JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – House Minority Floor Leader Paul Levota, D-Independence, has appointed state Rep. Jason Grill, D-Parkville, as the ranking Democratic member of the House Financial Institutions Committee. In the role of ranking member, Grill will coordinate and oversee the activities of the other Democrats on the panel.
“This is an important committee, especially given the financial situation of the state and country,” Grill said. “As the ranking Democrat, I will promote stronger consumer protections and a crackdown on unscrupulous lending practices that have pushed many Missourians to the brink of foreclosure and beyond.
The Financial Institutions Committee handles all legislation relating to banks, credit unions, savings and loans, and other financial institutions.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Rep. Jason Grill Advocates for Calorie Information on Restaurant Menus
Jefferson City – Representative Jason Grill, D-Parkville, this week filed House Bill 755 which would require food service establishments that are one of a group of 15 or more doing business nationally to display calorie information to consumers on menu boards. The caloric information will be required to be located alongside prices and similar in size. Rep. Grill indicated the bill is similar to code implemented in New York City, which was the first U.S. city to establish such a regulation to fight obesity and promote healthy eating habits. Other cities including Portland, Seattle, and Philadelphia have all passed similar legislation. So far, California is the only state to pass a similar measure, but legislation is moving in Indiana on this issue.
The bill will require that caloric information be available to consumers to encourage them to select lower-calorie meals, which will lead to a lower incidence of obesity. It is an additional step that will ensure customers have accurate nutritional information about the health content of food they consume. Studies have shown that customers of restaurants often underestimate the calorie content of meals.
“We know we must do everything we can to promote healthy lifestyles. That includes everything from providing citizens with adequate nutritional information to ensuring children engage in regular physical activity each week. The bill I have sponsored will give our state a solid start towards allowing access to important nutritional information to help our citizen’s health and well-being,” said Rep. Grill.
The bill will require that caloric information be available to consumers to encourage them to select lower-calorie meals, which will lead to a lower incidence of obesity. It is an additional step that will ensure customers have accurate nutritional information about the health content of food they consume. Studies have shown that customers of restaurants often underestimate the calorie content of meals.
“We know we must do everything we can to promote healthy lifestyles. That includes everything from providing citizens with adequate nutritional information to ensuring children engage in regular physical activity each week. The bill I have sponsored will give our state a solid start towards allowing access to important nutritional information to help our citizen’s health and well-being,” said Rep. Grill.
Rep. Jason Grill Introduces Consumer Protection Legislative Package
Jefferson City – Representative Jason Grill, D-Parkville, this week introduced three pieces of legislation aimed at strengthening Missouri’s consumer protection laws. The bills are part of a larger pack of legislation sponsored by Rep. Grill covering issues ranging from health care to tax reform.
One piece of legislation introduced by Rep. Grill would require any person or entity that owns or uses personal information concerning a Missouri resident in any form to disclose a breach of security to any resident whose personal information was wrongfully acquired. The legislation established provisions for the prevention and protection from security breaches.
A second piece of legislation sponsored by Rep. Grill would require any business that conducts business or maintains personal information of residents in Missouri to take all reasonable measures to protect against the unauthorized access to or use of the information.
“The rate of identity theft has risen at an alarming rate and our state has lagged behind in addressing this serious security risk. There are 44 states who have already taken action to enact security breach laws. It is time for us to move forward on this issue and provide Missourians with the protections they need,” said Rep. Grill.
The final piece of legislation introduced by Rep. Grill would establish the Wireless Telephone Consumer Protection Act to protect consumers in their dealings with commercial service providers. The bill includes requirements that a wireless carrier provide a coverage map at the time of sale, make price and fee disclosures at the time of sale, and clearly disclose in writing to the customer at the time of sale whether a price is guaranteed for the term of the contract and if there are any early termination fees.
“It’s important that Missourians know what they are paying for and that they receive the services they are due. The Wireless Telephone Consumer Protection Act is a simple but powerful tool to ensure wireless phone users are not charged hidden fees or provided with service different from what was promised,” said Rep. Grill.
