JEFFERSON CITY – The Second Regular Session of the 97th General Assembly commenced at noon today with the school transfer issue and tax reform ranking high on the Senate Leader’s list of priorities. Senate Leader Tom Dempsey, R-St. Charles, said lowering the tax burden on individual Missourians and smart economic development will remain ongoing priorities, but clarifying the state’s school transfer law will take precedence this year.

“Every child deserves access to a quality education, but the process now is a logistical nightmare that will only get worse next year. If we are able to only pass one important piece of legislation besides the budget, it needs to be a bill that will fix this problem,” said Dempsey.

The Senate Leader also called for tax credit reform, saying the current tax credit system gives away hundreds of millions of dollars with very little to show for the investment.
“With the governor’s help, this could be the year to bridge the gap between the House and Senate positions on tax credits,” said Dempsey.
For Majority Floor Leader Ron Richard, R-Joplin, tax relief for Missourians will also be a focus once again this year.
“I expect to see a wide variety of bills that aim to reduce the tax burden on the citizens of this state, and we will have an earnest and lengthy debate on these measures to do what’s best for Missourians,” said Richard.

“The governor was willing to move targeted tax breaks last year which we supported, but we also support a broad-base tax cut for all Missourians,” said Dempsey.

The Second Regular Session of the 97th General Assembly will run through May 16.  To learn more, visit www.senate.mo.gov.