Ruestman: It is Time for Tax Cuts

We've reached the third week of session and what an exciting week it has been!

The House started the week off by overwhelmingly passing House Concurrent Resolution 18.  Last week's report mentioned this resolution which tells our members of Congress and Senators to vote against a Federal health care plan.  The final vote on this was 111-46.  I was happy to see that many members from across the aisle voted for it as well.

On Wednesday, the Governor gave his annual State of the State address to the General Assembly.  He began his speech with a fairly uplifting message, but it soon became apparent that his ideas just aren't going to solve the many problems Missouri faces is in the near future.  The truth is, what the Governor "says" is very different from what he "does."  A few examples of this include:

• While referring to a strong "bi-partisan" effort, he refuses to work with us on several issues, including the budget.
  
• He boasts of strong fiscal policy, but irresponsibly used one-time stimulus funds to balance our budget despite our warnings.
  
• He pledged to use stimulus funds to create jobs, but after blowing 80% of the stimulus we've only seen 62,000 jobs lost.  This must stop.

The State of the State included many great ideas and some "flowery" language.  I ask, "When are we going to quit patting ourselves on the back and get to work?!"  We should be working hard right now to help Missourians get jobs and get back on their feet.  I believe in what Ronald Reagan taught us:  The best way to increase revenue to the state is to grow the economy and the best way to do that is to cut taxes!  Missourians don't need hand-outs; they need a break from a government that won't stop taxing them in every way imaginable.

We cannot continue with further stimulus plans and tax credits for big businesses.  Those plans have not worked and only increase the burden for private citizens.  Why is it so difficult for others in Jefferson City and Washington to get the message?  Now is the time for tax cuts.

If you have problems, questions or wish to express concern over an issue, please do not hesitate to contact me or my Legislator Assistant, Jonathan, at my Capitol office either by phone 573-751-9801 or by e-mail at Marilyn{dot}Ruestman{at}house{dot}mo{dot}gov.