Now that we’ve entered the month of March, an important deadline has come and gone for lawmakers — the closing date to introduce legislation for the 2013 legislative session was Feb. 28. It’s hard to believe we’ve already passed this point, and soon, we will be at the half-way point for this year’s regular session (our last day is May 17). More than 480 bills have been introduced in the Senate, and you will begin to see more legislation nearing the finish line. Allow me to discuss with you some of the measures that were recently highlighted in Jefferson City.

First, I would like to talk about a measure addressing electric corporations that has recently garnered much attention in our community. The bill in question, Senate Bill 207, would allow electric corporations to recover costs for infrastructure replacement projects. It’s critical to point out that this bill would have no bearing, whatsoever, on the 33rd Senatorial District. Our community’s electricity needs are provided by co-ops or municipality-owned companies, which do a fantastic job supplying the power in our area. The measure in question pertains to electric corporations, particularly Ameren, Kansas City Power & Light, and Empire District Electric Company. I’ve received word from many of my constituents concerned about this legislation, particularly senior citizens who are understandably worried about their electric rates. I’d like to take this opportunity to assure my friends and neighbors back home that our neck of the woods will remain untouched by this bill. You can listen to an audio interview I gave about this matter by visiting my Multimedia page on my Missouri Senate website (www.senate.mo.gov/cunningham).

A bill that garnered much attention last week and received the upper chamber’s approval was
SB 120. One of my top priorities when embarking on a career in the Missouri Senate was tax credit reform, so I’m glad the upper chamber accomplished work regarding this important topic. Senate Bill 120 is designed to rein in inefficient tax incentives and ensure that Missouri makes wise financial decisions that result in a positive return on investment. Overall, the bill is slated to save Missourians approximately $1.3 billion over the next 15 years.  Last year, nearly $650 million was redeemed in all of Missouri’s tax credit programs — half of this total amount was spent on two of our largest credits, Historic Preservation and Low-Income Housing tax credits. Currently, Historic Preservation credits and Low-Income Housing tax credits are annually capped at $140 million and $190 million, respectively. Senate Bill 120 would cap Historic Preservation credits at $45 million, and Low-Income Housing credits at $50 million, both annually.

This week, bills receiving the spotlight at the Capitol included SJR 14 and SB 251. Senate Joint Resolution 14, which was voted “do pass” by the General Laws Committee, addresses the right to keep and bear arms. More specifically, the proposed constitutional amendment, if approved by Missouri voters, would confirm citizens have the right to keep and bear arms in defense of their family, in addition to current rights to defend “home, person, and property.” The amendment would also provide that the rights guaranteed under this provision of the Missouri Constitution are unalienable. The state would be obligated to uphold these rights and could not decline to protect individuals against their infringement. With all the talk we’ve heard regarding increased gun control, it’s important to certify the liberties laid out by our Founding Fathers remain unscathed.

Senate Bill 251, considered in committee this week, is designed to prevent fraud and abuse with regard to public assistance benefits. We need to be sure that taxpayer dollars are not going to frivolous and unnecessary purchases. The bill states that EBT cards for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) would be prohibited from use in liquor stores, casinos, gambling establishments, adult-oriented businesses, recreation venues, sporting venues, or to purchase alcoholic beverages, tobacco or lottery tickets at any time.

Last, I’d like to point out a couple of measures I brought forward in the Senate last week.

• Senate Bill 431, which would allow electric cooperative members to participate in business meetings by mail or electronic means.
• Senate Bill 432, which would allow a nonprofit organization to prepare food, in a private home or other area, for distribution at a fundraising event for a charitable purpose. Consumers must be clearly informed that the food was prepared in a kitchen that is not subject to regulation and inspection by the regulatory authority.

Thank you for reading this legislative column and for your interest in state government. If you have any questions about the measures listed above, please don’t hesitate to contact my Capitol office.

Welcoming Guests to the Capitol

As always, I appreciate it when groups from around Missouri and from our community back home come to visit me at the Capitol. This week, I had the pleasure of meeting with representatives from the Missouri State Teachers Association and Silver Haired Legislature, as well as circuit clerks and prosecuting attorneys from our area. Thank you for coming to Jefferson City to participate in your government.

If you would like to arrange a time to come and visit me in Jefferson City, please don’t hesitate to contact my Capitol office at (573) 751-1882.