Mayer: Protecting the Unborn, Tax Credit Reform and Work Zone Safety

Last week the Missouri Senate gave first round approval to Senate Bill 65 that would prevent the abortion of unborn babies of the gestational age of 20 weeks or more that are determined by a physician to be viable outside of the womb. The legislation would, with the exception of a medical emergency, require the physician to determine the gestational age of the unborn child before performing an abortion. If the doctor determines the baby is 20 weeks or more, the physician would test for viability. If viable, no abortion could be performed unless it is necessary to preserve the life of the woman. Protecting the sanctity of life has been, and will remain, one of my top priorities while serving in the Missouri General Assembly and I am glad to see this important measure move forward. I expect the Senate will give second round approval this week and send the bill to the House for similar consideration.

The Senate has also begun one of the most important discussions we can have this year – reforming tax credits. Senate Bill 280 is a measure that couples tax credit reform with the “Compete Missouri” economic development program. The bill would cap and sunset current tax credit programs, including historical preservation and low-income housing tax credits, while combining six current programs to create “Compete Missouri” that is a performance-based credit program that gives the Department of Economic Development flexibility in providing upfront funds with claw back provisions if a deal falls through. We must pass tax credit reforms to reign in spending in these difficult budget years and ensure that every dollar we invest is generating a positive return.

As spring finally begins to break through this long winter season, many of us take to the roads to experience new places while our road crews, engineers and construction workers get to work on building and repairing our roadways. As we set out on our journeys, we should be mindful of being safe when we travel, especially when it comes to work zones we may encounter. This week the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) is helping celebrate National Work Zone Safety Awareness Week. As a part of the week’s events, taking place from April 4-8, the Southeast District of MoDOT enlisted the help of area legislators for a Work Zone Awareness Wall of Fame on Flickr.

Senator Mayer wearing the orange “Arrive Alive” T-shirt to promote work zone safety in Southeast Missouri.

I joined in these activities to help make people aware of the importance of slowing down and staying attentive when driving through a work zone. I was happy to be a participant, and I applaud these efforts to save lives on our roads and highways. I donned an orange “Arrive Alive” shirt as a part of the Southeast Missouri MoDOT District’s Work Zone Awareness Wall of Fame. Photos will be added to the wall throughout the week, and can be found online at:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/43000037%40N05/sets/72157626276002231/show/

Interactive events throughout the week include a "Where in the District is Barrel Bob?" contest and public service announcements by road workers and their families. More information about National Work Zone Awareness Week is available at www.modot.org/southeast.

Please feel free to contact me throughout the year with any comments, questions, or issues using the information listed below and on my website at www.senate.mo.gov/mayer.