Missouri Viewpoints with Mike Ferguson

Feb 21

Tomorrow’s Technology: Smart Cities and Privacy Rights

February 21, 2016

by Mike Ferguson

(St. Charles, MO) – Technology isn’t good or bad, it’s what we do with it that makes a difference one way or the other.

ATT Missouri President John Sondag* gives us a preview of how cities are being built and improved by integrating real time data.

From public transportation to law enforcement to road maintenance to utilities and infrastructure, the way communities operate is changing. It could mean roads get fixed faster, police respond to emergencies faster and traffic lights automatically adjust to traffic conditions to get you home sooner.

With increased possibilities, though, come increased chances of technology being abused. Who owns the information about you?

The ACLU of Missouri’s Jeffrey Mittman explains their #TakeCTRL campaign to raise awareness of personal privacy rights, especially as our personal information becomes more digital and more centralized. He’s concerned about both government and private businesses violating our privacy.

On the web:

ATT

ACLU of Missouri

* ATT Missouri is a sponsor of “Missouri Viewpoints”

Permanent link to this article: http://americanviewpoints.tv/tomorrows-technology-smart-cities-and-privacy-rights/

Feb 14

Equal Pay Laws: Legislating Fairness or Intrusive Government?

by Mike Ferguson

February 14, 2016

by Mike Ferguson

(St. Charles, MO) – The Equal Pay Act of 1963 was designed to prevent women from being paid less than men in the workplace. Over a half century later, that issue is still being debated in the halls of government.

State Rep. Tracy McCreery (D) explains why she is among the lawmakers pushing for an “Equal Pay” law in Missouri that will, if passed, require businesses to disclose their payroll information to government in order to assure men and women are being paid equally for the same or substantially similar jobs.

Dr. Rachel Douchant from the Liberty and Ethics Center (part of the Hammond Institute for Free Enterprise) has a different perspective on the proposed mandates.

On the web:

Equal Pay Act of 1963

Rep. Tracy McCreery (D)

Liberty and Ethics Center

Permanent link to this article: http://americanviewpoints.tv/equal-pay-laws-legislating-fairness-or-intrusive-government/

Feb 07

Proposals to Reform Missouri’s Justice System

by Mike Ferguson

February 7, 2016

by Mike Ferguson

(St. Charles, MO) – From Ferguson to Baltimore to Chicago. Accusations of racially-biased law enforcement have been a mainstay of the headlines in the past year and a half. When conflicts between police and protesters erupt, who is to blame and what should change?

State Rep. Shamed Dogan (R) is among the lawmakers pushing for changes to our laws affecting law enforcement. He wants more details in data collection of police encounters with citizens. That information would be used to look for patterns of racial bias in policing. He also wants to see anti-bias training mandated for all law enforcement. Supporters say it’s about improving transparency, accountability and trust in police. They also say the changes push back against racial bias in policing. His critics say they would make a difficult job even harder and blames the wrong people for confrontations.

Also, is it time to reconsider our war on drugs?

Jeff Mizanskey spent over 20 years in prison after this third marijuana-related conviction. His sentence was commuted last year. He’s now a free man and wants Missouri to change laws dealing with Marijuana.

Mizanskey discusses what’s changed between the time he went into prison and when he was released and what he hopes will change in the coming years.

On the web:

Rep. Shamed Dogan

Jeff Mizanskey (Facebook Support Page)

Permanent link to this article: http://americanviewpoints.tv/proposals-to-reform-missouris-justice-system/

Jan 31

Ethics Reform: Real Improvements or Political Spin?

by Mike Ferguson

January 31, 2016

By Mike Ferguson

(St. Charles, MO) – It’s the hot topic at the State Capitol right now: Ethics Reform.

However, what needs to be reformed? That depends on who you ask.

John Messmer, founder of Missourians for Government Reform wants to see a total ban on gifts from lobbyists to politicians. In fact, the State Legislature is considering that right now. The State House has approved such a ban and the State Senate will consider it next. Messmer also wants to see limits reinstated on campaign contributions to political campaigns.

Former Speaker of the House, Tim Jones, also thinks there is a need for some reforms but reminds us that it’s the public’s job to keep an eye on what those in office are doing. Jones is now the chairman of Missouri Club for Growth. He argues that Missouri has one of the most transparent reporting systems for gifts and campaign contributions in the nation. That requires most gifts and contributions to be disclosed right away and that information is made public through the Missouri Ethics Commission’s website.

Because of that, Jones is not in favor of campaign contribution limits, believing that restricts the freedom of people to support the candidates and causes they want.

Also, should there be a mandatory time lawmakers have to wait before becoming lobbyists once they leave office? Messmer and Jones offer two views on that as well.

On the web:

Missouri Ethics Commission

Missourians for Government Reform

Missouri Club for Growth

Permanent link to this article: http://americanviewpoints.tv/ethics-reform-real-improvements-or-political-spin/

Jan 24

The Missouri Budget Project and Americans for Prosperity Assess The Legislative Session (so far)

by Mike Ferguson

January 24, 2016

by Mike Ferguson

(St. Charles, MO) – Just weeks into the 2016 Missouri Legislative Session, lawmakers, media and advocacy/activist groups are already hard at work.

What needs to change at the Capitol? What needs to change in the law?

Those answers depend on who’s being asked.

This week, former State Representative Mike Sutherland explains why he wants to see the Legislature expand Medicaid coverage. The offer, part of the Affordable Care Act (aka “ObamaCare”) has been on the table from the federal government for multiple years now. Sutherland is now the Policy Director for the Missouri Budget Project.

He also makes the case for Missouri joining a program that would collect taxes on all online purchases made by Missourians. He also suggests an additional tax credit for mainly low and middle-income Missouri families.

Rachel Payton is the Deputy State Director for Missouri’s branch of Americans for Prosperity. She’s against expanding Medicaid and explains why.

When it comes to transportation, Payton discusses why AFP-MO is not on board with the current proposal to increase the gas tax in the state and thinks there is a better way to come up with the money needed for our roads and infrastructure.

Tax policy is a priority for both organizations and they have very different ideas on what’s best for the state and for Missourians. Get both perspectives on this week’s program.

On the web:

Missouri Budget Project

Americans for Prosperity-MO

Permanent link to this article: http://americanviewpoints.tv/the-missouri-budget-project-and-americans-for-prosperity-assess-the-legislative-session-so-far/

Jan 17

Back to Work at the State Capitol: An Early Update

by Mike Ferguson

January 17, 2016

by Mike Ferguson

(St. Charles, MO) – We are less than two weeks into the 2016 Missouri Legislative Session and lawmakers, lobbyists and activists are already hard at work.

Whether it’s progress or political misconduct that’s happening depends on your perspective.

This week, Democratic State Rep. Michael Butler (below, left) and former Republican State Rep. Carl Bearden, who now runs the conservative advocacy group United for Missouri, give us an update on what they expect to happen at the State Capitol this session. They also discuss the impact it all could have on your community, on your money and on your family.

Medicaid expansion is being proposed again. So is what supporters call “Right To Work” legislation. We also discuss suggested reforms regarding law enforcement and business regulation ideas (“including “Ban The Box”).

With 2016 being an elections year, this Legislative Session is certain to be eventful.

On the web:

Rep. Michael Butler

United for Missouri