Rob Mayer

Bill sent to Gov. Nixon would criminalize disturbance of worship services in Mo.

Marshall Griffin — Wed, 30 May 2012 00:11:08 +0000

Among the 115 bills sent to Governor Jay Nixon (D) this year is one that would make it a crime to deliberately disturb worship services in Missouri.

The measure would make it a misdemeanor to use, “profane discourse, rude or indecent behavior,” or make loud disruptive noises within or just outside a public or private building where a worship service is being held. It was sponsored by Senate President Pro-tem Rob Mayer (R, Dexter).

“It’s important for citizens here in Missouri to have their First Amendment rights protected," Mayer said. "There (have) been instances across the country where there have been actual disturbances in churches and synagogues.”

Impasse over Mo. budget with one week left to pass it

Marshall Griffin — Fri, 04 May 2012 21:50:04 +0000

House and Senate budget negotiators remain at an impasse on what’s become the main barrier to reaching an agreement: finding a way to fund veterans’ homes.

The House this week passed legislation that would fund veterans homes with gaming revenues currently designated for early childhood programs, and replace it with money from a tobacco settlement. The Senate has so far refused to take up the measure. House Budget Chairman Ryan Silvey (R, Kansas City) accuses Senate President Pro-tem Rob Mayer (R, Dexter) of playing games.

Mo. lawmakers react to MOSIRA law being struck down

Marshall Griffin — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 01:38:15 +0000

Many Missouri lawmakers are expressing disappointment over Tuesday's ruling that struck down the Missouri Science and Innovation Reinvestment Act, more commonly known as "MOSIRA."

The measure would have used revenues generated by a group of science and high-tech companies to create a pool to lure more such companies to Missouri and to keep the ones already here from leaving. State Senator Luann Ridgeway (R, Smithville) is not happy with the ruling.

Workplace discrimination bills getting attention in Mo. House, Senate

Marshall Griffin — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 02:31:14 +0000

Legislation that would change Missouri’s definition on workplace discrimination is getting attention this week on both sides of the Missouri General Assembly.

On Monday, the House version of the bill was approved by that chamber’s Workforce Development Committee. Under the bill, discrimination would have to be a motivating factor in any action taken against an employee, not a contributing factor as it is now. Democrat Sylvester Taylor of North County voted against the bill in committee.

Morning headlines: Monday, January 9, 2011

Julie Bierach, The Associated Press and Illinois Public Radio — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 15:22:19 +0000

Mayer hopes federal health care law among first debated in Mo. Senate this year