Sen Bob Onder – The State of the State

The State of the State

It’s Time to Enact Important Reforms

Governor Eric Greitens delivered a clear message in his State of the State address to a joint session of the Senate and House: it is time to change the way government does business in Missouri.  In his speech, our new Governor laid out his agenda and spoke of a government that is trusted to fight for Missourians.  I was energized by the opportunity the General Assembly has to make Missouri a place where businesses can thrive, create jobs and strengthen our economy.  You can watch the entire speech here.

This opportunity, though, means we cannot keep doing what we have been doing.  I am happy to report the Senate has taken actions last week on a number of the reforms Gov. Greitens highlighted in his speech.

Labor Reform

We must stop watching Missouri getting passed over by companies looking to expand and create jobs because of our labor laws.  A first step in rebuilding Missouri’s economy is becoming a Right-to-Work state, which is why as Chairman of the Senate General Laws Committee, the first bill we voted out of committee was SB 19.  The bill now goes before the entire Senate, and I commend my colleagues in the House for taking quick action on a similar bill.

Labor reforms that will create jobs and bring flexibility to the state’s budget also extend to Missouri’s prevailing wage and project labor agreements.  This is why last week the General Laws Committee heard SB 20, SB 29 and SB 182.  Ending the laws in place that drive up construction costs means saving tax payers dollars immediately on school and community projects.  A construction boom in Missouri would follow as schools, libraries, and municipal buildings would be built, which the political subdivisions otherwise could not afford.  I look forward to the Senate passing these measures to end the wasteful spending our labor laws are causing and putting more money in the pockets of Missouri workers.

Ethics Reform

Following his executive order banning his staff from accepting gifts from lobbyists, the Governor called on the General Assembly to do the same.   Preventing special interests groups from influencing legislation through this practice will make sure your government is operating in the interest of Missourians and not for the special interests.  I join Gov. Greitens in calling for the ban on gifts to legislators, which is why I co-sponsored SB 305, introduced last week to end the practice of gifts given to influence policy.

Tort Reform

Missouri’s business environment is key to attracting new companies to create new jobs and for Missouri companies to remain and expand in the state.  As the Governor pointed out in his address, the current legal system puts these businesses at an increased risk of frivolous lawsuits, unfair handcuffs in defending themselves in court, and extreme payouts if a jury rules against the company.  This judicial structure is penalizing Missouri businesses and preventing economic growth.  I believe we must have tort reform that is fair to all parties if we are going see new jobs for Missourians.

SB 31, which would modify provisions relating to the collateral source rule and provide that parties may introduce evidence of the actual cost, rather than the value, of the medical care rendered, was placed on the Senate calendar last Thursday to be debated by the entire Senate and I will work to pass these reforms to change the way businesses view Missouri’s judicial system in selecting our state to do business.

Education Reforms

I was pleased to hear the Governor also talk about using technology to strengthen our education system.  Not every school in our state has the money or number of students needed to hire teachers in specialized areas such as advanced science courses.  But in 2017 our children should not miss out on opportunities to succeed because of the lack of resources at the school they attend.  By passing the Twentieth Century Course Access Act (SB 238) Missouri will give opportunities to students to allow them to succeed.

I appreciate the opportunity to serve in the Senate and be a champion of reforms that show Missouri is open for business.  I welcome your feedback and suggestions for other reforms that would build a better Missouri.  I believe we are at the dawn of new era in Missouri and look forward to working with my colleagues and Gov. Greitens to making these reforms law.

Contacting Sen. Onder

Throughout this session, I will do my best to keep you informed of our work here in the Capitol. I encourage you to contact my office if you have comments, questions or concerns.

For constituent questions, scheduling and general questions, please contact my Scheduler and Director of Constituent Services Theckla Spainhower at Theckla.Spainhower@senate.mo.gov.

For questions pertaining to legislation, please contact my Chief of Staff and Legislative Director Ryan Nonnemaker at ryan.nonnemaker@senate.mo.gov.

You can reach my Capitol office at (573) 751-1282. You can also e-mail me personally at Bob.Onder@senate.mo.gov.

I would like to encourage you to sign up for my weekly capitol reports so we can inform you of our work each week. Please email Theckla Spainhower at Theckla.Spainhower@senate.mo.gov to be added to our mailing list.

Thank you again for your support. I look forward to serving you.