Jefferson City – Rep. Jason Grill, D-Parkville, recently offered words of wisdom and encouragement to the St. Pius X High School graduating class of 2008. Rep. Grill gave the address over a breakfast at the Embassy Suites Northland, which took place on Sunday, May 18.
“I have fond memories of my time at St. Pius X and it was an honor to be able to come back and celebrate this momentous occasion with the graduating class of 2008,” said Rep. Grill, who graduated from the school in 1997. “These young men and women are on their way to becoming successful adults and it was exciting to be able to share a few of my own experiences and thoughts with them as they get ready to take that next step.”
Approximately 1,000 people were in attendance for the graduation breakfast. Rep. Grill’s speech focused on persevering and overcoming obstacles to achieve success. He used examples from the life of Winston Churchill as well as some from his own experiences to encourage the students to remain determined and never give up. He informed students that they had 86,400 seconds a day with which to succeed and improve the lives of others. In addition, he presented each graduate with an official certificate of recognition from the Missouri House of Representatives.
“I know St. Pius X has prepared each of these young people to succeed in college and beyond and I am grateful I was able to play a small role in wishing them well as they move on to the next phase of their lives,” said Rep. Grill. “They have accomplished so much already but their best days are ahead of them and we all look forward to seeing the many contributions they will make to this community, this state and this nation.”
http://pressreleases.kcstar.com/?q=node/8355
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Rep. Jason Grill selected as “Up and Coming Lawyer” by Missouri Lawyers Weekly
Kansas City – Missouri State Representative Jason Grill was recently recognized by Missouri Lawyers Weekly as one of Missouri’s Up and Coming Lawyers. The weekly magazine recognized the best attorneys in Missouri who are under the age of 39 and who represent determination in legal work and in community betterment in their July 28, 2008 issue. Grill, 28, is an attorney at the Kansas City law firm of Holtsclaw & Kendall, LC. He focuses his practice in the areas of personal injury, commercial litigation, FELA, products liability, and transportation related matters. Out of the 48 individuals honored by Missouri Lawyers Weekly in 2008, 14 specialize in litigation, 5 are minorities, 12 are women, 24 are from Kansas City, and 16 are from St. Louis. Prior to joining Holtsclaw & Kendall, LC, Grill practiced law with his father, Brad Grill, at the Grill Law Firm, LLC, after graduating with a Juris Doctor and an advanced certificate in dispute resolution from the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Law. Rep. Grill serves in the Missouri House of Representatives and also works as an adjunct professor of graduate and undergraduate courses at Park University in Parkville. “I am honored and very grateful to be recognized with such a great group of young lawyers from throughout the state of Missouri,” said Rep. Grill. “I look forward to continuing to give all clients the individual attention they deserve in a caring and dedicated manner.”
Missouri Lawyers Weekly, which was founded in 1987, is a newspaper of general circulation that reports on legal decisions issued by all the state and federal courts in Missouri, as well as changes to court rules, verdict & settlement reports, bar-discipline notices and all other news vital to attorneys in the state.
http://pressreleases.kcstar.com/?q=node/9787
http://www.molawyersweekly.com/
Kansas City – Missouri State Representative Jason Grill was recently recognized by Missouri Lawyers Weekly as one of Missouri’s Up and Coming Lawyers. The weekly magazine recognized the best attorneys in Missouri who are under the age of 39 and who represent determination in legal work and in community betterment in their July 28, 2008 issue. Grill, 28, is an attorney at the Kansas City law firm of Holtsclaw & Kendall, LC. He focuses his practice in the areas of personal injury, commercial litigation, FELA, products liability, and transportation related matters. Out of the 48 individuals honored by Missouri Lawyers Weekly in 2008, 14 specialize in litigation, 5 are minorities, 12 are women, 24 are from Kansas City, and 16 are from St. Louis. Prior to joining Holtsclaw & Kendall, LC, Grill practiced law with his father, Brad Grill, at the Grill Law Firm, LLC, after graduating with a Juris Doctor and an advanced certificate in dispute resolution from the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Law. Rep. Grill serves in the Missouri House of Representatives and also works as an adjunct professor of graduate and undergraduate courses at Park University in Parkville. “I am honored and very grateful to be recognized with such a great group of young lawyers from throughout the state of Missouri,” said Rep. Grill. “I look forward to continuing to give all clients the individual attention they deserve in a caring and dedicated manner.”
