Senator Mike Moon’s Capitol Report for Jan. 29, 2021
The Missouri Senate is through with week four of the First Regular Session of the 101st General Assembly. Actually, the first week consisted of two days: the swearing-in ceremony on day one, and a short day with little business on day two. The second week involved adopting the Senate rules, filing bills and assigning committees.
Committee members are designated by Senate leadership and align with a senator’s personal interests and background as much as possible. Below is a list of the committees I will serve on and a brief description of the responsibilities assigned to each:
- Gubernatorial Appointments – approves Missourians who are appointed by the governor to serve on the state’s various boards and commissions;
- Professional Registration – considers legislation designed to increase or decrease licensure requirements for businesses to operate in the state;
- Progress and Development – hears matters concerning the changes or maintenance of issues relating to human welfare;
- Small Business and Industry – takes into consideration legislation related to ownership and operation of small businesses, labor management, fair employment standards, workers’ compensation, employment security and industrial development;
- Ways and Means – deliberates on tax related legislation.
I am looking forward to serving as vice chairman of the Small Business and Industry Committee. The past year has been tough for small businesses, with government overreach at an all-time high in my opinion.
Missouri should be a place where people are free to make a living – to put food on the table for their families. Officials all across Missouri must do everything possible to protect and assist businesses within our state, as well as provide a defense against the possibility of an overreach of power from the federal government. This is a crucial time in the history of our state. I encourage each of you to get involved on the local and state level to ensure that your freedom is protected.
The Gubernatorial Appointments Committee has met three times and considered about three dozen Missouri residents who have been appointed to various boards by the governor. This is an interesting committee, and Missouri certainly has many quality inhabitants willing to serve our state.
In the first few weeks, I’ve filed a number of bills. Here are a few of my priority pieces of legislation:
- Senate Bill 353 requires the Department of Revenue to repay funds to certain businesses, like wedding venues and fitness centers, for taxes paid as a result of audits;
- Senate Bill 391 establishes the “Abolition of Abortion in Missouri Act.” I believe it’s time to nail the coffin shut on the abortion industry! Abortion needs to be abolished and every single life treasured;
- Senate Bill 393 calls for the elimination of the corporate tax over the next two years;
- Senate Bill 380 creates a terrorist registry of those who have been convicted of supporting terrorism. I feel this legislation is necessary to protect victims from future acts of violence.
With the House deciding not to convene last week, things have been off to a slow start. Things will surely speed up in the days to come. In my next report, I will give you an update on some important legislation working its way through the Legislature and fill you in on what you can do to be a part of the process. Please send this to your friends and family and ask them to subscribe to my Capitol Reports.
It is an honor serving the residents of the 29th Senatorial District. Please call 573-751-1480 or email Mike.Moon@senate.mo.gov if you require additional information or assistance.