Mo. GOP picks choice for next speaker
FROM THE ST LOUIS POST DISPATCH 9/16/07
By Virginia Young
JEFFERSON CITY | Richard is known as a pragmatic legislator who lacks airs and works across party lines.
"He's a straight-shooter," said Rep. Maynard Wallace, R-Thornfield.
For example, Richard bristled Wednesday at suggestions that southwestern Missouri has the upper hand in the House, saying that he has "worked for the entire state of Missouri since I've been elected. Anyone who wants to say I'm regional can just leave the building."
Southwest Missouri on rise in legislative stature
FROM THE COLUMBIA TRIBUNE 9/16/07
By Jason Rosenbaum
State Rep. Ron Richard’s elevation to House speaker-in-waiting is another instance of a southwest Missouri politician getting elevated to a prominent legislative leadership post. But the former Joplin mayor insisted dubbing him a regional political creature would be a mistake.
"That is absolute BS," Richard said last week when asked whether his effort to succeed House Speaker Rod Jetton cemented southwest Missouri’s dominance of Missouri politics. "Let me tell you something: I’ve worked with the entire state of Missouri since I’ve been elected. And anybody who wants to say that I’m regional can just leave the building."
State Rep. Ron Richard elected to House speaker post
FROM THE JOPLN GLOBE 9/13/07
By Susan Redden
State Rep. Ron Richard, R-Joplin, was elected by House Republicans on Wednesday to serve as Speaker of the Missouri House of Representatives in 2009.
A speech nominating him for the post was given by Rep. Jay Wasson, R-Nixa, and a former Nixa mayor.
“He’s a leader who has what it takes to do the job,” Wasson said. “He’s worked hard for every part of this state and he’s a straight-shooter, not a game-player.”
House Republicans Move Early, Elect "Speaker-Designate"
FROM THE MISSOURI NET 4:50 PM 9/12/07
By Brent Martin
Download/listen Brent Martin reports (:60 MP3)
House Speaker Rod Jetton (R-Marble Hill) has announced that the House Republican Caucus has elected Rep. Ron Richard (R-Joplin) as Speaker-designate, a new post. The political party that holds the majority normally chooses its leader after the elections, but Speaker Jetton pushed for early elections to give Rep. Richard a year to better understand the job. Jetton says that his term as Speaker Pro Tem didn't adequately prepare him for the role as Speaker.
St. Louis County Economic Council
LETTER FROM DENNY COLEMAN 9/18/07
"I just wanted to drop you a quick note to congratulate you on your recent appointment as Speaker Designee. That is wonderful news and I know you'll do a great job as Speaker Jetton's replacement.
"It has been a great pleasure working with you in the past and I look forward to continuing to work with you in the future."
The Regional Business Council
LETTER FROM KATHLEEN T. OSBORN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 9/12/07
Congratulations on your election to Speaker of the House! I am happy for you as you take this next step in your role as a public servant. I commend you for your work on economic deelopment and for ensuring business friendly public policy across our state and the St. Louis region. I look forward to continuing to work with you. If the Regional Business Council can be of assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Master of the House
FROM THE COLUMBIA TRIBUNE 9/09/07
By Jason Rosenbaum
Boone County Republican representative -Steve Hobbs of Mexico said Richard has the right stuff for the position.
"I think he brings maturity and a real common-sense attitude to the speaker’s office. Ron listens to people and pays attention to what they say," Hobbs said. "And I am so pleased with the way he handles himself. Yeah, he’s my friend, but even if we didn’t get along, I still think he’d be a perfect choice for speaker."
Two Southwest Missouri lawmakers vie for legislative leadership offices
FROM THE JOPLIN GLOBE 9/02/07
By Susan Redden
“He approaches an issue from all sides, and he works to get all sides to the table,” said Rep. David Day, R-Dixon, who is chairman of the House Committee on Veterans.
Rep. Bryan Pratt, R-Blue Springs, said voters know what they are getting with Richard, who he said offers “candid” opinions.
“Whether you like it or not, he’ll tell you exactly what he thinks. He won’t blow smoke,” said Pratt, chairman of the House Judiciary Committee and a candidate for speaker pro tem. “In this environment, it’s a game of credibility. You are your word.”
Enhanced Enterprize Zone Program
LETTER FROM THE MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 7/06/07
Gregory A. Steinhoff, Director, wrote: "I am pleased to announce that the application for the Enhanced Enterprize Zone Proram designation filed on behalf of the City of Joplin has been approved. This will allow the City of Joplin to continue to move forward in its economic development efforts.
