Jeff City’s Spring Break Report Card
Spring Break starts tomorrow for the Missouri legislature.
As representatives stream out of the Capitol and back to their districts, it’s a good time to check in on where our Conservative priorities stand.
Safer Missouri
WIN. The legislature passed HB 495, a crime package that includes provisions Conservatives have spent years fighting for. The bill creates a citizen board to oversee the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, strengthens penalties for child endangerment and fentanyl distribution, and creates a new program for reporting the immigration status of criminals.
Congrats to Governor Kehoe, Senators Schroer, Fitzwater, and Luetkemeyer, and Representative Christ for getting this done!
Expanding Parental Choice in Education
IN THE BUDGET. Governor Kehoe announced a plan during his State of the State address to expand the MOScholars school choice scholarship program with $50 million of general revenue. When Speaker Patterson was asked about the proposal, he said that the number seemed low.
We are heading in the right direction, but Conservatives must keep watch over the budget process to make sure MOScholars expansion is included.
Income Tax Elimination
NEXT UP. When legislators return to Jefferson City, it will be time to move on this promise. Because of some shenanigans in the House, the income tax elimination fight has moved to the Senate. Negotiations are ongoing.
Governor Kehoe made income tax elimination a centerpiece of his campaign last year. Speaker Patterson cosponsored the House version. Let’s make it happen.
Have a great Spring Break!
Andy Bakker
Executive Director
Liberty Alliance USA