Tax Policy Evaluated at Joint Interim Committee Hearing - 11/14/2007
Jefferson City - The Missouri Joint Interim Committee on Tax Policy met
in the State Capitol on Tuesday to discuss tax credits and property taxes.
The committee has met several times during the interim to consider existing
tax credits and their effectiveness. According to committee member Rep.
Sutherland, R-Warrenton, the committee has not yet seen instances of abuse
or misuse, but is seeing some non-use and will develop recommendations
accordingly. He says he hopes progress will be made in the upcoming session.
“I think that it’s very important… to take it as a
real responsibility to make changes in our tax policy so we have a policy
that’s fair, that’s simple and that’s equitable - and
that’s what we’re going to try to accomplish with our recommendations
and hopefully with the legislation we put forward,” Rep. Sutherland
said.
On Tuesday, much of the discussion centered on property taxes, an issue
currently on the forefront of the minds of many Missouri taxpayers.
“Definitely on the issue of property tax, we need to address the
complexity, that’s a lot of the problem, and also the fact that
the system is not necessarily operating smoothly,” Rep. Sutherland
said.
He said during the 20 years since any significant changes have been made
the burden has shifted from commercial and agriculture property owners
to residential owners. House Speaker Rod Jetton also appointed a Task
Force on Property Tax Reform, a group made up of legislators in addition
to other Missouri citizens, which plans to develop recommendations for
property tax reform.
The Tax Policy committee plans to meet again in early Dec. to draft its
policy recommendations for the upcoming legislative session.
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House Interim Committee Discusses Second Injury Fund - 11/9/2007
Jefferson City - The Missouri House Interim Committee on the Second Injury
Fund met in the State Capitol on Tuesday to hear a presentation from PricewaterhouseCoopers
about the fund and its pending bankruptcy, and met again Wednesday to discuss
possible solutions.
The Second Injury Fund covers instances in which workers' existing disabilities
are combined with a work-related injury. The employer is responsible for
only the new injury while the fund currently covers the remaining compensation.
PricewaterhouseCoopers said the Second Injury Fund will be insolvent
in 2009. Possible options for avoiding this include lowering payments
that go out or raising the surcharge currently assessed to insurance companies
and self-insurers, which is now capped at 3 percent. PricewaterhouseCoopers
said discontinuing the fund would still leave it responsible for millions
in liabilities to be paid during the next several decades.
On Wednesday, the committee, chaired by Rep. Steve Hunter, R-Joplin,
heard testimony and suggestions from multiple stakeholders. Preliminary
suggestions ranged from eliminating the fund all together to limiting
eligibility for the fund to raising the surcharge for insurance companies
and self-insurers.
Rep. Hunter says the committee plans to tackle the issue during the upcoming
session.
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| House Interim Committee Discusses Poverty Causes and Solutions
- 11/5/2007 The Missouri House Interim Committee on Poverty
met in the State Capitol on Monday to examine the causes of poverty and
discuss possible policy solutions.
The committee chaired by Rep. Cynthia Davis, R-O’Fallon, heard
testimony from Michael Cannon of the CATO Institute who discussed the
low wage trap. Cannon says many low-income individuals fall into the trap
as they begin to make more money but lose government benefits and pay
more taxes.
Cannon suggested a focus be placed on providing assistance to the poor
but to do so without creating disincentives for them to climb the economic
ladder. One of his recommendations to the committee was to allow Missourians
to purchase health insurance from other states.
Representative Robert Schaaf, R-St. Joseph questioned this approach fearing
it might lead to Missourians receiving inadequate coverage. He did agree
the low wage trap causes a challenge and that government solutions need
further exploration to create incentives for people to work harder.
“I’ve had people turn down extra work. I’ve seen them
do it,” said Rep. Schaaf. “I’ve seen them not taking
better paying jobs because if they do then they lose benefits.”
The committee also heard testimony from Anthony Bradley, Research Fellow
for the Acton Institute. The committee plans to meet again in December
to continue their dialogue on the issue.
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House Interim Committees Prepare For Eventful Week - 11/2/2007
Jefferson City – A number of interim committees charged with addressing
a wide array of issues will meet in the coming week to obtain testimony
from Missourians who may be affected by the legislative proposals that result
from the recommendations of the committees.
