Purgason: Constitutional Amendments on the Nov. 2 Ballot

Previous Capitol Reports have discussed Propositions A and B that will appear on the November 2^nd ballot. Ballot "Propositions" allow you to vote on whether a change will be made to Missouri statutes and do not impact our state constitution. However, there are three constitutional amendments proposed on the Nov. ballot, and it is important to know why they are there and how they would affect Missouri.

Amendment 1 affects only two of Missouri's four charter counties: St. Charles and St. Louis. A Charter County is one with its own municipal constitution. These counties are still subject to the state constitution but have considerable powers to otherwise govern their own affairs. Missouri's other charter counties are Green Co. which elects its assessor and Jefferson Co. which was able to cut itself out of this change. This amendment was proposed by your General Assembly and is needed for government accountability. Voters should have a say in who assesses their taxes. I recommend a vote FOR Amendment 1.

Constitutional Amendment 2 would exempt U.S. POW's from property taxes on their homes. I recommend a vote FOR Amendment 2 simply because it seems a justifiable benefit to those who have clearly sacrificed for our nation. However, it will affect very few Missourians and is more political than substantive. Amendment 2 illustrates a critical weakness in the property tax model; it is easily manipulated to gain political favor by picking winners and losers. Missouri should eliminate the income tax by moving to a tax of consumption instead of productivity and then evaluate expanding the consumption tax to rid ourselves of property taxes

Constitutional Amendment 3 appears on the Nov. 2^nd ballot by initiative petition. I recommend a vote AGAINST Amendment 3. It combines a legitimate attempt to stop the incessant attempts of state government to raise taxes by calling them "fees" with what I see as a stealth attempt to thwart The Missouri Jobs and Prosperity Act (formerly the Missouri Fair Tax) by exempting 4% of real estate transactions. Approximately 96% of those transactions are of used homes and would not be subject to a first-use sales tax. If you favor elimination of the Missouri income tax as proposed by SJR 29 in 2010, then you will not be in favor of Amendment 3. If passed, Amendment will result in a higher tax rate to replace the income tax and will also begin the relentless parade of special interests demanding exemptions from the broadened tax base that represents a key element of the Fair Tax model. I hope we are not too late to inform the electorate and defeat this special-interest sponsored amendment.

There is additional information and analysis of these ballot issues on-line and in print media. I have given you my view, but I encourage you to investigate further if you are still unsure.

As always, you may contact me at 573-751-1882, e-mail to chuck{dot}purgason{at}senate{dot}mo{dot}gov or write to me at State Capitol, Room 420, 201 West Capitol Avenue, Jefferson City, MO  65101.

Purgason: Propositions on the November 2 Ballot

We will soon have an opportunity to go to our respective polling places and cast our ballots.  I would like to take this chance to express my views on the ballot issues we will be voting on.  No matter what your stance is on the issues, please exercise your right to vote.

There will be two Propositions on the November ballot.  Propositions allow you, the voter, to make changes to the state statutes.  They have no impact on the state constitution.

Let's begin our discussion of November 2 ballot issues with Proposition A.

There is no economic law or historic example to quarrel with the benefits of prosperity to society. Related descriptors include productivity, efficiency, opportunity, risk/reward, success, and achievement. Prosperity is sought, not just for its own merit, but for its pervasive, extraordinary, and overwhelmingly positive effects. Evidence as well as common sense confirms that no one benefits from poverty, and everyone benefits from prosperity.

Without exception, an examination of nations, states, or peoples confirms the link between prosperity and a clean environment, a healthy society, education, recreation, transportation, technology, convenience, and the list goes on. Too often public policy – particularly tax policy – works against the benefits of prosperity. Prop A, if passed in November, will allow voters in St. Louis and Kansas City to realign with the principles of prosperity and will help protect all Missourians from local officials who might naively impose jobs-killing taxes on their earnings.

