Legislative Check-Up

Capitol Report – Governor’s Actions on Legislation
The governor has taken action on several bills passed by the General Assembly in the 2015 legislative session. Some of these actions are positive and will encourage growth for Missouri’s economy, while some show the governor’s refusal to update many obsolete policies, which weigh down Missouri’s taxpayers.

The deadline for final approval or veto is outlined in the Missouri Constitution. If a bill passes during the legislative session, the governor has 15 days to either sign or veto it. If he does neither, the bill becomes law without his signature. However, if a bill is passed within the last 15 days of session, the governor has 45 days from the end of session to take action. I will continue to provide updates of further action taken as the governor reaches his July 14 deadline.  All bills passed during session will become effective on August 28, unless another date is specifically mentioned in the bill.

Building Missouri’s Economy
So far, the governor has signed 27 bills into law, including those containing the Fiscal Year 2016 state budget. Of those, two new laws will help boost Missouri’s economy and craft a business-friendly environment in the state, creating more jobs for everyone. Senate Bill 19, which I sponsored, allows multi-state companies to be taxed only on services they provide within Missouri. This encourages companies to establish headquarters in Missouri, benefiting small businesses as well. When larger companies work in Missouri, they use goods and services produced by smaller, local businesses. This cooperation creates a productive environment for all businesses.

The governor also signed Sen. Mike Parson’s Senate Bill 149, which creates tax exemptions for new Missouri data storage facilities. This law aims to promote economic development by attracting high-tech data storage centers to the state, bringing capital investments and high-paying jobs to communities. These new laws will boost our economy and are successes for taxpayers.

Harmful Vetoes
The governor has vetoed five bills so far, some of which will hold Missouri back by continuing outdated policies and programs. The first is a veto of Senate Bill 24, a reform to Missouri’s Temporary Assistance to Needy Families program, which currently has one of the worst recipient work-participation rates in the country. The legislature overrode this veto before the end of session, and the updated policy incentivizing work-related activities will become law.

The governor also vetoed House Bill 116, sponsored by Rep. Eric Burlison. The bill would guarantee workers the freedom to choose whether to join a union and pay the dues associated with membership. An increasing number of states throughout the nation, 25 currently, are establishing this right to work and are reaping the economic rewards. This veto will keep Missouri from being competitive in the nation’s economy.

Finally, Rep. Scott Fitzpatrick’s House Bill 115 would create a sliding scale that would adjust unemployment insurance based on Missouri’s economic health. The goal of this bill is to rebuild Missouri’s unemployment fund, which was depleted significantly during the recent recession, in a way that still provides for workers when jobs are hard to find. The governor vetoed this bill, showing that he is not willing to face economic realities and work within Missouri’s current budget.

Father’s Day
Summer is a time for making memories with your families. You are able to participate in more outdoor activities and spend more time with your loved ones. While enjoying this time with my own family, I would like acknowledge all the dads out there. Being a father is one of my greatest joys and proudest moments in life and an occasion worth celebrating. I hope you all have a blessed day with your families.

Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns at any time. We look forward to hearing your comments and suggestions, and will try to answer any questions you may have. You can reach us by phone at 573-751-1464, or e-mail at will.kraus@senate.mo.gov.