Getting Down to Business

The legislative process moved forward in the Missouri Senate this week with a full schedule of committees taking testimony on bills. In the Senate Transportation, Infrastructure and Public Safety Committee, which I chair, we held a hearing on Senate Bill 78. This measure would return control of the St. Louis Police Department to a Board of Police Commissioners appointed by the governor.

Prior to 2013, police departments in both of Missouri’s two largest metropolitan areas were under state control. That changed for St. Louis when voters approved a statewide referendum shifting control of the city’s police to the mayor and Board of Alderman. At the time, voters were told the move would result in cost savings, lower crime and increased cooperation with other law enforcement agencies. In arguing for an end to this 10-year experiment, the sponsor of SB78 said none of that has happened. Instead, he said, St. Louis has seen increased crime and a police department that struggles to attract and retain officers.

Crime in St. Louis is not just a local issue. I believe it impacts the entire state, as businesses and citizens flee the area and lawlessness spreads to nearby communities, including those within the 10th Senatorial District. Among those testifying in favor of returning control to the Board of Police Commissioners were representatives of the Fraternal Order of Police, both the St. Louis City and County police officer’s associations and the Police Veterans Association. Clearly, those who fight on the front lines believe it’s time to return control to the commission. The St. Louis metro area is the top economic driver for our state, and I believe we must make sure it’s a safe place to live, work and visit.

In other legislative activity, I was proud to present two of my legislative proposals before committees this week. The Economic Development and Tax Policy Committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 69. Originally drafted as the “Right to Start Act,” this bill is similar to legislation I sponsored in the House of Representatives. That bill passed the House last year, but the Senate was not able to take it up before the end of session. In its original form, the legislation would task Missouri’s Commissioner of Administration with tracking contracts awarded to businesses in operation for less than three years and make recommendations on improving access and resources for newly formed Missouri businesses. Through collaboration with my colleagues on the committee, this bill has now expanded to become a comprehensive package of legislation aimed at promoting business development in Missouri. It now includes provisions that would create an Office of Entrepreneurship within the Department of Economic Development and allow start-up businesses to apply for waivers from certain regulations.

Also this week, I presented Senate Joint Resolution 26 to the Fiscal Oversight Committee. This measure would exempt child care facilities from real and personal property taxes. Because the measure alters the state constitution, it would require voter approval before taking effect.

Senator Travis Fitzwater serves residents of Callaway, Lincoln, Montgomery, Pike and a portion of St. Charles counties in the Missouri State Senate. For more information about Sen. Fitzwater, visit senate.mo.gov/Fitzwater.