"I believe in ethics, and I believe that our leaders should do not only what is legal, but what is right and honorable." That's what Gov. Eric Greitens told Missourians as a candidate - and it is what I believe to be true about those who take the solemn oath to represent the people of this state.
Last week, Greitens admitted he had an affair prior to taking office. These acts alone are inarguably wrong and dishonorable. That is not a judgment of permanent condemnation against any person who commits such an act. After all, "let he who is without sin cast the first stone." On a personal level, a person who does these things must get right with themselves, their families and God.
But we must demand more from our leaders. Three years ago, we did just that in the Missouri House when we learned that Speaker John Diehl admitted to inappropriate communications with an intern. Within hours of the story breaking, there was a push to hold Diehl accountable. To his credit, Diehl made the right and honorable decision to resign the next afternoon.
Some people have compared the stories of Greitens to Diehl, but they are much different. Diehl faced official consequences even if he committed no crime or had any sexual activity in the case. The process and consequences of an action against a sitting Speaker of the House is contained within a single body of government. There are no questions of due process or separation of powers.
Many calling on the legislature to act immediately with respect to Greitens because of outrage over what he has admitted and the allegations attached to it. However, the process of holding accountability an official in a separate branch of government is more serious and complicated. It requires more deliberation than a single night or week.
This moment is bigger than this particular governor and this particular legislature. It is not a time for bombast or demagoguery, but to uphold the rule of law and the legislature's role in our system of government. I believe it is a test of the strength of our state government and pledge to proceed with the seriousness of purpose that the moment requires.
The Legislature moves ahead
In the midst of distraction, it is critical for the legislature to continue working. In other news this week, the House sent three bills to the Senate. Two of them were repeats. House Bill 1500, sponsored by Rep. Shamed Dogan, repeals unnecessary regulations that require hair-braiders to take 1,500 hours of cosmetology courses that have nothing at all to do with their trade. This bill passed out of the House last year, but ran into the scissors of the cosmetology school lobby - a group that wants to defend their monopoly.
House Bill 1303, sponsored by Rep. Justin Alfermann, enacts a ban on lobbyist gifts. This has passed through the House for four consecutive years, and I have previously sponsored. It runs into a Senate buzz-saw every year. I hope this year is different but really have no great reason for optimism.
Finally, House Bill 1426, sponsored by Rep. Patricia Pike, directs the Department of Public Safety to create posters providing information to potential victims of human trafficking, and requires those posters to be displayed in places where such victims are likely to visit at some point. These places include truck stops, airports, train stations, strip clubs, bus stations and road side rest areas. I amended the bill on the floor to require the posters to be displayed in specific women's health centers, including abortion facilities, family planning clinics, maternity homes and pregnancy resource centers. Other states, including California, have enacted similar laws to good effect. I rarely offer predictions on whether any individual piece of legislation will pass in a session, but I believe this bill will become law this year.
As we move further into session, I anticipate that tax reform will be a big topic of discussion. I plan to be in the middle of it - and my ideas for tax reform will be focused on ensuring middle class Missourians are the families for whom tax relief is focused. Next week, I will file legislation to create state-based child tax credits for working families.
State Rep. Jay Barnes, R-Jefferson City, represents the 60th District, and shares his perspective on statehouse issues each week.