Missouri Business Leaders Discuss Priority Issues with House Speaker Tim Jones

Missouri Speaker of the House Tim Jones, R-Eureka, attended a public policy planning meeting with the leaders of the St. Louis, Kansas City, Springfield and State Chambers of Commerce in Clayton. The informal coalition known as the "Missouri Major Metro Partnership" asked Jones and other legislative leaders to attend to discuss some of the issues the General Assembly will consider when session convenes in January.

We are heading into a session where members from both sides of the aisle know we have to work together to improve our business climate so that our state is an ideal home for existing employers and potential new businesses. That is the number one issue and concern for all Missourians.

I have had the opportunity to meet with business leaders and chamber members from all over the state, and I feel like we are on the same page when it comes to some of the major issues we would like to address in 2013. You will certainly see employment law reform and health care litigation reform at the top of our list of priorities in the coming year.

Members of the Missouri Major Metro Partnership visit Jefferson City each year during the legislative session to present their legislative agenda. This year the group opted to hold a planning meeting with key legislative leaders prior to the opening of session. The discussion will help pave the way for progress on the shared issues of interest.

It is important to be able to hear straight from the source, from the business leaders and job creators, the kind of problems that are making life difficult for Missouri businesses.

I want to thank the various chambers of commerce and their members for being so willing to come to the table to have an open and honest discourse with me. Together we can create an environment where the tax burden is low, government regulations are unobtrusive, and businesses are able to thrive and create the kind of good-paying jobs Missouri families need.