Showing posts with label 95-HJR62. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 95-HJR62. Show all posts
06 July 2010
29 April 2010
Nance: Jobs at Claycomo Plant Spared, Amongst Other Bills Passed
At the Capitol
“My dad worked at the Ford Plant for almost 30 years. We all know the importance of Ford’s to our district’s economy and our communities.”House Bill 1675 has passed the House and is in the Senate. It was tailored to help retain the Ford Motor Company’s Claycomo Plant which is one of metropolitan Kansas City’s largest employers, with nearly 5,000 workers. I co-sponsored the bill with Jerry Nolte of Claycomo. Again, these jobs are important to our communities.
The bill establishes the Manufacturing Jobs Act that is applicable to any qualified supplier or manufacturer that creates or retains jobs. Such job-generating facilities are allowed to retain employee withholding taxes for a period of years. The total amount of withholding taxes retained by all qualified companies under the program is limited to no more than $15 million annually.
The House third read and passed the following bills:
- HB 1788, which would change the laws regarding initiative petitions and referendums, by a vote of 130-24.
- HJR 78, which proposes a constitutional amendment requiring a three-fifths majority vote to amend the Missouri Constitution, by a vote of 98-52.
- HB 1444, which would require certain public governing bodies to hold a public meeting and to allow public comment four business days prior to voting on certain issues, by a vote of 135-17.
- HB 1966, which would change the laws regarding absent uniform services and overseas voters and elections, by a vote of 86-70.
- HJR 64, which proposes a constitutional amendment changing the laws regarding elections, by a vote of 85-72.
- HB 1316, which would change the required notice that certain assessors must give taxpayers when the assessed valuation on real property increases, by a vote of 147-0.
- HB 1786, which would authorize an income tax credit for the eligible costs of bringing conventions or sporting games to Missouri, by a vote of 98-59.
- HB 1473, which would revise the grade required for renewing an Access Missouri Scholarship, combine the award categories, revise the award amounts, and specify that the program will not be terminated, by a vote of 145-10.
- HB 1584, which would change the laws regarding manufactured homes, by a vote of 151-3.
- HB 1636, which would allow the Department of Revenue to issue a special event motor vehicle auction license to an applicant auctioning certain vehicles, by a vote of 131-21.
- HB 2058, which would establish procedures for asserting a mechanic’s lien against residential real property, by a vote of 141-7.
- HB 2252, which would reauthorize the provisions regarding the tax credit for contributions to pregnancy resource centers and extend the expiration date until Aug. 28, 2022, by a vote of 114-39.
- HJR 62, which proposes a constitutional amendment guaranteeing a citizen’s right to pray and worship on public property and reaffirming a citizen’s right to choose any or no religion, by a vote of 134-23.
- HB 1521 and 1302 passed through the House on Thursday. It is a bill that I sponsored which adopts a “Silver Alert” for endangered persons not covered by the “Amber Alert System”. This bill also protects our seniors.
Visitors
Richmond resident and Silver-haired Legislator Keith Hardin was at the Capitol on Tuesday.
The Mushroom Festival is this weekend. Of special interest is the Chip identification program at city hall sponsored by Masonic Lodge #57 in Richmond. Masonic Child Identification Programs (CHIP) is a charitable initiative by North American Masonic lodges to aid in the identification and recovery of missing children. See you there at 9:30 a.m..
Pictured [at right] is the Orrick 4th Grade Class visiting last week.
22 April 2010
Tim Jones: Tax Credits for Pregnancy Resource Centers, Public Prayer Amendment, Sensible Economic Development
Mild, calm weather settled smoothly across the Midwest this week with warming sunshine and gentle breezes lightly swaying blossoming flowers and greening pastures. As the week closed, gathering storm clouds marched menacingly towards the Capitol, encircling the dome as a quiet, yet palpable tension emanated from both Chambers of the General Assembly as Budget Conference Committees were announced and began doing the final heavy lifting of crafting this year's 23 Billion Dollar State Budget. Important issues regarding our First and Second Amendment rights as well as issues involving sensible economic development were passionately debated and passed on the House Floor as we entered the final four weeks of Session…
"Concentrated power has always been the enemy of liberty." –Ronald Reagan
This week the Missouri House gave approval to HB 2252, which provides a continuation of the successful tax credit program for pregnancy resource centers in our state. As someone who is strongly pro-life, I believe we should have no abortions in our state. One way to reduce abortions is to help our pregnancy resource centers. These centers provide resources and education to women who are expectant mothers or recently had a baby and who have no other support network available. These women and their children deserve and need a helping hand. These resource centers provide advice on child-rearing, job training, maternity and baby clothes, and referrals for medical care, all at no cost.
