During the last few weeks, we experienced the natural pivot point for every legislative session.  A mid-session recess meant a break from legislative activity, more time spent with family at home and plenty of opportunities to speak with district residents about what's been happening in Jefferson City.  With the start of April, the General Assembly has moved full tilt into the second half of session.  A strong finish in the second half will determine how successful this session will be, but a productive first half has laid a solid foundation.

The vast majority of bills pass near the end of every legislative session, but there have been some notable successes early in this session.  In total, four bills have been approved already by the General Assembly and delivered to the governor (SB 10, SB 20, SB 182 and HB 14).  Springfield and southwest Missouri took a significant role in passing the first bills out of the General Assembly this year.  I sponsored SB 20 to renew or extend several benevolent tax credit programs.  Two other bills (SB 15 and SB 19) originally sponsored by other southwest Missouri senators were rolled into SB 20.  All three of the Senate bills passed by the General Assembly (SB 10, SB 20, and SB 182) have been handled in the House by local Springfield representatives.     

Benevolent Tax Credit Bill Becomes Law

     On March 29, several benevolent tax credit programs were renewed or extended as SBs 20, 15 and 19 became law.  The successful renewal of this ounce of prevention was the result of a great deal of hard work by many people in our community and statewide.  In addition to its renewal, I'm particularly pleased that the Children in Crisis tax credit has been renamed the Champion for Children tax credit to recognize its original sponsor and my predecessor, Senator Norma Champion.  Because SB 20 contained an emergency clause, it took effect immediately after it was signed.  For those programs which had expired last year or earlier, the law also makes contributions made on or after January 1, 2013 eligible for the renewed tax credits.  It was especially fitting for these renewals to occur at this special time of year.  These benevolent tax credits fully engage the charitable spirit of Missourians, a spirit which reflects our core principles, and spur locally-driven efforts to help Missouri's most vulnerable citizens.  

The tax credits renewed or extended include:

• Champion for Children Tax Credit;
• Public Safety Officer Surviving Spouse Tax Credit;
• Pregnancy Resource Center Tax Credit;
• Residential Dwelling Accessibility Tax Credit; and 
• Food Pantry Tax Credit.

Other Sponsored Legislation

     With the renewal of the benevolent tax credits completed, I'll be devoting my attention to legislation I have filed to promote fiscal responsibility and free enterprise.  Among other bills, I have sponsored measures to secure access to justice locally and statewide (SB 21, SB 22, SB 44, and SB 45), promote economic growth and streamline government (SB 323 and SB 416), bring greater sunshine and clarity to redistricting (SJR 7 and SJR 8), and clear out or update obsolete and outdated laws (SB 65, SB 66, SB 67).  These bills are making steady progress through the General Assembly.  Including SB 20, four bills have crossed over to the House, in one form or another:  

• SB 45, enabling Greene County to maintain its family court commissioners
• SB 44 (amended as part of SB 45); and 
• SB 66, relating to expired or obsolete boards, commissions and committees.  

Five bills have been reported from Senate committees, with floor debate already underway or pending:  

• SB 21, which authorizes the permanent transfer of vacant judicial positions under certain circumstances;
• SB 22, which sets up a regular process to realign judicial circuits;
• SB 65, which updates the duties and responsibilities of the state auditor;
• SB 67, which updates references in higher education statutes; and 
• SB 327, relating to electronic monitoring for criminal defendants.  

At the same time, in the House, companions bills based on SB 21 (HCS HBs 374 & 434) and SB 22 (HCS HBs 373 & 435) have been voted out of committee and reached the House calendar, ready for floor debate.  To track or see the current status of the legislation I have sponsored this year, visit www.senate.gov/dixon and click on the Legislation tab.  

Seante Action During the First Half of Session

     During the last few months, the Senate has tackled a wide range of issues.  At the beginning of session, Senate leadership highlighted several priorities:  building infrastructure, investing in education, and growing Missouri's economy, with the ultimate goal of encouraging economic activity, keeping Missouri competitive nationally and internationally, and expanding opportunities for Missourians to earn a living.  We've passed bills relating to each of these objectives, as well other significant bills.       

• SB 1, which modifies the law relating to the Second Injury Fund and occupational disease within the workers' compensation system;   
• SB 2, which makes changes to the law relating to initiative and referendum petitions in order to increase transparency;
• SB 20, which renewed or extended certain benevolent tax credits;
• SB 26, which enacts several changes to Missouri's income and sales tax laws;
• SB 28, which redefines "misconduct" and "good cause" for the purposes of disqualification from unemployment benefits;
• SB 29, which requires authorization for certain labor unions to use dues and fees to make political contributions and requires consent for withholding earnings from paychecks; 
• SB 120, which relates to tax credits and tax incentives;
• SJR 14, which modifies constitutional provisions regarding the right to keep and bear arms; and
• SJR 16, which provides dedicated funding for statewide and local transportation purposes from a temporary sales tax, subject to approval by Missouri voters.

Upcoming Activity

     Currently, three Senate bills and one House bill have been approved by the General Assembly and sent to the governor.  Two have been signed into law.  Of 484 bills filed in the Senate, 104 (21%) have been sent to the House for consideration.  1,034 bills have been filed in the House, and 101 (nearly 10%) sent to the Senate.  Over 90% of those bills have now been assigned to Senate committees, which will be conducting public hearings in the coming weeks.   For reports on where Senate bills are currently located in the legislative process, check the Bill Status Reports on the Senate website.

     In addition to the bills moving between chambers, the General Assembly must still complete its constitutional duty of preparing the state budget.  On March 29, the House voted on the thirteen appropriations bills, giving final approval to its version of the FY14 state operating budget.  The complete list of appropriations bills is available here.  Beginning Tuesday, the Senate Appropriations Committee will begin consideration of the budget.  For those interested in what the Appropriations Committee will be reviewing, the Fiscal Year 2014 Budget Mark-up Notes are currently available online.  

Let Me Know Your Thoughts

     I always appreciate hearing your thoughts.  As we move toward next month's constitutional deadline for session to end, I would like to know what you think about the state budget or legislation moving through the General Assembly.  Whether you prefer phone, letter or e-mail, feel free to use the contact information below to reach me.  My door is always open.           

Sincerely,