One piece of legislation introduced by Rep. Grill would require any person or entity that owns or uses personal information concerning a Missouri resident in any form to disclose a breach of security to any resident whose personal information was wrongfully acquired. The legislation established provisions for the prevention and protection from security breaches.
A second piece of legislation sponsored by Rep. Grill would require any business that conducts business or maintains personal information of residents in Missouri to take all reasonable measures to protect against the unauthorized access to or use of the information.
“The rate of identity theft has risen at an alarming rate and our state has lagged behind in addressing this serious security risk. There are 44 states who have already taken action to enact security breach laws. It is time for us to move forward on this issue and provide Missourians with the protections they need,” said Rep. Grill.
The final piece of legislation introduced by Rep. Grill would establish the Wireless Telephone Consumer Protection Act to protect consumers in their dealings with commercial service providers. The bill includes requirements that a wireless carrier provide a coverage map at the time of sale, make price and fee disclosures at the time of sale, and clearly disclose in writing to the customer at the time of sale whether a price is guaranteed for the term of the contract and if there are any early termination fees.
“It’s important that Missourians know what they are paying for and that they receive the services they are due. The Wireless Telephone Consumer Protection Act is a simple but powerful tool to ensure wireless phone users are not charged hidden fees or provided with service different from what was promised,” said Rep. Grill.
Rep. Jason Grill Sponsors Legislation to Ensure Fairness and Accessibility in Missouri’s Elections Process
Jefferson City – Representative Jason Grill, D-Parkville, recently introduced two pieces of legislation with the goal of ensuring the election process in Missouri is fair and easily accessible for Missouri voters. The bills are part of a larger package of legislation sponsored by Rep. Grill covering issues ranging from consumer protection to tax reform.
One piece of legislation, House Bill 771, filed by Rep. Grill would establish one-stop voting sites that allow a person to register and vote at the same time. Under the legislation, an applicant would have to fill out a voter registration application form and provide proof of residency. An applicant would vote by absentee ballot or vote on the ballot provided at the polling place if registering to vote on the day of the election. In addition, a person could choose not to vote immediately. In that case, the registration would be processed and the person could vote at a one-stop voting site or at the person's correct polling place in the same election.
“There has been an emphasis on improving voter turnout but we continue to see too few people come out to participate in the process. One-stop voting is something that has been used with success by several other states,” said Rep. Grill. “By making it easy to register and vote even on the day of the election, we can ensure more voices are heard and the will of the people is served.”
Another piece of legislation, House Bill 772, sponsored by Rep. Grill would establish procedures for listing candidates for statewide office, state senator, and state representative in random orders on the election ballot. Rep. Grill said the purpose of the bill was to ensure no candidate is given an unfair advantage by being listed first, last, or in the middle of their respective election on the ballot.
“Under this system, we would have ballots printed with an equal number listing each candidate’s name first. With this, no individual has the advantage of being listed first on each ballot simply because of different circumstances,” said Rep. Grill. “Both of these changes are common sense approaches to making our elections process even better.”
Both bills now await assignment to committee for further discussion.
One piece of legislation, House Bill 771, filed by Rep. Grill would establish one-stop voting sites that allow a person to register and vote at the same time. Under the legislation, an applicant would have to fill out a voter registration application form and provide proof of residency. An applicant would vote by absentee ballot or vote on the ballot provided at the polling place if registering to vote on the day of the election. In addition, a person could choose not to vote immediately. In that case, the registration would be processed and the person could vote at a one-stop voting site or at the person's correct polling place in the same election.
“There has been an emphasis on improving voter turnout but we continue to see too few people come out to participate in the process. One-stop voting is something that has been used with success by several other states,” said Rep. Grill. “By making it easy to register and vote even on the day of the election, we can ensure more voices are heard and the will of the people is served.”
Another piece of legislation, House Bill 772, sponsored by Rep. Grill would establish procedures for listing candidates for statewide office, state senator, and state representative in random orders on the election ballot. Rep. Grill said the purpose of the bill was to ensure no candidate is given an unfair advantage by being listed first, last, or in the middle of their respective election on the ballot.
