Flanigan: Tax amnesty bill will bring $80 million to state without tax increase

In his latest report, Rep. Tom Flanigan, R-Carthage, explains his tax amnesty bill:

Last week, I was glad to debate the merits of my tax amnesty bill on the House floor.  In the next fiscal year, this legislation is projected to bring in nearly $80 million to the state general revenue fund, without a single tax increase.  In fact, we’re helping those Missourians who find themselves burdened with too much interest and penalties to make their debts right.  With this bill, those taxpayers can pay their initial tax debts in full, with no penalties or interest, and they must keep a clean slate with the state for the next eight years. 

For more on this information, or any other bills I have sponsored, click on the links to the right.

“FIX THE SIX”

The business community, from the farm to the barber shop, is the main engine for economic growth in our state.  As you’ve undoubtedly heard, government has a way of hamstringing the possibilities of the private sector through improper regulation. 

To address this problem, and ultimately to help foster job growth in Missouri, the business community has identified six areas of reform that will have immediate impact on job growth and economic health in our state.  They are:employment law reform, workers’ compensation reform, tort reform, unemployment insurance reform, franchise tax cap and elimination of the minimum wage escalator. 

While the finer details of several of these have yet to be ironed out, these topics are certainly worth discussion and consideration.  Over the next several weeks, I will highlight one of them in my Capitol Briefing.  I hope you will be encouraged to share your thoughts if a particular issue presented is of interest.

EMPLOYMENT LAW REFORM

With concern that employment law restrictions on employers may affect the ability to protect and create jobs, changes to Missouri law in this bill include bringing discrimination standards in line with the federal government.  

A Whistleblower Protection Act would also be established to protect those individuals who alert authorities to a crime that has been committed.

Proponents feel that these major provisions will help curb certain frivolous suits, as well as add reinforcing protections to those who seek justice for themselves or their co-workers.