Tim Jones: Moment of Silence, House Resolution 39, Taxes and Spending

Brutal Father Winter swept harshly across the Nation this week, slamming into the Heartland with a chill vigor, a frosty mantle and a healthy dose of wintry ice and snow making travel challenging for many of us as we journeyed back to the Capitol for our first full week of Session. The Majority Leader’s office was in full swing this week as my staff and myself worked long hours, late into the night preparing for a busy week of Floor Activity, preparing new members for debate on the House Floor and putting the finishing touches on our formal House Rules…

“You cannot establish security on borrowed money.” -- Abraham Lincoln

Moment of Silence

On Monday, January 10, 2011, the Missouri Legislature recognized the tragic events of Saturday, January 8, 2011 in Tucson, Arizona with remarks by myself and the Minority Floor Leader followed by a moment of silence. This moment of silence was a stark reminder contrasting disservice done to the victims, to our society and to our public servants as a whole when individuals jump to conclusions concerning the motivation for such a heinous crime. Hasty conclusions are typically motivated by agendas and not wisdom and careful reflection. Now is the time for prayer for the victims and diligence in seeking truth and justice that I am confident will be delivered.

Missouri Legislature Adopts House Resolution 39

On Tuesday, January 11, 2011, the Missouri Legislature adopted House Resolution 39. HR 39 encourages Missouri’s Attorney General to join the 20+ other State Attorney Generals currently challenging the Federal Healthcare Mandate. As indicated last August, over 70% of Missouri voters favor stopping President Obama’s healthcare bill. While we all agree work needs to be done on reducing the rising costs of healthcare and increasing access, the steps taken at the federal level were not based upon Jeffersonian principles, but rather, principles which further diminish our freedoms and liberties. We can take comfort in knowing the 96^th General Assembly is busy doing the People’s work within the framework of our state and federal constitutions.

The Show Me Solutions Initiative

In his Opening Session Address, Speaker Tilley set forth a bold agenda for the Missouri House to attend to titled the “Show Me Solutions Initiative” that encompasses five (5) key areas: Job Creation, Taxes and Spending, Government Accountability, Education, and Healthcare. Today I will discuss, in brief, “Taxes and Spending.”

Taxes and Spending

In keeping with the foundation of conservative principles, the 96^th General Assembly is determined to hold the line on taxes and live within our means, especially in these tough economic times. This means opposing unnecessary tax increases, balancing the budget, and controlling spending. Operating in the red, on borrowed money, is not the answer for economic stability. These steps are imperative in assuring we get Missourians back to work.

We have many talented legislators who have a great deal of experience in the private sector. Additionally, because we are a “citizen legislature” and only in actual Session from January to May of each year, many of our members maintain full time careers in many different walks of life back home in their Districts. Our members understand the real world fiscal impact of tax policy and taxation upon small and large business and upon agriculture and industry. Because of this, you can be assured that our members will be carefully weighing all legislation this year that will change our State’s tax structure in any significant way.

There are many different pieces of legislation that have been or will soon be filed relating to tax reform and that will seek to make the taxation of our citizens and businesses more fair and less onerous. Missouri wants to be open for business and be in the business of creating jobs and improving the economy, not taxing our businesses out of existence or forcing them to move to another State. Some examples of legislation that I have either co-sponsored or seen filed thus far include: moving Missouri to a “Fair Tax” state, placing a cap on the corporate franchise tax or phasing it out and eliminating or phasing out the personal property tax. Issues of taxation are very complicated and involve many different factors. Before we make any sweeping changes, I am confident that these bills will be fully vetted and debated and I welcome your input on these issues as well. Our goal is to continue our common sense approach to taxation which I submit is far different than the approach taken by many other States who now find themselves in severe economic distress. Just this week, our neighboring state of Illinois announced plans to move to a new taxation structure that will involve massive tax increases on families and businesses (up to 67%) to try and repair their estimated 15 BILLION dollar budget gap. Thankfully, although we have our challenges in Missouri, our economic situation is much more manageable and more common sense solutions will be pursued.

In future reports, I will discuss in detail other elements of the Show Me Solutions Initiative and will report to you the progress of these efforts. I will also report on the progress relating to reordering the priorities of State government as we work through the budget. We have to do more with less, just like nearly every Missouri business and family. By living within our means, we can position Missouri well when the economic recovery begins.

These are massive challenges but they present major opportunities for your legislature this year. It is now time for us to go to work for the People.

Visiting the Capitol

If you ever find yourself in or around Jefferson City at any time during the year, please feel free to visit us! Stop by our new office location in Room 302 and we will be happy to meet and greet you!

Personal News & Notes

I am finding that my duties as Floor Leader truly run the gamut. I am sought out by members, of both sides of the aisle, for my advice and counsel on a number of issues, from legislation to human resources to office administration. I am very humbled by the fact that I can be of service to not only my own constituents, but to constituents and their Representatives all across the State. And because this makes for very long days and sometimes longer nights, I continue to owe a debt of gratitude and thanks to my excellent staff, my colleagues at my law firm, DosterUllom, LLC, and especially to Suzanne, Katie and Abby, who are a sight for sore eyes every Thursday evening when I return home! If we can ever be of any assistance, do not hesitate to contact us at: 573.751.0562 or you can reach my primary assistant, Jody at: jody{dot}williams{at}house{dot}mo{dot}gov.

Until our next update, I am, and remain, in your service.