Bonding

By now I am sure you are well aware of our intent here in the Missouri House of Representatives to promote a bonding issue to fund renovations to our state’s infrastructure.  As a strong fiscal conservative, with a crystal clear record of promoting the principle of living within your means, my decision to back the idea of bond issuance deserves a thorough explanation.

In 1982, then Governor Kit Bond was successful in his efforts to convince the Missouri Legislature and a majority of Missouri voters to agree to a bond issuance of $600 million in order to fund building and repair projects across the State of Missouri.  The resounding success of this initiative can be seen all across our great state.  The list of projects completed with this money is vast and includes, but is not limited to, the construction of the Western Missouri Correction Center, the Science Building at UMSL, the Mineral Engineering and Management Building at Missouri S&T, the Business Building at MSU, the Law School Building at UM-Columbia, the Business and Public Administration Building at UMKC, the Recreation Facility at MSU, the Agriculture Engineering Building at UM-Columbia, five group homes in Jackson County for the Department of Mental Health, the Multipurpose Recreational Facility at UMKC, the Major Events Facility at MSU, and the Health Sciences Library at UM-Columbia.  As if this were not enough, this bond also paid for numerous additions, renovations, expansions, and maintenance/repair projects to existing facilities across the state.  Furthermore, it provided funding necessary for soil and water conservation projects, storm water control grants, rural sewer and water system grants, and major park facility improvements.  Having just completed the final payment on this bond and reflecting on what was accomplished; it is crystal clear that it is a success story worth repeating.

After reviewing all the aspects of this issue ranging from its positive economic impact, to the desperately needed improvements to outdated and failing infrastructure, to the historically low interest rates we enjoy as a state with a AAA credit rating, it is clear to me that this is the correct path for our state.

In next week’s report I will address how a bond issuance would directly, and positively, impact you and your family in the years to come.