Opinion

Ethics bills move forward

Tuesday, February 2, 2016

Missouri's 126th Dist.

Best wishes from a very busy capitol! On the first day of the legislative session, House Speaker Todd Richardson called on the Missouri House to make substantive ethics reform a top priority for the 2016 legislative session. In the first few weeks of session, the House had made good on his promise by approving seven separate bills that take a multitude of steps to improve the culture at the state capitol.

In regard to business growth, the House approved and sent to the Senate this week a piece of legislation meant to cut the bureaucratic red tape that too often stifles the growth of small businesses in Missouri. House members approved legislation to revive the Big Government Get Off My Back Act for tax years 2016 through 2021. The act originally ran from 2009 to 2014 and was instrumental in prohibiting new rules and regulations on small businesses, as well as unnecessary fee increases. The act also gives a $10,000 tax deduction for any small business, with 50 employees or less, that hires additional employees and pays them at least the average county wage. In its final year in 2014, the act provided tax relief to 196 small businesses throughout Missouri. Proponents hope to provide assistance to even more businesses by reviving the program.

Budget committees were busy last week in hearings for the state budget and this will continue to be a priority to move the budget process forward in February. I serve on the Appropriations -- General Administration Committee, which reviews the governor's budget recommendations, along with other state departments' requests.

The Missouri House Committees on Children and Families and Ways and Means released their report and legislative recommendations this week following the investigation into the actions of Planned Parenthood in Missouri. Several bills have been filed as a result of the testimony to tighten up tissue disposal and abortion practices.

I testified recently on my powdered alcohol legislation, HB 1786. The hearing went well with law enforcement, school representatives, Missouri Poison Center, PTO, and other groups providing positive testimony support.

The Women Legislators of Missouri are offering a scholarship for each Congressional District. Area female seniors may apply at a link to download the scholarship located at http://house.mo.gov/downloads/wlsa2016.docx or by talking to their school counselor. Applications must be mailed to: Rep.Patricia Pike, Missouri State Capitol, 201 West Capitol Ave., Jefferson City, MO 65101, or submitted via email to patricia.pike@house.mo.gov with the subject WLM Essay Contest. by Thursday, March 3.

It is an honor to serve on your behalf in the Missouri House of Representatives. Please contact my office anytime by email: patricia.pike@house.mo.gov or call 573-751-5388 for assistance regarding state issues, flags, resolutions, and visits to the district and capitol. My Legislative Assistant is Beth Rohrbach and we are always glad to assist you. Our office is open year round.