Missouri Lawyers Weekly, which was founded in 1987, is a newspaper of general circulation that reports on legal decisions issued by all the state and federal courts in Missouri, as well as changes to court rules, verdict & settlement reports, bar-discipline notices and all other news vital to attorneys in the state.
http://pressreleases.kcstar.com/?q=node/9787
http://www.molawyersweekly.com/
Rep. Jason Grill voted KC's "Best Local Politician"
Kansas City – Missouri State Representative Jason Grill was recently voted and awarded Kansas City's "Best Local Politician" by the general public and the readers of KC Magazine. The magazine published its annual review of the Best of Kansas City in its September 2008 issue. Nominees for the award were selected by a panel of approximately 500 Kansas Citians in February of 2008. The four finalists based on this panel's selections were Representative Jason Grill, former Kansas City Mayor Kay Barnes, Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, and former City Councilman Alvin Brooks. Once the final nominees were in place online voting took place in May of 2008 and was open to the general public and readers of KC Magazine. More then 145,000 total votes were cast in 125 different categories in KC Magazine's annual review of KC's best people, dining, fashion, events, and entertainment. Rep. Grill received the award on August 21st, 2008 at the City's Best award ceremony held at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. "I am very grateful to receive this award and appreciate the continued support of all those who nominated me and voted for me for this very special recognition," said Rep. Grill. "I look forward to continuing to serve the great people of the state of Missouri, Kansas City, and Platte County in the Missouri Legislature.
http://pressreleases.kcstar.com/?q=node/10627
More information about KC Magazine can be found online at www.midwestluxe.com and at www.kcmag.com.
Kansas City – Missouri State Representative Jason Grill was recently voted and awarded Kansas City's "Best Local Politician" by the general public and the readers of KC Magazine. The magazine published its annual review of the Best of Kansas City in its September 2008 issue. Nominees for the award were selected by a panel of approximately 500 Kansas Citians in February of 2008. The four finalists based on this panel's selections were Representative Jason Grill, former Kansas City Mayor Kay Barnes, Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, and former City Councilman Alvin Brooks. Once the final nominees were in place online voting took place in May of 2008 and was open to the general public and readers of KC Magazine. More then 145,000 total votes were cast in 125 different categories in KC Magazine's annual review of KC's best people, dining, fashion, events, and entertainment. Rep. Grill received the award on August 21st, 2008 at the City's Best award ceremony held at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. "I am very grateful to receive this award and appreciate the continued support of all those who nominated me and voted for me for this very special recognition," said Rep. Grill. "I look forward to continuing to serve the great people of the state of Missouri, Kansas City, and Platte County in the Missouri Legislature.
http://pressreleases.kcstar.com/?q=node/10627
More information about KC Magazine can be found online at www.midwestluxe.com and at www.kcmag.com.
Rep. Jason Grill receives support from small business owners (NFIB)
NFIB Endorses Jason Grill for reelection to Missouri House
Candidate’s Strong Stance on Small Business Issues Earns Nod
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., July 11, 2008 – The National Federation of Independent Business, Missouri’s leading small business association, today announced its endorsement of Jason Grill in his bid for re-election to the Missouri House. Rep. Grill secured the group’s nod because of his strong record on small business issues critical to
Main Street.
“NFIB is proud to endorse Jason Grill because he has a clear understanding of the needs of small business owners. He has worked to protect their rights as well as fight to keep unnecessary regulations from adding to the burden of running a successful business,” said Brad Jones, NFIB/Missouri state director.