“Under this system, we would have ballots printed with an equal number listing each candidate’s name first. With this, no individual has the advantage of being listed first on each ballot simply because of different circumstances,” said Rep. Grill. “Both of these changes are common sense approaches to making our elections process even better.”
Both bills now await assignment to committee for further discussion.
Rep. Jason Grill Outlines Legislative Package Aimed at Improving Missouri’s System of Education
Jefferson City – Representative Jason Grill, D-Parkville, recently introduced several education-based pieces of legislation for the 2009 legislative session. The three education bills are part of an aggressive package of legislation filed by Rep. Grill covering issues ranging from job creation to tax reform.
One piece of legislation would establish the “Missouri Books from Birth Program.” Under the program, the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, along with a nonprofit partner, would develop a statewide program to distribute a book each month to children in Missouri from birth to age five. Rep. Grill indicated the bill was similar to one passed in Tennessee and would be an important step toward giving children an educational head start.
“The Books from Birth Program is a great way to promote literacy and a love of reading to children at a very early age that will not only prepare them to meet future academic challenges but also to become productive members of the workforce. I am hopeful my colleagues will work with me this session to make this idea a reality in Missouri,” said Rep. Grill.
Another piece of legislation filed by Rep. Grill would require school board members to have lived in a school district for one year prior to serving on the board for that district. According to Rep. Grill, the bill represents a logical change that would ensure school board members are knowledgeable about the issues facing the school district they serve.
The final piece of education related legislation offered by Rep. Grill, known as the Missouri Diploma and Transcript Act, would create the crime of selling a fraudulent diploma or transcript if a person knowingly sells or offers for sale a diploma or transcript from an educational institution without the express written authorization of the institution or uses a fraudulent diploma when applying for a job or to a higher education institution. The bill is similar to a piece of legislation filed by Rep. Grill in 2008 that received committee approval but did not receive final passage by the Missouri General Assembly before the end of session.
“All of the legislation I have filed this session address issues important to maintaining the integrity of our system of education. We must make certain our children are reading at an early age; that our school board members are qualified to make decisions that will positively impact the lives of students; and that a college diploma and transcript is a protected document. We have an ambitious agenda ahead of us this session, but I am hopeful we will find time to address educational issues,” said Rep. Grill.
The education bills represent a portion of Rep. Grill’s legislative efforts. In total, he has filed 25 pieces of legislation for the 2009 session.
One piece of legislation would establish the “Missouri Books from Birth Program.” Under the program, the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, along with a nonprofit partner, would develop a statewide program to distribute a book each month to children in Missouri from birth to age five. Rep. Grill indicated the bill was similar to one passed in Tennessee and would be an important step toward giving children an educational head start.
“The Books from Birth Program is a great way to promote literacy and a love of reading to children at a very early age that will not only prepare them to meet future academic challenges but also to become productive members of the workforce. I am hopeful my colleagues will work with me this session to make this idea a reality in Missouri,” said Rep. Grill.
Another piece of legislation filed by Rep. Grill would require school board members to have lived in a school district for one year prior to serving on the board for that district. According to Rep. Grill, the bill represents a logical change that would ensure school board members are knowledgeable about the issues facing the school district they serve.
The final piece of education related legislation offered by Rep. Grill, known as the Missouri Diploma and Transcript Act, would create the crime of selling a fraudulent diploma or transcript if a person knowingly sells or offers for sale a diploma or transcript from an educational institution without the express written authorization of the institution or uses a fraudulent diploma when applying for a job or to a higher education institution. The bill is similar to a piece of legislation filed by Rep. Grill in 2008 that received committee approval but did not receive final passage by the Missouri General Assembly before the end of session.
“All of the legislation I have filed this session address issues important to maintaining the integrity of our system of education. We must make certain our children are reading at an early age; that our school board members are qualified to make decisions that will positively impact the lives of students; and that a college diploma and transcript is a protected document. We have an ambitious agenda ahead of us this session, but I am hopeful we will find time to address educational issues,” said Rep. Grill.
The education bills represent a portion of Rep. Grill’s legislative efforts. In total, he has filed 25 pieces of legislation for the 2009 session.
