Rowland Report…1.12.12

Greetings from your State Capitol.  The second session of the 96th General Assembly started this week.  The opening session was more along the lines of business as usual.  The Speaker, Steve Tilley, gave his opening session speech and the formalities of getting the session going were quickly handled.

Speaker Tilley outlined the House’s “Blueprint for Missouri”.  It consist of four main areas; Missouri Taxpayers, Missouri Jobs, Missouri Schools and Missouri Values.

To Missouri taxpayers we pledge:  No New Taxes and A Balanced Budget.

For Missouri Jobs we pledge to improve the economic climate of the state by passing legislation that would fix Workers Compensation and the Second Injury Fund.  We also want to accomplish tort reform and change employment laws that will stimulate new jobs.

Missouri schools and our children’s education need to be very high on our priority list.  We must find a solution to the way school monies are distributed.  Finally our pledge for Missouri values will have pro-life legislation introduced.  A reliable funding source for veteran’s homes will be filed, a reform measure on Mandatory Reporters for child abuse and expanded college savings plans through MOST in the State Treasurers Office, having Driver’s Exams in English and requiring photo I.D. to vote.

Thursday morning started with a caucus meeting with U.S. Senator Roy Blunt.  Senator Blunt summarized happenings in Washington, D.C. and offered comments about the upcoming year.

Hopefully we will be able to accomplish all of the goals outlined above along with other legislation that would make our state a better place to live.

Don’t forget my capitol contact number is 573-751-2042.  It is a privilege to represent you in state government.