This week we closed session early due to the heavy snow that
swept across the state.  I was grateful
to be back at home with the family during the winter storm. Although we closed
early, we still were able to get quite a bit done at the beginning of the week
and I am proud of what we were able to accomplish.

House Advances Tax
Amnesty Program

How does it work?
Upon its passage and the Governor’s signature, the Department of Revenue will
begin working to advertise and implement the necessary program requirements to
offer the general public an amnesty opportunity.  That is, if you owe back taxes, you can make
arrangements with the Department to pay them with all interest and penalties
will be waived. 

What if the taxpayer fails to pay?
Rep. Flanigan and the rest of the Republican-led legislature understands that
some folks want to make right on their tax bills.  But we also know that we can’t provide
amnesty without expecting taxpayers to continue to pay their taxes just like
their neighbors, you, and I.  We added
some safeguards to encourage those who have a debt to pay it, but also to
ensure they don’t fall back into the red later down the road.  In fact, if in any of the eight years after a
taxpayer participates in the amnesty program they fall behind again, all prior
interest and penalties will be reapplied. 
Additionally, language was added that will ensure that a taxpayer who
receives amnesty on a certain tax will not be able to participate in any future
amnesty programs for that same tax.  We
think this is a good way to encourage positive changes, be considerate of those
burdened by tough times from the recession, and bring folks up to par and
paying their fair share like their neighbors. 

How much will the state generate?
Estimates have ranged from $55 million to more than $70 million in additional
revenues that the state will receive if it offers the amnesty program.  Those funds will help balance the budget
without a tax increase – a promise you’ve asked for, we’ve made, and we
continue to keep.

HB 545-Gun Control

Late last week Rep. Rory Ellinger (D-86) sponsored HB 545—a
quick attempt at a gun grab against law-abiding Missourians! House Bill 545 is
one of the most ridiculous anti-gun bills filed this year.  HB 545 would turn many law-abiding gun owners
into felons. This infringement would ban the possession, sale, transfer or
manufacturing of certain semi-automatic rifles and magazines that are capable
of holding more than ten rounds. It contains no grandfather clause, which means
if you are currently in possession of the semi-automatic rifles and magazines
outlined in this bill, you will have 90 days from the effective date of this
legislation to surrender, destroy or remove these currently lawful items from
Missouri. If you fail to do so, you could be charged with a Class C felony. 

I will be fighting back against all legislation aimed at
restricting the constitutional rights of law-abiding citizens.  Gun control is not the answer. As President
Reagan said,

"We must reject the idea that every time a law’s
broken, society is guilty rather than the lawbreaker. It is time to restore the
American precept that each individual is accountable for his actions."

I have Co-Sponsored a specific piece of legislation aimed at
protecting the rights of Missourians; HB 170 called the "Firearm
Protection Act". This legislation is designed to shield our citizens from
President Obama's gun control mandates, executive orders and proposed
legislation that would limit our fundamental Second Amendment rights. The
Firearm Protection Act specifies that no official shall enforce a federal
firearm law when the firearm is manufactured and remains in the state and that
any new federal law banning or restricting ownership of a semi-automatic
firearm is unenforceable. In addition the legislation would make any attempt to
curb a Missourian’s Second Amendment rights a class D felony and directs the
Attorney General of the State of Missouri to defend Missouri citizen's rights
to keep and bear arms.

Constituent Visits
Thank you to the MRTA and MSTA members for stopping by and discussion education
issues.  It was also a pleasure to visit
with members of the nursing program at Pike-Lincoln; I am working hard to see
that the legislature reconsiders allocating funds to the Pike-Lincoln Technical
Center.  Finally, thank you to members of
Missouri Right to Life for taking the time to come speak with me about
important pieces of “Life” legislation currently being considered by the
General Assmebly! 

I am grateful every day for the support you all have
provided me before and during my time in office.  I look forward to serving you the best I can
for the next two years.  Please never
hesitate to contact me if I can ever be of assistance to you!