Engler: The 2010 Session Begins

This week marked the start of the Second Regular Session of the 95^th General Assembly, which officially began on January 6^th at noon.  This session promises to be a challenging one as we work to balance the state's budget during a tough economic climate.  While it will not be easy, we will work hard to fully fund our educational system, create jobs, and provide the state's most vital services in a fiscally responsible way — without increasing taxes on hardworking Missouri families.

Last year, I felt like Governor Nixon and the legislature developed a very good working relationship and I looked forward to continuing that relationship in the upcoming session, especially as he drafted his budget. But as we begin the new 2010 session, his relationship with the legislature has not started off on the right foot. I am dismayed that he has left the legislature out of many deals and proposals he has made over the interim. Thus far, the governor has cut backroom deals with universities and community colleges that have tied the legislature's hands when we deal with the budget. He has withheld millions of dollars from economic development, education and healthcare without legislative input. Unfortunately, he has continued to govern by press release or press conference rather than bringing people together to get things done. This has to improve if we are going to have a successful legislative session, put people back to work, and get the state out of this economic downturn.

There are plenty of other issues that promise to draw attention this legislative session. Ethics reform is an important issue to address as we work to find ways to make the actions of elected officials more transparent so that citizens can be sure they are truly working for the good of the people. Also, we will be looking at innovative ways to reform our tax structure in order to bring more jobs to the state.

One thing that we plan to do very soon in session is to reduce the amount of money state legislators are paid. Congress, in their infinite wisdom and in a bad economy, voted themselves a 20% raise in the amount of money they get paid for daily expenses when they are in Washington. Because our per diem rate is tied to Washington's and our budget is going to be tight, we must reject this raise.

Our work will continue as we resume session on January 11^th.  I will continue to keep you posted on what goes on here in Jefferson City throughout the 2010 legislative session.