The Community Information Guide provides the latest news, upcoming events and local city directories.
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www.slfp.com
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St. Louis Front Page
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St. Louis, MO 63188
www.slfp.com
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St. Louis Community Info, Tuesday, June 28, 2005
Missourians Will Have to Show Proof
for New Driver's Licenses
JEFFERSON CITY, (SLFP.com), June 23, 2005 - The Missouri Department of Revenue has introduced "Show Me Proof," a new, customer-friendly program that fine-tunes and simplifies the new "lawful presence" requirements to obtain a driver license, nondriver license, or instruction permit.
"Show Me Proof," becomes effective July 1, 2005, and affects all Missouri driver license, nondriver license, and instruction permit holders.
"People rely on the validity of the licenses and permits we issue," said department director Trish Vincent. "Show Me Proof will help ensure that license holders are who they say they are and will help to protect the identities of Missourians."
To show proof of lawful presence, a U.S. Citizen may show a birth certificate issued by a state or local government (with an embossed or raised seal), a valid or expired U.S. passport, a Certificate of Citizenship, Certificate of Naturalization, or a Certificate of Birth Abroad. Proof of lawful presence is a one-time requirement. Once a customer applies for a new license or permit or renews a license or permit after July 1 and shows proof of lawful presence, the customer will not be required to show proof of lawful presence on subsequent renewals.
To show proof of identity, a Social Security card or Medicare card with the customer's current name can be presented. If the name on the Social Security card or Medicare card does not match the customer's current name, additional documents must be presented to supply proof of the applicant's name change. A complete list of documents that will be accepted as proof of identity is listed on the department's web site. After showing proof of identity, the customer will only need to present proof of identity on future renewals should the customer's name change.
To show proof of residence, customers will have a variety of options to prove their current address. Examples include a recent utility bill (including phone, electric, gas, water, sewer, and cable), property tax receipt, or most recent bank statement, voter ID card, or any official letter issued within the last 30 days by another state or local governmental agency on its letterhead. Proof of residency will be required each time a customer applies to renew a driver license, nondriver license, or instruction permit. A complete list of documents that will be accepted as proof of residence is on the department's web site. If an applicant under the age of 21 cannot provide proof of residence, a parent or legal guardian may provide such a document on behalf of the young person.
If a customer visits a license office without appropriate proof of lawful presence, identity, or residence, the customer can be given a 60-day extension on the expiration date of their license or permit.
For more detailed information about the new identification requirements, including a guide to obtaining the required documentation, please visit the department's web site at www.dor.mo.gov or call (573) 751-2730. On the department's web site, click the "Show Me Proof" icon to go directly to the new requirements.
Governor Blunt Signs New Family Legislation
JEFFERSON CITY, (SLFP.com), June 23, 2005 - Gov. Matt Blunt has signed bills regarding young Missourians that will, among other things, improve Missouri's First Steps program, create the Office of Comprehensive Mental Health and establish sign language as a foreign language credit.
"Missouri's youngest citizens are also our most important. They are our future. They are the reason we work to make today into a better tomorrow," Blunt said. "I am honored and pleased to sign these meaningful pieces of legislation. Together they bring improvements to existing programs, introduce new initiatives, enhance education opportunities and promote positive opportunities for our children and hard working Missouri families."
Bills signed today include SB 500, which, as Blunt promised, delivers significant improvements to the First Steps program. Service costs will now be covered by looking to private insurance to pay first, Medicaid to pay second, and Missouri taxpayers to pay last. The bill also includes a reasonable family participation fee for those who can afford it ranging from $5 to $100 a month. The legislation is the result of Blunt's commitment to First Steps children and the future sustainability of the program.
Blunt also signed the following bills relating to Missouri's youth and families.
HB 462 & 463 will provide some immunity for mental health professionals, substance abuse counselors and other persons trained to provide suicide intervention and who provide those services in emergency settings in which there is a threat of suicide. The bill also allows parents access to mental health records if it is determined that information will help to prevent suicide.
HB 530 allows Missouri students to receive foreign language or language arts credit for classes in American Sign Language.
HB 568 allows the Children's Division and juvenile and civil court to exercise discretion in placing a child back into their home under certain circumstances and allows those with the best knowledge of the situation to make the determination. The bill also requires the court to appoint a guardian ad litem in any proceeding in which child abuse and neglect is alleged.
SB 501 creates the Office of Comprehensive Child Mental Health under the supervision of the director of the Department of Mental Health. The legislation codifies the efforts already undertaken by DMH and creates a single entity accountable for the implementation of the comprehensive child mental health service system plan.
Family Justice Center in Downtown St. Louis
ST. LOUIS, (SLFP.com), June 23, 2005 - Mayor Francis G. Slay joined Circuit Attorney Jennifer Joyce, Police Chief Joe Mokwa, Paul Zemitzsch, Chairman of the St. Louis Family Violence Council, and representatives of domestic violence organizations to announce renovations will begin immediately on the first-ever Family Justice Center in St. Louis.
The 12,000 square foot facility at 300 North Tucker Blvd. was funded by a $1.25 million U.S. Department of Justice grant and will serve as a one-stop resource for women and their families looking to escape domestic violence and abuse.
"Today, we are breaking down walls as part of a significant renovation," said Slay. "But, we are really beginning a new approach to knock down the barriers that many women face to leave violent situations at home and restore safe and productive lives."
The Family Justice Center is a pilot program designed to make a victim's search for help and justice more efficient and effective by bringing professionals who provide an array of necessary services together under one roof. The Justice Department's Office on Violence against Women (OVW) has taken the lead to develop domestic violence service and support center in 15 communities across the nation. The City of St. Louis was selected from among hundreds of communities nationwide in July 2004 to receive one of the justice centers.
A victim who comes to the Family Justice Center will have access to some or all of the following services: counseling, Police Department, Circuit Attorney's office, medical unit, civil legal services, State of Missouri Children's Division, children's playroom/waiting room, chaplaincy program, and victims' advocates. Other offsite partners from the domestic violence community will be available through referral.
the City of St. Louis to get the center off the ground. After that time, civic leaders are being called on to marshal sustainable funding for the program. The Family Violence Council Foundation has been created to develop ongoing funding for the project, and is being chaired by former St. Louis Circuit Attorney Dee Joyce Hayes.
The Family Justice Center will open by the fall of 2005.
Archived St. Louis Community Information:
 Missouri Governor Matt Blunt Featured Speaker at World Trade Day
Mathews-Dickey Boys' & Girls' Club Receives State Tax Credits for Programs
Local Arts Organizations Receive Grants
More Seniors Use Technology to Stay Connected
New Home Construction in January Sets Monthly Record
St. Louis Launches Project Heartbeat PAD Program
City Library to Open Facility in Old Post Office
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