Flanigan offers assessment of 2013 legislative session

(From Rep. Tom Flanigan, R-Carthage)

The 2013 Session of the Missouri Legislature was very productive in the breadth and scope of bills passed and policy reforms implemented. At the end of all the chaos and noise one hundred and sixty three bills were truly agreed and finally passed. From a balanced budget to critical investments in our state capitol building and state services, the people’s business was done in an efficient and responsible manner.

New Faces

At the start of the interim there are some new faces around our office. The first is Jarad Perry, my new legislative assistant who will be assisting those who call my office. The other new face is Jessica Petrie, Representative Sue Allen’s new legislative assistant. Both will be glad to offer help and are a welcome addition to the Capitol.

Rebuilding Joplin

Of particular note, the Missouri Legislature passedSenate Bill 23 which creates the Rebuild Damaged Infrastructure Fund to finally fulfill our promise to the people of Joplin. And with the second anniversary of the devastating tornado that engulfed the city of Joplin and wrecked untold havoc, this rebuilding fund will allow the final efforts to make a community so affected by destruction to become as whole as they possibly can. The fund will sweep $14 million from other state programs to provide the monies for new construction so that the hustle and bustle of the local economy can begin to flourish once again. The bill now sits on the Governor’s desk awaiting his signature.

A Responsible and Balanced Budget

The Missouri Legislature’s most important duty is to pass a balanced and responsible budget for the state, and this year we did that while also keeping out commitments to those who are in need of important state services. The budget process is very complex with input from many parties. The budget includes 4,160 distinct appropriations with 826 coming from General Revenue. But that does not mean important priorities are lost. In fact, the budget included a reformation of mental health provider rates, the first in several years. This will improve the quality of life for some of the most vulnerable of Missouri’s citizens.

Some other highlights of the budget this year include a restoration of the Missouri National Guard tuition assistance scholarships that were originally cut because of federal sequestration. Our commitment to those who put their lives on the line to defend our freedom is a sacred trust and one which we continue to uphold.

Veterans Voting Rights Protected

The legislature also passed a bill that would protect the voting rights of those who serve oversees.Senate Bill 116 would allow for ballots sent by military personnel to be counted if they arrive before noon on the Friday after an election. This extra time would ensure that those who protect our freedoms can exercise their right to vote.

Department of Revenue Troubles

And while we restored cuts to those who defend our freedom, we took money away from those who have abused their power. The Missouri Legislature cut $85 thousand from the Missouri Department of Revenue budget. This money had been for their scanning and retention of personal documents that were sent to federal government in violation of Missouri law. The protection of Missouri citizens and their identities is of paramount concern and so this was a necessary cut that will help protect taxpayers in the future.

Capitol Improvements

The legislature also passed bills to invest in Missouri’s future. House Bill 19 will provide funds to restore our magnificent Capitol to its original splendor and continue to be a place all Missourians wish to visit. A capitol commission has been created to oversee all the necessary work that needs to be done to the capitol and ensure that the public’s money is spent wisely.

Yet, it is not only capitol restoration and renovation that will be provided for in House Bill 19, there is also $13 million for the planning and design of a new state mental health facility in Fulton. This goes hand in hand with the reform of mental health services in order to help those in need retain their dignity and quality of life. But it is not only investment in critical services that is funded by this important bill; there are also monies to be used for the restoration of state parks. This will not only provide jobs and economic development, but continue to increase tourism to our beautiful state.

Un-finished Tasks

However, with all of our success this session, there were some things that were needed that did not make it all the way through the process. One important item that failed to make it through was the Fifth State Building Fund. HJR 14 would put a $1.2 billion bond issue to the voters for their approval. The funds from these bonds would not only create jobs, but also give Missouri a 21^st century infrastructure system and higher education system. In fact, the American Society of Civil Engineers recent infrastructure report card for Missouri gives our state a C-, which has a negative impact on our economy. Missouri businesses need a high quality transportation system, both physically and digitally so that they can compete globally.

That is also why the failure to pass Senate Joint Resolution 16 negatively impacts Missouri infrastructure. SJR 16 would put to the voters a proposed 1% sales tax and use tax increase that would last ten years and be used to fund transportation projects. Such an investment would raise our C- rating from the American Society of Civil Engineers and demonstrate Missouri’s commitment to improving the framework by which our economy moves. Missouri has more miles of highway than Iowa, Nebraska, and Kansas combined as well as being 6th in the nation of total number of bridges. All of which are in need of dire repair making the infrastructure investments critically important,

And while the investment in physical capital is a high priority, it is from human capital that future jobs will emerge. Students at Missouri universities will be the leaders of tomorrow and that is why there was such an emphasis on higher education investment. In a competitive global economy, the workers of tomorrow need to have the skills to adapt to rapidly changing paradigms.

So while we in the legislature did accomplish some great things this session, there is still more work to be done.