I delayed putting out this current Dialogue to see what action the governor took on the budget. On Friday morning, he finally announced his plans. Having looked over those decisions, "disappointed" only begins to describe what I think. The governor has withheld over $400 million in funds from the state budget. Not vetoed, which the constitution allows.  Just "holding back" funds. I've criticized this type of maneuver in past years, because it can make a sham out of constitutional checks and balances and damage the integrity of our budget process.  

There is room in our state government for honest policy differences.  The legislature can pass a bill with which the governor may disagree. In that case, the constitution authorizes him to veto it. It also provides a mechanism for legislators to override his veto. These are vital checks and balances, written into our constitution. They matter. Had the governor vetoed $400 million in line items from the budget, legislators could assess the priorities of those they represent and act at the annual veto session. Instead, we see withholds — not vetoes — before the fiscal year has even started, an end-run around the constitution.     

The Missouri constitution allows the governor to "reduce the expenditures . . . below their appropriations whenever the actual revenues are less than the revenue estimates upon which the appropriations are based." There it is. The governor can use his line item veto to eliminate a budget item, and take his chances that the legislature disagrees and overrides it. He can also hold back funds if the revenue coming in doesn't match the expected estimates. He chose to withhold over $400 million in funds for education, public safety and public health, but not on the merits of each budget item or because we don't have the revenue. In fact, to date, net general revenue is up 10.2 percent over last year. This should net $350 to $400 million over the FY 2013 revised consensus estimate for the current FY 2013 budget.  Those funds will roll into FY 2014. In short, we should start the fiscal year with a surplus! He chose to withhold over $400 million without a justifiable reason, and in the process he's undone a great deal of hard work done for our area.

Every session, I work to make sure those I represent are well-served. As always, one of my priorities this year was job creation and economic development, an important part of which is a skilled workforce and quality education. This year, that meant holding the line on education funding, advocating for sensible tax credit reform, and opposing attempts to siphon money from public education to expand other programs. Last year, the final budget included extra money for higher education institutions elsewhere in the state. This year, I redoubled my efforts to right this imbalance, working with my colleagues to secure additional higher education funding for our area. On this priority, and other priorities, in both the budget bills and other legislation, this session was a productive one for the people of Springfield and southwest Missouri. However, the people of the 30th District have not been well-served by these recent decisions to withhold funds — funds secured through hard work, cooperation and concentrated effort by many people.

In contrast to the list of budget items in the last Dialogue, let me share a new list.  

Education

Public Safety

PUBLIC HEALTH

JOBS AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Also, the cuts announced included a plan to eliminate the jobs of 1,000 state workers and deny state workers the pay increase included in the budget by the legislature. 

I am extremely disappointed — I am disheartened — by the governor's actions. The governor is more likely to advance policies in the General Assembly he favors or halt ones he doesn't favor by being in the room or at the table. I'm even more disturbed by the fact that these withholds might be reversed if certain conditions are met... maybe.  That's cold solace to those affected. Missourians shouldn't be held hostage with their own dollars. Nevertheless, I intend to continue to see that those I represent are well-served, regardless of politics.   

I had meant to focus this second part of my end-of-session review on access to justice and the effective administration of justice. At this time, the governor has two weeks remaining to take action on legislation. Several bills remain to be signed, including those I sponsored related to the justice system, which also contain several priorities for our area. I can only hope the governor looks at them on their merits and gives them more consideration than the budget items.     

Let me know what you think about these decisions. Call my office, visit my website at www.senate.mo.gov/dixon, e-mail me at bob.dixon@senate.mo.gov, or write a letter with your thoughts. 

Sincerely,

Governor's Action on Legislation (Updated)

HB 1 - Appropriates money to the Board of Fund Commissioners

June 28, 2013 - Signed by Governor

HB 2 - Appropriates money for the expenses, grants, refunds, and distributions of the State Board of Education and Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

June 28, 2013 - Signed by Governor

HB 3 - Appropriates money for the expenses, grants, refunds, and distributions of the Department of Higher Education

June 28, 2013 - Signed by Governor

HB 4 - Appropriates money for the expenses, grants, refunds, and distributions of the Department of Revenue and Department of Transportation

June 28, 2013 - Signed by Governor

HB 5 - Appropriates money for the expenses, grants, refunds, and distributions of the Office of Administration, Department of Transportation, and Department of Public Safety

June 28, 2013 - Signed by Governor

HB 6 - Appropriates money for the expenses, grants, refunds, and distributions of the Department of Agriculture, Department of Natural Resources, and Department of Conservation

June 28, 2013 - Signed by Governor

HB 8 - Appropriates money for the expenses, grants, refunds, and distributions of the Department of Public Safety

June 28, 2013 - Signed by Governor

HB 9 - Appropriates money for the expenses, grants, refunds, and distributions of the Department of Corrections

June 28, 2013 - Signed by Governor

HB 11 - Appropriates money for the expenses, grants, and distributions of the Department of Social Services

June 28, 2013 - Signed by Governor

HB 12 - Appropriates money for the expenses, grants, refunds, and distributions of statewide elected officials, the Judiciary, Office of the State Public Defender, and General Assembly

