Burlison: On the Governor's Desk

Important legislation the 96th General Assembly passed and sent to the Governor

FY 2012 Budget

Missouri's General Assembly has again passed a balanced budget with no tax increase; one of the main reasons Missouri again has a AAA bond rating. The fiscal year 2012 budget heavily funds our state's most important priorities. This required an enormous bipartisan effort and was a huge accomplishment. We held the funding for K-12 at 2011 levels while increasing transportation funding for school districts. We will be required to prepare our state for future budget shortfalls as the struggle to recover from our nation's recession continues. In Missouri, smart, conservative budgeting has proven to provide the type of stability necessary, not only to survive this economic recession, but to actually see some growth in revenue.

Jobs and Economic Growth

The General Assembly passed numerous pieces of legislation designed to improve Missouri's ability to compete for jobs. The Elimination of the Corporate Franchise Tax, with the passage of SB 19, is just one of those measures. This is a huge step for business development in Missouri and will ensure future job growth. In a tough economy, businesses are interested in locating and expanding in states where it is cheaper and easier to do business. The passage of HB 45 provides additional incentives for responsible businesses that provide health benefits to those new, full-time employees. In particular, there is a $10,000 tax incentive for each new full-time job created or a $20,000 incentive for each new full-time job created when the business offers health insurance and pays at least 50% of the premiums of all full-time employees. The bill also seeks to limit and reduce the amount of regulations that Government forces onto small businesses that simply cause them to spend time doing paperwork instead of growing their enterprise. This bill is a positive step in the direction of strengthening Missouri small businesses, encouraging growth and providing needed jobs for Missourians.

Congressional Redistricting

Missouri's Congressional redistricting bill (HB 193) was passed by both the House and the Senate to draft eight new Congressional Districts for our State. As many of you are aware, it is the duty of the General Assembly to complete the task of Congressional Redistricting every ten years, following the national census. This bill was vetoed by the Governor. To prevent this issue from going to the Courts and being decided by unelected judges, the House and Senate, in historic fashion, voted to override the Governor's veto. A map drawn by the people's elected representatives will now go into effect.

Drug Tests for Welfare Recipients

House Bills 73 and 47 require drug testing if there is suspicion of drug. If parents are tested positive for drug use benefits for the children go through a third party, and the parents are forced to enter a drug treatment program. By forcing them to enter drug treatment, or stop using, we end up with a win-win situation. Maintaining employment becomes an issue for drug users. By ending this cycle of abuse and unemployment, they become more productive, gainfully employed, and better able to provide for their families.

Voter Photo Identification

Many people throughout our nation's history have spent their lives fighting for the right to vote. We want everyone to have the right to vote, AND, ensure that everyone only casts ONE ballot. SB 3 and SJR 2 accomplish this goal.

Right to Life

HB 213 was passed by a bi-partisan majority of 117 to 30. This bill specifies that no abortion of a viable unborn child can be performed or induced except in certain specified situations. Given the Governor's track record on supporting life issues,he will likely sign HB213 as soon as possible.

In the District

I've been busy since the end of Session making up for lost time at my real job with Cox Hospital and visiting with constituents. This week I've sat in on a conference for the Home Builders Association to learn about the state of the building industry here in Springfield and will also be visiting with students from Mark Twain and Cowden Elementary before the students begin their summer break.

If you would like to meet with me in Springfield during this interim please call my office to schedule an appointment. 573-751-0136.