Board Members
				Mark Durham-Proxy
				Mike Eivens-Proxy
				Leslie Lentz
				Ralph Ray
				Karey Wilkinson
				Sonny Carothers
				Pam Hand-Proxy
				John Roberts
				Delbert Hults-Proxy
				Nancy Linear-Proxy
				Dwayne Hart-Proxy
				Keith Walburn
				Kim Ferguson-Proxy
				Gerald Green
				Ed Tourville
				R.D. Bell
				Vacant
				Colin Hibdon
				James Darling
				Vacant
				Ron Ellis

2008 Legislative Session Report
By Cynthia Gross    Mon, May 19, 2008

As we are all aware by now, the legislative session ended without as much progress as we had hoped for. While this is somewhat disappointing, we must take into account the entire picture. We did receive the same 3% raise as other state employees, but custody staff will be receiving an additional step raise over and above this 3%. If you think the additional step raise is no big deal, just ask one of the many non-custody staff who didn’t receive it. They seem to feel it’s a very big deal. In fact, this current raise will place COI’s in about the same pay grade as a CCA. Just four short years ago, CCA’s were receiving the same pay as COII’s. That’s quite an improvement. If we step back and look at how much we are making now as opposed to 2004, it comes out on average to a 17% pay increase in only four years. I don’t know of any other group of state workers that can say the same. If we are able to continue at the current pace, it won’t be long before COI’s are making salaries comparable to caseworkers. That is a huge stride forward.
Another issue which needs to be addressed is the media reports of the huge state surplus. This is approximately 500 million dollars. On the surface, it would seem we deserve a much larger share of the pie than we received. However, the facts that aren’t reported are the funds already earmarked prior to any other considerations. Of this $500 million, $390 million will go into the state’s Medicaid program. Another large portion will be used to repay the “loan” former Governor Holden borrowed from the tobacco fund settlement in order to balance his budget. Of the approximately $60 million dollars left to distribute among all state agencies, $3.6 million is coming to corrections custody staff in the form of the additional step raise mentioned earlier.
Another consideration is the past successes you and your association have achieved. Since the inception of the overtime pay bill, a COI working minimal overtime is making more money than a caseworker. In my opinion, this is completely fair since we are held to such higher standards than most other state employees.
One of the more recent complaints I have heard is the so called ineffectiveness of such a large association. These complaints have been voiced by a very small but vocal percentage of our members. While we will never hold the ultimate bargaining chip of having the right to strike, your support and assistance over the last few years have resulted in the largest pay increases in the history of this department. These salary increases when coupled with such other achievements as overtime pay and shift differential pay have added a total of approximately $47 million dollars directly into the pockets of corrections officers. We are also currently working under the most staff-friendly contract in departmental history. We now have rights former generations of officers could only dream of.
In closing, let me say this update is not to congratulate myself or the MoCOA staff for  these achievements. While your staff, attorneys and lobbyists work as hard as humanly possible for these and other upcoming goals, none of it would have been possible without the support of the members. On behalf of MoCOA and it’s other staff, I would like to thank each of you for your continued input, support and assistance. Remember, as stated from the very first day, this is your association, and you are the ones ultimately responsible for these outstanding achievements.  

Sincerely,


Gary D. Gross
Executive Director, MoCOA

2008 Show-Me Stampede PRCA Rodeo
By Cynthia Gross    Wed, May 7, 2008

This year the 2008 Show-Me Stampede PRCA Rodeo is scheduled for June 6th and 7th. Again, this event will be held at the Moniteau County Fairgrounds. The nightly performances will begin promptly at 7:30 p.m. with the gates opening at 6:00 p.m.

This years’ specialty act is Tim “The Wild Thang” Lepard and the Team Ghost Riders. Tim is an 11 time world champion and one of the funniest comedy act / bull fighters we have ever seen. Tim holds too many records and even more hilarious antics for us to list here but you can check him out at www.teamghostriders.com for more information.  You won’t want to miss this act. Tim has trained Capuchin monkeys to ride border collie dogs. The dogs are outfitted with saddles and the monkeys are in western attire. Together, these amazing animals round up and pen big horned rams just like real working cowboys.

We are pleased this year to have donated tickets available for active military personnel and their children. Each adult ticket is marked with a “donate” box. Our members, Missouri residents, businesses and others have heard of this program through the over 500 radio ads and numerous radio talk shows. Together, they have purchased tickets to donate as a thank you to our service men and women and their children for all they do on our behalf. Tickets are still available by calling 573-634-7951 or stopping by one of the sponsors below. If the phone lines are busy, leave your name and telephone number and we will call you back as soon as possible. Purchase tickets for your family or to donate.

