Tilley: New Rules Give Greater Voice To House Minority

On August 3, 2010 the people of Missouri made their voice heard emphatically clear through the ballot box. Proposition C, the Healthcare Freedom Act, passed overwhelming by 71.1% propelling Missouri to the forefront of a national fight for our constitution. However, despite this call from the people of Missouri to reject this federal intrusion, two of our key state leaders have remained silent on their duties to uphold and defend the will of the people.

House Resolution 39 aims to address this issue and calls on Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster to defend the citizens of Missouri by joining the list of states on the lawsuit. HR39 goes further to proclaim that the mandated healthcare bill is a clear misuse of the Commerce Clause within the US Constitution and the penalty for failure to purchase healthcare is unconstitutional.

I was proud that in just the second week of the legislative session Republicans in the Missouri House of Representatives wasted no time in moving this resolution through committee and to the House floor. We were proud to stand up for the overwhelming number of Missourians who sent us to Jefferson City to take on battles just like this. Unfortunately, one by one House Democrats stood in opposition to HR39 and continued to defend the damaging policies of President Obama and former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi.

One of the key amendments added on the House floor also encouraged Gov. Jay Nixon to take action and make a stand as well. As the Chief Executive of the state and the former Attorney General we feel it is important for the Governor to get involved on behalf of the people of Missouri. As pointed out on the House floor, it has been six months since the people of Missouri have voiced their opinion and the Attorney General and Governor have still not taken any action.

While the debate on the Healthcare Freedom Act was heated and lively, bipartisanship was still not lost. We also passed new House Rules [HR38] under which we operate as a legislative body. Under these Rules power was extended to the minority to have a greater voice in the process. As I pointed out, in previous years the influence of the minority had been restricted, however in order to change the culture of state politics in Jefferson City we must lead by example. I was proud to have adopted these Rules which do give a greater voice to the minority and therefore create a more bipartisan environment in our state capitol.

The 2011 Legislative Session has gotten off to a quick and promising start. I am excited and proud of my colleagues and the tone we have set so far as we continue our efforts to make the state of Missouri a better place for all our families. It is also important because these next few weeks will prove to be a challenging time for the Missouri House of Representatives as we tackle tough issues, but it will be an exciting time for Missouri’s 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.