For years our two largest cities have imposed a 1% tax on the wages of individuals who live or work in their jurisdictions and on business profits. Voters functionally powerless to eliminate or modify the earnings taxes, and nothing but common sense (frequently in short supply) protects other Missouri cities and towns from politicians' propensities to take more. Passage of Prop A will not prohibit earnings taxes but will amend state statutes to require a vote of tax payers every five (5) years to continue imposing the tax. In other words, it sunsets the existing and any future taxes on earnings – hence the slogan "Vote Yes on A – Let Voters Decide."

If voters reject an existing earnings tax the cities are allowed to phase it out over 10 years allowing officials to examine whether the revenues are essential and how to replace them. Kansas City and St. Louis need prosperity if they are to create jobs, build schools, and grow. Job-killing taxes on earnings hinder that growth, and at the very least should be subject to the vote of the peoples.

Many of us in the Missouri House were expecting the November ballot to include a vote to eliminate all state taxes on income, but that hope was thwarted by the reluctance of Speaker Richard and other members of House leadership. The Missouri Jobs and Prosperity Act [SJR29] now must wait another year.  But the principles of Prop A are the same. It is simply bad policy to tax what we want more of – success and prosperity. Until Missouri aligns public policy with the laws of economics and common sense, we will continue to be our own worst enemy. Let's pass Prop A in November and turn loose the power of economic prosperity.

Proposition B will be on Missourian's November 2^nd ballot.  No matter how it is promoted it is fundamentally the product of ignorance.  It reflects ignorance about breeders, the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), the power of the free market, property rights, and liberty. It is being driven by propaganda rather than truth and depends on emotional appeal rather than the achievement of meaningful reform.

Advertisements supporting Prop B state that there are more than 3,000 puppy mills in our state.  According to the Missouri Department of Agriculture, there are 2,813 licensed kennels in Missouri, 1.451 of those are commercial breeders.  These facilities are inspected at least once a year.

Missourians love their pets and hate to see animals abused.  Dog breeders, and I have met a number of them, raise dogs because they love dogs and enjoy seeing others find just the right dog for their family.  The goal of these small business people is to satisfy the public's longing for pets at a cost most can afford A single flea bite on an otherwise perfect puppy means an unacceptable price penalty along with the determination to find and fix any problem.  If a puppy has anything more serious, they might just be refused.  It simply does not pay to mistreat animals.  But the best breeder would be hurt the most by Prop B.

Many are ignorant about the nature and objectives of HSUS – the organization behind Prop B.  A visit to www.humanewatch.org or www.activistcash.com will help you assess whether their intentions have anything at all to do with the treatment of animals.  HSUS's own website lists 14 executives whom it is reported received $2.5 million in 2008 in pension benefits alone; their salaries are not available. In that same year less than a half million dollars went to animal shelters (less than 0.5% of their budget).

However, most harmful is ignorance of the significance of property rights to basic American freedoms.  There is no more important unalienable right that our constitution secures than that of property rights.  Personal property – almost unheard of before the United States exceptional founding – is the right that guarantees all others.  It is the only right that once lost will almost certainly not be restored short of armed conflict.  Prop B directly assaults property rights and for that reason alone is completely unacceptable and should be ruled unconstitutional.  But the courts aside, no issue is important enough to concede to government our last defense against its abuse of the people.

Dispelling ignorance about what is actually in Prop B will help defeat it at the ballot box.  First of all, the use of the word "cruelty" is to invoke prejudice, not reason.  For example, keeping 51 dogs is cruel but keeping 50 is not; keeping a dog in a 5' by 5' 11" enclosure is cruel while adding one inch to the length makes it kind; kennel temperature of 45 degrees F is kind while 44 degrees is cruel.  "Cruelty" is not for the dog; it is for the emotional appeal.  We're told Prop B is for "large-scale" breeders, but just 11 female dogs makes you a "large-scale" breeder, and your animal quarters will have to be heated and air conditioned.  Finally, if Prop B is about animal cruelty then why are hunting dogs excluded from the regulations?

Proposition B is not about animals or about cruelty, it is an assault on property rights, small businesses, and the free market.  It employs a proven strategy for stripping rights from the people and empowering the elitists: 1) find an innocent lovable party - puppy, 2) make them a victim with an emotion-stirring label - puppy mill, 3) make "more government" the solution – Prop B.  If voters take a broader and thoughtful perspective and if they insist that freedoms be protected and that policies be logical rather than emotional, then American ideals will win, and Prop B will fail in November.

