Grading Missouri Schools Vlog

Rep. Flanigan's Legislation to Help Joplin Moving Forward

The House took a great step forward in helping Joplin’s local economy recover from the devastating May 22, 2011 tornado that cut through a large swath of the Southwest Missouri town.  Though the bill is difficult to explain due to the technical nature of Tax Increment Finance law, the basic idea is as follows:

With approval from local governing officials, redevelopers are incentivized to build certain projects in certain areas - in this case those affected by the disaster. A portion of the new tax revenue from sales and property taxes that the local government would have received from the growth that this redevelopment causes is then diverted to help the developer cover some of the costs of construction.

This legislation will add future state revenues to the mix, reinforcing the state's commitment to Joplin. The city and state benefit by revitalization and the new tax revenue they receive from that revitalization, the developer benefits by having some of their risk mitigated, and the citizens benefit by having a faster redevelopment of the town.

When certain areas are devastated by disaster, the entire system of governance, economics, and public safety is at risk. Joplin held together in the moments, days, weeks, and now many months since the May 22, 2011, tornado. In fact, we took great pride in taking care of one another. It is my hope that this legislation will serve to compliment the already indelible spirit of Jasper County's economic hub.

House Republicans Stand With Veterans

Missourians are very proud and mindful of the service and sacrifice of our men and women committed to protecting our freedoms and our nation through service in our Armed Forces.  Throughout our Nation’s history, untold millions have voluntarily answered this call of duty.  In one way or another, they have all paid a huge price for their love of freedom – some paying the ultimate price. 

 

While we can never fully compensate our returning veterans for their sacrifice, we are committed to doing everything we can to provide the support they need and deserve.  In the face of last year’s revenue shortfalls, House Republicans were able to ink a deal in HB 1731 to provide a secure funding stream for the Veterans Commission Capital Improvements Trust Fund – saving potential closures of Veterans Homes.  We are truly committed to providing for our veterans and active service men and women here in Missouri.  This year we are continuing with the tradition of support for our veterans in the passage of HJR 8.

 

HJR 8, sponsored by Rep. Sheila Solon (R-31), proposes a constitutional amendment requiring the State Lottery Commission to develop and begin selling a “Veterans Lottery Ticket” by July 1, 2015.  The net proceeds from the sale of these tickets would be deposited into the Veterans Commission Capital Improvements Trust Fund to provide vital services to our veterans.   This legislation has received resounding support and no opposition. 

 

There is no greater sacrifice than placing your life on the line in service to your country and the protection of freedom.  We shall forever be indebted to, and humbled by, our veterans.  While the debt we owe them can never be repaid, we shall never waiver in our attempt.

Protecting Rural Missourians

The Missouri House passed legislation this week sending a strong message about our support of your right to farm here in Missouri. We are fully committed to standing in defense of the traditions, values and rights we Missourians have held dear for generations. HCS HJR 11 & 7, sponsored by Rep. Bill Reiboldt (R-160), would approve a constitutional amendment giving voters the opportunity to make their voices heard on this important issue in the next statewide election. It will allow all of us who value our agrarian traditions to stand in opposition to the radical animal rights groups like PETA and HSUS when they assault our freedoms with measures like Prop B.

 

HCS HJR 11 & 7 is a common-sense measure protecting Missourians from the encroachment of out-of-state special interest groups. As the national animal rights lobby continues to partner with the entrenched bureaucrats in President Obama’s Department of Agriculture, it is important to remember we can take actions at the state level to protect ourselves. I am proud to join with my colleagues to defend the traditions passed down from generation to generation in Missouri’s fields, backyard gardens, and thick stands of timber for more than 190 years.

 

As we engage in this effort to protect the rights of farmers, it is important to understand one of the most powerful weapons in the war on rural Missouri has been the authority of federal and state agencies to put new ‘rules’ in place. These ‘rules’ are not enacted by the legislature, but have the force and effect of law. For example, the Missouri Department of Agriculture could pass a ‘rule’ limiting the number of cattle a farmer could own, or a ‘rule’ limiting how many acres of corn a farmer could plant.

 

It is so important to protect the right to farm in the Missouri Constitution. While state ‘rule-making’ authorities may be able to skirt the law, they cannot infringe on the rights granted in the Constitution.

 

State and federal agencies will continue to expand their powers to legislate through the ‘rule-making’ process until we push back. In the Missouri House we are proactively working to safeguard the rights of all Missourians whose life and love is farming.