“A genuine leader is not a searcher for consensus but a molder of consensus.” –Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day
On Monday, January 17, 2011, the Missouri Legislature was not in session in recognition of the 25th Anniversary celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Dr. King was a magnanimous leader whose words and actions resonated throughout this nation and facilitated change long overdue. Our nation will forever be indebted to the efforts of Dr. King.Missouri State of the State Address
On Wednesday, January 19, 2011, Governor Nixon delivered the State of the State Address. The Governor was correct in stating, “This is a critical time for Missouri” and in affirming that we must balance our State’s budget “without raising taxes”. The steps we need to take to put Missourians back to work, halt tax increases, balance the budget, stop the federal government’s disastrous health control law, invest in small business, and a number of other issues are currently being debated. Although the Governor’s speech was rhetorically inspiring and uplifting in tone, it lacked the specific “nuts and bolts” proposals for how we will reach a balanced budget, how we will reform education, how we will provide much needed reforms for our small business communities and how we will address unfunded federal mandates in so many areas, specifically healthcare. Because of this, the heavy lifting will be left to the General Assembly and I can assure you that the House and Senate are once again up to the task of delivering to you, your families and your businesses. The specifics contained in Speaker Tilley’s Show Me Solutions Initiative will continue to provide the framework that will continue to assist Missourians in meeting the challenges of these tough economic times. The Leadership that the House and Senate will provide will lead the way.Progress As Promised: The Week in Review
January 18, 2011. Ford announced they will invest $400 million in retooling the Claycomo Plant. The plant will replace the Ford Escape with an unannounced vehicle. As incentive for investing $400 million dollars in Missouri, Ford will qualify for up to $100 million dollars in tax incentives extended over a 10 year period. The tax incentives are contingent upon Ford maintaining the current 3750 employees and adding new ones. The tax incentives can also apply to other manufacturing in the state. This exciting announcement is a direct result of the legislation that was passed by the House and Senate in our Special Session in the summer of 2010. It is extremely satisfying to witness positive results from such a difficult legislative accomplishment.January 19, 2011. The House General Laws Committee voted “do pass” HB 73. This bill would allow for drug testing of individuals receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Program benefits. Hard working, tax paying, Missourians providing money for the purchase of illegal substances for the poor makes no sense when it can be stopped through drug testing. This bill will help eliminate this problem and will make sure that your hard earned tax dollars are only going to those truly needy who will not waste your funds. I expect this bill to be debated on the House Floor next week. (This bill is one of the legislative priorities included in the Show Me Solutions Initiative.)
January 19, 2011. The House overwhelmingly gave final bi-partisan approval (136-21) to an expansion of the “Big Government Get Off My Back Act” (HB 48) by increasing income tax deductions from $10,000 to $20,000 per each new full-time employee, by requiring statutory authorization from the General Assembly of any federal mandate implemented by the State, and by changing the definition of small business to include up to 50 employees so that more will be eligible for this worthy program. This bill is a positive step in the direction of strengthening Missouri small businesses. (This bill is one of the legislative priorities included in the Show Me Solutions Initiative.)
In future reports, I will discuss in detail other elements of the Show Me Solutions Initiative and will report to you the progress of other bills. 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 present major opportunities for your legislature this year. It is now time for us to continue 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. As I make my way carefully home this evening across snow covered hills and through frosty valleys, I am looking forward to seeing Suzanne and the girls who keep the home fires burning and all of my colleagues at DosterUllom who keep the lights on at the office while I am away! And again, if we can ever be of any assistance to you at your State’s Capitol, 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.
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