As always, you may contact me at 573-751-1882, e-mail to chuck{dot}purgason{at}senate{dot}mo{dot}gov or write to me at State Capitol, Room 420, 201 West Capitol Avenue, Jefferson City, MO 65101.

Ridgeway: Historic Budget Vote

With more than a week left before the constitutional deadline to pass a balanced budget for fiscal year 2011, the Legislature last Thursday passed a fiscally responsible spending plan, sending it to the governor for his signature. This is an historic accomplishment as the state budget has never been formalized more than a full week in advance of the required deadline. Despite the difficult, yet inevitable, decision to significantly reduce spending, we were still able to secure critical funding for our top priorities—including education.

Because of an unprecedented decline in revenue, the $23.3 billion FY 2011 budget includes nearly $460 million in spending cuts from the budget proposal the governor originally presented back in January. Millions in savings came from indentifying how state departments and agencies can run more efficiently, including curbing unnecessary spending for travel and putting an end to other extraneous expenses.

In spite of this being one of the worst budget years in history, we were still able to preserve funding for education, which was a big concern for me and many of my colleagues. We voted to maintain funding for the K–12 foundation formula at current levels, as well as provide $37.5 million for the state’s Career Ladder Program, which pays teachers for taking on extra duties such as afterschool tutoring.

We were also mindful of continuing to make higher education an affordable option for Missouri families, so we voted to limit budget cuts to $50 million for the state’s colleges and universities in exchange for a freeze on undergraduate, in-state tuition rates. We know that the quality of education our state offers is directly tied to our economic prosperity, so it’s crucial that we continue to support education.

We also maintained core funding for the developmentally disabled. There were some reductions in travel expenses and supplies, but we were able to uphold existing funding for services. It is also one of my priorities to protect those who most need services and cannot provide for themselves. If you have not visited Maple Valley State School or Immacolata Manor (both in Clay County), I would encourage you to do so. These facilities and others like them in Clay County, serve a noble mission making the most of every dollar. They deserve our protection and support.

I’m pleased that lawmakers from both sides of the aisle, as well as members from both the Senate and House, were able to come together and fulfill our duty to pass a balanced budget. Perhaps most importantly, we did not resort to raising job-killing taxes on hard-working Missourians, a pledge many lawmakers committed to uphold early in the session.

Missouri’s Health Care Freedom Act

Voters in Missouri would decide whether to pass a law allowing individuals to refuse a federal health insurance mandate under legislation [HB1764] passed Tuesday in the Senate. If approved the Missouri law would bar any law or rule from compelling people to purchase a particular health plan. It’s meant to protect citizens from health related legislation passed in Washington. Finally, the voters would have their say on whether they like the “ObamaKare” legislation.

“Fair Tax” Update

Another measure that has yet to make significant headway in the General Assembly is the “Fair Tax”, Senate Joint Resolution 29. Upon voter approval, this proposed constitutional amendment would eventually replace state income tax with an expanded sales tax. For each tax year, beginning January 1, 2013, the tax rate for the state individual income tax would be reduced by 20 percent from the previous year's rate until it reaches zero. Beginning July 1, 2013, a new state tax on taxable purchases and services would be imposed at a rate of no more than 7 percent.

The 2010 legislative session comes to a close on Friday, May 14. Though these measures still have several steps to make in the legislative process, traditionally the biggest bills in any given session pass in the last few days. I will let you know what happens with both of these bills and other issues that matter to you as the session winds down.

Ridgeway: Assuring Access to State Scholarships

These days, a college degree is practically a necessity to open up doors to future employment opportunities. Our young people are being asked to compete in a global economy, and higher education is one of the best ways to gain the valuable knowledge, skills and even experience that employers are demanding from their employees—even those straight out of college.

For many Missouri students, however, the rising costs of a college education may stand in the way of their degrees. The challenge of paying for school, particularly in these tough economic times, makes the financial aid opportunities available through the state’s Access Missouri scholarship program even more important, and quite frankly, necessary.

