Davis: Ford Bail-out

Rep. Davis Welcomes a New Dental Office

Recently we cut the ribbon at the Boardwalk Family Dental Office. Dr Hurtte’s office is located in WingHaven.

The Ford Bail-Out Bill

This week we went back to Jefferson City again to vote on a bailout bill [HB2] designed to keep Ford in the Kansas City area. This is Missouri’s version of a federal bailout. Where is the bailout for Missouri families? It’s up to free-market consumers to pick winners and losers, not government. Perhaps if we had real tax reform everyone in Missouri would be more prosperous. Wouldn’t it be great if Ford wanted to stay in Kansas City because we had such great workers and low taxes?

When you see the image of “lady justice” she is blindfolded. I love that image because that is how all branches of government ought to conduct themselves. Taxation ought to be blind as well. Government cannot be all things to all people. From a principled perspective, government must be the same thing to all people. Government should not give to some at the loss of others.

Our taxes ought to be structured in such a manner that we can have fairness to everyone regardless of how many lobbyists they have in Jefferson City. In an ideal world there would be no lobbyists because it wouldn’t make a bit of difference which wheel squeaked the loudest or who bought the cigars. I have always felt like the best lobbyists are my own constituents. They are the ones who sent me to Jefferson City to cast votes for that which reflects their values.

The valid question people are asking me is this: “If Ford posted over 2 billion in profits last year, why do they want a bailout?” If it’s a good deal for Ford, it should be a good deal for everyone in Missouri. What would happen to our state if we allowed all our businesses to keep the income taxes they collected from their employees and use that money for capitol improvements?

I enjoy a reputation of being one of the most pro-business legislators in the Capitol. The business community in my district knows I spend more time and energy attending ribbon cutting ceremonies than any elected official. My goal is to welcome, encourage and support all legitimate business endeavors. You can be assured that I support Ford manufacturing in Missouri. I even drive a Ford 150! It is important that whatever legislation is passed applies to all businesses equally. One of our O’Fallon businesses has a sign that says, “Please don’t ask for special discounts. We consider all our customers to be special and want to offer the best prices to everyone.” I really like that. In Missouri we should consider all our businesses to be important and offer the same good service and benefits to everyone. That is the right way to govern.

Additional bits and pieces to consider:

• As Senator Purgason points out in this The Daily Star-Journal article, the Ford bill doesn’t really create job growth throughout all Missouri enterprises. We all should like to see tax breaks for all businesses not just Ford and its suppliers.
• Two news-article links that describe Senate action meant to move the Ford Bill forward: Political Maneuver to Catapult Bill with a $15 million annual Cost and
• How do lawmakers think the tax incentives will be paid for? Through state pension reform! Read more: Post-Dispatch article and Pension Reform Plays a Role.
• And legislators are actually considering passing this bill when Ford has not even promised to keep or create jobs! Read this editorial in the: KC Star / Midwest Voices

Your thoughts are important to me, so please let me know what you think about bailouts. You can send me your opinion by clicking here: Cynthia Davis

A Little Bit of Humor

The owner of a large factory decided to make a surprise visit and check up on his staff. Walking though the plant, he noticed a young man leaning lazily against a post.

"Just how much are you being paid a week?" said the owner angrily.

"Three hundred bucks," replied the young man.

Taking out a fold of bills from his wallet, the owner counted out $300, slapped the money into the boy's hands, and said "Here's a week's pay -- now get out and don't come back!"

Turning to one of the supervisors, he said "How long has that lazy bum been working here anyway?"

"He doesn't work here," said the supervisor. "He was just here to deliver a pizza!"