"The Enhanced Enterprize Zone Progam was established pursuant to Section 135.950 to 135.973, RSMo. I would like to thank you for your support of this legislation specifically, and economic development in general."
Southwest Missouri Power
FROM THE JOPLIN GLOBE 7/03/07
EDITORIAL
The elevation of Richard to what is arguably the most powerful position in the state outside the chief executive’s office could provide this corner of Missouri with a strong voice in the political arena. As House speaker, for instance, he would appoint committee chairs and assign legislation to various committees.
Since arriving in Jefferson City, Richard has been a strong, positive force in pushing for economic development around the state and that, we believe, will remain a priority for him. He also has demonstrated an ability to get along with colleagues from both sides of the aisle on key legislation.
Reaction to Reform Divided
FROM THE JOPLIN GLOBE 5/29/07
By Melissa Dunson
Rep. Ron Richard, R-Joplin, said MO HealthNet will give Missouri taxpayers “more bang for their buck” by encouraging people to find the most cost-effective method of treatment and to take steps to stay healthy. He said the legislation isn’t perfect, and the impending end of the state’s Medicaid provisions in 2008 motivated the Legislature to get something passed this session.
“We’re not trying to get them into a system that’s worse than the one before,” Richard said. “We want a good, quality program at the best price. Are we our brother’s keeper? Yes, but I can only do what the people give me the money to do.”
In our view: Good use of incentives
FROM THE JOPLIN GLOBE 5/24/07
EDITORIAL
Richard is on the right track. Instead of providing tax incentives to bring in companies that are going to keep wages low, let’s look at trying to improve quality of life. Richard has told us that of the 7,000 jobs statewide that hinge on the governor’s signature, most would pay between $40,000 and $100,000 a year.
Legislative Session Ends "better than expected"
FROM THE JOPLIN GLOBE 5/24/07
By Susan Redden
Rep. Richard, who is chairman of the House committee on job creation and economic development, said he has been surprised at the controversy surrounding the jobs bill he sponsored.
“The state needs the bill for job growth, but the governor may veto it because of all the things that were added to it when it was in the Senate. If that happens, it will be the second year in a row we don’t have a jobs bill,” he said.
In our view: Speaker of the House
EDITORIAL FROM THE JOPLIN GLOBE 3/31/07
"Speaker of the House Ron Richard has a nice ring to it." -
Rep. Ron Richard, of Joplin, appears well-positioned to make a successful run for speaker of the Missouri House of Representatives in two years.
Richard Seeking Speaker of the House Post
FROM THE JOPLIN GLOBE 3/27/07
By Susan Reddon
State Rep. Ron Richard, of Joplin, is a candidate for the speaker of the House position to be filled in January 2009.
Richard announced his bid for the seat during a state Lincoln Days event in January. He said the campaign is starting early because the election for the post will be held in September, during the veto session of the current legislative term.
Richard Studies Health Needs
FROM THE JOPLIN GLOBE 3/22/07
By Susan Reddon
State Rep. Ron Richard did a tour Thursday as a volunteer at the Community Clinic of Joplin as part of an effort, he said, to gather information that can be used in writing a new state health-care plan.
The Missouri House soon will begin work on MO HealthNet, a health-care plan proposed by Gov. Matt Blunt.
The clinic serves residents who need medical care and have no health insurance. The state plan will be aimed at providing a “health-care home” for many Missouri residents who do not have a medical provider or regular source of primary medical care.
Lawmakers approve $240M to lure Bombardier plant
ST JOSEPH NEWS-PRESS, 5/8/08
BY ALYSON RALETZ
JEFFERSON CITY — A former employee of TWA knows that the aerospace manufacturing jobs promised in legislation approved Wednesday are widening the eyes of former co-workers.
House offers tax break to attract airplane manufacturer
COLUMBIA MISOURIAN, 5/7/08
BY ALEX LUNDY
JEFFERSON CITY — Rep. Ron Richard, R-Joplin, said the plan would bring a $3.4 billion investment to the state. He said the mega-project with Canadian-based Bombardier Aerospace would be the largest “blue-collar initiative” to ever take place in the state and estimated the company would create 2,100 jobs for Missourians, who would receive an average starting salary of $63,000.
Bombardier Wins Final OK for Tax Credits
ST LOUIS POST DISPATCH, 5/7/08
BY LEE LOGAN
JEFFERSON CITY — The sponsor of the tax credits, Rep. Ron Richard, R-Joplin, predicted there is a 70 to 75 percent chance that Bombardier will choose Kansas City.
