JEFFERSON CITY – Lowering the tax burden on individual Missourians and smart economic development were named as top priorities by Senate Leader Tom Dempsey, R-St. Charles, in his opening day address today to start the First Regular Session of the 97th General Assembly.

“Our job, our vision, our challenge, is to create B.I.G. solutions – the acronym, B-I-G, to Build our infrastructure; to Invest in education and to Grow our economy,” said Dempsey. “In order to grow our economy, it will be necessary to enact meaningful reforms in economic development, tax policy, and legal climate.”

Dempsey said the Senate needs to have a tax code to encourage investment in the state.  Missouri is competing with eight surrounding states to keep businesses and entrepreneurs at home. Dempsey said he wants to remove barriers so business owners can have the tools they need to succeed in the Show-Me State.

Dempsey also calls for reform saying the current tax credit system gives away hundreds of millions of dollars with very little to show for the investment.  He said the Senate must pass a far-reaching economic development bill that includes reducing inefficient tax credits.

“Failure to do so will ultimately place greater financial pressure on our funding priorities such as K-12 education,” said Dempsey.

Dempsey and Senate Majority Floor Leader Ron Richard, R-Joplin, said job creation will also be a top priority.

Richard said, “Ever since I became the mayor of Joplin, and throughout my political career, my main goal has been job creation.  I will do whatever it takes to create jobs and bring jobs to Missouri.”

Dempsey said over the next 28 weeks, members of the Senate will focus on B.I.G. ideas and solutions for Missouri, to move forward to a brighter future.

The 2013 regular session will run through May 17.  To learn more, visit www.senate.mo.gov.