“Rep. Grill knows that small business is the engine that drives Missouri’s economy, and he has worked to provide the tools small business owners need,” Jones said.
NFIB’s endorsement of Grill brings with it the powerful support of thousands of small business owners from across the state. He has maintained a strong and consistent voting record in support of small business owners.
“Our members know and appreciate the importance of an ally in the legislature,” Jones said. “Just as we know Jason has worked hard for the interests and rights of small business, NFIB members will work hard to send him back to Jefferson City.”
Today’s endorsement comes from the Missouri SAFE (Save America’s Free Enterprise) Trust, NFIB’s political action committee. The National Federation of Independent Business bases its political support on candidates’ positions and records on small business issues.
###
NFIB is the nation’s leading small business association, with offices in Washington, D.C. and all 50 state capitals. Founded in 1943 as a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, NFIB gives small- and independent-business owners a voice in shaping the public policy issues that affect their business. NFIB’s powerful network of grassroots activists sends its views directly to state and federal lawmakers through our unique member-only ballot, thus playing a critical role in supporting America’s free enterprise system. NFIB’s mission is to promote and protect the right of our members to own, operate and grow their businesses. More information about NFIB is available online at www.NFIB.com/newsroom.
Candidate’s Strong Stance on Small Business Issues Earns Nod
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., July 11, 2008 – The National Federation of Independent Business, Missouri’s leading small business association, today announced its endorsement of Jason Grill in his bid for re-election to the Missouri House. Rep. Grill secured the group’s nod because of his strong record on small business issues critical to
Main Street.
“NFIB is proud to endorse Jason Grill because he has a clear understanding of the needs of small business owners. He has worked to protect their rights as well as fight to keep unnecessary regulations from adding to the burden of running a successful business,” said Brad Jones, NFIB/Missouri state director.
“Rep. Grill knows that small business is the engine that drives Missouri’s economy, and he has worked to provide the tools small business owners need,” Jones said.
NFIB’s endorsement of Grill brings with it the powerful support of thousands of small business owners from across the state. He has maintained a strong and consistent voting record in support of small business owners.
“Our members know and appreciate the importance of an ally in the legislature,” Jones said. “Just as we know Jason has worked hard for the interests and rights of small business, NFIB members will work hard to send him back to Jefferson City.”
Today’s endorsement comes from the Missouri SAFE (Save America’s Free Enterprise) Trust, NFIB’s political action committee. The National Federation of Independent Business bases its political support on candidates’ positions and records on small business issues.
###
NFIB is the nation’s leading small business association, with offices in Washington, D.C. and all 50 state capitals. Founded in 1943 as a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, NFIB gives small- and independent-business owners a voice in shaping the public policy issues that affect their business. NFIB’s powerful network of grassroots activists sends its views directly to state and federal lawmakers through our unique member-only ballot, thus playing a critical role in supporting America’s free enterprise system. NFIB’s mission is to promote and protect the right of our members to own, operate and grow their businesses. More information about NFIB is available online at www.NFIB.com/newsroom.
Rep. Jason Grill holds town hall meeting in Parkville
Article in SUN Newspapers
Rep. Grill holds town hall meeting
By Michael Westblade
Jason Grill, state representative for Missouri House District 32, held a town hall meeting at the Meetin’ House at Park University on July 16 to share the work of the Missouri Legislature from the past year and to obtain feedback and hear concerns from his constituents.
Grill went through what he called “the meat and potatoes” of the legislative session and spoke about the bills he thought were highlights, the bills he helped defeat and the bills he voted against.
Some of the legislative highlights for Grill were tax reform, illegal immigration reform, increasing tax incentives for development, mortgage fraud legislation, education opportunities for veterans, tax reciprocity, cyber stalking and cyber crimes legislation, and of course, a bill increasing the penalties for identity theft, which Grill sponsored.
