Greetings from your State Capitol.
With the warmer weather the pace is beginning to get heated with hearing bills. It is an exciting process that will hopefully result in bettering the way of life for Missourians. This week the House discussed and passed:
HCR 3 passed with overwhelming support, 127 to 30. Our nation has a serious problem with a federal government that refuses to operate within its means. The message of fiscal responsibility was sent last November. The people want the federal government to cease out of control spending. This resolution is one of many measures designed to restore fiscal responsibility.
HCS HB 76 addresses the reduction of the corporate franchise tax over the next five years until the complete elimination of the tax on January 1, 2016. We need to take steps to make the business environment in Missouri more attractive. By making Missouri more attractive for businesses, more companies will choose Missouri as their home and in turn increase the jobs available to all Missourians.
HCS HB 276, 233 and 274 would recognize the rights of families to privately mourn the loss of a family member and picketing or protesting funerals is a violation of these rights. Allowing families to privately grieve the loss of a family member is the right thing to do.
HCS HB 61 couples the minimum wage in Missouri with the federal minimum wage and places a minimum wage on workers receiving gratuities at $3.63 per hour which is actually higher than the current federal wage on the same topic. I chose not to support this bill and was one of only eight other party representatives to do so.
HCS HB 214 enforces and strengthens the laws relating to the horrendous crime of human trafficking.
HB 136 allows the spouses of certain active military members to be eligible for unemployment benefits and to receive a temporary courtesy license to practice his or her other trade in the state.
HCS HB 116 and 316 relates to the collection of monies by the state and the authorization of amnesty for certain penalties assessed on unpaid tax delinquencies. This hopefully will encourage delinquent taxpayers to become current and meet their legal obligations while providing for much needed revenue for the state.
It is a pleasure to serve as your State Representative in state government. Please call my capitol office at 573-751-2042 or e-mail lyle.rowland@house.mo.gov.
