“Be Just, Fear Not”—Inscription on the lower Eastern Outer Wall of the Missouri Capitol
Tim’s Legislative Update
At right: Broadcasting LIVE on 97.1FM from the Capitol Rotunda with Jamie Allman, Speaker Tilley & Rodney Boyd.HB 213, which I sponsored this session, was voted out of committee this week by a bi-partisan vote of 9 to 1. HB 213 Pro-Life legislation and a positive step in the direction of protecting those who cannot protect themselves. The proposed law revises existing statutory language and more clearly defines the prohibition on late term abortions and the definition of fetal viability. The public hearing for HB 393, which I also sponsored, the Parent Empowerment and Choice Act, has been completed. This act would allow parents, under certain circumstances, to invoke true parental control and interventions for a struggling, failing school. We have some incredible, excellent schools in our State and because of our zip code, my family is fortunate to live in one of the best districts in the State. However, the grim reality is that many schools, in and around our urban cores, are failing our children and are nothing more than dropout factories. Without the ability to relocate, some families are stuck forever in this harsh reality. This act provides true options of local control to help families deal with these issues and provide a better education for their children.
“You cannot escape the responsibility of tomorrow by evading it today.” –Abraham Lincoln
FLOOR ACTION: Tuesday, February 15, 2011
HCR 9, sponsored by Rep. Jay Barnes (R-114), was debated on the House floor. HCR 9 is commonly referred to as the Repeal Amendment Bill. If ever initiated by 33 of the States, the Missouri delegation to a federal Amendment Convention would submit the following amendment for consideration; "Any provision of law or regulation of the United States may be repealed by the several states, and such repeal shall be effective when the legislatures of two-thirds of the several states approve resolutions for this purpose that particularly describe the same provision or provisions of law or regulation to be repealed." If there is a two-thirds approval by the several states, the approved resolution (for the purpose of repealing a federal provision of law or regulation) would then return to the states where approval of the resolution from the state legislatures of three-quarters of the states would be required for repeal to occur. If this is successful, it would strengthen state sovereignty for every state in the nation and would help defend our state against unwanted federal mandates, disastrous federal legislation and overreaching federal regulation. The question has been raised, “What does this have to do with creating jobs for Missourians?” The answer is, in order for us to responsibly do the business of the people, we need to not only be reactive to current crises, but, proactively respond to future problems we may encounter. Ignoring the projected job losses in the hundreds of thousands due to the recent, and soon to be proven unconstitutional, federal healthcare mandate, would be irresponsible. It is important to note that both Senators John Cornyn and Rand Paul have recently advocated for an Article V Amendment Convention to force Congress to balance the Federal Budget. The same tool that these two great conservatives support is the tool contained in HCR 9, The Repeal Amendment. HCR 9 would provide an active tool for the states to protect themselves from an out of control federal government. We have a responsibility to pass along to future Missourians a strong state; full of opportunity. Not a state that has allowed the federal government to strangle it with regulation and job killing legislation.
On a similar note, Rep. Eric Burlison (R-136) introduced HB 423, which creates a “Health Care Compact” with other states for the purpose of specifically fighting the new federal unconstitutional healthcare reform in a micro approach. Compacts are agreements we enter into with other states in order to conduct business. Compacts can provide legal protection by overruling federal legislation as permitted by Congress.
News from the Senate
On Tuesday, February 15, 2011, the House was informed of the passage of SCS SB 19 in the Senate. The act caps corporate franchise tax liabilities at the amount of each corporation's tax liability for the 2010 tax year. If a corporation did have a corporate franchise tax liability in 2010 because such corporation was not doing business within the state or did not exist, such corporation's franchise tax liability will be capped at the amount of such corporation's franchise tax liability for its first full-year of existence. Beginning January 1, 2012, the corporate franchise tax rate will be gradually reduced over a five year period until it is completely phased-out. This is a positive step in the direction of improving the environment in which businesses operate in Missouri. The result will be an increase in businesses in Missouri and more jobs for Missourians.
FLOOR ACTION: Wednesday, February 16, 2011
The aforementioned SCS SB 19 was second read.
FLOOR ACTION: Thursday, February 17, 2011
HB 71, sponsored by Rep. Jamilah Nasheed (D-60) the local control City of St. Louis Police Department bill, was perfected on the House Floor.
Good News for Missouri Driver Safety
For the fifth consecutive year, Missouri has seen a reduction in roadway fatalities, because 436 fewer deaths occurred in 2010. It is astonishing to think Missouri has not seen this few of highway crash fatalities since 1949. For more information from the Department of Transportation, visit www.modot.mo.gov.
State Parks Youth Corps
The State Parks Youth Corps is a program helping 17-21 year old Missourians gain work skills. It is a great opportunity to experience Missouri’s beautiful state parks and historic sites while earning money. Some of the responsibilities could include: excavating historical sites, designing marketing campaigns, leading tours, and building trails; to name a few. The positions are limited and do have income eligibility requirements. If you are interested, or know someone who might be, you/they can receive more information and apply on-line by visiting www.mo.gov.
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 the Majority Leader’s Office in Room 302 and we will be happy to meet and greet you!
Personal News & Notes
This past weekend, I spent some special family time with oldest daughter Katie as we attended the Annual Daddy Daughter Dance hosted by the Eureka Parks & Recreation Department and the entire family made the trek to Columbia to watch the Tigers beat up on the Sooners. It was a wonderful Valentine’s Day weekend with Suzanne, Katie and Abby. As Session continues to pick up steam and the days become longer and longer, I continue to owe a debt of gratitude to my colleagues at my law firm of Doster Ullom and to Suzanne who rides solo herd on the girls running to this and that event all week long until I return late on Thursdays. And finally, if we can ever be of any assistance to you at your State 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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