The House Interim Committee on Senior Nutrition chaired by Rep. Joe Smith,
R-St. Charles, will hold meetings in Marble Hill and Sikeston on November
5 and 6. The committee is charged with finding ways to improve services
provided by Missouri’s Senior Nutrition Program and ensuring sufficient
and adequate are being provided to Missouri’s senior population.
The House Interim Committee on Poverty chaired by Rep. Cynthia Davis,
R-O’Fallon, will meet in Jefferson City on November 5. The committee
is tasked with examining the root causes of poverty and exploring possible
policy solutions to address the issue.
The House Interim Committee on the Second Injury Fund will meet on November
6 and 7 in the State Capitol. The committee chaired by Rep. Steve Hunter,
R-Joplin, is charged with seeking solutions to insure Second Injury Fund
solvency in 2008 and in the future.
The House Interim Committee on Veterans Services chaired by Rep. David
Day, R-Dixon, will meet in Overland on November 7 and Independence on
November 8. The committee has been tasked with finding solutions for long-term
funding for veterans homes as well as ensuring the quality of services
received by veterans in Missouri.
The public is invited to attend the hearings. For specific time and location
information please refer to the official Hearing
Schedule.
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House Gives Approval to Economic Development Package - 8/23/2007
Jefferson City – The Missouri House of Representatives today concluded
their initial approval of two legislative priorities called for by the Governor
during a special session of the general assembly.
The economic development package, known as HB 1, contained several provisions
aimed at increasing job creation in Missouri. The primary provision in
HB 1 was an expansion of an already successful Quality Jobs Program that
has attracted multiple employers and meant thousands of high paying jobs
to the state. Supporters of the bill note the innovative nature of the
program, where employers are required not only to pay above average wages
but also provide 50% of employees’ health insurance costs, as reasons
the program has become so popular.
Another provision in the bill however was the topic of a great deal of
debate. This provision would provide tax credits for developers to assemble
land parcels in North St. Louis City. Despite large portions of the area
currently sitting uninhabited and other structures in the area being condemned,
critics were hesitant to support the measure because they said no clear
development plans existed.
Even with a small group of opponents the measure received overwhelming
bipartisan support passing 129-20. The economic development bill will
now pass to the Senate where committee work is expected to start early
next week.
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House Approves Bridge Plan - 8/23/2007
Jefferson City – The Missouri House today gave approval to a bond
authorization plan that would pave the way for an inventive program aimed
at repairing or replacing more than 800 of the worst bridges in the state.
House Bill 2 fixes an area of Missouri law that has prevented the Missouri
Department of Transportation from awarding a single bid to repair or replace
the damaged bridges. Current law would require the contractor with the
winning bid to obtain billion-dollar performance bonds lasting for 30
years – something that does not exist. With passage of House Bill
2 the bonding restriction would be reduced and the Missouri Department
of Transportation could proceed with its program which has been entitled
the Safe and Sound Bridge Improvement Program.
The Safe and Sound Program has the goal of repairing or replacing 802
bridges by 2012. The project will be awarded to one contractor who will
have until that date to renovate all of the damaged bridges. In addition
the contractor selected will be responsible for maintaining the bridges
in good condition for an additional 25 years.
The legislation now moves to the Senate for consideration.
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| Economic Development Package and Bridge Bill
Receive Committee Approval - 8/21/2007
Jefferson City – Today two House Committees passed legislation addressing
the call for a special session of the General Assembly by the Governor.
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Opening of Special Session - 8/20/2007
Jefferson City – Today marks the first day of the legislative
special session called by Governor Matt Blunt to revisit an economic development
package previously vetoed by the Governor.
Excessive cost and an unknown future fiscal impact were major concerns
with the bill as legislators loaded up the economic development bill before
sending it to the Governor. However, since the Governor’s veto,
House and Senate leaders from both sides have been working together to
craft a paired down version of the bill that all sides can agree to.
