Lant: Returning To The Primary Focus Of The Session

Although we have dealt with an incredible number of bills on many different subjects this session, our primary goal was to help businesses grow and create jobs. The only answer to our sagging economy is to get people back to work. Our leadership in the House focused this session on the Show Me Solutions initiative. Moving these proposals quickly through the system was the best way to come to the aid of Missouri's economy. House Bill 45 was truly agreed and finally passed this week. (That means the House and Senate both passed the bill and it's on the way to the governor). This bill extends the prohibition on new taxes and fees on small businesses for five years. Every new job created by small business allows them to receive a tax incentive. We have in Missouri, around 100,000 small businesses. If this bill would give them the incentive to hire just one or two new people, you can imagine the impact that would have on our local economies. In addition, any new rules, fees, or mandates passed by the federal government must first be approved by our general assembly.

Senate Bill 366 revises laws governing how businesses can incorporate in our state. Its' intent is to clarify and streamline the process for a corporation to move to Missouri. We are in a tough economy and creative answers to make our state more business friendly without increasing overall operating costs, will lure many employers to leave neighboring states where increased taxes and laws are becoming too burdensome.

By invoking a seldom used House Rule, we were able to extend the time deadline for presenting a redistricting map to the governor before the end of session. We worked with the Senate to overcome some of their members' complaints and at 10:00 P.M. on Wednesday, we passed and sent the bill [HB193] to the Governor. It saddens me to inform you, that with House and Senate approval and with the approval of all eight district Congressmen, the Governor vetoed the bill. We are now faced with trying to get a two thirds vote of both bodies to override his veto.

We now have two weeks left in this session. I can't believe how quickly it has gone by. (I may change my tune after two weeks of 16 hour days five days a week) There are many things to get wrapped up before the end of this session and I am looking forward to spending more time in the district this summer. Although we had some terrible flooding in both Newton and McDonald Counties last week, no lives were lost due to the storms. I think we all need to give a big "THANK YOU" to our emergency services personnel for their quick actions. No county is ever prepared for every eventuality, but as I visited with my counterparts in other areas of the state, I realized how very fortunate we are to have the dedicated and professional managers, employees and volunteers throughout our area. Countless hours of planning, training, and practice go into the preparation for these kinds of disasters and it sure paid off last week!

I should have a lot to tell you next week, until then I am and remain in your service,