Sen. Rowden’s Capitol Update – Jan. 26, 2018

Jan. 24, 2018

Sen. Rowden’s Column for the Week of Jan. 22, 2018

Earned Income Tax Credit

The Federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) was first enacted in 1975. Since then, 26 states throughout the nation offer their own state EITC to aid working-class citizens and to fight against poverty. We have been exploring the idea of an EITC in Missouri for more than a decade, but have not implemented this program despite its potential to aid a large portion of Missouri’s population.

With this in mind, I have filed Senate Bill 615 which creates a non-refundable state EITC for up to 20% of an individual’s federal EITC. This legislation would take effect in 2020 and the Department of Revenue would be responsible for informing citizens of their eligibility. A Missouri EITC would benefit half a million hard-working Missourians and provides the opportunity to assist those in need without complex and bureaucratic barriers. Individuals and families who would benefit from this tax credit could spend this money to provide for themselves and their families.

I believe this legislation is a fiscally responsible way to provide assistance for Missouri’s working families. As legislators, we frequently discuss ways to provide a hand up for individuals and families who work hard every day but struggle to make ends meet. A state EITC would provide a simple and effective tool to help individuals and families who work hard and contribute to our society.

Annual Senate Bowling Tournament

Each year, senators and staff come together to compete in a charity bowling tournament. We always have a great time engaging in friendly competition and raising money for a good cause. For the past four years, the Senate Bowling Tournament has benefited St. Raymond’s Society. Their mission is to support mothers by providing resources and assistance so that children have a stable home environment. This mission is carried out through education, employment assistance, childcare, housing, life skills and wellness training, transportation, and personal finance education. The St. Raymond’s Society is based in Jefferson City but supports transitional homes for expecting or new mothers in Jefferson City, Columbia, Rolla and even Concord, California.

In one night, the Senate Bowling Tournament raised $8,200 for St. Raymond’s Society. This year’s tournament brought our total contribution to St. Raymond’s Society to $30,000 over the past four years. The work done by this organization is so important for women and families around the mid-Missouri area so I was proud to take part in this event.

Gubernatorial Appointments

Courtney Lauer-Myers has been confirmed to serve as the Student Representative on the University of Missouri Board of Curators. Ms. Lauer-Myers is originally from Lee’s Summit and graduated from Columbia College in 2011 with a degree in Communication. She worked for three years in the Missouri Senate before returning to Columbia to pursue a law degree from the University of Missouri, Columbia. Ms. Lauer-Myers graduated from Mizzou law in 2017 and is currently obtaining her Master of Laws (LLM). She brings a wide array of experiences to the table and will be a voice for students at Mizzou.

Jon Sundvold has been confirmed to serve as a member of the University of Missouri Board of Curators. The Founder and President of Sundvold Financial, Mr. Sundvold brings over three decades of experience in finance business to the Board. Mr. Sundvold attended the University of Missouri’s School of Business with an emphasis in Finance where he met his wife Tamara. Together with their children Wilson, Caroline, and Jon, Jon and Tamara live in Columbia. I am confident in Mr. Sundvold’s ability to be a great asset to the Board of Curators and a leader for the University of Missouri.

I am here to serve you, and my office door is always open to your questions, concerns and suggestions. You can reach my staff at 573-751-3931 and an array of legislative and constituent resources at www.senate.mo.gov/rowden.