State Representative Mike Thomson
Most of us spend a considerable amount of time during the beginning of every year looking at our expenses and figuring out where we might be able to save money. Going over mortgages, utility bills, health expenses, and at this time of year, our taxes, gives us perspective on what we need to do to save – whether for our children’s education, retirement or a relaxing vacation. We set priorities for spending our money and often have to compensate for inflation and put aside more money for certain items – maybe a new car or home improvements. The Missouri House takes on a similar task every year when we put together our state’s budget.
This task is undoubtedly the most important thing we will do because it affects more Missourians than any other legislation that we pass. Right now we are working on legislation that would keep our budget in check and one that will distribute your tax dollars wisely.
House Joint Resolution 70 proposes a constitutional amendment which would prohibit appropriations in any fiscal year from exceeding certain limits. If this resolution is approved by the legislature, you and your fellow citizens will then have the opportunity to vote on the measure. Specifically, this resolution prohibits appropriations in any fiscal year from exceeding the total state general revenue appropriations from the previous year by more than the appropriations growth limit. Now that might sound confusing, but what it means is that we would calculate and limit budget increases using a formula that considers the annual rate of inflation and the annual Missouri population growth. This bill would limit the growth of government spending and help provide long-term fiscal planning for our state.
Included in this bill are safeguards to assure that there are no unintended consequences. The governor has the power to collect more appropriations for unforeseen emergencies or disasters and new or increased tax revenues or fees collected for specific purposes that receive voter approval will be exempt from the calculation of the appropriations growth limit. The bill allows for flexibility for appropriating funds between programs and finally, the bill does not apply to local governments where local control is necessary.
Even though this piece of legislation has yet to pass, we are still making every effort to spend your dollars wisely. The House Budget committee passed the budget bills out of committee this week and later this month the entire House will spend time studying and debating to make sure we are getting the most value possible. Missouri families have to budget their money, plan and save in order to prepare for the future. I believe it is more than reasonable to expect your government to take the same care in spending your hard-earned tax dollars.
If you have questions, you may reach me at my Capitol number 573-751-9465, at the local district number, 660-582-4014, by email at mike.thomson@house.mo.gov or by mail at Room 406A State Capitol Building, Jefferson City, MO 65101.
Most of us spend a considerable amount of time during the beginning of every year looking at our expenses and figuring out where we might be able to save money. Going over mortgages, utility bills, health expenses, and at this time of year, our taxes, gives us perspective on what we need to do to save – whether for our children’s education, retirement or a relaxing vacation. We set priorities for spending our money and often have to compensate for inflation and put aside more money for certain items – maybe a new car or home improvements. The Missouri House takes on a similar task every year when we put together our state’s budget.
This task is undoubtedly the most important thing we will do because it affects more Missourians than any other legislation that we pass. Right now we are working on legislation that would keep our budget in check and one that will distribute your tax dollars wisely.
House Joint Resolution 70 proposes a constitutional amendment which would prohibit appropriations in any fiscal year from exceeding certain limits. If this resolution is approved by the legislature, you and your fellow citizens will then have the opportunity to vote on the measure. Specifically, this resolution prohibits appropriations in any fiscal year from exceeding the total state general revenue appropriations from the previous year by more than the appropriations growth limit. Now that might sound confusing, but what it means is that we would calculate and limit budget increases using a formula that considers the annual rate of inflation and the annual Missouri population growth. This bill would limit the growth of government spending and help provide long-term fiscal planning for our state.
Included in this bill are safeguards to assure that there are no unintended consequences. The governor has the power to collect more appropriations for unforeseen emergencies or disasters and new or increased tax revenues or fees collected for specific purposes that receive voter approval will be exempt from the calculation of the appropriations growth limit. The bill allows for flexibility for appropriating funds between programs and finally, the bill does not apply to local governments where local control is necessary.
Even though this piece of legislation has yet to pass, we are still making every effort to spend your dollars wisely. The House Budget committee passed the budget bills out of committee this week and later this month the entire House will spend time studying and debating to make sure we are getting the most value possible. Missouri families have to budget their money, plan and save in order to prepare for the future. I believe it is more than reasonable to expect your government to take the same care in spending your hard-earned tax dollars.
If you have questions, you may reach me at my Capitol number 573-751-9465, at the local district number, 660-582-4014, by email at mike.thomson@house.mo.gov or by mail at Room 406A State Capitol Building, Jefferson City, MO 65101.
No comments:
Post a Comment