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State Leaders Announce Special Session
on Economic Development Bill and Bridge Repairs - 8/10/2007
Jefferson City – Today, House Speaker Rod Jetton joined Governor Matt
Blunt and Senate President Pro Tem Michael R. Gibbons as the governor announced
the call for a special legislative session. According to today’s announcement,
legislators will be asked to focus on two objectives during the special
session: the expansion of economic development initiatives and a legislative
fix to speed the repair and replacement of more than 800 Missouri bridges.
“I’m really excited about this,” said Speaker Jetton.
“To me this economic development bill is ... going to be a huge
positive boon for the state of Missouri’s economy, for creating
jobs.”
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| 9-1-1 Service Lacking, House Committee
Told - 8/6/2007 Jefferson City – The House Interim Committee
to Evaluate the 9-1-1 System began taking testimony in a public hearing
in Jefferson City this afternoon. According to early testimony, the committee
faces the significant challenge of recommending a funding that accounts
for advancing technologies.
The 9-1-1 system “is in definite need of evaluation,” said
the committee’s chair, Rep. Mark Bruns (R-Jefferson City). “It’s
in desperate need of funds. Frankly, the most important thing that will
come out of the committee is [determining] how we can go about appropriating
the funds.”
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| House Seeks Compromise on Economic
Development Package - 7/19/2007
Jefferson City – Speaker Rod Jetton (R-Marble Hill) announced
the intended compromise to proceed with an economic development package
vetoed earlier by the Governor.
“Gov. Blunt had some legitimate concerns about the fiscal impact
of HB 327 and the implications those costs may have in the long term on
the state budget,” said Jetton. “But we also want to put together
an economic development package that will help Missouri right now. I support
the Governor calling a special session because I believe we have a good
compromise and the sooner we can get to it the sooner we start making
positive changes that will move Missouri forward.”
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Bi-Partisan Coalition Receives Overwhelming
Response During Statewide Tour Promoting Senior Tax Cut - 6/22/2007
Jefferson City – Hundreds of supporters from all areas of Missouri
turned out to voice their approval of the Senior Tax Justice Act during
a statewide tour that concluded on Thursday. The tour, led by Speaker of
the Missouri House Rod Jetton (R-Marble Hill), consisted of a bi-partisan
coalition of legislators and senior advocates who traveled to all corners
of the state to promote the act that puts an end to the state’s tax
on non-private retirement income like Social Security, military pensions
and teacher’s retirement income.
“I was overwhelmed by the amazing turnout and response we had on
this tour,” said Speaker Jetton. “I think it goes to show
how excited seniors and retirees are about ending this unfair tax.”
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Statewide Tour Continues; Hundreds Gather
- 6/20/2007
Jefferson City - Crowds gathered in Poplar Bluff and Cape Girardeau today
to welcome a bi-partisan group of legislators and senior advocates. The
group, led by Speaker Rod Jetton (R-Marble Hill), is traveling the state
promoting a tax cut for Missourians age 62 or older.
Today crowds of at least a hundred people each welcomed the group in
Poplar Bluff and Cape Girardeau. The bi-partisan coalition included Speaker
Jetton, Representative Ron Casey (D-Crystal City); Senator Ryan McKenna
(D-Crystal City); former Representative Jack Jackson (R-Wildwood); former
House Speaker Jim Kreider (D-Nixa), who is now with the Missouri Retired
Teachers Association; Jo Walker of the Silver-Haired Legislature; and
Bob Whitlock of the Missouri Kidney Foundation. Area legislators were
also in attendance.
The legislation passed this year, called the Senior Tax Justice Act,
puts an end to the state’s tax on nonprivate retirement income,
like Social Security income, military pensions and teacher’s retirement
income. Senior Missourians with incomes under $85,000 if they’re
single or $100,000 if they’re married qualify for the tax cut. It
will be phased in over 6 years.
Supporters of the tax cut have made note that Missouri has been one of
only 15 states that tax seniors’ Social Security income. Now, with
Missouri ending the tax and two other states—Iowa and Wisconsin—doing
likewise, states taxing Social Security benefits are a shrinking minority.
The group was meeting in Festus at press time. Tomorrow they make their
final stops in Hannibal, Kirksville, and St. Joseph.
