It was a transitional week in the Missouri Legislature, as Senate bills came up for debate in the House, and House measures were heard on the Senate floor. Also at this point of session, representatives and senators are forming conference committees to fine tune legislation. Only two weeks remain in the First Regular Session of the 98th General Assembly, which officially ends at 6 p.m. on Friday, May 15.
The Lead Industry Task Force held its first meeting this week since being reauthorized under Senate Concurrent Resolution 5. The task force has already proven to be a valuable interim committee, bringing together all relevant parties for key discussions and generally working to revitalize Southeast Missouri’s lead industry. The task force has facilitated positive movement in negotiations between the EPA, Department of Justice and Missouri Department of Natural Resources. In addition to promoting the growth of Missouri’s lead industry, the task force also works to protect our citizens from any potential negative impacts of the industry – such as addressing the safety concerns in our older communities where lead-based paint still exists in abundance.
From time to time during the legislative process, a measure is filed that, although well-intentioned, carries with it unintended consequences. This is exactly what’s happened with a piece of mining legislation currently being considered by the Senate that would disproportionately affect the 3rd District, which is home to more mines than any other district in Missouri.
In an effort to protect the best interests of the citizens and businesses I represent, I filed Senate Concurrent Resolution 40, which creates the Study Commission on Mining Property Assessment. If formed, the commission will study ways to ensure that a mining company’s property assessment is uniform, reliable, accurate and fair and study ways to ensure that assessors have all the tools they need to make the best decisions possible on the assessment. Mining is a vital sector of Missouri’s entire economy and providing certainty will ensure that our mining companies will continue contributing to our local economy for years to come.
The commission will be comprised of members of the General Assembly, county assessors, industry experts and school administrators. This collaborative effort will ensure a fair and balanced approach is taken when it comes to reviewing the current mining property assessment process in our state and subsequently proposing improvements and legislation. The commission will be required to submit a report of its findings to the Legislature by Dec. 31, 2015.
While much of my time in Jefferson City is spent considering statewide legislation, local issues are never far from my mind. In fact, they’re the catalyst for many of the measures I file each session. One such measure was passed by the General Assembly on Tuesday and is now headed to the governor’s desk. Senate Bill 68, pertaining to directors of industrial development corporations and the Farmington residency requirements, is the culmination of a two-year-long project — demonstrating how even the simplest measure can take multiple attempts to successfully advance through the legislative process.
Finally, I’d like to thank all those who stopped by the Capitol this week. I was happy to meet with Michelle Hohmeier of Festus; Garrett Boatright and Tom Boatright, both of Farmington; Lisa Sundblad of St. Mary; Sharon Giesler, and Jan and Randy Weith, all of Ste. Genevieve; Colleen Strodtman of Potosi; Dave Bahr of Bonne Terre; Jacob Ashley of Desoto; and Louie Seiberlich with KREI.Contact Me
I always appreciate hearing your comments, opinions and concerns. Please feel free to contact me in Jefferson City at (573) 751-4008. You may write me at Gary Romine, Missouri Senate, State Capitol, Jefferson City, MO 65101; or email me at gary.romine@senate.mo.gov; or www.senate.mo.gov/romine.
Sen. Romine’s Sponsored Legislation for 2015
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