Grill also said he voted against a minimum-wage decrease and public vouchers, which were both defeated, as well as voting against a law scaling back campaign finance reform, which passed and will become law Thursday, Aug. 28.
The most important issues for the next legislative session, Grill said, are health care reform, transportation and infrastructure.
Energy reform and higher education will also be priorities next session, as well as teacher salaries and economic development, he said.
After his review of the legislative session and announcing his plans for 2009, Grill opened the hall to questions.
Eric Burgrud, director of Park University’s International Center for Civic Engagement, asked if it was possible that the Kansas City earnings tax would be eliminated next year.
“I think there is a hard-core group that wants to get rid of it,” Grill said. “I don’t think it’s on the front burner, but it will come up.”
Another audience member asked if the legislature will be considering not just new roadways, but also multimodal transport.
“With public transit, I think the writing is on the wall,” said Grill. “Gas is at $4.09 a gallon and it’s going to go up. We have to make tough decisions now because we’ve waited too long. We have to invest more money in public transportation.”
Another audience member wondered, with Bombardier Aerospace deciding not to build an assembly plant here, if there was a way to become more competitive and attract big developments.
“When (Bombardier) sat down with us and told us about it, it sounded like we were a shoe-in,” said Grill. “But concessions were made in Canada that kept them there. I really thought we would get it and I was really unhappy. But at least we created a law so we could attract more business like that.”
Health care was also an important topic in peoples’ minds at the meeting with questions about what new health care legislation may come up next year and what legislation would come up for small businesses struggling to provide health care to their employees.
Grill said new health care legislation would depend on who wins new seats in upcoming election. Grill also said he would do anything he could to help small businesses, because they’re the driving force of the economy.
Grill, who just finished his first term as state representative for District 32, will run unopposed for his seat in November.
The town hall meeting was sponsored by Park University’s International Center for Civic Engagement.
Rep. Grill holds town hall meeting
By Michael Westblade
Jason Grill, state representative for Missouri House District 32, held a town hall meeting at the Meetin’ House at Park University on July 16 to share the work of the Missouri Legislature from the past year and to obtain feedback and hear concerns from his constituents.
Grill went through what he called “the meat and potatoes” of the legislative session and spoke about the bills he thought were highlights, the bills he helped defeat and the bills he voted against.
Some of the legislative highlights for Grill were tax reform, illegal immigration reform, increasing tax incentives for development, mortgage fraud legislation, education opportunities for veterans, tax reciprocity, cyber stalking and cyber crimes legislation, and of course, a bill increasing the penalties for identity theft, which Grill sponsored.
Grill also said he voted against a minimum-wage decrease and public vouchers, which were both defeated, as well as voting against a law scaling back campaign finance reform, which passed and will become law Thursday, Aug. 28.
The most important issues for the next legislative session, Grill said, are health care reform, transportation and infrastructure.
Energy reform and higher education will also be priorities next session, as well as teacher salaries and economic development, he said.
After his review of the legislative session and announcing his plans for 2009, Grill opened the hall to questions.
Eric Burgrud, director of Park University’s International Center for Civic Engagement, asked if it was possible that the Kansas City earnings tax would be eliminated next year.
“I think there is a hard-core group that wants to get rid of it,” Grill said. “I don’t think it’s on the front burner, but it will come up.”
Another audience member asked if the legislature will be considering not just new roadways, but also multimodal transport.
“With public transit, I think the writing is on the wall,” said Grill. “Gas is at $4.09 a gallon and it’s going to go up. We have to make tough decisions now because we’ve waited too long. We have to invest more money in public transportation.”
Another audience member wondered, with Bombardier Aerospace deciding not to build an assembly plant here, if there was a way to become more competitive and attract big developments.
