The Legislative Process Continues

The legislative process moved forward this week with more committee hearings and bills being debated and perfected on the Senate floor. It’s a big job to work through the hundreds of legislative proposals introduced each year, but we’re making progress. This week, Senate Bill 3, the “Regulatory Sandbox Act,” was passed by the Senate and sent to the House of Representatives for its consideration. I sponsored this legislation in hopes of encouraging the creation of new businesses and making it easier for existing businesses to bring innovative products to market. If SB 3 becomes law, businesses could apply for waivers from certain state rules and regulations through a newly created Regulatory Relief Office. The waivers would allow these businesses time to develop innovative product offerings free of excessive regulation.

 Also this week, the Economic Development and Tax Policy Committee voted to advance three bills I sponsored. Senate Bill 92 establishes the “Missouri Rural Workforce Development Act,” which provides for tax credits to encourage investment in rural businesses. Up to $16 million of business capital could flow into rural areas of Missouri through the incentives provided by this legislation. Legislation I sponsored to restore dormant incentives for film and television production projects in Missouri also will move onto the full Senate for debate. Senate Bill 94, the “Show MO Act,” was combined with similar legislation to once again make Missouri an attractive location for filming movies, something that has not happened since our old film production incentive lapsed in 2013. Also included in this legislation is a provision I sponsored as Senate Bill 170, the “Entertainment Industry Jobs Act.” The incentives created by this act will attract national- and world-class entertainers to the St. Louis area, where a state-of-the-art rehearsal and stage show development facility is being developed. Once completed, this facility will be one of only two in the nation with the space and capabilities to develop today’s stage spectaculars. Finally, the

 Economic Development Committee advanced Senate Bill 93. This legislation would reduce Missouri’s current 4% corporate tax by a half percent each year through the year 2027, when corporations would pay 2%.

In other legislative activity this week, the Senate met in a joint session with the House of Representatives to hear Missouri Supreme Court Chief Justice Paul Wilson deliver the annual State of the Judiciary Address. The judge spoke eloquently about the rule of law and its importance to society. He also reminded us of the contributions of more than 3,000 employees of courts located throughout Missouri. I appreciated hearing from Judge Wilson and considering what he said about the judicial branch of government.

It was my pleasure to welcome a number of visitors to the District 21 office at the State Capitol this week. A delegation from the Missouri Coalition of Recovery Support Providers stopped by to advocate for mental health services and benevolent tax credits. I also met with members of organizations that provide diapers to families in need. The Economic Development Committee, which I chair, is considering bills that would provide tax relief for diaper purchases.

One of the best things about serving in the Legislature is the opportunity to meet bright young students from the district. This week I had the honor of presenting a Senate resolution to Jodi Robinson of Richmond who visited the Capitol for FFA Legislative Day. Jodi is currently state secretary for the Missouri FFA Association. She previously served as president and vice

president of the Richmond FFA. I also presented resolutions to Emily and Natalie Coleman, two sisters from Liberty, who progressed to the top levels of the National History Day Contest. It was also my pleasure to meet with Warrensburg High School students involved in the CLIMB High youth leadership organization. The group’s name is an acronym of “Community Leadership and Involvement Means a Better Community.” It was a thrill to welcome the group, which includes my daughter Amelia, to the Capitol.

Finally, I’d like to introduce you to a young man helping out as an intern in my office this session. Jake Kroesen is a senior at the University of Central Missouri, working toward degrees in political science and economics. If you happen to speak to him on the phone or meet him when you visit the office, please wish him well.

As always, I appreciate hearing your comments, opinions and concerns. Please feel free to contact me in Jefferson City at (573) 751-4302. You may also email me at Denny.Hoskins@senate.mo.gov.