Brad Lager's Capitol Report for January 26th, 2011

State of the State - 2011

Pursuant to Missouri’s Constitution, Governor Jay Nixon addressed a joint session of the Missouri General Assembly last week as he delivered the 2011 State of the State Address. As is customary, Governor Nixon put forth his budget proposal for the upcoming year. As expected, there are many difficult days and tough decisions ahead as we work to formulate the fiscal year 2012 budget.

The current budget, FY2011, relies on approximately $900 million of one-time money to fund on-going programs, and although the Governor took steps to reduce this amount, he is still depending on approximately $300 million in one-time money to pay for ongoing programs. This practice simply postpones making the tough decisions necessary to truly balance government spending with current revenues. While this approach seems acceptable to many in Jefferson City, I feel this is an irresponsible budgeting practice. I believe that we must have a solid foundation in place if we are going to create long term sustainable growth, and this foundation begins with sound fiscal health. As long as we continue to limp along using these poor budgeting practices, we are prolonging unhealthy symptoms instead of curing the cold.

As a state, we have to start looking long-term and asking ourselves what fundamental changes we must make now in order to achieve long term economic growth. Without a plan or long term vision, we are simply stuck in neutral instead of moving forward. To escape this stagnation, we must reevaluate every aspect of our state government and determine our path for the future.

Although the State of the State marks the starting point of the annual budget process, the real work begins now as the House and Senate begin the legislative budget process. I will continue to fight for a budget that makes education our top priority, protects those citizens in our state with the greatest need, and spends taxpayer dollars in way that reflects the priorities of Missouri’s citizens. I will also work to promote a long-term approach to responsible public policy that puts Missouri back on a path to prosperity. This will not happen overnight, but with sound fiscal policy and a focus on long term growth, I firmly believe we can better our government, better our economy, better our state, and better our quality of life.

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 422, State Capitol Building, Jefferson City, MO 65101.