Kraus: Beginning a New Session

The 2010 Session convened yesterday, and I am ready to go to work in Jefferson City.  During the month of December, I pre-filed four bills in preparation for the legislative session.  All of them remain true to principles of limited government and keeping more money in the hands of the people rather than in government coffers.

It is important to me that you have the opportunity to understand legislation that I am sponsoring and to register your comments.  With that in mind, please see the information below on the bills that I have introduced so far for this session.

HB 1227 Dependency Exemption: Currently, the state allows a dependency exemption from state income taxes of $1,200 for each qualified dependent.  This bill would increase the exemption to $2,000 for each qualified dependent claimed by a resident.  We all know that children have many needs, and this bill would help families with children afford those costs.  If you want to read the entire text of the bill, click on HB1227.

HB 1228 Homestead Property Relief: This proposed legislation would exempt real property owned by individuals 65 years of age or older, with qualifying income levels, from increases in assessed valuation that are not from new construction or improvements.  The income level for qualifying for this exemption is a total household federal adjusted gross income of less than 200 percent of the poverty guidelines.   This bill would benefit seniors, often on fixed incomes, who are having difficulty paying for large property tax increases.  If you want to read the entire text of the bill, click on HB1228.

HB 1229 Red Light Camera Fines: This proposed legislation specifies that any fine collected from a red light violation using red light cameras must be given to the local school district where the infraction occurred.   I do not support red light cameras.  This legislation, if passed, will keep cities from making money from these cameras and therefore eliminate one of the incentives to install them. However, if they are needed to ensure safety, then a city would still be able to use them.  If you want to read the entire text of the bill, click on HB1229.

HJR 47 Reduction of House Membership:  This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment reducing, beginning with the 97th General Assembly, the number of state representatives from 163 to 137.  If passed, the amendment would be placed on a ballot for a vote of the people.  This bill would accomplish two goals – limiting the size of government as well as reducing the cost of government.  If you want to read the entire text of the resolution, click on HJR47.

As always, I am here to serve you.  Please don't hesitate to let me know your thoughts on the above legislation or any other state government issues.

You're Invited!
Fourth Annual District Day, Wednesday, April 14

I will once again be organizing a trip to Jefferson City for constituents of the 48th District.  Please be my guest!  Held once a year, District Day provides an opportunity for you to learn about Missouri state government.  I'll also be available that day to answer any questions that you might have.

The day will include tours of the Capitol, Governor's Mansion and the Supreme Court. We will begin around 10:00 a.m. on April 14 and the last tour will end around 3:00 p.m.  Lunch will be provided and there is no cost for this event.

Because spaces are limited, please RSVP, by phone or e-mail, to my office before Tuesday, March 30, 2010.  I hope to see you there!

With the beginning of the 2010 Legislative Session, the Capitol Report will be issued about once a week. During this time, if you have an event that you would like me to attend or speak at, please contact my office at 1(573)751-1459 or e-mail at will{dot}kraus{at}house{dot}mo{dot}gov.