal to 25 percent of their salary in the year before choosing to become a stay-at-home parent. The annual cumulative amount of the credits issued could not exceed $2 million.

“Raising our children to be successful and healthy adults is a top priority for us as a society. Anything we can do to assist in that task is beneficial not only to the child, but to the population as a whole,” said Rep. Grill. “I’ve been overwhelmed by the amount of support I have received for this legislation and I am hopeful we can move it through the legislative process during the final weeks of session.”

After being approved by the House Special Committee on Tax Reform, the bill moved to the House Rules Committee where it also received unanimous approval. It now sits on the House Perfection Calendar which means it can be brought up for debate on the House floor at any time.

Rep. Jason Grill Visits With Developmental Disabilities Council to Discuss Their Needs

Jefferson City – Members of the Metropolitan Council on Developmental Disabilities for Region IV recently made the trip to Jefferson City to visit with Rep. Jason Grill, D-Parkville, to discuss some of the priority items on their agenda. Some of the key issues discussed were Medicaid reform, per diem increases for sheltered workshops, improving local transportation options and strengthening community providers.

“One of my top priorities is to ensure our disabled Missourians can continue to live healthy and productive lives that allow them to be the contributing members of society they want and hope to be,” said Rep. Grill. “It was a great opportunity to be able to meet with members of the council to discuss their needs and issues so that I can better represent their interests here at the State Capitol. We had a productive and enjoyable visit and I look forward to meeting with them again back in the district.”

Also on hand for the trip to the Capitol were disabled Missourians Ruth Brenner and Tom Welliver, who like Rep. Grill is a 4th Degree member of the Knights of Columbus. Janice Tilman of the Platte County Board of Services for the Developmentally Disabled also made the trip to Jefferson City.

Rep. Jason Grill Welcomes Outstanding Park Hill Student to the State Capitol

Jefferson City – Angela Holsteadt, a sophomore at Park Hill High School, made the trip to Jefferson City this week to visit with Rep. Jason Grill, D-Parkville, at the State Capitol. Holsteadt was participating in the annual Sophomore Pilgrimage sponsored by the GFWC (General Federation of Women’s Clubs) Art and Literature Club of Parkville.
Each year GFWC clubs send outstanding sophomores from area high schools to Jefferson City on the second Tuesday in April. The pilgrimage promotes goods citizenship and enables students to witness government in action in person. The Sophomore Pilgrimage program has been an ongoing project since 1934.

“It was a wonderful experience having Angela here to see how the legislature works and I hope she enjoyed her time at the Capitol,” said Rep. Grill. “We have so many young people in this state who are interested in the political process and want to learn how to take a more active role. With the help of programs like the Sophomore Pilgrimage they are given a chance to meet their elected officials and gain a better understanding of how the process works.”
Also in attendance with Angela Holsteadt were club members Paige Jackson and Karole Jacobsen.

The General Federation of Women’s Clubs is one of the nation’s largest and oldest women’s volunteer organizations. Established in 1896, it currently has over 4,000 members volunteering within communities in Missouri. The organization has more than 10 million members worldwide in 20 countries.

Thursday, March 22, 2007

Grill pushes first legislation for stay-at-home parents

Bill could provide access to income tax credits

By: Jared Hoffmann
Wednesday, March 14, 2007 4:29 PM CDT

Parkville native and state Rep. Jason Grill, D-District 32, is pushing for state legislation that, if passed, would provide income tax credits for stay-at-home parents.

The bill, House Bill 932, marks the first legislative effort for Grill, who was elected to the Missouri House of Representatives during the 2006 general elections. If approved, the bill would allow parents who stay home with their children from birth to 24 months of age to apply for a tax credit equal to 25 percent of their annual salary up to $100,000. The bill also stipulates that the parent must have been gainfully employed prior to the birth of the child and ceased to maintain that employment during the first two years of the child’s life.

Grill said the bill would allow parents to temporarily forgo working in order to stay home with their children during crucial years of development.

“If we could do anything to further a parent staying home with a newborn, I think that would be a good thing,” Grill said. “I realized the way to do that was through a tax credit.”

In its current form, the bill would allocate $2 million worth of tax credits statewide. Grill said although amendments could alter the amount and other provisions of the bill, he kept the number modest to give the program better odds of approval.

With an estimated 5.8 million stay-at-home parents reported by the U.S. Census Bureau in 2005, 5.6 million mothers and 143,000 fathers, he said getting the legislation approved would be a catalyst to providing greater financial assistance to stay-at-home parents in the future.

