Engler: Economic Development Measure Debated and Approved

With only two weeks left of the 2011 regular session, there are several measures we worked to approve this week. In these final weeks, there is sure to be a lot of activity in the Capitol as lawmakers push to get their priorities passed before the May 13 deadline.

There has been a lot of talk about economic development this year. This week, the Senate gave initial approval to House Bill 116, a bill that makes necessary reforms to the state’s tax credit system while also supporting programs that will make a positive impact on our economy. We can’t spend our way out of this recession, and HB 116 gives us the opportunity to grow our economy. From provisions which would sunset a variety of tax credit programs with a low return on investment to a measure to encourage international trade in St. Louis, the bill presents the right mix of economic development and reform.

This week, the Senate also gave first-round approval to a bill that would drug test suspected drug users receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits. The program provides cash assistance to families that are facing hard times and are unable to find work. House Bill 73 would require individuals receiving TANF benefits to submit to and pass a drug test to avoid losing payments, if there is reasonable cause to believe they are using drugs. If a person is found to be using drugs or refuses to be tested, they would be ineligible for TANF for a three-year period. If, however, the individual successfully completes an approved substance abuse treatment program and does not test positive for illegal use of a controlled substance in the six-month period beginning on the date the individual enters such treatment program, he or she could continue to receive TANF benefits.

The Senate and House also worked this week to resolve conflict on the new congressional district map. The compromised map puts less of northern Jefferson County in the 2^nd Congressional District than the House’s proposed map. The bill now moves to the governor’s desk. If he vetoes the map, it is our hope that we will have enough time to override the veto before the end of the regular session.

If the rain does not end soon, I may begin construction on an ark. In all seriousness, though, my thoughts and prayers go out to our fellow Missourians recovering from tornado damage in St. Louis and dealing with flooding concerns in Southeast Missouri. This is truly a time to band together and help our neighbors. I encourage you to contact the Red Cross and United Way in these areas to see how you may be able to help the families facing hardship.



Emergency assistance for those affected by the tornado is being provided by:
· The Red Cross St. Louis Disaster Relief headquarters at 314-516-2800.

Emergency assistance for flood victims is being provided by:
· Greater Ozarks Red Cross Chapter in Springfield at 866-206-0256.
· The Southeast Missouri Red Cross Chapter in Cape Girardeau at 888-335-9471

I tried to give up cussing for Lent and asked for ideas on where to donate the money. St. Vincent De Paul Food Pantry was randomly picked out of many entries for my “cussing” fund. The last few weeks the cost went up to $10.00 and it was really tough. The pot at the end was $240.00, but then I thought “what the HELL” and made it $250.00.