Jan. 17-19 Capitol Report

The 2012 legislative session feels as though it has kicked off in high gear. Last year was my first year in Jefferson City so things started a little slower as our large freshmen class was in the process of learning the ropes. I do not want to overstate my abilities concerning the legislative process, but a year’s worth of experience does make a difference.[adsenseyu1]

This week began with me presenting testimony on employment law reform (HB1219) in front of the workforce development committee. Two weeks in and I already have a bill rocketing through the legislative gauntlet and it will likely hit the house floor for debate in a few more days.

As I have thought about the difference a year makes I recalled what happened at this time last year. On January 19, 2011 the House gallery had very few spectators in attendance for the Governor’s State of the State address. The low attendance was due to the snow storm that ultimately dumped a foot and a half of snow on the capitol. Fortunately, there was no such occurrence this year. This week’s business was active and the following events transpired.

Governor Nixon’s State of the State Address

On Tuesday evening, January 17th, Governor Nixon, the Missouri State Supreme Court Judges, statewide elected officials, the Missouri Senate and Missouri House welcomed the Governor for his annual State of the State Address. The theme of the address was “Missouri Moving Forward.” Governor Nixon addressed the promise of not increasing taxes, more cuts to government spending by reducing the state payroll, and adding jobs to Missouri. Unfortunately these promises will lead to shortfalls elsewhere. The Governor targeted higher education, proposing cuts in their budget of nearly 13%. There is major concern that these cuts could lead to universities raising their tuitions significantly. Nixon encouraged the universities to “cut overhead and administrative costs and to run smarter, more efficient operations.”

The Judiciary Address

Chief Justice Richard Teitelman was welcomed into the Chamber for the 39th State of the Judiciary Address on Wednesday, January 18. He urged lawmakers to pass measures to reduce the number of people in prison for parole and probation violations. These changes could save the state $16.6 million over five years and reduce the state prison population by two percent. The legislature has been studiously reviewing such proposals relating to non-violent offenders only, since late last year.

Bill Progress

HCS HJR 43, the Taxpayer Protection Act, sponsored by Rep. Eric Burlison (R-136), places wise limits on state appropriations. I am proud of the fact that this extremely responsible measure was the first substantive bill considered and passed by the Missouri House this year. This bill prohibits appropriations in any fiscal year from exceeding the total state general revenue appropriations for the current fiscal year that exceeds the level for Fiscal Year 2008. The appropriations growth limit is the percentage that is greater than zero for the sum of the annual rate of inflation and the annual percentage change in Missouri’s population. This bill will limit the growth of government spending, provide long-term fiscal planning and rainy day funds, help balance the economic highs and lows, protect programs and funding, reduce income tax rates, and create a stronger business environment. Unlike Colorado’s TABOR, adjustments have been made in the bill to prevent the “ratchet-back” effort. This bill was perfected and third read in the House today with an overwhelming, bipartisan majority, and now moves to the Senate for consideration.

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