Brad Lager Capitol Report -- Growing Missouri's Economy

Since the beginning of this legislative session, growing our economy has been a top priority of the Legislature. While I believe it is the private sector that actually creates jobs, our state government has a responsibility to create an atmosphere that encourages economic growth and development. Last week, the legislature sent Governor Nixon another component of our economic growth agenda.

As I have discussed in the past, we have already passed a repeal of the job killing franchise tax. Last week, the House took up and passed the Senate version of the employment law reforms, thereby sending them to the Governor’s desk. These reforms will restore a fair balance to our judicial system so that both businesses and employees in Missouri can expect equal protections in both state and federal court.

In addition to those two measures, we have also sent legislation to the Governor that will ensure that Missouri’s farmers have the same legal protections as their competitors in neighboring states. We have finalized the reforms to Missouri’s unemployment fund which extended the federally funded assistance while restructuring the system to make it financially sustainable in the future. These reforms will soften the future impacts on Missouri’s employers thereby allowing them to invest in growing their companies.

By creating a better business climate in out state, we reduce the uncertainty and increase the probability that business owners will invest in our state. Although this transformation will not occur overnight, we have an opportunity to make Missouri a place where both new and existing businesses have a greater chance for growth and prosperity. As we enter the final four weeks of the 2011 session, I will not lose focus on creating an economic climate that increases opportunities and improves the quality of life for all Missourians.

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.