June 28, 2013 - Signed by Governor

HB 13 - Appropriates money for real property leases and related services

June 28, 2013 - Signed by Governor

HB 17 - Appropriates money for capital improvement and other purposes as provided in Article IV, Section 28

June 28, 2013 - Signed by Governor

HB 18 - Appropriates money for capital improvement projects involving the maintenance, repair, replacement, and improvement of state buildings and facilities

June 28, 2013 - Signed by Governor

HB 7 - Appropriates money for the expenses and distributions of the departments of Economic Development; Insurance, Financial Institutions and Professional Registration; and Labor and Industrial Relations

June 28, 2013 - Signed by Governor vetoed in part by the Governor view veto letter

HB 10 - Appropriates money for the expenses, grants, refunds, and distributions of the Department of Mental Health, Board of Public Buildings, and Department of Health and Senior Services

June 28, 2013 - Signed by Governor vetoed in part by the Governor view veto letter

HB 19 - Appropriates money for capital improvement projects

June 28, 2013 - Signed by Governor vetoed in part by the Governor view veto letter

HB 478 - Changes the laws regarding shares in credit unions

June 28, 2013 - Signed by Governor

SB 35 - Creates an income tax return check-off program to provide funds for CureSearch for Children's Cancer

June 28, 2013 - Signed by Governor

SB 216 - Prohibits political activity restrictions on first responders and modifies current political activity restrictions on the Kansas City Police Department

June 28, 2013 - Signed by Governor

SB 58 - Allows the city of Farmington to put ordinances to a vote of the people before they are finally passed

June 28, 2013 - Signed by Governor

SB 357 - Modifies the law relating to mechanics' liens for rental machinery and equipment

June 28, 2013 - Signed by Governor

SB 126 - Prohibits any requirement that pharmacies carry a specific drug or device and modifies the scope of practice of physician assistants

June 27, 2013 - Signed by Governor

HB 316 - Extends the expiration date of the Division of Tourism Supplemental Revenue Fund from the year 2015 to 2020

June 27, 2013 - Signed by Governor

HB 418 - Modifies the Kansas City police retirement systems

June 27, 2013 - Signed by Governor

HB 451 - Authorizes a county to amend its budget twice during a fiscal year when there are certain specified circumstances

June 27, 2013 - Signed by Governor

SB 282 - Modifies various provisions relating to the regulation of motor vehicles

June 27, 2013 - Signed by Governor

HB 336 - Specifies that no political subdivision must prohibit any first responder from engaging in any political activity while off duty and not in uniform unless otherwise prohibited by state or federal law

June 27, 2013 - Signed by Governor

HB 349 - Allows the owner of a property-carrying commercial motor vehicle to request and be issued two license plates

June 27, 2013 - Signed by Governor

HB 404 - Recognizes psychological stress as an occupational disease for paid police officers of a paid police department certified under Chapter 590 if a direct causal relationship is established

June 27, 2013 - Signed by Governor

HB 722 - Changes the laws regarding the Police Retirement System of St. Louis

June 27, 2013 - Signed by Governor

SB 51 - Modifies provisions relating to the regulation of motor vehicles

June 26, 2013 - Vetoed by Governor view veto letter

SB 148 - Requires Department of Revenue to notify insurers of any discovered motor vehicle owners and lienholders so that insurers can notify owners and lienholders of their intent to obtain salvage titles or junking certificates

June 26, 2013 - Signed by Governor

SB 157 - Modifies provisions relating to the disposition of personal property

June 26, 2013 - Signed by Governor

HB 428 - Allows an insurer that purchases a motor vehicle or trailer, subject to a lien, through the claims adjustment process to apply for a salvage title or junking certificate without obtaining a lien release

June 26, 2013 - Signed by Governor

HB 715 - Authorizes motorcycles to be equipped with a means of varying the brightness of the vehicle's brake light for up to five seconds upon application of the vehicle's brakes

June 26, 2013 - Signed by Governor

HB 212 - Changes the law regarding secured transactions under the Uniform Commercial Code

June 25, 2013 - Signed by Governor

SB 159 - Requires parity between the out-of-pocket expenses charged for physical therapist services and the out-of-pocket expenses charged for similar services provided by primary care physicians

June 25, 2013 - Signed by Governor

HB 498 - Repeals the requirement that paid-in surplus distributions must be identified as liquidating dividends and the amount per share must be disclosed to shareholders when it is paid

June 25, 2013 - Signed by Governor

SB 257 - Modifies provisions contained in the Port Improvement District Act

June 25, 2013 - Signed by Governor

SB 47 - Adds to the list of legal guardians of a child who may receive subsidies

June 25, 2013 - Signed by Governor

SB 29 - Requires authorization for certain labor unions to use dues and fees to make political contributions and requires consent for withholding earnings from paychecks

June 25, 2013 - Vetoed by Governor view veto letter

SB 229 - Modifies provisions relating to the Mental Health Employment Disqualification Registry

June 25, 2013 - Signed by Governor

HB 307 - Exempts fire protection districts in certain counties from the prohibition of a person being a director on a fire protection district board while also holding any office or employment under the state or any political subdivision

