Capitol Report for May 21st, 2008

2008 Legislative Session Comes to a Close
The Second Regular Session of the 94th General Assembly came to an end when we adjourned last Friday night at 6:00pm. At the beginning of this legislative session, we knew we had several challenges before us, but we were committed to moving a legislative agenda that is good for Missouri and its citizens. Although the legislative process throughout the final week was relatively slow, by the time the final gavel fell we were successful in passing property tax reform, immigration reform, and legislation protecting our children.
One of the most significant measures we passed this session was a reforming of our property tax system in Missouri. I am happy to report that we passed property tax reform legislation that will require the rollback of property taxes in reassessment years, eliminate back door tax increases, increase transparency in tax liability, and expand property tax support to seniors and the disabled.
Next, we focused on the one of the problems Congress continues to ignore, illegal immigration reform. At the beginning we embarked on a course to craft a strong immigration policy that punished employers who knowingly hired illegal immigrants, that directed our law enforcement to detain illegal immigrants, and that prevented illegal immigrants from obtaining a drivers license or public benefits. By the time session came to a close, we passed legislation that will stop illegal immigrants from taking Missouri jobs, punish employers who knowingly hire them, and ensure that illegal immigrants will not receive public benefits paid for by hardworking Missouri families.
Finally, we passed legislation to protect children from sexual predators and online threats. These new protections seek to protect children who access the Internet while increasing penalties for repeat offenders and individuals who committed offenses in other states.
It has been an interesting year in the legislature and I am glad to be home with Stephanie and Addison. We have strived to use our tax dollars wisely, make government more efficient, and return common sense to the public policy process. I believe we have continued to move Missouri forward and are better prepared for the future because of our actions today. I look forward to continuing to fight for Missouri’s taxpayers as we strive to make Missouri a better place to work, live and raise a family.
As always, please feel free to call, email, or write with your ideas or concerns. The Capitol number is (573) 751-1415, my email is brad.lager@senate.mo.gov and my mailing address is Room 429, State Capitol Building, Jefferson City, MO 65101.