Rep. Jason Grill Sponsors Legislation to Promote Film Production in Missouri
Jefferson City – Filmmakers seeking a business-friendly environment could find Missouri a more attractive destination under legislation filed this week by Representative Jason Grill, D-Parkville.
Rep. Grill introduced House Bill 767 to increase the cap on tax credits for qualified film production projects. The legislation would raise the cap from $4.5 million to $10 million per year. Rep. Grill said his goal is to attract more motion picture productions to Missouri, which would create new jobs, increase revenue and further the state’s economic development effort.
“Missouri is a scenic state that is an ideal location for many movies going into production. Because attracting these movies is a highly competitive endeavor between locations, we must give our state every advantage possible to secure these productions,” said Rep. Grill. “With our focus on job creation this session, my legislation fits perfectly into the current agenda. The more films that are made in Missouri, the more jobs we will create and the more our state revenue will increase. This is a truly bipartisan issue and one I hope members from both sides will work with me to pass.”
Film tax credits are issued to a qualified film production company for up to 35 percent of the amount expended in Missouri for production or production-related activities to facilitate film production in Missouri. To be eligible for the credits, a film production company must have an expected instate expenditure budget of at least $100,000 for films more than 30 minutes in length and at least $50,000 for films less than 30 minutes in length.
Rep. Grill introduced House Bill 767 to increase the cap on tax credits for qualified film production projects. The legislation would raise the cap from $4.5 million to $10 million per year. Rep. Grill said his goal is to attract more motion picture productions to Missouri, which would create new jobs, increase revenue and further the state’s economic development effort.
“Missouri is a scenic state that is an ideal location for many movies going into production. Because attracting these movies is a highly competitive endeavor between locations, we must give our state every advantage possible to secure these productions,” said Rep. Grill. “With our focus on job creation this session, my legislation fits perfectly into the current agenda. The more films that are made in Missouri, the more jobs we will create and the more our state revenue will increase. This is a truly bipartisan issue and one I hope members from both sides will work with me to pass.”
Film tax credits are issued to a qualified film production company for up to 35 percent of the amount expended in Missouri for production or production-related activities to facilitate film production in Missouri. To be eligible for the credits, a film production company must have an expected instate expenditure budget of at least $100,000 for films more than 30 minutes in length and at least $50,000 for films less than 30 minutes in length.
Rep. Jason Grill Unveils Health Care Legislation for 2009 Session
Jefferson City – Representative Jason Grill, D-Parkville, this week filed a host of bills aimed at improving the health and well-being of Missourians. The health care bills filed by Rep. Grill are part of a larger package of legislation covering issues ranging from election reform to education.
One piece of legislation sponsored by Rep. Grill would set standards for each local school district to integrate a minimum of 90 minutes of physical activity per week into the instruction school day for elementary and secondary school students. Another would establish an advisory council and Office of Child Nutrition and Wellness to promote better child nutrition and wellness. Rep. Grill said his goal with the legislation is to promote fitness and well-being for young people in Missouri.
Rep. Grill also filed a bill that would require food service establishments that are one of a group of 15 or more doing business nationally to display calorie information to consumers on menus. Rep. Grill indicated the bill is similar to code implemented in New York City to fight obesity and promote healthy food choices.
“We know we must do everything we can to promote healthy lifestyles. That includes everything from providing citizens with adequate nutritional information to ensuring children engage in regular physical activity each week. The bills I have sponsored will give our state a solid start that will allow more children to grow into healthy, active adults and more adults educational opportunities with regard to health and wellness,” said Rep. Grill.
Rep. Grill also introduced legislation that would require health insurers to provide coverage for the diagnosis and treatment for autism spectrum disorder. The bill is similar to “Kate’s Law” introduced in the Kansas state legislature.
“The rate of autism has skyrocketed in recent years but the health insurance industry has not made a move to provide the coverage so many Missouri families need. This situation calls for immediate and decisive action. I hope my colleagues in the House will join with me to address this issue so children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder will receive the health care they need,” said Rep. Grill.
The three bills represent only a portion of the health care legislation filed by Rep. Grill. He has filed eight health-care-related bills in total, some of which deal with fighting type 2 diabetes and preventing tobacco sales to minors, as well as more than 25 pieces of legislation in total for the 2009 session.