HB 2252 reauthorizes this tax credit so Missourians can choose to support them when they file their income tax returns and that will go to support these centers. It is also important to note these centers are run by the private market, not the government. Part of being pro-life is supporting and protecting those who cannot protect themselves. Missouri's pregnancy resource centers are an excellent and cost effective way to do so.
The Missouri House gave initial approval to HJR 62 this week. This proposed constitutional amendment guarantees a person's right to worship and pray on public property without the fear of intimidation. This is already allowed and protected in the US Constitution, but many people do not fully understand the parameters of the freedom. The purpose of this amendment is to make it perfectly clear to all Missourians.
The lack of education on this issue is especially important in regard to Missouri school children. Many students do not understand their rights and often feel intimidated to not show their faith at school out of fear. HJR 62 makes it clear to all students they are allowed to pray and are free to do so without fear. To help make this clear, this amendment also requires public schools receiving state funds to prominently display the Bill of Rights of the Constitution.
No one in America should ever feel any pressure or intimidation for expressing their religious beliefs. Freedom OF Religion was one of the primary precepts on which this nation was founded. The Missouri House just took another step forward to ensure our freedom of religion is further protected from any infringement.
This week I would like to provide you another update on the progress of our state budget. The budget has passed through the Senate and is now in conference between the House and Senate, which is where differences between the two versions of the budget are hammered out and compromises are reached. This budget will be balanced without a tax increase, period. This is something I have been very firm on from the very beginning of my time as your State Representative. We cannot raise taxes on working Missourians, it is not right and it is bad economic policy. The last thing in an economic recovery you want to do is raise taxes, and therefore expenses, on businesses and consumers. In the Missouri House we will simply not let this happen.
To balance the budget without a tax increase we have had to cut expenses, just like nearly every Missouri family has had to do when their revenue declined over the last two years. These cuts are painful at times, but necessary. My only wish is the federal government would take a page from Missouri and do the same instead of running up deficits that are bankrupting our future. In Missouri, leadership on the state budget means balancing it without a tax increase and without deficit spending, the opposite of actions being taken currently in Washington, DC.
House Bill 1786, of which I am the chief sponsor, passed through the House this week with an overwhelming bipartisan majority. The bill focuses on bringing major events (collegiate and amateur sporting events and not for profit organization conventions) to Missouri that would otherwise not come here. The legislation is available for use state-wide and is designed to bring economic prosperity to our state.
Through this bill, tax credit incentives are offered to those that hold their events in our state. For example, next year if the Final Four basketball competition was to be held in Missouri, that game or event would be issued a refundable tax credit equal to 100% of the eligible costs or 90% of the tax revenues within the market area which are directly attributable to the game or event. The tax credits are capped at 10 million dollars.
One of the major components of HB 1786 is its ability to increase tourism in our state. Large events typically bring in out of state citizens and fans that would be generating new revenue for Missouri, and improve our economy for all our citizens.
As many of you know, I am the chief sponsor of HJR 57, the "Health Care Freedom Act". As I have discussed, if it is passed and approved by the voters, it will secure the current rights and freedoms that Missouri citizens have to choose to participate in whatever health care system or health care that they want. As we have seen, the disastrous aftermath of the passage of ObamaCare continues to dominate our headlines and continues to show us how truly flawed this new federal entitlement is. HJR 57 was "third read and passed" out of the House several weeks ago by a vote of 109-46 and I am happy to report that I was invited to present the bill to the Senate Committee on Government Accountability just this morning. The Senate also continues to debate their version of the Health Care Freedom Act (SJR 25). You may view the legislation at this link: http://house.mo.gov/content.aspx?info=/bills101/bills/HJR57.htm Thank you all very much for your continued support of this very important proposed constitutional amendment, and I will continue to keep you posted on its progress!
