Perspective: An historic majority and increased responsibility

Jay Barnes
Jay Barnes

Excitement and optimism abound in your state Capitol. For the first time in Missouri history, our state is governed by a super-majority of Republicans in the legislature - and in the governor's mansion. In past years, the operative number for controversial legislation was 109 - the number of votes needed to override a veto. Now the number is 82, a simple constitutional majority.

On Wednesday, I was honored to second the nomination of my friend, Todd Richardson from Poplar Bluff, to serve as Speaker for another two years. Elected by acclamation, Speaker Richardson made the case for a bold agenda to make Missouri competitive in an ever changing economy.

Many things impossible under Gov. Nixon are suddenly a reality with right-to-work (you don't have to be a union member as a condition of employment) being the obvious first on the list. On the opposite end of the spectrum, special interest sales tax exemptions and giveaways appear dead - like public funding for stadiums.

The big-ticket items will gather most of the media attention. But the "little things" matter just as much. Every piece of legislation we pass matters to someone - more often than not, they matter a great deal. That simple truth is occasionally adrift within the sea of legislation we consider every session.

Elected office empowers us with a sacred public trust It is vitally important we ensure the legislative process is deliberative. No mistakes should be the mantra. Accordingly, the House has re-tooled the legislative process, flattening the multi-tiered maze of committees to reduce redundancy and inconsistent legislation.

I have been appointed Chair of one of the two "Rules" committees. My committee will review legislation from twelve substantive areas: Conservation and Natural Resources, Elections, Elementary and Secondary Education, Health and Mental Health Policy, Higher Education, Local Government, Pensions, Professional Registration and Licensing, Transportation, Utilities, Ways & Means (taxes), and Workforce Development. It's a big task, but I'll have a lot of help. The committee members are among the sharpest in the House.

Stadium Funding Dead on Arrival

What a difference a year makes. Gov. Nixon spent a little over a year attempting to divert your tax dollars to build a new football stadium in St. Louis. 

Last week, Gov-elect Greitens categorially ruled-out public funding for professional sports facilities, in particular a proposed new soccer stadium in St. Louis, pointing out the obvious it's "welfare for billionaires." In response, one of the potential owners of the new team said it was "disappointing considering he doesn't understand our business proposal and potential return on investment for the state."

In fact, here's what's disappointing - that wealthy team owners, real estate developers, and elected officials all over the country regularly dupe taxpayers with claims that stadiums are a good investment for taxpayers. Among economists, there is nearly universal recognition that subsidized stadiums are a bad deal. As Stanford economist Roger Noll has explained, "NFL stadium do not generate significant local economic growth, and the incremental tax revenue is not sufficient to cover any significant financial contribution[.]"

And here's another thing to consider: the state only receives sales and income taxes on top of the revenue earned by an enterprise like a soccer team. If there's such a great ROI for additional money invested, then private investors will invest their own money in the project.

Re-Filed Parental Leave for State Employees

Good legislation often takes several years to pass. Last year, I filed a bill to give state employees who are new parents parental leave. It passed as an amendment on a House bill, but did not ultimately pass. This year, I've filed House Bill 325 to do the same thing.

We are a pro-life, pro-family state. I believe state government should lead by example here and provide our new parents with valuable time off to be with their newborns. Since last year, House Speaker Todd Richardson has come out in support of the idea. I'm looking forward to working again to make this state law.

Increased Security at the Capitol

Starting this Tuesday, visitors to the Capitol will see increased security. State employees who work in the building or are there frequently will get cards to bypass security, and school children will be allowed to pass without going through metal detectors, but everyone else will have to go through a metal detector.

The operational details will matter a great deal here. We must ensure that the people who work and visit the capitol are safe. And we must also ensure that people are able to exercise their First Amendment rights to petition government in a way that doesn't take an hour just to enter.

I wish we lived in a world where security at public buildings was not necessary. However, just two years ago, a person stabbed a man he believed to be Gov. Nixon. Nearly every other large public building like the Capitol has more security. For example, visitors to the Cole County Courthouse must pass through a metal detector. So as with many people, I don't necessarily like the fact that there will be increased security, but it's reality that some upgrades are a good idea.

State Rep. Jay Barnes, R-Jefferson City, represents Missouri's 60th District.