One piece of legislation sponsored by Rep. Grill would set standards for each local school district to integrate a minimum of 90 minutes of physical activity per week into the instruction school day for elementary and secondary school students. Another would establish an advisory council and Office of Child Nutrition and Wellness to promote better child nutrition and wellness. Rep. Grill said his goal with the legislation is to promote fitness and well-being for young people in Missouri.
Rep. Grill also filed a bill that would require food service establishments that are one of a group of 15 or more doing business nationally to display calorie information to consumers on menus. Rep. Grill indicated the bill is similar to code implemented in New York City to fight obesity and promote healthy food choices.
“We know we must do everything we can to promote healthy lifestyles. That includes everything from providing citizens with adequate nutritional information to ensuring children engage in regular physical activity each week. The bills I have sponsored will give our state a solid start that will allow more children to grow into healthy, active adults and more adults educational opportunities with regard to health and wellness,” said Rep. Grill.
Rep. Grill also introduced legislation that would require health insurers to provide coverage for the diagnosis and treatment for autism spectrum disorder. The bill is similar to “Kate’s Law” introduced in the Kansas state legislature.
“The rate of autism has skyrocketed in recent years but the health insurance industry has not made a move to provide the coverage so many Missouri families need. This situation calls for immediate and decisive action. I hope my colleagues in the House will join with me to address this issue so children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder will receive the health care they need,” said Rep. Grill.
The three bills represent only a portion of the health care legislation filed by Rep. Grill. He has filed eight health-care-related bills in total, some of which deal with fighting type 2 diabetes and preventing tobacco sales to minors, as well as more than 25 pieces of legislation in total for the 2009 session.
Rep. Jason Grill files legislation to address Sports Wagering and abusive behavior directed at Sports Officials
Jefferson City – In an effort to help Missouri generate additional tax revenue during the economic downturn, Representative Jason Grill, D-Parkville, filed legislation this week urging the United States Congress to lift the ban on sports wagering. The resolution, House Concurrent Resolution 31, is part of a larger package of legislation sponsored by Rep. Grill covering issues ranging from consumer protection to tax reform.
Rep. Grill pointed out that illegal sports wagering occurs across the nation and generates $380 billion in economic activity each year. Rep. Grill indicated that only one percent of all sports wagering nationwide is legal.
“If we are able to have legalized sports wagering we can generate the tax revenue we need for our state budget in these tough financial times,” said Rep. Grill. He added, “Several other states are considering similar resolutions and I think it’s important that we join them in this effort.”
Also this week, Rep. Grill filed legislation focused on curbing abusive behavior directed at sports officials. The legislation would increase the penalties for anyone convicted of causing physical injury to any athletic contest official immediately prior to, during, or immediately after an interscholastic, intercollegiate, or other organized athletic contest in which the athletic official is participating.
“We’ve seen a disturbing increase in the amount of aggression and physical behavior directed toward referees and officials. It’s important that we establish this behavior will not be tolerated and that it will be punished accordingly should it happen,” said Rep. Grill. “I look forward to working with my colleagues from both sides of the aisle on these proposals.”
Rep. Grill’s bills now await assignment to committee for further discussion.
Rep. Grill pointed out that illegal sports wagering occurs across the nation and generates $380 billion in economic activity each year. Rep. Grill indicated that only one percent of all sports wagering nationwide is legal.
“If we are able to have legalized sports wagering we can generate the tax revenue we need for our state budget in these tough financial times,” said Rep. Grill. He added, “Several other states are considering similar resolutions and I think it’s important that we join them in this effort.”
Also this week, Rep. Grill filed legislation focused on curbing abusive behavior directed at sports officials. The legislation would increase the penalties for anyone convicted of causing physical injury to any athletic contest official immediately prior to, during, or immediately after an interscholastic, intercollegiate, or other organized athletic contest in which the athletic official is participating.
“We’ve seen a disturbing increase in the amount of aggression and physical behavior directed toward referees and officials. It’s important that we establish this behavior will not be tolerated and that it will be punished accordingly should it happen,” said Rep. Grill. “I look forward to working with my colleagues from both sides of the aisle on these proposals.”
