Viewpoint: Waking Up to Missouri -- The 2007 Legislative Session

Our state economy is in a much different and a much better place than it was just two years ago.

In 2004, Missourians were frustrated with an out-of-balance workers' compensation system, a state civil-litigation environment that was listed as one of the worst in the country and the lack of economic development. As a state, we also faced a billion-dollar budget deficit and led the nation in the number of jobs lost and meth labs. As we enter the 2007 legislative session it is important to note that the major pro-growth reforms the Legislature passed in 2005 and 2006 have improved Missouri's civil liability laws, fine-tuned the workers' compensation system, encouraged business development and wisely handled taxpayer dollars.

These new policies spurred Missourians to invest more time, money and services in the Show-Me State, and their investments have paid off. This can be seen by the state's unemployment rate, which is the lowest it has been since 2001, with nearly 50,000 jobs created since January of 2005. Missouri's general revenue was expected to grow by 4.9 percent for Fiscal Year 2006, but reality exceeded expectations. Total net collections reflected a 9.2 percent growth, which marks the most significant General Revenue fund increase in at least two decades. This represents nearly a $300 million surplus. These historical numbers indicate that fresh leadership and diligent efforts to increase efficiency in state government have breathed new life into Missouri. Sound fiscal management and effective policy-making have enabled Missouri to live within her means without increasing taxes. In fact, the strength of our economy calls on lawmakers to reduce taxes.

I have filed legislation eliminating the state income tax on Social Security benefits. There are over a quarter of a million seniors in Missouri whose hard-earned money is taxed as income by state government. These retirees have paid into Social Security. By eliminating this tax, the state of Missouri will inject $116 million back into the pockets of its seniors or the equivalent of more than $49 a month per senior.

Access to quality health care will be a core issue this session as well. Last year, we took steps forward when we passed legislation helping to reduce the high costs of health insurance for small businesses that employ fewer than 25 people by allowing them to join together under associations to provide group health insurance to their employees. With this change, small businesses have experienced stronger bargaining power, more stability and lower administrative costs. This year we must create new ways to increase access to health care for all Missourians. I support the creation of a statewide insurance pool that any individual or employer can join to help provide access to quality, affordable health care.

As we enter the 2007 session we will also deal with:

Senior Nutrition

For many seniors getting enough to eat each day is a real problem. The food stamp program is failing some of our poorest seniors. We need to step in and help those who have worked so hard to make Missouri successful. Teacher Liability Protection; discipline is a major problem for teachers in the classroom. Too many parents don't seem to care about their kid's behavior or education. Many times this negatively affects the learning for the rest of the class. We need to protect teachers from these children and remove them from the classroom so that the children who want to learn can.

English as the official language

What we say and how we say it is the one thing that brings us all together as Americans and Missourians. Having all our citizens learn English will not only help our newest citizens, but it will make our whole state more competitive with the world.

These are a few of the issues we will deal with this year in Jefferson City. It is an honor and privilege to represent you in the Missouri Senate and if you have any questions or concerns please contact me at (573) 751-2459. You may write to me at Jason Crowell; Missouri Senate; State Capitol; Jefferson City, MO 65101, or email me at: jcrowell@senate.mo.gov.