“I think this is a really good bill for Platte County because of our demographics,” Grill said. “It’s something that I campaigned on, and I’m trying my best to fulfill that.”

Kansas City resident Doug Wilson said the option to file for tax credits would have been useful while his wife Stacie remained home after the birth of their daughter Makenna, who was born October of 2004. He said his wife was able to stay home and tend to their newborn daughter for 12 weeks, but had to return to work shortly thereafter.

“She would have like to have stayed home longer, but we just couldn’t make due,” Wilson said. “It seems like the cost of living today requires a two-income household just to make ends meet. I think the bill is a step in the right direction to allow parents more time with their children in critical years.”

The bill was working its way through several house committees last week and if approved would have to gain the approval of the senate.

“I just think it’s extremely important for our area,” said HB932 co-sponsor and Rep. Trent Skaggs, D- District 31. “For very little money, we can keep people at home with their children. I would like to see the amount increased from $2 million eventually, but keeping it low could help get it passed.”

Staff writer Jared Hoffmann can be reached at 389-6636 or jaredhoffmann@npgco.com.

Wednesday, March 21, 2007

Rep. Jason Grill’s Legislation to Streamline Driver’s License Renewal Moves Forward

Jefferson City – Rep. Jason Grill’s legislation to make it easier for deployed Missourians to renew a driver’s license was given unanimous approval by the House Special Committee on Veterans this week. Rep. Grill, D-Parkville, sponsored the legislation with strong bipartisan support including that of House Speaker Rod Jetton, R-Marble Hill, who signed on as a co-sponsor.

The legislation states that an application for a driver’s license or renewal would be sufficient when signed by person who holds a general power of attorney executed by the currently deployed member of the U.S. Armed Forces.

“The support I have received for this legislation has been overwhelming and I am glad to see it is moving through our legislative process so quickly,” said Rep. Grill. “I know this is the right thing to do to help the brave men and women who are serving our country overseas. I look forward to this bill making it to the House floor and eventually being signed into law.”
The House Special Committee on Veterans approved House Bill 933 by a vote of 8-0. HB 933 was also reviewed by the House Committee on Rules, which gave its unanimous support by a vote of 8-0. The legislation is currently on the House perfection calendar where it will will sit for 5 days before it can be put on the House Third Reading calendar for discussion and a vote.

Rep. Grill represents southern Platte County (District 32) in the Missouri House of Representatives. He was elected to the House in November 2006. In addition to his legislative duties, Rep. Grill is currently an attorney as well as a professor at Park University.

Rep. Jason Grill Meets With VFW Members to Discuss Veterans Affairs

Jefferson City – Representative Jason Grill, D-Parkville, recently spent time with area VFW members to listen to their input and offer some insight on legislation he is working on at the state capitol.

Rep. Grill attended a weekly VFW meeting at VFW Post 7356 on March 10 where he met with local veterans to discuss various veterans affairs issues. He also spent time discussing his legislation, House Bill 933, that would make it easier for currently enlisted members of the Armed Forces serving overseas to renew or obtain a driver’s license. That legislation recently received committee approval and will soon come up for a vote in the House.

“It’s important that we do everything we can to make life easier for the brave men and women making sacrifices to protect our way of life,” said Rep. Grill. “It was nice to be able to share some of these ideas with our veterans who I know appreciate the efforts we make to help the members of our Armed Forces.”

During his visit with VFW members, Rep. Grill enjoyed breakfast and presented a plaque to District 3 Commander Phillip M. Duncan and local Platte County veteran Mike Vogt. The plaque featured the words to the famous military bugle call, Taps. The back of the plaque detailed the history of the music.

Rep. Grill particpates in "Family University" at Park Hill High School

Rep. Grill participates in "Family University" at Park Hill High School

Jefferson City – Representative Jason Grill, D-Parkville, last week took part in the Park Hill Community Drug Task Force’s free program for families and students on topics that included bullying, behavioral disorders, college planning, diversity and personal safety and substance abuse. Rep. Grill participated as a celebrity server and helped serve breakfast to all the parents and students attending the event.

“I was thrilled to take part in this important “Family University” event,” said Rep. Grill. “These are great topics that all families and students should discuss and educate themselves on.”

The event was broken into four different divisions. Elementary students learned about risk taking, bullying and personal safety and how to avoid danger. Middle school students took part in programs addressing alcohol usage as well as tobacco and drug use. High school students were given information on diversity, leadership, and college planning and personality typology. Parents attended a session that discussed Internet safety, being a “love and logic” parent, and autism.

