Tilley: Missourians Not Interested In Hearing Governor Pat Himself On The Back

This week Governor Jay Nixon gave his annual State of the State address. There were a few key things that stood out in my mind as I listened to our chief executive. First, and foremost I was glad that he joined the House Republicans call in the Show Me Solutions Initiative to make state government live within its means by keeping spending and taxes under control.

I was also glad to hear the Governor talk about extending the A+ program to more high schools so Missouri children have a better opportunity to receive a college education. However, the Governor spent a great deal of himself talking about personal accomplishments relating to job creation over the past year. While we may have some things to celebrate our unemployment rate is still at 9.5% and many of our surrounding states are fairing better than we are in that category.

In fact, a number of the accomplishments the Governor touted were actually initiated before he was even elected and the actual impacts of some of his claims have yet to be seen. What it really boils down to is that I don’t believe Missourians were interested in hearing the Governor pat himself on the back. Missourians know we are facing real problems and need real solutions and those solutions are for the future of Missouri not championing the past.

For instance, one of the key fundamental differences that became apparent in the Governor’s speech was his stance on economic development. He spent a great deal of time talking about programs he has championed and how he wants to use those programs to improve things in the future. Well, as I said unemployment is still at 9.5%, so I don’t know that I believe tweaking, consolidating, or adding programs is the best economic development policy. Instead, House Republicans have proposed bills aimed at changing the overall business climate in Missouri like reducing regulations, fees, and taxes; cutting down on lawsuits, and providing a more stable environment for small businesses – not just big business to grow.

In fact, hours before the Governor gave his speech we passed HB 45. This bill would expand the definition of small businesses from those with 25 employees to those with 50 employees. We also extended the ability of these businesses to use a tax deduction if they hire new employees and double that deduction if they offer to pay at least 50% of the employee’s healthcare benefits. Finally, this bill would require that any new federal rules, regulations, or fees would have to be approved by the general assembly first.

As we move forward in the legislative session I am excited about the plan we have, the Show Me Solutions Initiative, and how it will help our great state. This plan is grounded in common sense Missouri values and it is meant to improve our state now for the success we all want in the future.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve here in the House of Representatives. As always, I welcome your comments. You may reach me at 573-751-1488, send your e-mails to steven{dot}tilley{at}house{dot}mo{dot}gov or write to me at the Missouri House of Representatives, State Capitol, Room 308, Jefferson City, MO 65101.

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