The General Assembly passed the FY 2017 budget. The $27.1 billion spending plan included $71 million in additional funds for K-12. We were also able to agree to a 4 percent performance funding increase to Missouri’s colleges and universities to prevent a tuition hike next year. Additionally, we approved $10 million for women’s health care at federally approved health clinics.
One area of the budget continues to cause concern: Medicaid. All total, $11 billion will go toward the program, nearly a third of all spending, and more than we allocate to any other single service, including education.
We are facing an unsustainable situation, as more and more Missourians rely on taxpayer subsidized health care. The need for reform has never been more urgent. But, we must also look at the underlying causes of this explosive growth in the program. One of the largest is a lack of employment opportunities for citizens. The more people we can get back to work, the fewer who will have to rely on Medicaid. This week, we approved a measure that seeks to foster that type of job growth.
One of the largest complaints from business owners is the amount of red-tape and ever-changing regulations they’re subjected to. Second to that is the tax burden they’re forced to carry. Letting them keep more of their hard-earned revenue would allow them to reinvest in the business. This would create new jobs and generate funds for the state.
This week in the Senate, we debated a proposal that addresses both of those concerns. Known as the Big Government Get Off My Back Act, the proposal would require most regulations proposed by state agencies to go through the Legislature. It would stop the constant regulatory changes small businesses are subjected to on a routine basis.
The measure also helps those business owners by creating tax deductions, allowing those funds to be kept within the business and used to generate new employment opportunities. Under the measure, businesses with fewer than 50 employees would be able to claim a $10,000 deduction for each job they create that’s above the county’s average wage. The deduction would be $20,000 if the business provides health insurance.
Additionally, Senate Bill 591 has been sent to the governor. The legislation would make sure the expert witness testimony is handled correctly in our courts. An expert witness can be anyone with direct knowledge and experience, not just unproven theories or opinions by so-called experts with courtroom reputations. We need to let judges make that determination. I’m glad the General Assembly passed this legislation and gave it final approval.
Visitors this week include: Michaela Brown, Geniene Brown, Jackson & Jackie Redd, Beth Wilkerson.