Lant: House Already Asserting Session's Objectives

[Editor's note: HB48 is incorrectly referenced in this missive. HB48 pertains to exemption of motor fuel taxes for school buses. The bill described in the fourth paragraph is also HB45.]

This has been a most interesting week at the Capitol. We passed our first full piece of legislation which was HB 45. This legislation was aimed at the over 100,000 small businesses where over 60% of Missouri workers are employed. The primary function of this bill was to provide incentives for people to grow their businesses. Employers can earn a tax deduction by hiring nee employees at the average county wage and get twice the incentive if they offer to pay 50% of a new workers healthcare benefits.

The overall philosophy here is to create a stronger business climate and turn our state around and get us back on our feet economically. Perhaps, the most important provision in this bill was stating that any new rules, fees, or mandates passed by the the federal government must first be approved by our general assembly.

Some great news broke on Tuesday when Ford announced they will invest 400 million in the Claycomo plant. As an incentive for the investment in Missouri, Ford will qualify for up to 100 million in tax incentives over a 10 year periood. This incentive is tied to a commitment of maintaining at least 3750 employees and adding new ones.

The House overwhelmingly gave bi-partisan support to HB 48, known as the Big Government Get Off My Back Act. This bill also is targeting small businesses by increasing income tax deductions from 10,000 to 20,000 for each new employee. Both of these bills were legislative priorities in the Show Me Business Solutions Incentive.

The Governor gave his State of the State address on Wednesday evening. He mentioned reductions of only 300 million, which is far less than the 700 million that he and his staff said we have to cut. He is also proposing to cut 863 jobs statewide but none from his staff. In contrast Speaker Tilley has cut 15% from his staff and office and over 10% from the remainder of the House Staff. We need to remember that although the Governor proposes cuts and program changes, all the actual budget creation is the duty of the House and Senate and by State Law, we must balance income and expenses. If we propose a bill that increases cost it must be accompanied by a bill that reduces the same amount of money from an existing program.

Next week promises to be an interesting one with several Bills, including the Drug Tests For Welfare Recipients [HB73] coming up for debate. I did file my first bill last week, it proposes to create a 300 foot buffer zone between protesters and funeral processions [HB233]. Feel free to contact me at any time with your thoughts or comments. I can be reached at bill{dot}lant{at}house{dot}mo{dot}gov or at (573) 751-9801.

I encourage you to keep in touch with the legislative process through the Internet. You can both read about and view video clips of the latest Legislative happenings at: www.house.mo.gov