In the last week there has been a great deal of press about the governor's veto of HB253 and subsequent withholding of money from a balanced FY'14 budget in anticipation that the Legislature might over-ride his veto.
Unfortunately, politics never ceases, and unfortunately politics relies heavily on half-truths and speculations to incite fear and panic in order to bend the will of others.
As a member of the appropriations committee, I want to provide some facts about the 2014 budget and HB253:
• Fact 1) the budget that the Legislature passed and sent to the governor was balanced.
• Fact 2) HB253 contains multiple protections, triggers and milestones that must be met in order for the tax-cuts to take effect.
• Fact 3) the money on which the state operates is your money and you deserve to get some of it back whenever possible.
•Fact 4) none of the governor's proposed withholdings are from bloated social programs. Instead they target jobs, employee pay, and education - all of which are supposed to be priorities of the governor and his administration.
Because he is concerned that the Legislature might override a bill that he doesn't like in September, the governor is withholding available money and resources now.
It would be better if the governor worked with the Legislature to return some of Missourians' money back to them while at the same time doing other important things like fixing the Capitol building, paying employees and concentrating on jobs.
Since the close of session I have had the good fortune to see many of you at coffee shops throughout the district.
On Monday of this week I caught the coffee clan in Vienna, and these wise men confirmed that this is indeed the best weather for a Fourth of July in decades. Unlike Claudia, these men did not question the way I had my tractor and bush-hog loaded on my trailer, and in fact even commented "that's a nice load you have there."
I would like to thank Rich and Pam Green, owners of the Eitzen Mansion in California, Mo., as well as Karen Miller and all the members of the Central Missouri Legislative Coalition of County Commissioners for allowing me to attend their meeting last week. It was a wonderful setting, and the Eitzen home is a true treasure to Moniteau County. Because of the Green's passion and dedication this home has been restored to what it was when it was originally built in 1898.
Almost daily I get asked whether or not there will be a Flap-Jack Tour this summer.
This year I am going to do the Flap-Jack Tour in the early fall in order to avoid the heat and so as not to interfere with family vacations.
In an additional twist, to the greatest extent possible, I am going to hold these at businesses and industries in the counties. I will provide additional details on tour dates and locations later in the summer.
My purpose and my intent is to serve the constituents of the 6th Senatorial District. Please feel free to contact me at any time at 573-751-2076.
When you are in the Capitol during the coming weeks and months, please stop by your office in Room 220.