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.”