Engler et al: House and Senate Leaders Announce Shared Priorities

JEFFERSON CITY – With a focus on Missouri's future, House and Senate leaders, joined by Lt. Governor Peter Kinder, today announced their shared priorities they plan to accomplish early in the legislative session. Those priorities include protecting Missouri taxpayers and families, ethics reforms and urging Congress to act in the best interest of Missourians.

"In 2010, we will move with great fortitude in facing our state's financial crisis head on," said Kinder. "I am encouraged by our legislative leaders and their commitment to find common-sense solutions for Missouri families.  As politicians in Washington promote more government to fix our problems, we will remain committed to our core principles of life and liberty for all Missouri families.

Speaker of the House Ron Richard, R-Joplin, said together they will take every step they can to keep hard-working Missourians' pay in their own pockets. Richard also placed an emphasis on economic development and job creation in Missouri.

"The General Assembly serves the people of Missouri, and we will work to produce meaningful legislation that directly improves the lives of our citizens," said Richard. "Creating jobs, retaining the jobs already in place and making Missouri an attractive business climate is the key to the success of our state and the heartbeat of Missouri citizens – this has been, and will continue to be a primary focus."

Senate Leader Charlie Shields, R-St. Joseph, reinforced the call to protect taxpayers. He added that Missouri's best economic development tool is an educated work force.

"We must not raise taxes and we must continue our commitment of making education our top budget priority," Shields said. "We are facing an on-going budget crisis and to succeed, we must have a governor who will do his job and present a balanced budget that is not short-sighted."

Senate Majority Floor Leader Kevin Engler, R-Farmington, and House Majority Floor Leader Steven Tilley, R-Perryville, said the Senate and House would continue to build a partnership that will get things done for the people of Missouri.

Engler added that the House and Senate will call on the governor to issue prompt income tax refunds.

"Every Missourian owed an income tax refund should get that money back as soon as possible," Engler said. "When the governor holds onto rightfully owed refunds like he did last year, he's essentially taking an interest-free loan on the backs' of taxpayers without their permission."

"Unlike Washington D.C., we want to make it very clear in Missouri that we are listening to our citizens and committed to taking a common sense approach to solving our problems," said Tilley. "Because I believe, despite a tough environment and issues with the federal government, that we are going to be successful in Missouri because our state legislature will work together for our citizens.  Whether it's greater accountability, more transparency, or prudent fiscal spending we will deliver for Missouri."

The leaders said other early priorities would include requiring more oversight of federal stimulus dollars spent in Missouri, preventing double-dipping into state unemployment benefits, and stopping Medicaid crooks.

The Second Regular Session of the 95^th Missouri General Assembly began Jan. 6. The leaders outlined their shared priorities one week before the Governor is anticipated to unveil his budget in the State of the State.