Shared-Work is a federal program overseen by the Missouri Department of Labor. When business is slow, the program allows certain employers to reduce hours and give workers access to partial unemployment benefits. Last year, more than 30,000 workers were able to avoid layoffs by using the state aid to make up for reduced wages.

The program has been a success since first adopted in Missouri in 1987. It gives some companies the flexibility they need to retain a skilled workforce during economically challenging times, and prevents hard-working Missourians from losing their jobs. Due to new federal mandates, though, the program is in danger of being eliminated.

This year we’ve been working on legislation to meet the new federal standards so we can keep this incredibly important program intact. However, the feds overreached again and the legislation could have negatively affected every business in Missouri.

The provision would have forced all business owners to fund a program many of them don’t even use. Not only is this an abuse of a system designed to provide aid to specific industries, it places an incredible burden on every business in the state, who are just now recovering from the exorbitant unemployment fees they’ve been paying for the last few years. Basically, it would have allowed major companies to use state funds to subsidize their employees’ salaries, paid for by businesses that don’t even use the program.

We were also able to add language to a bill that will help St. Francois County.  When St. Francois County moved to first class the residence requirements for the Industrial Development Association (IDA) changed.  I was successful in pushing for a provision that allows the IDA in St. Francois County to remain as they are. The group has been incredibly successful, and there is no reason to add additional requirements on this group.

Missouri is one of the largest producers of charcoal in the nation. It is a thriving industry in our state that employs countless citizens. As a state, we’ve tried to support growth through providing the Wood Energy Tax Credit, which allows individuals or businesses processing Missouri forestry industry residues into fuel to qualify for a tax incentive. These companies are particularly important to rural areas, providing citizens with quality job opportunities. 

Unfortunately, the credit expired last year, endangering an industry that is critical to the economy of our state and region. Thankfully, along with the help of Rep. Paul Fitzwater and Senator Dan Brown, we were able to approve legislation that renews the tax incentive. The credit will allow these critical businesses to continue working in the state and hopefully encourage future growth and expansion.

The 2014 legislative now comes to an end. We officially adjourned for the year Friday, May 16, at 6 p.m. I will be happy to get back home and in the district.  I and my legislative director, Dan Hutton, will be traveling the district this interim and my administrative assistant, Karen Jacquin, will be available at the Capitol.  Also, I want to thank my legislative interns this session, Lisa Rose and Kevin Abts. They were a tremendous help and I wish them the best of luck.

I’ll also continue my work on the Lead Industry Employment, Economic Development and Environmental Remediation Task Force and the Joint Committee on Education, of which I was recently appointed chairman.

It has been an honor to serve you in the Capitol this year.  Please feel free to contact me with any concerns you have about state government.

Contact Me