June 25, 2013 - Signed by Governor

HB 58 - Changes the laws regarding portable electronics insurance coverage

June 25, 2013 - Signed by Governor 

SB 205 - Allows for higher education or armed services visits for children in foster care or in the Division of Youth Services and raises the age limit for foster care re-entry

June 13, 2013 - Signed by Governor      

SB 208 - Raises the age limit for when a youth may reenter into foster care

June 13, 2013 - Signed by Governor      

HB 133 - Changes the laws regarding the accreditation requirements for reinsurance companies and specifies when an insurance company can take credit or reduce liability due to reinsurance

June 12, 2013 - Signed by Governor      

HB 315 - Requires a health carrier that provides coverage for prescription eye drops to cover a refill without regard to a restriction for an early refill if it is authorized by the prescribing health care provider

June 12, 2013 - Signed by Governor      

SB 197 - Modifies current provisions relating to tuberculosis treatment and prevention and provides for meningococcal disease information

June 12, 2013 - Signed by Governor      

HB 656 - Combines the parking enforcement division and parking meter division in the City of St. Louis into a parking division

June 12, 2013 - Signed by Governor      

SB 36 - Modifies provisions related to juvenile offenders who have been certified as adults and found guilty in a court of general jurisdiction

June 12, 2013 - Signed by Governor      

SB 72 - Designates the month of May as "Motorcycle Awareness Month"

June 12, 2013 - Signed by Governor      

SB 33 - Modifies provisions relating to individuals with mental disabilities and establishes PKS Awareness Day

June 12, 2013 - Signed by Governor      

SB 121 - Modifies provisions relating to liquor control laws

June 12, 2013 - Signed by Governor      

HB 253 - Establishes the Broad-Based Tax Relief Act of 2013 that reduces the tax on corporate business income and business income for sole proprietors, partners, and shareholders in S-corporations

June 5, 2013 - Vetoed by Governor      view veto letter

SB 267 - Specifies how courts may rule in contractual disputes involving the law of other countries and jurisdictional issues involving other countries

June 3, 2013 - Vetoed by Governor      view veto letter

HB 256 - Extends the expiration date of certain provisions of the Open Meetings and Records Law

May 31, 2013 - Signed by Governor      

HB 68 - Designates the month of November as Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month in Missouri

May 31, 2013 - Signed by Governor      

SB 235 - Modifies the law relating to residential real estate loan reporting

May 17, 2013 - Signed by Governor      

SB 59 - Modifies provisions relating to the regulation of the Missouri Property and Casualty Insurance Association and the Missouri Life and Health Insurance Guaranty Association

May 17, 2013 - Signed by Governor      

SB 60 - Modifies the law regarding the accreditation requirements for reinsurance companies and specifies when insurers can take credit or reduce liability due to reinsurance

May 17, 2013 - Vetoed by Governor      view veto letter

SB 234 - Requires an applicant for a marital and family therapist license to show a master's or doctoral degree from a Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy accredited program

May 17, 2013 - Signed by Governor      

SB 237 - Exempts certain telecommunications companies from Public Service Commission price caps

May 17, 2013 - Signed by Governor      

SB 287 - Modifies Missouri's captive insurance law to allow for the formation of sponsored captive insurance companies and other ancillary matters

May 16, 2013 - Signed by Governor      

SB 80 - Requires the Missouri Board of Nursing Home Administrators to notify, instead of mail, an applicant when it is time for license renewal

May 16, 2013 - Signed by Governor      

SB 306 - Allows the Board of Pharmacy to test the drugs possessed by licensees

May 16, 2013 - Signed by Governor      

SB 324 - Regulates the sale of travel insurance and establishes a limited lines travel insurance producer licensure system

May 16, 2013 - Signed by Governor      

SB 376 - Allows hospital districts to permit higher education institutions to use space for health care education or training

May 16, 2013 - Signed by Governor      

SB 191 - Allows the Public Service Commission to publish certain papers, studies, reports, decisions and orders electronically

May 16, 2013 - Signed by Governor      

HB 163 - Allows certain third class cities to eliminate any primary election for the office of mayor and councilman

May 15, 2013 - Signed by Governor      

SB 350 - Eliminates the renter's portion of the Senior Citizens Property Tax Credit and creates the Missouri Senior Services Protection Fund

May 14, 2013 - Vetoed by Governor      view veto letter

SB 16 - Exempts farm work performed by children under 16 from certain child labor requirements

May 10, 2013 - Signed by Governor      

SB 329 - Modifies the definition of eggs

May 10, 2013 - Signed by Governor      

SB 182 - Eliminates state and local use taxes on motor vehicle sales and modifies state and local sales taxes on such purchases

April 19, 2013 - Vetoed by Governor      view veto letter

HB 14 - Appropriates money for supplemental purposes

April 11, 2013 - Signed by Governor      

SBs 10 & 25 - Creates a tax credit to attract amateur sporting events to the state

March 29, 2013 - Signed by Governor      

SBs 20, 15 & 19 - Modifies provisions of law regarding certain benevolent tax credits