“When (Bombardier) sat down with us and told us about it, it sounded like we were a shoe-in,” said Grill. “But concessions were made in Canada that kept them there. I really thought we would get it and I was really unhappy. But at least we created a law so we could attract more business like that.”
Health care was also an important topic in peoples’ minds at the meeting with questions about what new health care legislation may come up next year and what legislation would come up for small businesses struggling to provide health care to their employees.
Grill said new health care legislation would depend on who wins new seats in upcoming election. Grill also said he would do anything he could to help small businesses, because they’re the driving force of the economy.
Grill, who just finished his first term as state representative for District 32, will run unopposed for his seat in November.
The town hall meeting was sponsored by Park University’s International Center for Civic Engagement.
Governor Blunt signs Grill's Identity Theft bill
Article in SUN Newspaper
By Michael Westblade
Thursday, July 10, 2008 1:12 AM CDT
Gov. Matt Blunt signed a bill June 30, sponsored by state Rep. Jason Grill, that addresses identity theft and gives new protections to Missouri citizens.
The bill, which goes into effect Aug. 28, will provide victims of identity theft the right to contact their local law enforcement agency and request that an incident report be prepared and filed. They may also request a copy of the report.
While most jurisdictions may have already done this, Grill said the new statute will make sure police departments know they have to comply, and citizens will know they have the option to file a report.
In addition, the bill makes possession of five or more fictitious or forged means of identity with the intent to distribute to others for the purpose of committing a crime a Class C felony and allows consumers to request that a “security freeze” be placed on their credit report, which would prohibit credit reporting agencies from releasing the consumer’s credit report or score without specific authorization from the consumer.
In Missouri, a Class C felony brings imprisonment of up to seven years and fines up to $5,000.
The bill, Grill said, lets people know they have options when faced with an identity theft situation.
“A lot of people have had (identity theft) happen to them,” he said. “Hundreds in my district have. People want to have some sort of idea of what to do in this situation.”
According to a Federal Trade Commission report on identity theft released in 2008, Missouri was ranked 21st in the country for the amount of identity thefts during 2007, with 3,962 incidents.
Of those 3,962 incidents, 1,048 involved credit card fraud, 681 involved phone or utility fraud, 619 involved bank fraud, 303 involved government document or benefit fraud, 285 involved employee related fraud, 194 involved loan fraud, 1,084 were listed as other and 256 complaints involved attempts at identity theft.
Identity theft, Grill said, is an issue Missouri needs to face.
“I had received calls and e-mails from constituents with problems with identity theft and consumer protection issues,” he said. “Missouri has lagged behind. We had problems, and we didn’t do enough to protect people from identity theft.”
By Michael Westblade
Thursday, July 10, 2008 1:12 AM CDT
Gov. Matt Blunt signed a bill June 30, sponsored by state Rep. Jason Grill, that addresses identity theft and gives new protections to Missouri citizens.
The bill, which goes into effect Aug. 28, will provide victims of identity theft the right to contact their local law enforcement agency and request that an incident report be prepared and filed. They may also request a copy of the report.
While most jurisdictions may have already done this, Grill said the new statute will make sure police departments know they have to comply, and citizens will know they have the option to file a report.
In addition, the bill makes possession of five or more fictitious or forged means of identity with the intent to distribute to others for the purpose of committing a crime a Class C felony and allows consumers to request that a “security freeze” be placed on their credit report, which would prohibit credit reporting agencies from releasing the consumer’s credit report or score without specific authorization from the consumer.
In Missouri, a Class C felony brings imprisonment of up to seven years and fines up to $5,000.
The bill, Grill said, lets people know they have options when faced with an identity theft situation.
“A lot of people have had (identity theft) happen to them,” he said. “Hundreds in my district have. People want to have some sort of idea of what to do in this situation.”
According to a Federal Trade Commission report on identity theft released in 2008, Missouri was ranked 21st in the country for the amount of identity thefts during 2007, with 3,962 incidents.
