March 18, 2011

The House Budget Committee finished their budget recommendations in record time. The submissions from the budget committee will be taken up immediately after Spring Recess in an attempt to send the budget to the Senate prior to April. The budget is due to be finished by the 1st week of May.

“Right to Work” was debated on Monday. The President Pro Tem, Rob Mayer, has set RTW as a high priority for the state.

Republicans and Democrats both voiced their opinion in an initial 3 hour debate. It is generally agreed that even if the Republican controlled legislature passes the legislation there is more than an even chance that Democratic Governor Nixon will veto the bill.

The Mega Tax has not been moving lately as legislators realize the initiative will be on the ballot in November 2012. The Realtors Association has stepped forward with a $135,000 to start up Missourians for Fair Taxation to combat billionaire Singqufield’s initiative to abolish the state income tax in favor of a greatly enhanced sales tax.

The House gave first round approval to a modified workers compensation law for Missouri.

Supporters have said a new law is needed to restore the Worker’s Compensation system to the way it operated for many year, where employees who sought payments from the compensation fund for on-the-job injuries were prohibited from taking their cases to court as well.

The newest member of the Senate, Senator Shalonn “Kiki” Curls (D – Kansas City) was sworn in as the Senator from the 9th District on Wednesday, March 8th.  Senator Curls replaces former Senator Yvonne Wilson, who retired from the Senate in December.

News this week includes:

Core Funding
Representative Flannigan held time to keep our funding amendment intact for $1.3 million for core public health functions. This is a huge victory for MOALPHA!

This funding will hold in the House. However, we will have to keep the pressure on Senator Schaefer (Chair Senator Appropriations) and the President Pro Tem Mayer as HB 10 moves through the Senate.

Cigarette Tax
HB 859 Increasing  the cigarette tax by 12.5 cents per pack per year for 8 years until the additional tax reaches $1.00 has been introduced but not yet assigned.

Next Week
The General Assembly will adjourn until March 28th. Weekly legislative reports will resume April 1st.

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