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| Bi-Partisan Coalition Tours State
to Promote Senior Tax Cut - 6/19/2007
Jefferson City – Today, Speaker of the Missouri House Rod Jetton
(R-Marble Hill) and a bi-partisan coalition of legislators and senior
advocates kicked off a statewide tour promoting the Senior Tax Justice
Act. The legislation puts an end to the state’s tax on nonprivate
retirement income, like Social Security income, military pensions and
teacher’s retirement income.
The group first stopped in Jefferson City, where Speaker Jetton commented
on the legislation’s impact.
“We want to make Missouri a place where our seniors are proud to
live, proud to stay,” said Jetton. He also hopes seniors will “want
to be here and that we can be proud that we’re doing the very best
we can to take care of them.”
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Landmark Legislative Session - 5/18/2007
Jefferson City – Speaker Rod Jetton (R-Marble Hill) flanked by
fellow Representatives, members of the Missouri Senate, and Governor Matt
Blunt announced a landmark legislative session.
“This is absolutely one of the most historic sessions for Missouri,”
said Speaker Jetton. “Our economy has been booming and because of
that we were able to do a number of things including cutting taxes for
more than 220,000 Missourians.”
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Medicaid Will Become MO HealthNet: Missouri’s Healthcare
Safety Net Will Be Revamped - 5/18/2007
Jefferson City – In the eleventh hour of the legislative session,
the Missouri House approved a new healthcare program for the state’s
most vulnerable citizens. The new program, called MO HealthNet, emphasizes
wellness, prevention, and responsibility and increases access to healthcare.
The new provisions are found in Senate Bill 577.
Much of SB 577 aims to increase access to healthcare. The new MO HealthNet
program will extend healthcare coverage for foster care children aged
18 to 21. It restores dentistry and optometry services and durable medical
equipment if they are medically necessary and if the state appropriates
sufficient funds.
Others who will have increased access to MO HealthNet include children
whose parents do not have access to affordable health insurance, children
with parents participating in the state’s drug court program, and
women with incomes at or below 185% of the federal poverty level.
Rep. Charles Portwood (R-Ballwin) characterized the new MO HealthNet
as “an extremely generous program.”
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Protections for the Elderly and Disabled Clear
Missouri House - 5/17/2007
Jefferson City – Long-term care facilities licensed by the state
will be required to install extensive fire protection systems, including
sprinkler systems, under legislation given final approval in the House
today. The legislation, House Bill 952 & 674, coupled with another
bill passed this afternoon, significantly increases the protections Missouri
law grants the disabled and elderly.
Rep. Kevin Wilson (R-Neosho), sponsor of HB 952 & 674, said his bill
comes in response to a fire at an Anderson, Missouri care facility that
claimed 11 lives last November.
“I urge my colleagues to please support this bill so that we can
make sure that those people that depend upon us know that when they go
to bed at night they are as safe as they can possibly be,” said
Rep. Wilson.
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House Extends Medicaid Sunset As Negotiations Continue
- 5/17/2007
Jefferson City – The House today amended a bill that extends the
sunset of the state’s healthcare program for the needy. House and
Senate members on a conference committee have not yet reached an agreement
on a bill that reforms Missouri’s Medicaid program, which is scheduled
to terminate June 30, 2008. The amendment’s sponsor said the measure
is necessary.
“If [Senate Bill] 577 doesn’t happen, this [amendment] provides
us a safety net to continue to provide Medicaid through 2010,” said
Rep. Ryan Silvey (R-Kansas City). “If 577 does happen and we have
this as well, my understanding is 577 will preempt this statute and create
MO HealthNet which will be a completely new program.”
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Castle Doctrine Receives Final House Approval -
5/15/2007
Jefferson City – House and Senate members have come to an agreeable
compromise on a bill that reinforces a person’s right to defend
himself.
A House version of Senate Bills 62 & 41 would have removed the duty
to retreat and given Missouri citizens the right to match force with force
if they were attacked and had reason to believe their lives were in danger.
This version of self-defense legislation has commonly been called “Stand
Your Ground.”
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House Requests Compromise on Seat Belt Legislation
- 5/15/2007
Jefferson City – A compromise may be reached on a controversial
proposal that would allow police officers to pull over drivers for not
wearing a seat belt. Currently, law enforcement officers can enforce the
seat belt law only if a driver is pulled over for another violation.
