State senate looks to create jobs, balance budget

January 4, 2012 Local News No comments

State senate looks to create jobs, balance budget

Passing a balanced budget without a tax increase and putting Missourians back to work in good paying jobs with benefits were named as top priorities today by Senate Leader Robert N. Mayer,

R-Dexter, in his opening day speech delivered at the start of the Second Regular Session of the 96^th General Assembly.
“We must act, and do so swiftly to pass a balanced budget without a tax increase for the people of Missouri and to help put Missourians back to work in this stagnant and weak economy,” said Mayer. “Missouri’s taxpayers and workforce deserve nothing less.”[adsenseyu1]

Mayer said one of the toughest challenges this year will again be balancing the state budget. Projections indicate a possible $500 million budget shortfall for Fiscal Year 2013 that begins July 1. Mayer said the Senate has made difficult budget decisions before reflecting on crafting the budget for FY 2011 when they reduced spending by more than half a billion dollars.

“We made tough decisions. And we will be prepared to make tough decisions again,” Mayer said. “However, we first need a governor that will present an honest budget forecast – no matter how unpopular – and then recommend a budget that is balanced. That includes not basing his balanced budget on special legislation that must pass.”

Mayer and Senate Majority Floor Leader Tom Dempsey, R-St. Charles, noted the Senate will continue its commitment of making education funding and resources a priority.

Mayer said while the number of unemployed Missourians has decreased, it is still too high. As of November, 8.2 percent or more than 250,000 Missourians are still out of work according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

“We must tear down the walls that are economic barriers to all Missouri businesses,” Mayer said. “Our plan in the Senate starts by curbing excessive regulations, restoring balance to the Missouri Human Rights Act and returning the Workers’ Compensation System as the exclusive remedy for workplace accidents.”

Dempsey also outlined other issues the Senate may get to work on quickly.

“We will work on ideas that will help put Missouri’s budget on a long-term, sustainable path, including pursuing recommendations on how to give taxpayers a better public safety return on their corrections dollars while keeping Missouri safe,” Dempsey said. “We will also work to end the cycle of failure in Missouri’s two largest school districts, and examine ways to bring more transparency and accountability to the select process of our appellate judges.”

The 2011 regular session will run through May 18.