Missouri chamber hosts legislative seminar

The Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry is hosting the 2005 Legislative Action Seminar beginning at 8 a.m. tomorrow at the Westin Crown Center in Kansas City.

The first morning panel will present discussion from both sides of the stem cell research argument and the biotechnology industry’s effect on the economy. A second discussion will follow, featuring political news correspondents in Missouri who will relay the trends in the state’s political landscape.

Representatives from Lathrop & Gage then will present “State and Federal Campaign Finance Regulations and How to Comply” to explore the possible consequences of corporate support for candidates.

Missouri’s newest legislators will discuss results from the 2005 special election, followed by the seminar’s keynote speaker, Charlie Cook, editor and publisher of the Cook Political Report. Cook will provide insight into politics in the federal arena.

After lunch, U.S. Sen. Jim Talent and Auditor Claire McCaskill will review their plans for the 2006 Senate race, followed by “Effective Corporate Issue Advocacy,” presented by a representative from Husch & Eppenberger.

At 3 p.m., both sides of the eminent domain issue will be presented, as well as background on its presence in Missouri and its economic impact.

“Two of the big issues that we'll be addressing are eminent domain and life sciences research, and those are two very large economic development issues that continue to face Missourians,” said Michael Grote, vice president of governmental affairs for the chamber. “We bring individuals from both sides of the issues so they can be discussed and battered around, and there’s a good education process that goes on.”

The cost is $89 for Missouri chamber members and $110 for nonmembers. Registration is available online.