A Moment with Mike -- Halfway Through the Legislative Session

      As we move past the halfway point the Missouri General Assembly will take a week off from the legislative hustle and bustle to prepare for those final weeks of session where the budget for 2014 will be finalized and many important issues will be decided.  I  enjoy the break that allows me to spend some time in the district where I can visit with constituents and listen to their thoughts and concerns.

      A tax credit bill, which was the first Senate bill to be approved in the House this year, is now just one more vote in the Senate from becoming law.  This bill, which was similar to one that we passed out of the House earlier, would reinstate several tax credit programs that encourage donations to charitable organizations.  Commonly referred to a benevolent tax credits, these programs offer a tax break to individuals who donate money to organizations like food pantries, child advocacy centers and pregnancy resource centers.  The total cost to our state will be approximately $2.9 million each year in foregone tax revenue, but the benefit this investment will produce for countless Missourians will be priceless.

        I have had occasion to watch and be involved with some of these organizations locally and the impact that they have on our communities is tremendous.  The countless hours of the selfless people who volunteer their time to help others need to be appreciated and the state of Missouri should also do their part.

      The House also approved legislation last week that would change how most counties calculate the minimum wage required for public construction projects.  Currently, the prevailing wage for a given trade is based on voluntary surveys collected and submitted by contractors on a project.  The problem we have seen with prevailing wage is that the wage is artificially high compared to local wages in some areas.  This leads to more of your tax dollars being spent on public construction.  The cost can run 20 – 30% higher and may cause  projects to be delayed or rejected.  The legislation passed would replace those reported wage figures with an average weekly statewide wage compiled by the state labor department.  The new method of calculation should make construction projects more affordable and give taxpayers a much better value for their tax dollar.

      Prevailing wage issues are obviously controversial but have been a concern in small third class counties for years.  When our community combines with other counties in Northwest Missouri and comes to the Capitol each year with a list of priorities and concerns, this issue seems to always be mentioned.

      The House also approved legislation last week that would protect the rights and freedoms of Missouri workers.  The bill would prevent unions from using the dues and fees paid by their members for political purposes without permission.  Commonly referred to as “Paycheck Protection” legislation, the bill simply gives workers more control over how their money is spent and makes unions more accountable to their members.  This bill, also controversial for some, does not prohibit unions from being politically active.  It simply gives their workers the right to choose if they want to participate.

     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.