With only four weeks remaining in the legislative session, both the pace and the volume of legislation being heard is increasing. As is the case every year, budget discussions are at the forefront. In the week since the Senate passed its version of the fiscal year 2016 budget, there has been a great deal of conversation with the house, stakeholders, and citizens. This is as it should be with a budget in excess of $26 billion. The next formal step in the process is for the house and the Senate to reconcile the differences between their versions in conference committees.
In previous reports I have indicated the budget process began with a goal of passing a budget that could be sent to the governor by April 17 so that he would have to make veto decisions while the Legislature is still in session. While a worthy goal, it is far more important that the Legislature pass a budget using your tax dollars responsibly, makes investments in priority areas, and helps those Missourians who cannot take care of themselves. The Constitution requires the budget be completed by the May 8, and this is the timeline most important to me. The appropriations process is far ahead of schedule in comparison to previous years, and we have time for conference committees to do their work and meet the constitutional deadline.
This week I was very pleased help pass HB150 which makes changes to Missouri's unemployment insurance program. I have been advocating for these changes for the last two years. The governor vetoed similar legislation last year, but his veto did not eliminate the necessity for these changes. Missouri is the only state in the nation that has had to borrow to cover unemployment claims in each of the last five recessions.
HB150 has three main components. First, it ties the length of unemployment to the unemployment rate. The lower the state's unemployment rate, the shorter the length of time unemployment can be collected. Similarly, the higher the unemployment rate, the longer unemployment can be collected up to the state maximum of 20 weeks. Second, HB150 raises the cap on the unemployment trust fund so that the fund is not depleted as quickly. Finally, HB150 requires the state to consider bonding any future outstanding debt balances to the federal government to eliminate escalating penalties on employers. With the addition of three amendments relating to the calculation of the unemployment rate, protection for those who buy businesses, and preventing the double-dipping of benefits, the bill was made even better. I look forward to the House quickly passing the revised version of HB150 and sending it to the governor for action.
This week the Senate also passed an amended version of the house "transfer bill," the education bill that has to do with student transfers and other education initiatives that the governor vetoed last year. I am grateful to Rep. David Wood for his work and leadership on this effort. The previous version the senate debated earlier this year was scuttled as a result of several costly amendments. Wood's HB42 is the by-product of months of discussions and a great deal of compromise. It is critically important that all Missouri children have the opportunity to receive the best possible education and not be tied to a failing school or district. This bill now goes back to the House for additional consideration.
Last week I discussed Rep. Rocky Miller's resolution encouraging the EPA and the Corps of Engineers to withdraw their proposed rule relating to waters of the United States. This proposed rule would be devastating to private property ownership and would exponentially expand the regulatory authority of the federal government. This week the Senate gave initial approval to SB476 which, among other things, removes the term "waters of the United States' from the definition of waters of the state. This change clarifies that Missouri is responsible for regulating our own water quality and neither needs nor wants continued overreach by the EPA.
On Tuesday I was very disappointed to see the governor attempt to influence the proceedings of the Public Service Commission by issuing a biased press release on behalf of one party in a proceeding. In doing so, the governor has sided with one company at the expense of ratepayers who will foot the bill for the sweetheart deal the governor is endorsing. That this company has given the governor numerous large donations may be purely coincidental, but I find that difficult to believe. Instead it appears to be another case of a term-limited governor, facing a mundane and ordinary legacy and less than two years remaining in office, desperately trying to remain relevant. I have sent a letter to the governor requesting that he withdraw his support for this special deal that benefits only one company and instead provide leadership by working with the senate to craft an economic development package that benefits all businesses while protecting Missourians.
Turkey season begins on Monday. With a single exception, I wish each of you hitting the woods the best of luck. Be safe and enjoy God's great creation. For the lone exception I still wish for safe and enjoyable hunts, but I cannot wait to hear his lamentations and exaggerations of close calls, unlucky breaks, and the myriad of other excuses he will weave together in a fictional web to explain his lack of success.
My purpose and my intent is to serve the constituents of the 6th Senatorial District. If you are in the capitol during the coming weeks and months, please stop by YOUR OFFICE in Room 220.