Legislative News

The Missouri Senate concluded its first full week of the 2014 session on Thursday. Most of our work this time of year is done in committee, where we hear public testimony on proposed legislation. Although the debates on the Senate floor draw the most attention, the heavy lifting of the legislative process is often done in committee, where bills are questioned by lawmakers.

A number of important measures had hearings this week. The Small Business, Insurance and Industry Committee considered Senate Bill 510 on Tuesday. The act would tighten the guidelines for who can draw unemployment. Currently, the definitions of “misconduct” and “good cause” are incredibly vague. This has resulted in numerous individuals receiving unemployment benefits who don’t deserve them.

It’s our duty as elected officials to protect taxpayer dollars. If we’re giving that money to people fired for not showing up to work for weeks without notice, or sleeping on the job, or the dozens of other ridiculous cases approved by our state’s unemployment office because of loose guidelines, then we’re failing the people we represent.

There are also business owners to consider, who fund unemployment through insurance surcharges. When more citizens draw unemployment, such as people who shouldn’t get it, those payments go up. It’s a hidden tax on job creators, and discourages the expansion and growth our state needs. 

These companies are already facing increased unemployment surcharges. When funds for unemployment run low, the state has to borrow money from the federal government to issue benefits, as required by current law. That money has to be repaid, and it’s done by increasing what employers pay into unemployment. It’s already cost Missouri businesses $90 million in the last two years, money that could have gone toward creating new jobs.

We have to add accountability to our unemployment system—to make sure taxpayer dollars aren’t wasted and to mitigate the financial burden on job creators. Sometimes the best forms of economic development are strengthening our public policies. This bill does that.

In related news, the Senate Ways and Means Committee heard three measures on Thursday—Senate Bills 496, 497 and 509—that would provide substantial tax relief to all Missouri citizens and businesses. One of my main priorities since taking office has been bringing economic success to Missouri. I want our state to realize its full potential. I want future generations to have the chance—not the guarantee, but the chance—at prosperity we were given.

If tax breaks for select industries help our economy grow, then it’s hard to see why tax relief for all citizens and businesses wouldn’t do the same. Both these bills offer that kind of economic opportunity. I’m hopeful they come before the full Senate for debate. It’s a conversation we need to continue having.

On a more personal note, former Sen. Ryan McKenna was sponsored by Senate President Pro Tem Tom Dempsey to be the next director of the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations during the Gubernatorial Appointments Committee on Wednesday.

I’ve worked with Sen. McKenna for many years. Despite our occasional differences of opinion on public policy, I never once doubted that his main priority was the best interests of his constituents. His knowledge and leadership will be sorely missed in the upper chamber, but I know he’ll serve the taxpayers of Missouri well in his new role. I wish him the best of luck.

District News

The local Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is holding its annual Stella Eagle Day event later this month. As many know, the fish-filled waters of Missouri attract a number of bald eagles to our state. These beautiful birds spend much of the winter months hunting for food in our streams and rivers. This event is a wonderful opportunity for residents to see firsthand America’s symbolic bird.

The Stella Eagle Day event will be held at the Stella Veteran’s Memorial Park in Stella, Mo., on Saturday, Jan. 25, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. I encourage those who can to attend this wonderful event.

The Conservation Department is also providing a number of other services for local residents. Hunter education classes have already been scheduled for this winter and spring. The curriculum for these programs was recently changed to enhance student convenience and emphasize hands-on training. To see a list of courses, click here.

Additionally, the department is holding the 2014 Discover Nature Photo Contest. From Jan. 1 to Nov. 15, the MDC will accept citizens’ photos of what discovering nature means to them. Submit photos by simply tagging them with the hashtag “#MDCdiscovernature” through the social network of your choice. The department will choose a winning photo to be displayed on its homepage each month. All of the winners will appear in the January 2015 Missouri Conservationist. Click here to view the photo contest rules. 

Missouri’s Department of Conservation is one of the best in the country. It constantly seeks ways to reach out to the public and show them the natural beauty of our state. Those interested in working at the MDC should look into its internship program, which gives students valuable experience in a variety of professional tasks. For more information, click here.

To find more information on any of these topics, visit www.mdc.mo.gov.