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Among the over 700 bills under
consideration by the Missouri Legislature
are a number that are of particular interest
to North St. Louis County. For the second
consecutive year, several North County organizations
are combining their efforts to communicate
their interests to the legislators.
North County Incorporated (NCI),
the Florissant Valley Chamber of Commerce,
the North County Chamber of Commerce, and
the Northwest Chamber of Commerce are holding
a legislative reception February 22 where
business, civic, and community leaders will
hear from Missouri legislators about issues
influencing our community.
The four organizations have
prepared an agenda of issues for specific
discussion at the reception. Education and
economic development are at the top of the
list. Developed over a series of meetings
the issues include adequate, equitable funding
for all public educational facilities, the
local autonomy of school districts, increased
appropriations for job training, and the development
of an appropriate assistance program for small
businesses. Regarding healthcare, the legislative
agenda urges that the Medicaid program maintain
the safety net for those who cannot afford
health insurance, encourages the use of generic
drugs and negotiations with drug companies
to lower the cost of prescription medicine.
The 2006 Legislative Reception
for North County was the first time the organizations
worked in partnership on a joint agenda. "It
proved to be a very effective way to communicate
to our North County legislators," said Rebecca
Zoll, Executive Director of North County Incorporated.
"Many legislators remarked during, and after,
the reception about how impressed they were
by so many organizations and individuals in
North County speaking with a unified voice."
NCI is pleased, to once again, be a partner
in this event, which will benefit the entire
community. Also, a special thanks to Christian
Hospital for generously holding reception
for us in their beautiful Detrick Building.
The reception is open to any
members of the host organizations; you must
make reservations to attend. For more information,
call the NCI office at 895-6241.
NCI is Your North County Connection!
Mark Tranel
NCI President
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