Of those 3,962 incidents, 1,048 involved credit card fraud, 681 involved phone or utility fraud, 619 involved bank fraud, 303 involved government document or benefit fraud, 285 involved employee related fraud, 194 involved loan fraud, 1,084 were listed as other and 256 complaints involved attempts at identity theft.
Identity theft, Grill said, is an issue Missouri needs to face.
“I had received calls and e-mails from constituents with problems with identity theft and consumer protection issues,” he said. “Missouri has lagged behind. We had problems, and we didn’t do enough to protect people from identity theft.”
Rep. Grill's Legislation to Protect Missourians from Identity Theft Goes to Governor for Final Approval
Jefferson City – Legislation sponsored by Rep. Jason Grill that would provide additional help to Missourians victimized by the crime of identity theft is now one step away from becoming law. Rep. Grill's original piece of legislation (HB 2157) was combined with another bill (HB 1384) and given bipartisan approval in both chambers of the legislature this week.
Rep. Grill's legislation provides identity theft victims with the right to contact the local law enforcement agency where they live and request that an incident report about the identity theft be prepared and filed. The victim may also request to receive a copy of the report. Rep. Grill said the bill is necessary to give Missourians a clear process to follow that will assist in dealing with the financial mess that can result from a case of identity theft.
"Victims of identity theft are left with a confusing process and far too many questions on how best to proceed to protect their money and credit rating. It's important that we involve local law enforcement in the process and give identity theft victims access to an official police report that is so often necessary for credit card companies who want to verify that identity theft actually occurred," said Rep. Grill. "This was truly a bipartisan effort and something that Missourians needed in order to provide adequate protection from the growing crime of identity theft, which affects 8 million new victims each year."
The final version of legislation includes many other important provisions dealing with the crime of identity theft. The bill makes it a Class C felony for anyone who manufactures or possesses five or more fictitious or forged means of identity with the intent to distribute to others for the purpose of committing a crime. It also allows a consumer to request a "security freeze" be placed on his or her credit report. A security freeze gives consumers the choice to "freeze" or lock access to their credit file against anyone trying to open up a new account or to get new credit in their name. The freeze also prohibits credit reporting agencies from releasing the consumer's credit report or credit score without specific authorization from the consumer. "These additions to the original bill make this legislation even stronger and will give the citizens of Missouri more tools to guard themselves against the crime of identity theft, "said Rep. Grill
The legislation now moves to governor's desk to be signed into law.
Rep. Grill's legislation provides identity theft victims with the right to contact the local law enforcement agency where they live and request that an incident report about the identity theft be prepared and filed. The victim may also request to receive a copy of the report. Rep. Grill said the bill is necessary to give Missourians a clear process to follow that will assist in dealing with the financial mess that can result from a case of identity theft.
"Victims of identity theft are left with a confusing process and far too many questions on how best to proceed to protect their money and credit rating. It's important that we involve local law enforcement in the process and give identity theft victims access to an official police report that is so often necessary for credit card companies who want to verify that identity theft actually occurred," said Rep. Grill. "This was truly a bipartisan effort and something that Missourians needed in order to provide adequate protection from the growing crime of identity theft, which affects 8 million new victims each year."
The final version of legislation includes many other important provisions dealing with the crime of identity theft. The bill makes it a Class C felony for anyone who manufactures or possesses five or more fictitious or forged means of identity with the intent to distribute to others for the purpose of committing a crime. It also allows a consumer to request a "security freeze" be placed on his or her credit report. A security freeze gives consumers the choice to "freeze" or lock access to their credit file against anyone trying to open up a new account or to get new credit in their name. The freeze also prohibits credit reporting agencies from releasing the consumer's credit report or credit score without specific authorization from the consumer. "These additions to the original bill make this legislation even stronger and will give the citizens of Missouri more tools to guard themselves against the crime of identity theft, "said Rep. Grill
The legislation now moves to governor's desk to be signed into law.
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