Unfortunately, this need-based scholarship program, available to Missouri college students attending both public and private institutions, for two-year and four-year programs, has experienced a tumultuous few months. First, the Legislature is considering measures to equalize the aid amounts for private and public students, striking a big blow to those who wish to attend any of the state’s fine private schools—which, of course, are more expensive because they are not subsidized with taxpayer dollars. Also, in light of the state’s historic budget crisis, there has been talk of significantly cutting Access Missouri funding, and possibly even eliminating scholarships to private school students under the program altogether.

Scholarship money belongs to Missouri students. It should be distributed much the same as in the GI Bill, which allows students to choose the college or university that best suits their education goals, without regard to whether it is a public or private facility.

Access Missouri was implemented during the 2007–2008 school year. Last year, the Missouri Department of Higher Education distributed more than $92 million to 42,244 students through the program. Currently, students attending a public two-year school may receive between $300 and $1,000; students at public four-year institutions may receive between $1,000 and $2,150, while students attending private schools may receive between $2,000 and $4,600. A bill making its way through the Legislature this session, Senate Bill 784, would leave these current scholarship levels the same through the 2013-2014 school year (at which point the program is set to expire), but beginning with the 2014-2015 school year, would put in place new, equalized aid amounts for private and public students. The bill would also remove the provision in the legislation that ends the scholarship program. By removing the sunset clause, the scholarship program would stay in existence.

I'm totally opposed to cuts or changes in scholarship amounts to Access Missouri. As a graduate from William Woods University in Fulton, I relied on scholarships to get my undergraduate degree. The Senate Appropriations Committee is currently working on the fiscal year 2011 budget, which we will begin debating on the floor soon, and I am working on getting several senators together to stop any potential cuts when the budget bills are brought before the full Senate.

My goals are to: 1) remove the expiration date from the Access Missouri scholarship program (it is currently set to expire, which means no one gets any scholarship money after the 2013–2014 school year); 2) cap a student's ability to use the scholarship at four years (the current limit is 10 semesters); 3) maintain the current scholarship levels for public and private institutions (private universities and colleges are allowed a greater percentage because they do not receive tax money); and 4) make any changes effective only after 2014, so as not to adversely impact any student who is already in college on an Access Missouri scholarship.

If Missouri is to emerge as an economic leader in the next decade, we must invest in the education of our young people. I’m profoundly concerned about what the cuts or changes to Access Missouri could mean for our students and Missouri’s private schools. If you feel the same way, please forward this report to your friends and urge them to contact their own state senator and express their concerns about this issue. To find your senator, go to www.senate.mo.gov, click on “Senators,” then on “Find Your Legislators,” enter in your zip-code and click on “Lookup Legislators.”

Update on Legislation that Affects You

• Health Care Freedom Act (Senate Joint Resolution 25): The Senate last discussed this measure about two weeks ago after it stalled during debate, though it will probably be brought to the floor again soon. This is our state’s response to the federal government’s recently passed health care bill. If passed by the Legislature, and approved by voters, this legislation would prohibit any federal law from forcing a patient, employer or health care provider to participate in any government or privately run health care system.
• Fair Tax (Senate Joint Resolution 29): A new version of this legislation was brought up on the Senate floor for discussion this week. Upon voter approval, this proposed constitutional amendment would repeal the corporate income, corporate franchise, bank franchise, and state sales and use taxes effective Jan. 1, 2013. It also would phase out the state individual income tax, so for each tax year beginning Jan. 1, 2013, the tax rate would be reduced by 20 percent from the previous year's rate until it reaches zero. Effective Jan. 1, 2018, state taxes on income would be prohibited. Also, beginning July 1, 2013, a new state tax on taxable purchases and services would be imposed at a rate not to exceed 7 percent.

I’ll continue to keep you updated on these and the other issues that are important to you as the 2010 legislative session winds down.

Roorda: The "Fair Tax" Fraud, Control of St. Louis PD, Energize Misssouri

Just like halftime in a good ballgame, the halfway mark of the legislative session gives members of the General Assembly a chance to catch their collective breath and look back at what's been accomplished. However, the critical issues facing this great state still await.

