September 17, 2009

Very little was accomplished as expected yesterday as the veto session came to a close. However, there were thirteen various fundraisers held in two days.

Representative Tilley (R-Farmington) was elected Spring Elect or Minority Leader depending the November elections next year.

Representative Mike Talboy (D) was elected Minority Leader Elect or Speaker should the Democrats retake the Majority in the House.

Interim committees were held on streamlining Missouri’s tax credits. The Fair Tax was discussed to eliminate state and local taxes in exchange for a state sales tax that potentially would be up to 12%. The committee heard the proposal. However, the Senate is not inclined to move that way. The House Chair of Ways and Means also a member of this Joint Committee was courteous to all proponents “shipped in” on the fair tax. However, he is not moving forward. The legislation did pass the House last year and must be taken seriously. It is being pushed by St. Louis billionaire Rex Singqufield’s group.

Numerous interim committees will be holding hearings this fall on education, transportation, health and economic development.

An attempt was made to override HB 544 giving lawmakers great oversight on federal stimulus spending. A party line vote occurred 86-71 falling far short of the 109 votes needed to override the Governor’s veto.

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