“I want to thank the Park Hill Drug Task Force and Park Hill High School for inviting me to be a part of this event and I look forward to next year,” said Rep. Grill.

Representative Grill views Truman State University students’ undergraduate research at Capitol

Representative Grill views Truman State University students’ undergraduate research at Capitol

Kirksville, Mo.- Representative Jason Grill visited with Truman State University students who presented a poster outlining their research project as one of 20 examples of undergraduate research showcased by Truman State University students at the Missouri Capitol Building in Jefferson City. The poster display provided legislators, Capitol employees and the public an opportunity to discuss the research projects with Truman students from throughout Missouri and elsewhere.

Kristen Overson, Rachel Goldammer and Steve Webb presented research titled "Putting Learning into Practice: The Practicum in Agriculture at Truman State University". Their faculty mentor is Dr. Michael Seipel.Known for its commitment to undergraduate research, Truman has more than 1,200 additional students involved in research, affording them the opportunity to work closely with faculty mentors. These research projects are often presented at various national conferences.

Overson is from St. Charles. A senior communication disorders major at Truman, and the daughter of Karen Schulte, Overson attended Francis Howell High School. At the University she is involved with Alpha Sigma Alpha, Tau Lambda Sigma and Farm Bureau.

Goldammer, of Raytown & Kansas City, is a senior agricultural science major, the daughter of Steve & Pam Goldammer, and attended Raytown High School. Her activities at Truman include Sigma Alpha and Student Ambassador.

Webb of Edina, Mo., formerly lived in Plainfield, Ill., is the son of Paul and Phyllis Webb, and a graduate of Plainfield High School.

Truman State University, founded in 1867 and located in Kirksville, Mo., maintains one of the highest graduation rates for Missouri public institutions. More than 40 percent of Truman’s graduates pursue an advanced degree immediately upon receiving the bachelor’s degree. Truman enrolls approximately 5,800 students.

Tuesday, February 20, 2007

Rep. Jason Grill Receives Bipartisan Support for Sponsored Legislation

Rep. Jason Grill will file two bills this week as the lead Sponsor. Both proposed bills have received bipartisan support in the Missouri House of Representatives and both have been Cosponsored by the Speaker of the Missouri House of Representatives. Below is a brief summary of each piece of legislation.

1. Motherhood/Fatherhood Stay-At-Home Income Tax Credit. This legislation would allow an individual income tax credit equal to 25 percent of the stay at home parent’s salary before the birth or adoption of a newborn to 24 month old child. The salary can be no more than $100,000 annually, and the stay at home parent can no longer be gainfully employed because of the decision to stay at home to provide care for the eligible child. The cumulative amount of all tax credits each year cannot exceed $2 million.

This legislation has received bipartisan support and has been Cosponsored by 37 members in the House of Representatives thus far (25 Democrats and 12 Republicans). It will help families and encourage more parental involvement in a child’s most important early years.

2. Drivers Licenses for Military Personnel. This legislation states that for persons deployed with the U.S. Armed Forces, their applications for driver’s licenses or renewal are sufficient when they are signed by a person who holds a general power of attorney executed by the person deployed. This will help streamline the renewal process and make situations less complicated for families and individuals with loved ones deployed throughout the world.

This legislation has received equal bipartisan support and has been Cosponsored by 20 members in the House of Representatives thus far (10 Democrats and 10 Republicans).

"I am very happy to have the support of my colleagues from both sides of the aisle including members of leadership as well as the Speaker of the House on my first two pieces of Sponsored legislation as a Missouri State Representative," said Rep. Grill.

Friday, February 16, 2007

Rep. Jason Grill Elected Treasurer of Missouri House Freshman Caucus

Jefferson City – In his second week of duty as an elected official, Representative Jason Grill, D-Parkville, was honored by his fellow freshman legislators by being elected to the position of Treasurer for the Missouri House of Representatives Freshman Caucus.
Rep. Grill was elected to fill this position by a unanimous vote. Both Republican and Democratic party members participated in the vote for the caucus leadership.

“I am honored to be supported by members from both sides of the aisle and I look forward to working with all of my fellow first-year members in my duties as Caucus Treasurer,” said Rep. Grill. “I believe this group of freshman legislators has a great deal of potential and it will be a privilege to help in guiding our efforts in the coming months as we look to make an immediate positive impact on the legislative process.”