Rep. Grill’s bills now await assignment to committee for further discussion.
Rep. Jason Grill Announces Legislative Efforts to Provide Tax Relief to Missourians
Jefferson City – Missourians, especially federal retirees and seniors, would receive some much-needed tax relief under legislation filed recently by Representative Jason Grill, D-Parkville. The two tax relief bills filed by Rep. Grill are part of a larger package of legislation covering issues ranging from consumer protection to health care.
One bill offered by Rep. Grill would establish the Federal Retirement Exemption Act. The act would authorize a state individual income tax exemption for federal retirement benefits for taxpayers 62 years of age or older whose annual Missouri taxable income is $85,000 or less.
The second piece of legislation would improve the Missouri Homestead Preservation Act by specifying the meaning of the term "base year” and extending the deadline to file an application from September 30 to October 15. The bill also would require the Director of the Department of Revenue to determine the apportionment percentage by equally distributing it among all eligible applicants.
“With the current state of our economy, many Missourians and our seniors are struggling more than most and need any and all help we can give them. My legislation provides substantive relief to our federal retirees while also making the Homestead Preservation Act more accessible and equitable,” said Rep. Grill. He added, “This needed tax policy reform is something I hope will gain bipartisan support this legislative session.”
One bill offered by Rep. Grill would establish the Federal Retirement Exemption Act. The act would authorize a state individual income tax exemption for federal retirement benefits for taxpayers 62 years of age or older whose annual Missouri taxable income is $85,000 or less.
The second piece of legislation would improve the Missouri Homestead Preservation Act by specifying the meaning of the term "base year” and extending the deadline to file an application from September 30 to October 15. The bill also would require the Director of the Department of Revenue to determine the apportionment percentage by equally distributing it among all eligible applicants.
“With the current state of our economy, many Missourians and our seniors are struggling more than most and need any and all help we can give them. My legislation provides substantive relief to our federal retirees while also making the Homestead Preservation Act more accessible and equitable,” said Rep. Grill. He added, “This needed tax policy reform is something I hope will gain bipartisan support this legislative session.”
Rep. Jason Grill Files Legislative Package for 2009 Session
Grill’s 25 pieces of legislation cover issues ranging from education and consumer protection to health care and tax reform
Jefferson City –Representative Jason Grill, D-Parkville, recently announced the package of legislation he has filed for the 2009 legislative session. In total, Rep. Grill has filed 25 pieces of legislation covering a wide range of issues including education, consumer protection, health care, job creation, economic development, transportation, elections, sports, and tax reform.
“We’ve opened the session with an emphasis on bipartisanship so I am hopeful the House will give serious consideration to the bills I am sponsoring. These are all common sense issues that I am confident members from both sides of the aisle can find common ground on as we work deeper into the legislative session,” said Rep. Grill. “Whether it’s by protecting Missourian consumers, improving the quality of education in our state, creating jobs, implementing election and tax reforms, or by promoting healthy lifestyles and well being; my legislative package is focused on addressing some of the issues that matter most to Missourians. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the House on this important legislation.”
The bills filed by Rep. Grill now await assignment to committee for further discussion.
Jefferson City –Representative Jason Grill, D-Parkville, recently announced the package of legislation he has filed for the 2009 legislative session. In total, Rep. Grill has filed 25 pieces of legislation covering a wide range of issues including education, consumer protection, health care, job creation, economic development, transportation, elections, sports, and tax reform.
“We’ve opened the session with an emphasis on bipartisanship so I am hopeful the House will give serious consideration to the bills I am sponsoring. These are all common sense issues that I am confident members from both sides of the aisle can find common ground on as we work deeper into the legislative session,” said Rep. Grill. “Whether it’s by protecting Missourian consumers, improving the quality of education in our state, creating jobs, implementing election and tax reforms, or by promoting healthy lifestyles and well being; my legislative package is focused on addressing some of the issues that matter most to Missourians. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the House on this important legislation.”
The bills filed by Rep. Grill now await assignment to committee for further discussion.
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