Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Brad Lager's Capitol Report -- Fighting Government

Fighting Government in order to Advance Our State Forward

Throughout our state we have tremendous challenges in repairing and maintaining our basic infrastructure. Since my first day in elected office, I have fought to address these fundamental responsibilities of government in any manner possible. Unfortunately, in many cases, the road blocks and/or obstacles are being created by the exact government agencies that should be serving the people of our state.

While the various departments that make up our state government were originally established with good intentions, over time they have evolved to the point where in many cases they are actually hindering our local businesses and/or communities from bettering their future. For example, in cases where a permit is required for the building and/or upgrading of a sewer or water treatment system, small communities are being held to the same unrealistic standards as cities with much larger populations. It is not hard to understand that one size does not fit all. Our smaller communities cannot afford the high dollar consultants often needed to traverse the bureaucratic interworkings of this state government.

As a result of the lack of practical sense being used inside our state agencies, the legislature was forced to take statutory action this year, thereby requiring departments to consider affordability when making determinations regarding permitting. Finally, we are forcing these out of control bureaucrats to consider a communities ability to financially support the project, and to understand that arbitrary regulation and/or requirements only drive up the cost.

It is time for our state government to be a partner in facilitating an economic environment where businesses can grow and communities can prosper. This means that our state government can no longer continue being a road block or obstacle. It is time for common sense to prevail as our communities work to fuel their opportunities and overcome their challenges. I will continue fighting to ensure that our state agencies act as a partner as we work to improve 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.

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