This year’s sponsors are (updated daily):
Mellor Trailers of Boonville (tickets can be purchased at this location)
Joe Machens Dealerships of Columbia
Mr. G’s of California (tickets can be purchased at this location)
Cal’s Thriftway of California (tickets can be purchased at this location)
C&R Supermarket of California (tickets can be purchased at this location)
Tuttle’s Auto Parts NAPA of Tipton (tickets can be purchased at this location)
Blankenship Insurance of California
Bowlin-Cantriel Funeral Cervices of California
Burgher Haus of California
Chuck's Barber Shop of California
Cutt's Construction Services, LLC of California
Farmers Bank of Lohman – all locations
Gibson Insurance Group of Tipton
Jim Nivens - Shelter Insurance of Tipton
Nathan Tire Service, LLC of California
Peoples Bank of Jamestown – all locations
Sandidge Manufacturing of Russellville
Sho-Me Taxidermy of California
Van B. Adams Attorney at Law of California
Central Bank – all locations
California Chiropractic of California
California Construction Supplies INC. of California
Kusgen Construction, LLC. Of California
Wallstreet Insurance-Shannon Brenneke of Jefferson City
Show-Me Asphalt Paving & Maintenance, LLC of California
Busch's Flowers and Greenhouse of Jefferson City
Taylor Tire of California
Starline – makers of the finest brass shell casings of Sedalia
Something Sassy of California
Van Camp Law Firm of Jefferson City

Dig out your old boots, dust off your hat and grab the family and WE’LL SEE YOU AT THE RODEO

Current Capitol News
By Cynthia Gross    Tue, April 29, 2008

The Joint Committee on the Budget has completed the budget and it appears that corrections officers will receive a 3% increase plus $600 (one step). This increase will begin in July 2008. It now goes to both the House and the Senate for one final vote. This vote is usually just a formality.

Our legislation authorizing the Personnel Advisory Board to give special consideration on corrections officers salaries, based on the turnover rate, job hazards, etc. has passed the House and is currently in the Senate.

The Progressive Pay Bill has passed the House and is awaiting a hearing in the Senate. We will do our very best to keep it from being amended. However, the Senate is where it got amended last year. Last years amendment is what ultimately killed this legislation in the last legislative session.

Attention Veterans and Current Military
By Cynthia Gross    Thu, February 28, 2008

House Bill 1669, which is our proposed Bill that would grant two years of state retirement be added upon retirement, atno cost for prior of current military staff who have ten years state employment, was heard in committee. It now seems to being held up by the head of the retirement committee, probably at the request of MOSERS. This seems to be an attempt by MOSERS to quietly kill the bill by leavingit lay on rep. Maynard Wallaces desk. Mr. Wallace is the chairman of your retirement committee. This bill can only move if he allows it to. I ask that all interested parties contact Representative Wallaces office as soon as possible and voice their displeasure with holding up this legislation.

The few dollars a month this would add to veterans andcurrent military status state employees would not even be noticed inthe state budget and yet it would be a good gesture to those who have served us in the military.

You may voice your displeasure by contacting Rep. Maynard Wallace at 573-751-2042 or e-mail him at Maynard.Wallace@house.mo.gov.

Capital News Update
By Cynthia Gross    Tue, February 26, 2008

Things seem to be developing slowly in the Capitol this year, probably because it is election year.

The committees for handling legislation are now starting to hear bills and vote some of them out of committee.

Our legislation proposing state employees with military service be granted two years credit toward retirement after ten years of state service was heard in the retirement committee last week, but has not been voted on yet. If this is a bill that you are interested in please contact your legislators and ask they support it. Ref: HB-1669 Sponsor Rep. Jones

SB-938 sponsored by Senator Shoemyer allowing the Personnel Advisory Board to address corrections officers pay needs based on turnover and hazards of the job has not come up for hearing yet. However, other groups in corrections are already trying to attach to it which may cause some problems getting it passed. Again contact your Representatives and Senators and request their support to pass this legislation as it is written….NOT amended to include others.

In regard to our pay raise for this coming July, it is still in the budget and  seems to have the support necessary to stay in the budget in the House. Hopefully the results will be the same in the Senate when they handle the budget. The raise proposed is currently 3% plus one step.

The Progressive Pay Bill is being filed again. However, other groups are already lined up to attach to this legislation again. This will make the road to passage very rocky especially in an election year..

There was a question on the site regarding who MOCOA will support in the upcoming election. We have made no decisions in regard to this, and probably will not until after the August primaries. We don't attempt to tell anyone how to vote, simply attempt to get out the message who we thing is the strongest supporter of corrections officers.

In regard to the complaints on the lack of information posted on the website in reference to our legislation and raise, it is simply because there has been no substantial action on these issues.  Session in regard to legislation is really just getting started. The first month of each session is spent setting up committees and other business other than legislation.  I don't want to put out incorrect information or speculations that becomes false information and then be criticized for that. As there is accurate information from the capitol it will be posted.
Thank You,

Gary Gross

Governor Blunt's Proposed Pay Increases
By Cynthia Gross    Tue, December 18, 2007

PRESS RELEASE


JEFFERSON CITY – Help is on the way for a Missouri Department that has been plagued by costly turnover among employees.

