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Jan. 25, 2012 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: MRPC holds forum with federal legislator representatives ST. JAMES – The Meramec Regional Planning Commission (MRPC) discussed current issues pertaining to the Meramec Region with representatives of federal legislators during its regular board meeting Jan. 12, 2012. Melanie Bell, representing Rep. Jo Ann Emerson; Dan Engemann, representing Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer; Ray Bozarth, representing Sen. Roy Blunt; and Chris Hann, representing Sen. Claire McCaskill, attended the meeting to discuss items of interest with the board. Rep. Keith Frederick (District 149) also attended for discussion. MRPC Chairman Russell Scheulen welcomed the representatives and asked each to share items of interest. Bell noted after hearing word of military defense cuts, Rep. Emerson has made an effort to keep certain militarization services at Fort Leonard Wood. “Jo Ann has always been very supportive of Fort Leonard Wood,” Bell said. Engemann discussed the nation’s debt situation, the possibility of a long-term transportation bill being passed and more potential regulations, which he said would affect job creation. Bozarth commented on Sen. Blunt’s Marketplace Fairness Act, which would give states the ability to collect sales tax on Internet sales. “Sen. Blunt feels it would level the playing field for those businesses on Main Street,” Bozarth said. Hann highlighted Sen. McCaskill’s recent work finding hundreds of earmarks that were attached to the House’s National Defense Authorization Act for 2012 by the House Armed Services Committee. Rep. Frederick discussed proposed regulations concerning the limits of pseudoephedrine a person is able to purchase with a prescription and asked for the board’s feedback. The new regulations aim to combat those who purchase the drug for the production of methamphetamine. Board members expressed concern about the possibility of having to make a doctor’s appointment to get a prescription to buy medication for common colds and allergies. “Meth is a scourge,” Frederick said. The board and representatives also discussed the topics of health care, job creation and Community Development Block Grants. In other business, the board:
Prigge informed the board that two Phelps County businesses have expressed interest in the Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) program. Missouri University of Science & Technology and the Rolla Regional Economic Commission plan to host a meeting in March for businesses to learn more about the program. Prigge also noted the state is anticipating federal funds for Homeland Security to be cut by an additional 35 to 50 percent in 2012. Another 50 percent cut would virtually eliminate the program in the region, Prigge said. MRPC requested the state to reconsider the funding formula to ensure a minimum level of funding is provided for each region so that the regionalization effort could continue statewide. Formed in 1969, MRPC is a voluntary council of governments serving Crawford, Dent, Gasconade, Maries, Osage, Phelps, Pulaski and Washington counties and their respective cities. A professional staff of 29, directed by the MRPC board, offers technical assistance and services, such as grant preparation and administration, housing assistance, transportation planning, environmental planning, ordinance codification, business loans and other services to member communities. The MRPC board will meet at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 9 at its office at 4 Industrial Drive in St. James. All meetings are open to the public.
Melanie Bell, representing Rep. Jo Ann Emerson, and Dan Engemann, representing Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer, visited with the Meramec Regional Planning Commission board for a discussion forum at its meeting Jan. 12, 2012. |