Supporters said the plant would attract thousands of high-wage jobs.
"The job of Missouri is to get jobs," Richard said. "There are no dollars for mental health or highways until somebody goes to work."
Mega Project Bill Passes Legislature
MISSOURI ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL, 5/07/08
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
JEFFERSON CITY — Thanks to the strong leadership of Senate Majority Floor Leader Charlie Shields, House Speaker Designee Representative Ron Richard and Representative David Pearce, the Missouri House gave final approval to HB 2393, sending the mega projects legislation to Governor Blunt for signature.
Mo. House passes big tax breaks for aircraft maker
FROM VIRGINIA YOUNG, 4/22/08
ST. LOUIS POST DISPATCH
JEFFERSON CITY — Ignoring lobbying from a major Republican campaign donor, the House voted overwhelmingly Monday to grant the largest tax break ever in Missouri to a Canadian firm.
Sinquefield called several key officials including the bill's sponsor, Rep. Ron Richard, R-Joplin, last week. Richard quoted Sinquefield as saying the bill had "no merit" and that he would do everything in his power to kill it.
"I said, 'Fine,' and hung up," said Richard, who is slated to become the next House speaker if the GOP keeps control this fall.
FROM VIRGINIA YOUNG, 4/17/08
ST. LOUIS POST DISPATCH
JEFFERSON CITY —"This opportunity represents a landmark opportunity not just for Kansas City but the whole state," said the bill's sponsor, Rep. Ron Richard, R-Joplin.
FROM ASSOCIATED PRESS, 3/26/08
ST. LOUIS POST DISPATCH
KANSAS CITY Bombardier Aerospace is considering Kansas City as a site for a $375 million passenger jet assembly plant, city and state officials said.
FROM KANSAS CITY STAR, 3/27/08
BY JASON NOBLE
"The reimbursement aspect of the deal is unusual and represents a major benefit to the state," said Rep. Ron Richard, a Joplin Republican.
RON RICHARD ADDRESSES CAMPAIGN FUNDING ISSUE
FROM THE JOPLIN GLOBE, 3/29/08
BY JOE HADSALL
Missouri House Speaker-elect Ron Richard, R-Joplin, can keep over-the-limit campaign donations made between Jan. 1 and July 19 of 2007 if legislators this session are successful in repealing the state’s campaign-contribution law.
“I didn’t get into this job to get into campaign money problems,” Richard said. “The biggest problem is that you go by the law, then the law changes, so you go by that one, then it changes back.”
MISSOURI HOUSE CONSIDERS BIOTECH TAX CREDITS
FROM KWMU RADIO, 3/03/08
MARSHALL GRIFFIN, KWMU
JEFFERSON CITY, MO. Legislation designed to attract biotechnology companies to Missouri has been filed in the State House. House Speaker-elect Ron Richard and several other Republicans have signed on as co-sponsors.
SPECIAL REPORT ON THE HOUSING MARKET
2/19/08
In light of recent headlines regarding the mortgage “crisis” and slowing nature of the housing market, I wanted to share some information I have received. After reviewing this information, I hope you will feel better about our economy.
The following was produced by the Missouri Bankers Association, and with their permission, I share it with you.
Biodiesel FAQs
CAPITOL REPORT 2/6/08
Q. What is biodiesel?
A. Biodiesel is the name of a clean burning alternative fuel, produced from domestic, renewable resources such as soybean oil. Biodiesel contains no petroleum, but it can be blended at any level with petroleum-based diesel to create a biodiesel blend. It can be used in diesel engines without modification. Biodiesel is simple to use, biodegradable, nontoxic, and essentially free of sulfur and aromatics.
Gov. Blunt signs economic development bill
FROM THE JOPLIN GLOBE 9/05/07
By Melissa Dunson
With the governor’s signature in place, Rob O’Brian, president of the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce, said: “I feel relieved. These jobs really have been hanging in the balance because the companies and the state hoped to have this resolved by the end of the regular session. I’m glad the governor called the special session.”
Tax credits, incentives could help brick plant in Mexico, MO, reopen.
FROM THE COLUMBIA TRIBUNE 9/04/07
By Jason Rosenbaum
The signing of an economic development package is welcome news to a Mid-Missouri town pining to reopen one of the region’s most dominating structures - the A.P. Green Brick Refractory.