Governor Matt Blunt is proposing a significant pay increase in his 09 budget for the Department of Corrections, where training costs cost the state millions each year.

Gary Gross, Executive Director of the Missouri Corrections Officers Association, said “low pay on top of difficult working conditions is to blame for a turnover rate among custody staff workers of nearly 20 percent a year”.

“Training replacements for the officers who quit is costing the state several million dollars a year,” Mr. Gross said. “There is no incentive to stay in corrections where 24-7 work in a dangerous environment is required when you can make more money on the outside.” Mr. Gross said he is convinced the Governor is moving in the right direction.

“I’ve been able to talk to the Governor and his staff on a number of occasions,” Mr. Gross said. “The message has been that we can retain these dependable, experienced officers with some reasonable salary adjustments. That savings will come when we can avoid the cost of training replacement officers each year.”

Mr. Gross referred to Governor Blunt’s pay proposal as a “win-win” situation for the state. “We keep our seasoned officers on the job and the state can slow the inefficient business of training new staff.”

The Missouri Department of Corrections has the states largest work force with more than 11,200 employees. The Missouri Corrections Officers Association represents the majority of the custody staff workers in the Department.

Mr. Gross said he “applauds the Governor’s willingness to listen and understand and tackle a difficult situation such as this. I believe we have a strong leader at the top.”

Member Update
By Cynthia Gross    Thu, October 25, 2007

For the past several weeks I have been working between the DEFERRED COMP folks at CITY STREET and the Department of Corrections attempting to get the approval for Corrections Officers to roll their overtime payments into their Deferred Comp, tax free, if they choose.

After talking to the department today, it appears this is going to become a reality in the near future. I believe you will be able to put any portion of the overtime pay into this program that you choose. However, there may be a set minimum or maximum amount required to complete the transactions. All of the details have not been worked out. As soon as they are completed we will release the information to you.

Keep in mind, if you are not enrolled in the deferred comp program, you are missing an additional $25.00 per month that the state will contribute to your deferred retirement account.

Gary D. Gross

2008 SHOW-ME STAMPEDE PRCA RODEO RAFFLE TICKETS NOW ON SALE
By Cynthia Gross    Thu, October 11, 2007

It is time once again to begin gearing up for the annual MOCOA sponsored PRCA Show-Me Stampede Rodeo. Again this year we will be conducting a raffle. This year’s prizes are bigger and better than ever before. MOCOA will be selling ONLY 1000 raffle tickets, making your odds 1 in 250 to win one of these great prizes.

THESE RAFFLE TICKETS ARE ON SALE EXCLUSIVELY TO CORRECTIONS EMPLOYEES UNTIL NOVEMBER 30, 2007. AFTER NOVEMBER 30, 2007 THEY WILL GO ON SALE TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC.

First prize is one 2008 Ford F-250 SuperCab 4x4 PowerStroke Diesel Truck (retail value of $43,855.00) and sponsored by Joe Machens Ford Lincoln Mercury of Columbia, Mo.

Second prize is one John Deere Gator TX 4x2 with hoist (retail value of $7,469.00) and sponsored by Schaffter Equipment of Tipton, Mo.

Third prize is one 18 foot “Trailer Man” flat bed bumper hitch trailer (retail value of $2,900.00) and sponsored by Mellor Trailers of Boonville, Mo.

Fourth prize is one $500 gas card and sponsored by the Missouri Corrections Officers Association.

Each raffle ticket is individually numbered and costs $100.00.

Winning tickets will be drawn June 7, 2008 at the Show-Me Stampede PRCA Rodeo in California, Missouri.

Winners need not be present to win.

Winners will be responsible for all taxes (including sales and income taxes), tags and licensing fees.

Winner must be at least 18 years old to participate.

If less than 1000 tickets are sold the raffle may then become a modified 50/50 drawing. 1st prize would be 25% of tickets sold, 2nd prize would be 15% of tickets sold and 3rd prize would be 10% of tickets sold. In case of a 50/50 raffle, all raffle expenses will be deducted prior to disbursement. Expense amount not to exceed $2,000.00.

Director(s) of the raffle may use the grand prize vehicle 45 days prior to the award of the prize for events to promote the sale of raffle tickets.

Joe Machens Ford Lincoln Mercury reserves the right to substitute a prize or prizes of equal or greater value at any time up to the time the winner claims the prize or prizes.

The Missouri Corrections Officers Association is the promoter of the Show-Me Stampede PRCA Rodeo and Raffle.

SEE YOU AT THE RODEO June 6th & 7th, 2008, California, Mo.

Come see what PRO RODEO is all about and maybe drive home in a new 2008 Ford 4x4 SuperCab.

To purchase tickets please call the MOCOA office and request a sales slip to be mailed to your home. When you receive the sales slip fill it out and return it with a check for $100. Mail the check and the slip to MOCOA, 1103 Southwest Blvd. Rear, Suite E, Jefferson City, Mo. 65109. We will record your purchase and mail you back your numbered ticket stub and confirmation as proof of purchase.