144th House District Capitol Report

I have finished my first week of the new year back at my office in Jefferson City. It is nice to see my colleagues and get back to the work of the people. I have filed some bills already and am working on finalizing the language of a few more. My focus is protecting citizens' rights, removing burdensome regulations and accountability of government agencies that utilize tax dollars, so we can reduce wasteful spending and tax liability of citizens.

• 2024 legislative session begins; house breaks pre-filing record: Lawmakers convened at the state Capitol Building on Jan. 3, marking the commencement of the 2024 legislative session, officially designated as the second regular session of the 102nd General Assembly. In the House, the current composition stands at 111 Republicans, 51 Democrats and one vacant seat, granting the Republicans a veto-proof majority, on paper anyway.

Notably, the legislative session kicked off with a flurry of activity, as members demonstrated an increased level of engagement by pre-filing bills at a near record pace. A total of 787 legislative proposals have been pre-filed. This heightened level of legislative activity sets the stage for robust discussions and potential policy changes in the coming months. I believe the frustration with the current political climate on the national level has played a role in the surge of bills filed.

Throughout the 2024 legislative session, lawmakers will prioritize several significant and pressing issues. The state operating budget will take center stage, requiring careful consideration and decision-making as the state moves forward without additional federal dollars that have been made available in previous years. With the consensus revenue estimate being flat, legislators will focus on prioritizing necessary services and budget wisely, while protecting the surplus Missouri has created as a preventative against potential rainy days.

Additionally, discussions on public safety and crime prevention, protections for the unborn, ensuring election integrity, initiative petition reform, school accountability and transparency, property tax assessments, continuing the economic success of agriculture in the state and safeguards against overly burdensome mandates are expected to be at the forefront of legislative deliberations.

One major priority for all members, from each side of the political aisle, is passing the Federal Reimbursement Allowance (FRA). The FRA program taxes various service providers, including hospitals, nursing homes, ambulances, pharmacies and facilities for the intellectually disabled, which is matched by the federal government at a higher rate. This reimbursement benefits the providers and alleviates the financial strain on the state's Medicaid program, also known as MO HealthNet, resulting in additional funds for the state.

Both parties have continually passed the FRA in our state since its conception as a voluntary program in 1991, and not passing it would mean a significantly large hit to our state budget, coming in to the tune of roughly $3.5 billion.

The pre-filing of a substantial number of proposals reflects the diverse range of topics that legislators are eager to address, signaling a session that is poised to be both busy and impactful on the state's governance and policies.

• Laws passed with effects in 2024: Several new laws take effect in Missouri in 2024, including a notable statewide minimum wage increase to $12.30 per hour from the previous $12, starting Jan. 1. This marks the first time in five years that the minimum wage hike is based on inflation rather than a voter-approved amount. The Missouri Department of Labor will now tie the minimum wage rate to changes in the Consumer Price Index's cost of living, and with the increase, employees working 40-hour workweeks will earn an additional $12 weekly.

Starting from this tax year, certain residents of Missouri will no longer be required to pay income tax on Social Security benefits and specific retirement benefits, or will have a reduced tax obligation on these incomes.

Additionally, the state is implementing criminal justice reforms aimed at reducing sentences for non-violent offenders and improving rehabilitation programs in correctional facilities in the hope that this will alleviate prison overcrowding and provide greater opportunities for rehabilitation and reintegration into society.

• China banned from owning agricultural land near critical military facilities: As the first act of 2024, Gov. Mike Parson issued Executive Order 24-01 prohibiting individuals and businesses from foreign adversary nations, including China, from purchasing agricultural land within a 10-mile radius of critical military facilities in the state. The order aims to safeguard military and intelligence assets, prevent security threats, and reassure Missourians. The order establishes stringent requirements for foreign land purchases, capped at 1% of total agricultural land, with approval mandated from the Missouri Department of Agriculture. Gov. Parson assures that economic partnerships with friendly nations, such as Israel and the United Kingdom, will not be impacted. The order will remain in effect until rescinded, and funding will be allocated to enforce the protections. Existing landowners are not affected. I have filed legislation seeking to further address matters involving the foreign ownership of Missouri land, which has been labeled a priority by members of both parties.
• Missouri allocates over $7.9 million for statewide cellular service expansion: The Department of Economic Development (DED) has revealed the allocation of over $7.9 million in the second round of the Cell Towers Grant Program. Funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), this program aims to enhance cellular service across Missouri. Fourteen projects, supported by a combination of grant funds and private contributions, will construct new towers, providing quality cellular service and improved 911 connectivity to high-cost areas, which will promote economic growth and public safety, especially in locations lacking adequate cellular coverage. These projects are expected to serve over 18,000 high-need locations that were previously underserved. The Office of Broadband Development, administering the program, expressed gratitude for partnerships with providers statewide, emphasizing the importance of cellular connectivity in today's economy. With the entire $20 million appropriation now awarded, the program signifies a significant step forward in addressing cellular coverage gaps and ensuring statewide connectivity.
• As always, please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions, concerns or suggestions you might have. As your representative, I am here to assist you however I can. I can be reached by email at Chris.Dinkins@house.mo.gov or by phone at (573) 751-2112. Please do not contact me via social media. These messages are easy to overlook and may not be responded to in a timely manner.

CHRIS DINKINS represents Missouri's 144th House District. The district includes Bollinger, Iron, Madison, Reynolds, Shannon, Washington and Wayne counties.