In the past, the House has held up any effort to make seat belt enforcement
primary. Consequently, the Senate version of a large transportation bill,
House Bill 744, would face insurmountable opposition in the House because
it incorporates primary enforcement.
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Crime Bill Establishes Several Protections for
Missourians - 5/15/2007
Jefferson City – An already large crime bill was amended to include
a host of other measures during debate on the Missouri House floor today.
Senate Bill 429, if approved by the Senate and signed into law by the
governor will
• require rape crisis centers to maintain confidentiality of the
individuals they serve;
• prohibit sexual offenders from being within 500 feet of a child
care facility;
• increase penalties for possessing child pornography;
• align state law with the federal Partial-Birth Abortion Act;
• increase penalties for drunk drivers who are repeat offenders;
• allow jailers to carry firearms;
• make it harder for a person with a history of meth-related offenses
to get back on the streets.
• change the threshold for boating while intoxicated so that it
is consistent with the threshold for driving while intoxicated; and
• modify the Missouri law governing the State Highway Patrol.
The House version of SB 429 will be delivered to the Senate. If the Senate
fails to accept the House changes, a conference committee will be called
to work out differences.
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House Considers Legislation Impacting Local Government
- 5/14/2007
Jefferson City – An “omnibus” local government bill
was heavily amended by the Missouri House today. As is often the case
at the end of a legislative session, a bill is brought up and is used
as a vehicle for several amendments that mirror legislation that may have
stalled. The legislation considered today was Senate Bill 22.
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Key Healthcare Measures Approved in House - 5/11/2007
Jefferson City – Two measures that alter the state’s approach
to healthcare received attention in the Missouri House today. One bill
addresses the ability of the 700,000 uninsured Missourians to afford healthcare,
while the other makes substantial changes to the state’s healthcare
program for the needy.
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Tax Cut for Seniors Receives Final Approval - 5/11/2007
Jefferson City – Approximately 220,000 older Missourians will
receive a tax break under a bill passed by the Missouri House today. Called
the “Senior Tax Justice Act” by its sponsor, House Bill 444
eliminates a “double tax” over six years for Missourians age
62 or older. Currently, the Social Security retirement income Missourians
receive is included in their state taxable income.
“Why should I give [my money] to the government to hold for me
and then when I get it back, now I have to pay taxes on it again?”
asked Speaker Rod Jetton (R-Marble Hill), sponsor of HB 444.
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House Concludes Its Work on the State Budget - 5/10/2007
Jefferson City – Members of the Missouri House cast final votes
on the state’s budget tonight. Work on the first nine budget bills
concluded yesterday. Today, House members gave their final approval to
House Bills 10 through 13. The Senate has been picking up budget bills
and giving the last required measure of legislative approval throughout
today.
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Quality Jobs Will Go to the Governor; House Returns
to Amended Senate Version - 5/10/2007
Jefferson City – Today, the Missouri House voted to accept a previous
version of a comprehensive package of economic development incentives,
giving it another chance at becoming law. The fate of the legislation,
House Bill 327, now rests with the governor.
“The governor may or may not sign this legislation because of this
or that,” said Rep. Ron Richard (R-Joplin), sponsor of HB 327. “Frankly,
I believe we need to put it on his desk and go from there.”
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Final Approval of Missouri Budget Gets Underway
- 5/9/2007
Jefferson City – With a constitutional deadline just three days
away, members of the Missouri House began final discussions on the state’s
budget. Conference committee reports for 9 of the 13 budget bills were
approved by the House. House leaders anticipate bringing the remaining
bills up for a vote tomorrow. The Senate must approve the bills before
receiving the governor’s signature.
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Enrollment in Missouri Virtual Schools Kick Off;
House Secures More Funding for Innovative Program - 5/9/2007
Jefferson City – Additional funds secured by the Missouri House
will give the state’s up and coming virtual schools program a needed
boost. The House today put the final legislative seal of approval on an
appropriations bill providing $5.2 million for the Missouri Virtual Instruction
Program (MoVIP).
Rep. Brian Baker (R-Belton) has been the primary member of the House
in support of forming a virtual public school in the state. He worked
with House members and Senators last year to lay the groundwork for the
program, and this year, he secured an additional $5.2 million for the
program.