Rep. Grill represents southern Platte County (District 32) in the Missouri House of Representatives. He was elected to the House in November 2006. In addition to his legislative duties, Rep. Grill is currently an attorney as well as a professor at Park University.

Thursday, February 15, 2007

Rep. Jason Grill Welcomes Park Hill Graduate to State Capitol as Legislative Intern

Jefferson City - Kansas City North resident Matt Pepper will join Representative Jason Grill, D-Parkville, at the State Capitol to serve as Rep. Grill’s intern for the Spring 2007 session. Pepper joins Rep. Grill after being accepted to participate in the University of Missouri’s Civic Leaders Internship Program (CLIP).

MU has offered the CLIP program since 1999 to provide students with the opportunity to intern for elected officials at the state capitol in Jefferson City. The internship will offer Pepper the chance to actively work with and observe the state government and legislative process. This program also enables students to develop and reflect upon topics including civic responsibility, public service, and leadership skills.

"I look forward to working with Matt, and I hope to provide an experience that will teach him not only about the workings of the political system but also open the doors of opportunity for Matt should he decide to pursue a career in government," said Rep. Grill.Pepper, a sophomore business major is the son of John & Diane Pepper, and a graduate of Park Hill High School. He is active in the Delta Upsilon fraternity and also several philanthropic events throughout the year at the University.

Rep. Jason Grill Spends Time and Speaks with Local Students at Barry School

Jefferson City – Representative Jason Grill, D-Parkville, recently visited with faculty and students from Barry School in an effort to help educate the children about state government and his role as a state legislator. Barry School is a K-8 educational institution in the Platte County RIII School District.

On his visit, Rep. Grill had the opportunity to meet with Dr. Mark Harpst, Superintendent for the Platte County RIII School District, and Rebecca Henshaw, principal of Barry School. In addition, Rep. Grill addressed the entire school during an assembly where he spoke about his duties as a legislator and how he came to be a state representative.

“It was a fun and refreshing experience to have the chance to meet with the students and faculty at Barry School,” said Rep. Grill. “Hopefully they learned a bit more about the legislative process and have some idea about what it is that I do as a state legislator. As we spend a great deal of our time in the legislature dealing with education issues, it is great to take the time to see young people in a positive learning environment to remind me what it is we are working to create.”

During his day at Barry School, Rep. Grill also met with the Fourth Grade class and answered various questions they had. Additionally, he met with the Student Council and spent time reading to the Kindergarten class.

Rep. Jason Grill Receives Committee Assignments for 2007 Legislative Session

Jefferson City –Representative Jason Grill, D-Parkville, was appointed to serve on two important House committees for the 2007 legislative session. Rep. Grill was named to the House Special Committee on Small Business as well as the House Special Committee on Tax Reform by House Speaker Rod Jetton, R-Marble Hill.

“I am excited to begin work in committees and to join with my colleagues to effect positive change for the people of Platte County and Missouri,” said Rep. Grill. “One of my top priorities is to help small businesses in our state to provide quality health care for their employees. Through my work on the House Special Committee on Small Business I hope to assist in crafting good legislation to do that.”

The House Special Committee on Small Business is responsible for all bills relating to the establishment, growth, development, expansion, retention, and operations of small businesses in the State of Missouri. Representative Grill was also appointed this week to serve on the House Special Committee on Tax Reform, which is responsible for bills relating to potential revisions to Missouri’s tax code.

“I will work with my colleagues by taking a closer look at our tax system to ensure it is beneficial to Missouri’s small business, seniors, individuals, and families,” said Rep. Grill. “We have a lot of hard work ahead of us this session and I am excited to work together as Republicans and Democrats to create legislation that will make our state an even better place to live, raise a family, and do business.”

Rep. Jason Grill Named to another Special Committee by Speaker of the House

Jefferson City –Representative Jason Grill, D-Parkville, this week was named to the House Special Committee on Health Insurance by House Speaker Rod Jetton, R-Marble Hill. This is the third committee assignment for Rep. Grill who also was appointed to serve on the House Special Committees on Small Business and Tax Reform by the Speaker of the House.

The House Special Committee on Health Insurance considers and reports upon bills and matters referred to it relating to the affordability and accessibility of health insurance for Missourians.“I am honored that the Speaker would select me to serve on the Special Health Insurance Committee that will work on one of the most important issues we will consider this session,” said Rep. Grill. “I look forward to working with my colleagues from both parties to ensure Missourians have access to affordable, quality health insurance. We have a difficult task ahead of us but I am confident that we can reach a viable solution by coming together as Republicans and Democrats.”