I have sponsored and filed sixteen individual pieces of legislation this Session. I have co-sponsored numerous other bills. To review all of the bills that I have sponsored or co-sponsored, please follow this link: http://www.house.mo.gov/content.aspx?info=/bills101/spon/spn089.htm
The last four weeks of Session always seem to be the most interesting and the most intense. Long days and hectic schedules become par for the course as bills fly back and forth between the Chambers and everyone looks for a good legislative vehicle on which to complete their priorities. I want to thank all of the great folks who support me back home as we become fully immersed in our work at the Capitol, especially my family and my colleagues at my law firm, DosterUllom. It is hard to believe that in less than twenty five days the Session will be over and summer will be upon us!
On the House Floor with the Glory of Missouri Award winners from Eureka High School (left) and Lafayette High School.
"Concentrated power has always been the enemy of liberty." –Ronald Reagan
Tax Credit for Pregnancy Resource Centers
This week the Missouri House gave approval to HB 2252, which provides a continuation of the successful tax credit program for pregnancy resource centers in our state. As someone who is strongly pro-life, I believe we should have no abortions in our state. One way to reduce abortions is to help our pregnancy resource centers. These centers provide resources and education to women who are expectant mothers or recently had a baby and who have no other support network available. These women and their children deserve and need a helping hand. These resource centers provide advice on child-rearing, job training, maternity and baby clothes, and referrals for medical care, all at no cost.
HB 2252 reauthorizes this tax credit so Missourians can choose to support them when they file their income tax returns and that will go to support these centers. It is also important to note these centers are run by the private market, not the government. Part of being pro-life is supporting and protecting those who cannot protect themselves. Missouri's pregnancy resource centers are an excellent and cost effective way to do so.
Public Prayer Amendment
The Missouri House gave initial approval to HJR 62 this week. This proposed constitutional amendment guarantees a person's right to worship and pray on public property without the fear of intimidation. This is already allowed and protected in the US Constitution, but many people do not fully understand the parameters of the freedom. The purpose of this amendment is to make it perfectly clear to all Missourians.
The lack of education on this issue is especially important in regard to Missouri school children. Many students do not understand their rights and often feel intimidated to not show their faith at school out of fear. HJR 62 makes it clear to all students they are allowed to pray and are free to do so without fear. To help make this clear, this amendment also requires public schools receiving state funds to prominently display the Bill of Rights of the Constitution.
No one in America should ever feel any pressure or intimidation for expressing their religious beliefs. Freedom OF Religion was one of the primary precepts on which this nation was founded. The Missouri House just took another step forward to ensure our freedom of religion is further protected from any infringement.
Maintaining a Balanced Budget
This week I would like to provide you another update on the progress of our state budget. The budget has passed through the Senate and is now in conference between the House and Senate, which is where differences between the two versions of the budget are hammered out and compromises are reached. This budget will be balanced without a tax increase, period. This is something I have been very firm on from the very beginning of my time as your State Representative. We cannot raise taxes on working Missourians, it is not right and it is bad economic policy. The last thing in an economic recovery you want to do is raise taxes, and therefore expenses, on businesses and consumers. In the Missouri House we will simply not let this happen.
To balance the budget without a tax increase we have had to cut expenses, just like nearly every Missouri family has had to do when their revenue declined over the last two years. These cuts are painful at times, but necessary. My only wish is the federal government would take a page from Missouri and do the same instead of running up deficits that are bankrupting our future. In Missouri, leadership on the state budget means balancing it without a tax increase and without deficit spending, the opposite of actions being taken currently in Washington, DC.
House Bill 1786-Sensible Economic Development
House Bill 1786, of which I am the chief sponsor, passed through the House this week with an overwhelming bipartisan majority. The bill focuses on bringing major events (collegiate and amateur sporting events and not for profit organization conventions) to Missouri that would otherwise not come here. The legislation is available for use state-wide and is designed to bring economic prosperity to our state.
Through this bill, tax credit incentives are offered to those that hold their events in our state. For example, next year if the Final Four basketball competition was to be held in Missouri, that game or event would be issued a refundable tax credit equal to 100% of the eligible costs or 90% of the tax revenues within the market area which are directly attributable to the game or event. The tax credits are capped at 10 million dollars.
One of the major components of HB 1786 is its ability to increase tourism in our state. Large events typically bring in out of state citizens and fans that would be generating new revenue for Missouri, and improve our economy for all our citizens.