As February came to a close it seemed an appropriate time to take stock of what has been done in session so far this year. As of March 1^st there have been 1,095 House Bills filled this year. Of those bills, 393 have been referred to committee. Fifty-Seven (57) House Bills have been reported "Do Pass" out of committee.  A mere, 10 bills have been approved by House and sent to the Senate for consideration.

By far the largest issue looming in the final weeks of the session will be the state budget.  What was already expected to be a difficult budget worsened earlier this week with the news that the revenue estimate agreed upon by the Republican budget chairmen of the House and Senate and the Governor for the coming fiscal year was too optimistic.

As a result, difficult decisions will need to be made as lawmakers set spending priorities within the tighter financial parameters.  After putting the budget process on hold for a week, the House Budget Committee chairman on Wednesday submitted a substitute spending plan that includes $300 million he had previously maintained won't be available.

"The constitutional duty to write the budget rest with the General Assembly, and right now it is unclear exactly how much money is available", said Assistant House Minority Leader, JC Kuessner.  "Until the revenue picture becomes clearer, the state must be extremely cautious about making promises that it may not be able to keep."

In addition to crafting a responsible budget, during the second half of the session House Democrats will focus on two issues that both parties indentified as priorities at the beginning of the year but that have not yet been debated on the House floor - job creation and meaningful ethics reform, including restoring the state's campaign contribution limits.

"The economic health of this state depends on putting Missourians back to work," LeVota said.  "The health of state government depends on making it more accountable by holding elected officials to higher ethical standards and reducing the influence of special interest money in elections and in government."

To view the video of the Democrat Press Conference click below:
Democrat Press Conference ~ Part 1
Democrat Press Conference ~ Part 2

Sincerely,

Jeff Roorda
Minority Whip
State Representatives

The "Fair Tax" Fraud

As a Democratic Representative, my number one priority has always been protecting working families. In evaluating SJR-29 and HJR-56, policymakers should have a clear understanding of how broad the tax base could actually be under such a plan, what the tax rate would actually have to be in order to make the plan revenue-neutral overall, and how the plan overall would affect Missourians at different income levels.  The main findings are that the revenue-neutral tax state sales tax rate under SJR 29 would likely have to be over 11 percent, more than twice as high as the bill's language specifies, and that this plan would result in a tax increase for most low- and middle-income Missourians while cutting Missouri taxes for the very best-off taxpayers.  But more importantly, it will expand the sales tax beyond the retail goods that we currently pay sales tax on to the services that we do not.  That would include private school tuition, accounting services, medical treatment, attorney services and even haircuts.  If any of those services were to be exempted out, it would increase the proposed sales tax rate even higher.

The crushing burden that this would place on Missouri consumers would cripple our economy.  The proponents call this the "Fair Tax."  There is nothing at all fair about this tax.  It is a "flat tax" and it is flat wrong.

This legislation was proposed by Republican State Representative Ed Emery and Republican State Senator Chuck Purgason.  This legislation is a Republican priority and only two Democrats in the entire legislature have put their support behind the proposal.  You can find a list of the sponsors and co-sponsors of the Resolutions by visiting these links:  NO "Fair Tax" HJR-56 Legislation and NO "Fair Tax" SJR-26 Legislation

I suggest that you write those lawmakers and express your dissatisfaction over these proposals.  As your representative and as the House Democratic Whip, you can count on me to fight with all my might against this awful, awful proposal.  This is war on the middle class and I am ready for battle.

The Battle for Control

On Monday March 1, the Urban Issues committee voted to move a bill regarding control of the St. Louis City police force out of committee with a vote of 5-3. The bill, however, was hotly contested by Republicans and Democrats alike. The legislation would change who the St. Louis chief of police reports to. Currently, the chief of police reports to a board made up of the mayor of St. Louis and four gubernatorial appointees. However, if enacted the legislation would shift control of the St. Louis police force to a public safety director appointed by the mayor. Representative Roorda opposed the bill saying, "the bill leaves too many unknowns for the police officers and leaves them at the mercy of city hall." Giving control of the police force to St. Louis city's government could create a situation where the police have to act according to the whims of the local government, instead of carrying out their jobs effectively.

