Denison: Redistricting Progress, The Missouri Solution, Pro-Business Bills Move Forward

“Those who know and love you shall rise to your example and be inspired.” – Unknown

Congressional Redistricting Map (HB 193)

A few weeks ago I mentioned the effort to draw the boundaries for the eight congressional districts Missouri will have moving forward. At the time, the redistricting bill had just moved out of the House and to the Senate. Since that report, we’ve seen intense negotiations that have been focused on certain areas of the map. This week, after long hours of discussion, a compromise was finally reached and approved by both chambers of the legislature.

The final bill eliminates one of our nine congressional districts based on population data received with the 2010 Census. While Missouri’s population grew over the last 10 years, the growth did not keep up with the rest of the nation. The result is the loss of a congressional seat and specifically one in the St. Louis area where many residents have left the urban areas for the suburbs.

The legislation that restructures Missouri’s congressional districts now moves to the governor’s desk for his signature. The governor has been silent on the issue to this point but there is some speculation that he will veto the bill. If he does, we will likely attempt to override his veto in the coming weeks.

To final map approved by the House and Senate is available at the official Missouri House of Representatives website at the following link: http://house.mo.gov/largemap.aspx?map=3

Proposition B Compromise (SB 161)

Two other pieces of legislation on the governor’s desk were signed into law this week. One [SB113] was sent to the governor a few weeks ago after we passed legislation to make fixes to certain troublesome parts of Proposition B. The other was passed this week and immediately signed by the governor as part of a compromise between agriculture groups and animal welfare organizations.

I detailed many of the changes in the original legislation to fix Proposition B in a report a few weeks ago. The compromise bill approved this week strengthens the language in the previous bill to help preserve the health and wellbeing of the animals while still allowing breeders to stay in business. Some of the changes that are now law include removing the limit of 50 breeding dogs per business, strengthening the requirements for annual, hands-on veterinary examinations, and phasing in requirements for larger cages and increased access to the outdoors for animals.

This compromise is one that has been agreed to by our state agriculture department, members of the agriculture community and the leading animal rights advocates. We think it represents good, common sense reform that will allow good breeders to run their businesses while protecting animals from bad breeders who may do them harm. I think that is what voters hoped for when they passed Proposition B and now, with these changes, I think we have achieved that goal.

Big Government Get Off My Back Act (HB 45)

Another bill on its way to the governor’s desk for approval is one I mentioned in a report early on in the legislative session. This week the Senate finally sent back to us a slightly-revised version of the “Big Government Get Off My Back Act” that was passed by the House in January.

If signed into law by the governor, the act will limit federal mandates on small business owners in the Show Me State. In addition, the bill would increase the size definition of small businesses and require that any federal mandates on these businesses be approved by the General Assembly. With both of these provisions, we hope to allow businesses to operate without fear of new regulations or mandates that will negatively impact how they do business. We think it’s a key component to our efforts to revitalize our economy.

Another portion of the bill further helps small businesses by providing tax deductions small employers who create new full-time jobs with annual salaries that meet the country average wage. Under the bill, a small business would be able to deduct ten thousand dollars for each full-time job created or twenty thousand dollars per new job if the employer offers health insurance for the new employees and pays at least half of the premiums for such insurance.

If signed by the governor, the provisions of the bill will go into effect August 28.

Franchise Tax Phase-Out (SB 19)

A bill signed into law this week will phase out a tax that applies to more than 3,000 businesses currently operating in Missouri.

The bill will gradually eliminate Missouri’s franchise tax on company assets such as buildings and inventory. The franchise tax has been in existence since 1917. While the legislature has reduced the tax over the years, leading business organizations have proposed doing away with the tax entirely as part of the “Fix the Six” legislative package. The bill we approved will reduce the tax each year until it is phased out entirely in 2016.

Missouri is one of only a few states that have both a corporate income tax and a corporate franchise tax. By eliminating what is, in effect, double taxation, we can put Missouri on a level playing field with other states that are competing to attract new businesses and jobs.

Protecting the Right to Bear Arms (HJR 27)

Also approved by the House this week is a proposed constitutional amendment that would reaffirm the Second Amendment rights of Missouri citizens. You may have seen in the news last year when the legislature in California approved a law that put new requirements on the sale and purchase of handgun ammunition. While the regulations were struck down by the courts earlier this year, it was a reminder to us all that our Second Amendment rights must be safeguarded.

The legislation we passed this week would put before voters a proposed constitutional amendment that would specify that the right of every citizen to possess, purchase, reload, or manufacture ammunition and any other parts or articles essential to the proper functioning of arms must not be infringed. With this, we believe we can protect the ammunition rights of Missourians on the same level that we protect the right to own firearms.

The legislation is now in the Senate. If approved there it would appear on the November 2012 ballot for voter approval.

Visitors

On Wednesday, April 27, 2011, former State Representative, Dr. Roy W. Holand, and his grandson, Matthew Jared, visited the Capitol. House Speaker Steven Tilley appointed Matthew to serve as Honorary Page for the Day.


Pictured: Representative Denison, Daryl Denison, Matthew Jared, Dr. Roy W. Holand

On Thursday, April 28, 2011, the family of the late Lloyd Presley, founder of Presleys’ Jubilee, Branson, were introduced on the House Floor, and Mr. Lloyd Presley was recognized as an Outstanding Missourian.


Pictured: The Presley family at the Dias, and standing are Greene County legislators: Representative Sara Lampe, Representative Shane Schoeller, Representative Don Phillips, Representative Charlie Denison. Representative Denison introduced the family, and he honored Lloyd Presley with memories of the late Mr. Presley, and a recording of Paul Harvey – The Rest of the Story was played in the House Chamber for all to hear.


Pictured, First Row: Deanna Drennon, Lloyds daughter; Pat Presley, Gary’s wife; Raeanne Presley, Steve’s wife; Steve Presley
Second Row: Representative Denison; David Drennon, Deanna’s husband; Gary Presley

I was also pleased to have 4^th Grade students from Sequiota Elementary School visit the Capitol along with their parents on Thursday, April 28^th. The students were introduced on the House Floor, and they toured the Capitol. While in Jefferson City, they also attended “Civil War Archives Alive,” a performance at the Secretary of State’s office and they toured the Supreme Court.


Pictured: Representative Denison, 4^th Grade Students

I look forward to hearing from you, and if you will be in Jefferson City, please stop by my office. If you ever have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact my office. Best wishes.