“It is imperative that we recognize that the virtual school is
a unique and innovative way to reach children around the state,”
said Rep. Baker. “It truly is an investment in education. It is
an investment in students.”
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House Sends Legislation Funding Scholarships and
Higher Education Projects to Governor’s Desk - 5/8/2007
Jefferson City – Today’s passage of a supplemental spending
bill in the House brings closure to efforts by the governor and legislature
to increase access to quality higher education and improve infrastructure
at campuses across the state.
“This has been a long process, but I think we’ve got a solution
that will benefit all of Missouri,” said Speaker Pro Tem Carl Bearden
(R-St. Charles).
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House Votes in Support of Missouri Students and Colleges
- 5/7/2007
Jefferson City – The Missouri House today cast a vote in favor of
increasing college scholarships, funding college building and maintenance
projects, and stabilizing tuition costs. Senate Bill 389 was approved without
any changes in order to expedite the bill’s approval and get it to
Governor Blunt for his signature. The measure is considered comprehensive
and far-reaching.
“This is, without any doubt, ... the largest, biggest, and best
higher education reform that will take place in this legislature for some
time to come,” said Speaker Pro Tem Carl Bearden (R-St. Charles)
who carried SB 389 on the House floor.
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Social Security Tax Cut Approved; Negotiations
Still Likely - 5/3/2007
Jefferson City – A tax-cut priority of Missouri’s governor
and House Speaker received initial approval in the Senate this week. Speaker
Rod Jetton (R-Marble Hill) is pleased with the bill’s passage, especially
after it failed to move for nearly two months, but with changes made to
the bill, that success is bittersweet.
“Some of the amendments I like,” said Speaker Jetton. “Some
of them I don’t like. The main thing is we got it passed.”
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Speaker Asks Senate to Pass Quality Jobs - 5/3/2007
Jefferson City – House Speaker Rod Jetton (R-Marble Hill) echoed
the frustration of House members for the Senate’s failure to move
on a forward-thinking economic development bill, HB 327.
“We think this bill is important for the state. It’s going
to revitalize and promote jobs all over the state,” said Speaker
Jetton. “For some reason we’ve got a few Senators who are
holding the whole show up ... it’s very discouraging to us House
members.”
HB 327 cleared the House with unanimous support in late February. Then,
the bill removed the caps on tax credits for two successful economic development
programs (Quality Jobs and Enhanced Enterprise Zone) and extended the
sunset date of jobs training programs at community colleges.
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UPDATE: House Stands Firm on Quality Jobs Expansion
- 5/2/2007
Jefferson City – Members of the Missouri House of Representatives
sent a strong message to their counterparts in the Senate before recessing
this evening.
Frustrated by the Senate’s failure to accept a conference committee
version of the Quality Jobs Act, Rep. Ron Richard (R-Joplin) asked House
members to join him in refusing to further debate the details of House
Bill 327—a bill that establishes several economic development incentives.
When coupled with the Senate’s failure to adopt similar changes
last year, the Senate’s defiance this year was too much for Rep.
Richard.
“I ... think this is the defining moment,” said Rep. Richard.
“If not we’re going to end up closer to the end of session
and this is going to end up just going away in a filibuster ... Now, there’s
time ... Now’s the [time] we send a message.”
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House Seeks to Prevent Virginia Tech Incident from
Happening in Missouri - 5/1/2007
Jefferson City – The Missouri House of Representatives gave approval
to Senate Bills 62 & 41, measures that protect a person’s right
to use defensive force and added a key provision to make it more difficult
for people committed to the state’s mental health system to obtain
a firearms permit.
Under today’s legislation, Missourians who are obeying the law
and are attacked in a place where they have a legal right to be may stand
their ground and match force with force if they reasonably believe doing
so will prevent death or bodily harm to themselves or to another. Currently,
a property owner can use deadly force only if an intruder is in the act
of breaking into his home. If an intruder has already entered one’s
home—even if it is done illegally—a property owner has a duty
to retreat and could be held civilly liable for using deadly force against
the intruder. SBs 62 & 41 remedy this situation, and include a provision
aimed to prevent shootings like those at Virginia Tech University.
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