Session continues to gain momentum as more bills work their way out of committee and on to the House floor. Last week the Missouri House approved a resolution calling on Congress to adopt an amendment to the U.S. Constitution that would require a balanced federal budget. As we have watched our federal government continue to live beyond its means, it is obvious that something must be done to protect our nation from financial disaster. The budget recently proposed by our president would put national spending at approximately $3.7 trillion while our nation’s incoming revenues are only $2.9 trillion. That budget gap of approximately $765 billion is alarming but, sadly, nothing new for Washington, D.C. The path we are on will allow the portion of the national debt held by outside investors to climb to $18.7 trillion by 2021. That figure represents 76.5 percent of the overall economy – twice the size of the debt before the recession hit in 2007. This disastrous path our government is on is jeopardizing the future of our nation and our children. It is imperative that we send a strong message to Washington, D.C. indicating that it is time that they start balancing the federal budget like we balance our budget here in Missouri and like Missouri families must also do.
Another issue that brought about a lively debate was HB 1186 & 1147. This legislation would require all driving tests in Missouri to be given only in English. Presently, our state offers driver exams in 11 languages besides English and allows people taking the test to have a translator. This bill would prohibit the director of the Department of Revenue from supplying or permitting the use of language interpreters, except sign language interpreters, in connection with the required written and driving tests. Advocates argue that while we welcome people from all parts of the world and from varying cultures, it is important to establish that the language we use here in Missouri is English. Our road and highway signs are written in English and highway patrolmen and police officers who make traffic stops are going to communicate in English as well. The bottom line is that if you are going to safely operate a motor vehicle in Missouri, you need to understand English. By requiring applicants to take the test in English, we can ensure they know the language and improve the safety of our roads as a result.
Once again the state tax commission is recommending an increase in the assessed value of Missouri’s best farmland. This change is one that would cause Missouri farmers to pay an additional 29 cents per acre on the state’s most productive land. I believe that we can all agree that this is not the time to increase the tax burden on Missourians and the legislature will not support an increase. This would be especially detrimental to our farmers here in Northwest Missouri where a majority of the land would fit that category. There is a resolution on the move that would keep the proposed increase from going into effect that will come to the floor very soon. The Missouri General Assembly must act by March 4th to keep the increase from going into effect for tax years 2013 and 2014.
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 401B State Capitol Building, Jefferson City, MO 65101.
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