Session 2013 – Report IV

“The American Republic will endure until the day Congress
discovers that it can bribe the public with the public's money.” – Alexis de Tocqueville

As January concludes, I am reminded how quickly and drastically things can and do change. This week we had a brilliant, yet brief taste of spring. Winter, however, stormed back across the Heartland as flurries of snow darted across the Capitol lawn and the mercury plunged to the single digits. Missouri certainly has a way with the weather, always reminding us to be prepared for most anything – even rain on a sunny day.

Not to be outdone by the mercurial weather, Governor Nixon has shown us how “flexible” he can be when it comes to his political promises. If you did not like Governor Nixon’s positions on taxing and spending during his campaign, they seem to be “evolving” now. In this week’s report we touch on several key issues up for consideration. The discussion is far from over, but you will see the Missouri House adhere to common sense policy positions instead of blowing to and fro with the political winds of the day.

This Week’s Video Log NEW!

This week’s video log comes from the beginning of a brief press conference shortly after the Governor’s State of the State in which I answered questions and provided commentary aimed at giving a better perspective on my initial thoughts and reaction.

Bonding Proposal

By now, I am sure you are well aware of our intent here in the Missouri House of Representatives to promote a bonding issue to fund renovations to our state’s infrastructure. As a strong fiscal conservative, with a crystal clear record of promoting the principle of living within your means, my decision to back the idea of bond issuance deserves a thorough explanation. Click here to read more.

Governor Rolls the Dice with Education Funding

On Monday, we heard many grandiose promises from the Governor relating to new policies he is supporting and the budget he is proposing to support those
promises. On some of his broad-based ideas, we find common ground. However,
upon a closer examination of what few specifics he offered, it is becoming
clear that he has made promises that are a gamble and could require massive new taxes and spending that Missourians are likely to be more than skeptical about when they see the numbers. What is worse is that many of these promises will come at the expense of the prosperity of the next generation. Click here to read more.

The Right Thing to Do

Governor Nixon delivered his annual State of the State address this week, highlighting his newfound liberal stance on entitlement programs – specifically Medicaid. He is advocating for a billion dollar increase in the Missouri budget to expand a broken program that is already filled with waste, fraud and abuse. Auditor Schweich’s recently released audit proves that welfare programs remain rife with improper spending and abuse. Those are facts. The Governor’s talking points, which certain liberal editorial boards have parroted across the state, are supposedly: 1) “It’s the right thing to do.” and 2) “It’s the smart thing to do.” This is the depth of his argument. For $1 billion of your hard earned tax dollars, I expect more details and you should, too. Click here to read more.