HEALTH CARE FREEDOM ACT UPDATE
As many of you know, I am the chief sponsor of HJR 57, the "Health Care Freedom Act". As I have discussed, if it is passed and approved by the voters, it will secure the current rights and freedoms that Missouri citizens have to choose to participate in whatever health care system or health care that they want. As we have seen, the disastrous aftermath of the passage of ObamaCare continues to dominate our headlines and continues to show us how truly flawed this new federal entitlement is. HJR 57 was "third read and passed" out of the House several weeks ago by a vote of 109-46 and I am happy to report that I was invited to present the bill to the Senate Committee on Government Accountability just this morning. The Senate also continues to debate their version of the Health Care Freedom Act (SJR 25). You may view the legislation at this link: http://house.mo.gov/content.aspx?info=/bills101/bills/HJR57.htm Thank you all very much for your continued support of this very important proposed constitutional amendment, and I will continue to keep you posted on its progress!
Tim's Legislative Platform for 2010
I have sponsored and filed sixteen individual pieces of legislation this Session. I have co-sponsored numerous other bills. To review all of the bills that I have sponsored or co-sponsored, please follow this link: http://www.house.mo.gov/content.aspx?info=/bills101/spon/spn089.htm
Fast Facts
- The House inducted James McDonnell, Jr. into the Hall of Famous Missourians last week.
- Missouri has an excellent set of Military Programs designed for and focused upon supporting military children and youth. One of the goals of the program is to create community support networks for youth who have parents experiencing deployment. There are many other facets of this great program. For more information about "Operation: Military Kids" contact: www.operationmilitarykids.org or http://4h.missouri.edu/programs/military
Personal News & Notes
The last four weeks of Session always seem to be the most interesting and the most intense. Long days and hectic schedules become par for the course as bills fly back and forth between the Chambers and everyone looks for a good legislative vehicle on which to complete their priorities. I want to thank all of the great folks who support me back home as we become fully immersed in our work at the Capitol, especially my family and my colleagues at my law firm, DosterUllom. It is hard to believe that in less than twenty five days the Session will be over and summer will be upon us!
Feel Free to Contact Us!
If my extremely dedicated (and very busy!) Legislator Assistant, Jody Williams, or I can be of any assistance throughout the year, please do not hesitate to contact us at 573.751.0562 or by email at jody{dot}williams{at}house{dot}mo{dot}gov or at tim{dot}jones{at}house{dot}mo{dot}gov. We have had many visitors to the Capitol so far this year; if your travels find you anywhere in or around Jefferson City, please do not hesitate to stop by and visit us in Room 114! Until our next report, I remain, in your service. On the House Floor with the Glory of Missouri Award winners from Eureka High School (left) and Lafayette High School.
Joe Smith: House Approves the Act of Prayer in Public Places
This week, the House passed House Joint Resolution 62, sponsored by Representative Mike McGhee, R – Odessa, which protects the rights of Missouri citizens to pray in public.
Upon voter approval, this proposed constitutional amendment guarantees a citizen's First Amendment right to pray and worship in all public areas including schools as long as the activities are voluntary and subject to the same rules and regulations that apply to all other types of speech. A citizen's right to choose any religion or no religion at all is reaffirmed by prohibiting the establishment of an official state religion and the state from coercing any person to participate in any prayer or other religious activity.
HJR62 also says that public schools receiving state funds are required to display the text of the Bill of Rights of the Constitution of the United States in a conspicuous and legible manner for students and staff to see.
In addition, the resolution reaffirms the right of employees and elected officials of the State of Missouri to pray on government premises and public property. Before session convenes each day, we have a prayer in the House Chamber and HJR62 protects that right by allowing the General Assembly and other political subdivisions to have ministers and clergymen offer prayers or invocations at meetings or sessions of the General Assembly or other governing bodies.
Upon voter approval, this proposed constitutional amendment guarantees a citizen's First Amendment right to pray and worship in all public areas including schools as long as the activities are voluntary and subject to the same rules and regulations that apply to all other types of speech. A citizen's right to choose any religion or no religion at all is reaffirmed by prohibiting the establishment of an official state religion and the state from coercing any person to participate in any prayer or other religious activity.
HJR62 also says that public schools receiving state funds are required to display the text of the Bill of Rights of the Constitution of the United States in a conspicuous and legible manner for students and staff to see.
In addition, the resolution reaffirms the right of employees and elected officials of the State of Missouri to pray on government premises and public property. Before session convenes each day, we have a prayer in the House Chamber and HJR62 protects that right by allowing the General Assembly and other political subdivisions to have ministers and clergymen offer prayers or invocations at meetings or sessions of the General Assembly or other governing bodies.
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