Rep. Ron Richard, R-Joplin - the House handler of the legislation - cited the brick plant as a rationale to attach a clause to the bill that would cause certain components to take effect immediately. That move was ultimately successful.
Jobs Bill Passes House, Special Session Ends
FROM MISSOURI NET 2:16 p.m., 8/30/07
By Brent Martin
Download/listen Brent Martin reports (:60 MP3)
JEFFERSON CITY | A $70 million dollar economic development package has been sent to the governor as the House closes the special legislative session.
It didn't take long for the House to accept changes made by the Senate and approve the jobs bill, SCS HCS HB 1, on a 125-to-19 vote.
Rep. Ron Richard (R-Joplin), the House sponsor, tells colleagues the bill is vital to the economic health of the state, stating that if it isn't passed the state will lose jobs.
8/30 - Rep. Ron Richard, R-Joplin, outlines his economic development package during discussion on the House floor
Two companies in Joplin plan to use state bill w/list of Quality Jobs Act participants
FROM THE JOPLIN GLOBE 8/31/07
By Melissa Dunson
Richard said he does not anticipate a problem with the revised bill, which was pared from $200 million in the regular session to the $51 million price tag during the special session, and that he thinks Blunt will sign the legislation.
“He’s so happy, he’s probably dancing on his desk,” Richard said of Blunt.
Business leaders anxious to see economic package signed
FROM ST LOUIS POST-DISPATCH 8/31/07
By Tim Barker and Matthew Franck
The House sponsor of the bill, Rep. Ron Richard, R-Joplin, said the state will suffer economically if it doesn't match the incentives offered to businesses by other states.
"Missouri needs to think differently," he said. "We are surrounded by states that have been more aggressive than we have."
Lawmakers pass tax break package
FROM THE KANSAS CITY STAR 8/30/07
By KIT WAGAR
The Star’s Jefferson City Correspondent
JEFFERSON CITY | The Missouri House today approved the final version of a sweeping economic development package, and voted overwhelmingly to send it to the governor for his signature.
Tax credit package zips through Mo. House
FROM ST LOUIS POST-DISPATCH 8/24/07
By Virginia Young
Post Dispatch Jefferson City Bureau Chief
JEFFERSON CITY | "This is going to be a tool for a new direction," Richard said. "It is apparent that the old ways do not work for some parts of the inner cities. This is going to work, and it's going to work well."
Bills Pass House in Special Session
FROM KBIA RADIO, COLUMBIA 8/24/07
By Marshall Griffin, KWMU
JEFFERSON CITY | "There's enough dollar amount to provide some benefit for every county in the state of Missouri...we think it provides the ability to not only add jobs but add market forces to create a larger and more enhanced beef industry in Missouri."
House OKs Blunt's development plan
FROM THE ST LOUIS POST DISPATCH 8/24/07
By David A. Lieb
ASSOCIATED PRESS
JEFFERSON CITY (AP)| "No one in 30 years has had the ability to put tracts together for development. This is going to be a tool for new direction," said Richard, R-Joplin, chairman of the House Job Creation and Economic Development Committee. "This is going to work, and it's going to work well."
ECONOMIC BILL ADVANCES
FROM THE COLUMBIA TRIBUNE 8/24/07
By JASON ROSENBAUM
JEFFERSON CITY | "I’ve got in committee just dozens and dozens of people from the black community, white community, from preachers and pastors, from people who rebuilt neighborhoods who are saying, ‘We don’t know what to do,’ " said Rep. Ron Richard, R-Joplin. " ‘We’re not sure this is the right answer, but we believe it is and it’s worth a try.’ "
House advances Blunt-backed bills
FROM THE JOPLIN GLOBE 8/24/07
By Melissa Dunson
“I think it’s going to work because it’s a new concept that brings in private and public partnerships,” Richard said. “It’s available to Kansas City and a couple hundred other distressed areas.”
8/23 - Rep. Ron Richard, R-Joplin, during debate on his economic development package, HB 1
Jobs bill gains endorsement
FROM THE JOPLIN GLOBE 8/22/07
By Susan Redden
JEFFERSON CITY | Speakers embraced elements of a proposed economic-development bill before a House committee on Tuesday.
The measure was unanimously endorsed by the House Committee on Job Creation and Economic Development, and will be considered by the House on Thursday, said Rep. Ron Richard, R-Joplin.
8/21 - Members of the House Economic Development Committee listen to testimony on House Bill 1
Go to the HB1 Page to read more