Bonding for Higher Education Vlog

Winter Storm "Q"

It is not often we write on the actual inner workings of the legislature – we often talk about the ideas and policies being proposed, debated, passed or defeated.  But this week, leadership of the House and the Senate faced extraordinary circumstances.  Though we had planned for a routine week – amending bills on Tuesday and Wednesday and then passing the final versions on Thursday – Mother Nature had other things in mind. 

 

Early on Tuesday we started hearing about the impending Winter Storm “Q”.  As time progressed, it became clear that “Q” was not going to be a light dusting of snow.  The Capitol and most of Missouri was likely to see a range of wintery conditions from freezing rain to snow.  It was clear that a decision on whether or not to ask legislators and staff to remain at the Capitol through the rest of the week had to be made. 

 

I wrote to you last week about public safety being the chief concern of government.  With this in mind, we decided that we could not guarantee the safety of the hundreds of legislators who drive in from across the entire state and the staff who support us here in Jefferson City should we continue with our planned business.  We adjourned on Wednesday for the remainder of the week and asked legislators to be mindful of the storm as they planned their weekends.  We also granted an internal holiday for staff on Thursday so they could stay at home with their families as schools would likely be closed and roads in nearby cities would be dangerous to travel. 

 

As I woke early on Thursday I was reassured we made the right decision.  Kansas City alone saw record levels of snow.  Some parts of Missouri were spared, but I-70 was at a standstill during parts of the day and I have heard accounts of the many abandoned cars dotting Highways 63, 54, and 50 (three main arteries to Jefferson City used by our staff and members).  The legislature’s business is important, but not so important that we risk the safety of the hundreds who come to work and serve at your State Capitol. 

Protecting our Fundamental Rights

The Second Amendment to the United State Constitution states:

“A well-regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.”

 

You have probably heard a lot of talk in the past few months, especially this past week, about all the different tactics being proposed by Democrats in D.C., and now Missouri, that not only violate, but actually eradicate, our second amendment rights.

 

One of the most appalling attacks, HB 545, came late last week from Rep. Rory Ellinger (D-86). House Bill 545 is one of the most preposterous anti-gun bills filed this year as it would turn many law-abiding gun owners into felons. This infringement would ban the possession, sale, transfer or manufacturing of certain semi-automatic rifles and magazines that are capable of holding more than ten rounds. It contains no grandfather clause, which means if you are currently in possession of the semi-automatic rifles and magazines outlined in this bill, you will have 90 days from the effective date of this legislation to surrender, destroy or remove these currently lawful items from Missouri. If you fail to do so, you could be charged with a Class C felony.

 

Here in Missouri, the Republican led legislature is dedicated to upholding and protecting the fundamental rights of our citizens as outlined in the Constitution. Legislation that is clearly an infringement on our Constitution deserves nothing but a swift and public execution.

 

One piece of legislation being proposed in the House to protect the rights of Missourians is HB 170 called the "Firearm Protection Act", sponsored by Rep. Casey Guernsey (R-2). This legislation is designed to shield our citizens from President Obama's gun control mandates, executive orders and proposed legislation that would limit our fundamental Second Amendment rights. The Firearm Protection Act specifies that no official shall enforce a federal firearm law when the firearm is manufactured and remains in the state and that any new federal law banning or restricting ownership of a semi-automatic firearm is unenforceable. In addition the legislation would make any attempt to curb a Missourian’s Second Amendment rights a class D felony and directs the Attorney General of the State of Missouri to defend Missouri citizen's rights to keep and bear arms.

 

Missouri legislators believe it is their fundamental responsibility to defend and protect Missourians’ basic constitutional rights framed in both the US and Missouri Constitutions.

House Advances Tax Amnesty Program

The Missouri House voted to send the Senate a new revenue policy being championed by budget hawk Representative Tom Flanigan (R-Carthage).  Rep. Flanigan initially proposed the idea of tax amnesty in the 2011 legislative session as a way to help increase revenues without raising taxes.  I think it is an intelligent idea and it will help us fund many critical services. 

 

How does it work?

 

Upon its passage and the Governor’s signature, the Department of Revenue will begin working to advertise and implement the necessary program requirements to offer the general public an amnesty opportunity.  That is, if you owe back taxes, you can make arrangements with the Department to pay them with all interest and penalties will be waived. 

 

What if the taxpayer fails to pay?

 

Rep. Flanigan and the rest of the Republican-led legislature understand that some folks want to make right on their tax bills.  But we also know that we can’t provide amnesty without expecting taxpayers to continue to pay their taxes just like their neighbors, you, and I.  We added some safeguards to encourage those who have a debt to pay it, but also to ensure they don’t fall back into the red later down the road.  In fact, if in any of the eight years after a taxpayer participates in the amnesty program they fall behind again, all prior interest and penalties will be reapplied.  Additionally, language was added that will ensure that a taxpayer who receives amnesty on a certain tax will not be able to participate in any future amnesty programs for that same tax.  We think this is a good way to encourage positive changes, be considerate of those burdened by tough times from the recession, and bring folks up to par and paying their fair share like their neighbors. 

 

How much will the state generate?

 

Estimates have ranged from $55 million to more than $70 million in additional revenues that the state will receive if it offers the amnesty program.  Those funds will help balance the budget without a tax increase – a promise you’ve asked for, we’ve made, and we continue to keep.