Rep. Dean Dohrman, a Republican, represents Johnson, Pettis, and Saline counties (District 51). He was elected to his first two-year term in November 2012. In addition to his legislative duties, Rep. Dohrman is an online professor. Rep. Dohrman is a member of Warrensburg and Sedalia Area Chamber of Commerce, and Sedalia Lions Club. He attends Wesley United Methodist Church. A graduate of LaMonte High, Rep. Dohrman earned his PhD from the University of Missouri-Kansas City in 2004. Born in Warrensburg, Rep. Dohrman currently lives in LaMonte.

Capitol Report July 6th, 2017

Posted Friday, July 7, 2017, at 9:40 AM

Many people ask me about the future of Missouri’s highways and roads. I’m glad to report that something is being done. Recently, the 21st Century Missouri Transportation System Task Force, which was created by HCR 47 that was passed during the recent legislative session, held its first meeting at the State Capitol. More on this Task Force below.

Also, the second extraordinary session continues on. The special session was called by the Governor to address health and safety requirements for abortion clinics. A few weeks ago, House members strengthened the version of the bill by adding several provisions that were originally called for by Governor Greitens but were stripped out by the Senate during floor debate. This legislation was then sent back to the Senate for further action. The Senate is likely to act on the bill one way or another in the coming days.

Finally as promised, three additional TAFP’d bills are also summarized below. More TAFP’d bill summaries will follow in the weeks to come. Finally, before Veto Session in September, the governor’s actions on all bills will be reviewed.

Task Force Set to Look for Solutions to Improve Missouri’s Aging Transportation Infrastructure

In an effort to address Missouri’s crumbling roads and bridges, a group of lawmakers and civilians will work together to develop recommendations to repair the state’s aging transportation infrastructure. The 21st Century Missouri Transportation System Task Force, which was created by HCR 47 that was passed during this year’s regular legislative session, recently held its first meeting at the State Capitol. The task force is taking on the difficult but important challenge of ensuring Missouri’s transportation system continues to serve the needs of Missourians in the years to come.

As Rep. Kevin Corlew, Chair of the task force noted, Missouri has a robust transportation system with the seventh largest highway system and the sixth highest number of bridges. In total, Missouri has more than 33,000 miles of highway and more than 10,000 bridges. However, despite the robust transportation network, Missouri ranks only 47th in the nation when it comes to the amount of revenue spent per mile. The result is a transportation system that has continued to age and fall into disrepair. As the chair said, “Our roads are crumbling, and our constituents are grumbling.”

The task force will now work to:

 Evaluate the condition of the state transportation system;

 Evaluate current funding;

 Evaluate whether the current funding in Missouri is sufficient to not only maintain the transportation system in its

current state, but also to ensure that it continues to serve the needs of Missouri’s citizens moving forward into the 21st

century;

 Make recommendations regarding the conditions of Missouri’s roads and bridges; and

 Make recommendations regarding transportation funding.

The task force is made up of five members from the House, five from the Senate, nine individuals from the private sector, and representatives from the governor’s office, Missouri Department of Transportation, Missouri Department of Economic Development, and the Missouri Highway Patrol.

During the first hearing on June 28, task force members listened to a presentation from Missouri Department of Transportation Director Patrick McKenna. The task force is scheduled to work throughout the 2017 interim and will report a summary of its activities and any recommendations for legislation to the General Assembly by January 1, 2018.

Truly Agreed to and Finally Passed Bills

HB 850 – Changes the law regarding military complaints against a commanding officer in the National Guard

Currently, a member of the National Guard may file a complaint against his or her commanding officer with the Governor or the Adjutant General. This bill limits the filing of a complaint to the Adjutant General.

HB 1194 – Prohibits political subdivisions from requiring a minimum wage that exceeds the requirements of state law

This bill provides that no political subdivision shall require an employer to provide an employee a minimum or living wage, or employment benefits that exceed state law, rules, or regulations. Sections 290.500 to 290.530, RSMo, preempt and nullify all political subdivision ordinances in effect or later enacted relating to these provisions.

HCB 3 – Modifies provisions relating to funds for vulnerable senior citizens

This bill requires the State Treasurer to deposit $35.4 million into the Senior Services Protection Fund on or before September 1, 2017. This bill authorizes, by June 30, 2018, the Commissioner of Administration to make a one-time fund sweep of all unexpended balances from all fees, funds and moneys from whatsoever source received by any department, board, bureau, commission, institution, official or agency of the state government by virtue of any law or rule or regulation made in accordance with any law, excluding the Senior Services Protection Fund; all funds received and disbursed by the state on behalf of counties, cities, towns, and villages; any unexpended balance as may remain in any fund authorized, collected and expended by virtue of the provisions of the constitution of this state; all funds for the payment of interest and principal for any bonded indebtedness; funds created in order to receive and disburse federal funds; all funds used to fund elementary and secondary education under the foundation formula; any fund for which at least 70% of moneys is derived from an appropriation of general revenue; any professional or occupational fund created under Chapters 324 to 346; and all hospital, nursing home, pharmacy, and ambulance Federal Reimbursement Allowance (FRA) funds. The provisions of this bill expire on July 1, 2018.

It is an honor to serve the 51st District in the Missouri House of Representatives. Each week I will issue a capitol report to keep you informed of activities in Jefferson City. Any concerns or issues you might have are of great interest to me. I look forward to your input and thoughts, so please feel free to contact me at any time if you have questions, concerns, or ideas to improve our state government and the quality of life for all Missourians. My telephone number is 573-751-2204 or you may contact me by email at dean.dohrman@house.mo.gov. Thank you for working with me to make Missouri a great place to live.