To read the entire story click here.

Jamie McMurray Day

Thursday, February 25th NASCAR driver Jamie McMurray was at the Capital to speak with Legislators and receive congratulations for his recent Daytona 500 victory. McMurray was born in Joplin Missouri, and came back to his native Missouri to celebrate his February 14^th Dayton triumph. I had the pleasure of visiting with the decorated driver and received some valuable tips from the decorated driver. McMurray led the race for only two laps, the least ever in Dayton history and beat out Dale Earnhardt Jr. for the win.

Energize Missouri

I wanted to make you aware of the Energize Missouri Housing Initiative, a program offered by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. The purpose of the program is to boost energy savings and cutting utility costs for Missouri low-income families. The Department of Natural Resources has allocated 25.6 million dollars of funding for the program. To receive funding an application must be submitted to the Department by March 31, 2010. Eligible applicants include community action agencies as well as other public or not for profit groups. A pre-bid informational meeting will be held at 9 a.m. on March 9 at the Lewis & Clark State Office Building, 1101 Riverside Drive, Jefferson City. A primary component of every proposal must be the delivery of energy-efficiency improvements and services to clients. Application forms and full program details may be found on the department website at: DNR - Energize Missouri

Purgason: Increasing Jobs and Prosperity in Missouri

Missouri is in a very unique position. Located in the central part of the United States and bordered by eight surrounding states, we are in a position where we must not only compete for jobs across the nation and with foreign countries, but we must also compete with the states that border us.

Missouri, like all other states in the nation as well as our federal government, is experiencing major financial problems. The Governor this week met with the Senate to discuss lowering our consensus revenue estimate and to take an additional $300 million out of our state budget.

Our economy continues to slide, dropping over 14% last month alone. Last week, I spent some time in the St. Louis area and as I was driving home, I drove by the abandoned Chrysler plant near Fenton. The sign out front said, “For sale or lease” and the parking lot was empty. All across the state in small towns are the sights of empty stores and closed businesses.

Our unemployment rate continues to climb and our budget continues to decline. This past week we debated a tax credit bill that again puts the legislature in the position of picking winners and losers in the free market system. Every year we pass tax credits and tax incentives to try to out-bid other states and countries in pursuit of good jobs for the citizens of the state. These credits and incentives usually go to only large companies and put small businesses at a competitive disadvantage --- all this while small business comprises over 90% of the job creation in the state.

This is the time when we put forward new ideas and design a new way of competing in today’s economy. That is why I put forth the Missouri Jobs and Prosperity Act.

This act [SJR29] would put before the voters of the state the opportunity to go to a completely different method of fostering economic activity in the state. The act, upon voter approval, would begin a five-year program to increase sales tax and a phase out individual income tax. Also, all corporate and franchise taxes would be eliminated.

The tax base would be expanded to include services while exempting motor fuels, insurance, education (k-12, higher education and vocational-technical), charitable donations, purchases and government snap payments. The maximum sales tax rate would be no more than 7% to guarantee budget neutrality. Also, every individual would receive a pre-bate to insure the first $2800 of purchases were tax-free up to $11,200 per household.

Everyone’s take home pay will be more because state income taxes would no longer be deducted. Also businesses would be able to lower the cost of doing business and would not have to include the hidden tax costs that none of us see in the price of their products.

Instead of taxing someone for working harder and earning more, the tax would be a consumption tax based on the amount of things you buy while empowering you as an individual to make your own choices.

Businesses prefer to re-locate to states that have no income tax. This has been proven by the growth of businesses in states that use tax income versus the states that do not. Missouri ranks 49th in the nation on new job creation. This cannot continue if we are to be prosperous as a state to ensure jobs for our families.

To recover from the current economic recession and to attract new jobs from competing states, Missouri needs to create a “Jobs-Friendly Environment.”

The best way to create such an environment is by developing a tax policy that promotes economic growth and encourages the creation of new jobs. A second way to work toward a “Jobs-Friendly Environment” is to provide greater stability to funding quality schools and universities, adequate and safe roads and affordable healthcare.

