Commentary by Missouri State Senator Jay Wasson (R-20/Nixa)
Majority Caucus Chairman
During the last legislative session we took up a lot of high-profile measures dealing with problems that have been plaguing our state for years, from issues arising out of our student transfer law to encouraging economic development in the state. The following legislation is now before the governor. These bills can be signed into law, allowed to become law through no action on the governors part, or vetoed. Well have the option of overriding any vetoes later in the year.
Revising Missouris Outdated Criminal Code
For the last eight years, a number of legislators have worked on legislation to overhaul our states criminal code, not done since 1979. Senate Bill 491 came out of those efforts and was filed in the Legislature this year. The Senate spent numerous hours working through each and every provision of the legislation, a necessary, but time-consuming, process.
The legislation updates the penalties for certain crimes, creates new felony and misdemeanor classes, reforms our states elderly and vulnerable person abuse laws; and strengthens the laws against those who sexually abuse children, among numerous other provisions.
A strong, modern legal system is critical to protecting the safety of the public. Reforming our criminal code is long overdue. Prosecutors, criminal defenders, and members of the judicial branch have all pushed for these revisions. Im proud we accomplished such a huge undertaking this year.
Proposal to increase Missouri sales tax
The Legislature approved House Joint Resolution 68 this year that would put before a vote of the people a proposal that, if approved, would increase Missouris sales tax by three-fourths of one percent to generate revenue to repair our states roads, bridges, and local transportation projects.
The Missouri Department of Transportation is doing everything it can to maintain our current roads. Unfortunately, thats becoming increasingly difficult with limited funds. We have to address this issue, and soon. A strong transportation infrastructure is critical to economic development efforts.
The sales tax increase is a possible solution. However, this has to be decided by the people. The voters, who will spend their hard-earned money to fund the repair of our roads, will have the final say, which is how it should be.
Healthcare regulation changes
Providing New Treatment Options for Cancer Patients and Individuals with Intractable Epilepsy
Recent scientific breakthroughs have offered a measure of relief to cancer patients in the form of oral chemotherapy. Instead of being hooked to a machine for hours with the intravenous method, they can take a pill. The side effects are sometimes less severe, and it allows patients to take the drug at home.
Yet for many people, oral chemotherapy isnt an option, and it all comes down to cost. Many insurance companies require different out-of-pocket costs for oral chemotherapy. Its an incredibly expensive option that few people can afford.
This year, the Senate has made it a priority to address this problem. Senate Bill 668 would require health benefit plans to establish equal out-of-pocket costs for covered oral and intravenously administered chemotherapy medications. The legislation was one of the first bills enacted into law this year.
In addition, we passed House Bill 2238, which allows patients with intractable epilepsyindividuals, including many children, who suffer from severe seizures that dont respond to current forms of treatmentto take an oil extracted from hemp plants.
CBD oil, as its known, has shown to be incredibly effective in treating the systems of this form of epilepsy. Passage of this bill would change the lives of hundreds, if not thousands, of families in Missouri who currently deal with a debilitating and heartbreaking disorder.
Adding fairness to state elections
Its commonly believed that the order names are listed on a ballot affects voting results. To account for that potential bias, we make citizens who file for candidacy draw numbers to determine ballot placement. Those who file by mail because of a disability or service in the military, however, arent allowed to draw numbers. Instead, theyre placed in the order of their filing. This can put those candidates at a serious disadvantage, for no other reason than theyre physically unable to file in person.
Senate Bill 630 and House Bill 1125 would allow representatives for the candidates to draw numbers for ballot placement. Its a simple change that could improve the ability of military members and citizens with disabilities to take part in the creation of public policy through elected office.
We also approved Senate Bill 892, which moves the presidential primary to the second Tuesday after the first Monday in March. This legislation ensures all Missourians have a clear opportunity to take part in our presidential primaries.
Reducing the Burden on Business Owners
In the wake of 2008, most states, including Missouri, were forced to borrow money from the federal government to continue providing benefits to the unemployed. These federal loans must be repaid by states within a certain time frame, with interest.
To pay back those funds, Missouri employers will soon face higher unemployment insurance surcharges, possibly doubling what they currently pay. This would be an incredible burden on employers, especially as we try to encourage job creation.
This year we passed legislation to address our unemployment system and how borrowed federal funds can be repaid. Senate Bill 673 would lower the amount of time citizens can receive benefits based on the unemployment rate. As the rate falls, the length of benefits is reduced. This would relieve some of the financial pressure currently facing the program.
More importantly, the legislation changes how we can pay back the federal government. Under the bill, the Board of Unemployment Fund Financing could issue bonds to pay back federal unemployment advances when the total debt exceeds $300 million. Because of our states AAA credit rating, the interest rates on bonds is far lower than the interest rate on the debt we owe the federal government.
Bonds would allow us to pay back the unemployment advances much more quickly, and at a far lower interest rate. This would save our state millions. It would also save employers hundreds of thousands of dollars in unemployment insurance surcharges. That money can then be used for expansion and growth.
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