The Missouri Jobs and Prosperity Act would create over 20,000 new jobs in Missouri each and every year. It would create more than 200,000 jobs over a decade. It would do this at a time when jobs are needed the most.

The system created by this act would be more stable than income taxes. Income taxes are collected annually and are impacted greatly by economic downturns. Sales taxes are collected monthly and have a history of being less impacted by shifts in the economy; therefore providing a more stable stream of revenue that would ensure more consistent funding for our local schools, universities, transportation and healthcare. That stability would make it easier to make long-term funding projections for important programs.

Change is not very welcome in government. Many lobbyists and special interest groups like the current system that redistributes wealth. As someone once said, the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. This is the time to begin the conversation on changing government for the better.

The only time politicians can ever make tough decisions is when they can no longer beg, borrow or print themselves to the next election. Now is the time to bring the Show-Me State to the forefront as a leader in job creation and begin renewing the promise of a growing Missouri economy.

As always, I appreciate hearing your comments, opinions, and concerns. I can be reached in Jefferson City at (573)751-1882, you can e-mail me at chuck{dot}purgason{at}senate{dot}mo{dot}gov or you can write to me by regular mail at 201 West Capitol Avenue, Room 420, Jefferson City, MO 65101.

Rupp: Offering Protection For The Citizens of Missouri

If I had to sum up this week's Senate action with one word, that one word would be protection.

Missouri farmers received some Senate protection this week from the State Tax Commission, which had voted to raise taxes on farm land. By a vote of 30-3, we approved Senate Joint Resolution 32 and 35 that says we disagree with the commission's decision to give new, higher values to agricultural and horticultural property. I agreed to co-sign this bill, because 1) I'm against raising any taxes, and 2) our farmers are dealing with enough issues like rising costs and volatile markets and we don't need burden them with additional worries about how they're going to pay their property taxes.  Our state's farmers have enough on their mind as it is. The House of Representatives will examine the resolution soon, and as a Senate body we have vowed to get it passed in the time allotted for us to deny this unjust and badly-timed recommendation.

I testified on my Senate Bill 725 this week before the Senate Health, Mental Health, Seniors and Families Committee. This bill protects taxpayers by requiring drug screenings for welfare recipients.

Basically, if a case worker suspects that one of their clients is using drugs, this gives that case worker the power to test their client. If there is a positive test, the drug abuser is required to participate in a substance abuse program.  If the individual fails to complete the substance abuse program or after completing the program still continues to test positive in subsequent drug tests the individual will be ineligible for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits.

This proposed legislation protects the children of welfare recipients by making sure the kids of those recipients who are caught using drugs still get their benefits. And, most importantly, it will offer help to those who may need protection from themselves.

Finally, we're one step closer to real protection for those individuals affected by autism and their families. My autism insurance reform bill, Senate Bill 618, was unanimously approved by the Senate Small Business, Insurance and Industrial Relations Committee and will soon be considered by the full Senate body.

This legislation prohibits health insurance carriers from denying coverage for this devastating neurological disorder that is affecting more and more Missouri children. It covers treatment plans, and sets boundaries on a maximum benefit in a calendar year. A family shouldn't have to go broke while they try to get their child the help they deserve.

The Senate Judiciary Committee passed SB 586, sponsored by Sen. Matt Bartle (R-Lee's Summit), which would strengthen regulations for sexually oriented businesses in Missouri, including prohibiting anyone from establishing a sexually oriented business within 1,000 feet of a pre-existing school, house of worship, state-licensed day care, public library, residence, or other sexually oriented business. The bill would also require such establishments to close between the hours of midnight and 6 a.m. and prohibit the sale, use and consumption of alcohol on the premises.

COMMITTEE HEARINGS

Committee hearings continued to dominate Senate activity this week as the chamber's major ethics reform bill—an issue touted as one of the Legislature's top priorities for the session—was presented in the Senate Rules, Joint Rules, Resolutions and Ethics Committee. Senate Bill 577, sponsored by Senate President Pro Tem Charlie Shields (R-St. Joseph), would create the position of an independent investigator within the Ethics Commission, bar certain contributions to incumbent officials during session and expand income reporting requirements to include legislative staff.

Also receiving a hearing in the Senate Transportation Committee was a bill that would ban texting while driving in Missouri—for all ages. A law passed last year prohibits drivers 21 years of age and younger from texting while driving. Senator Ryan McKenna (D-Crystal City), who also sponsored last year's provision, is sponsoring this year's SB 701. The measure would apply the text message ban universally so that all drivers, regardless of their age, are prohibited from texting while operating a motor vehicle.

Other hearings held this week included:

• Senate Bill 583, sponsored by Sen. Norma Champion (R-Springfield), was heard in the Senate Small Business, Insurance and Industry Committee. The measure would entitle consumers with long-term insurance policies and Medicare supplement policies to premium refunds, and restricts certain abusive sales practices with respect to Medicare products.
• Senate Bill 594, sponsored by Sen. Rita Heard Days (D-St. Louis), was heard in the Senate Health, Mental Health, Seniors and Families Committee. The bill would allow adopted individuals age 18 and over to obtain copies of their original birth certificates under certain circumstances.
• A quartet of bills relating to drug-testing of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) recipients and applicants also received hearings in the health committee this week. The bills are SB 602 (sponsored by Sen. Jason Crowell, R-Cape Girardeau), SB 607 (sponsored by Sen. Stouffer), SB 615 (sponsored by Sen. Jack Goodman, R-Mount Vernon), and SB 725 (sponsored by Sen. Rupp). Watch a video clip of Sen. Stouffer discussing the issue.
• Senate Concurrent Resolution 36, sponsored by Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-Glendale), urges Congress to pass a balanced budget amendment to the United States Constitution. The resolution was heard in the rules committee along with SCR 37, also sponsored by Sen. Schmitt, which urges the attorney general to investigate the constitutionality of the Nebraska Compromise to federal health care legislation.
• Senate Joint Resolution 23 was heard in the Senate General Laws Committee. The measure, sponsored by Sen. Luann Ridgeway (R-Smithville), would prohibit a political subdivision from receiving state funding if it provides health insurance to its employees through a public health insurance option plan—upon voter approval.
• Senate Bill 596, sponsored by Sen. Victor Callahan (D-Independence), was heard in the Senate Progress and Development Committee. The bill would allow the governing bodies of any Missouri city to designate Show-Me Small Business Districts within a city for no longer than 23 years. During the designation period, eligible small businesses within these areas could receive tax-favored status for a term not to exceed 15 years.
• Senate Joint Resolution 25, sponsored by Sen. Jane Cunningham (R-Chesterfield), was heard in the Senate Governmental Accountability and Fiscal Oversight Committee. Upon approval by voters, the resolution would prohibit any laws from interfering with Missourians' health care choices.
• Also heard in the same committee was SJR 29, sponsored by Sen. Chuck Purgason (R-Caulfield) and Sen. Ridgeway. The measure, upon voter approval, would replace all state income taxes with a sales and use tax. Watch a video clip of the resolution being presented to committee.

The Senate Appropriations Committee also met this week to begin work on the fiscal year 2011 budget after receiving the governor's recommendations during his State of the State address on Jan. 20. Committee members will continue to meet throughout the weeks to come as they begin to develop their budget plan in conjunction with the House Budget Committee. The bills comprising the FY 2011 budget will eventually be debated, first in the House and then in the Senate (all appropriations bills originate in the House).

Fiscal year 2010 ends June 30, 2010. Fiscal year 2011 begins July 1, 2010, and runs through June 30, 2011. The Legislature must send a final state budget for FY 2011 to the governor by May 7, 2010.

Listen to the Senate Minute's report on the budget.

The Missouri Senate reconvenes at 4 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 1. The Second Regular Session of the 95th Missouri General Assembly runs through Friday, May 14, 2010.

As the 2010 legislative session unfolds, I will continue to keep you, my constituents, apprised of all major developments, and I look forward to continuing to serve your needs and priorities in Jefferson City. As always, if you have any questions about this week's column or any other matter involving state government, please do not hesitate to contact me. You can reach my office by phone at (866) 271-2844.