Remember how great it was last year when we provided the mechanism for the first tax cut for Missourians in nearly 100 years?
The deal was if revenue grew by $150 million, the tax cut would become effective. We have been on track to trigger the cuts for the entire year. Last month, our growth had reached $135 million-plus. Our fiscal year ends on June 30, but something very strange has been occurring the last couple of months. This month there has been a huge drop in revenue growth, and when the budget folks started looking at the cause, they found that, once again, our governor has found a way to juggle the figures.
Now, don't get me wrong, there's nothing illegal in what's going on. This is way too well thought out to be illegal. The tax refunds for individuals and corporate returns are up more than 88 percent for June, compared to previous years. That figure represents 100 million dollars. Sure, things will even out with a huge jump in revenue in July, and by August we will again be showing substantial growth, but it will be too late to give Missourians the tax cut they well deserve. If the game he's played with the tax break isn't bad enough, now he is gleefully announcing that he plans "massive" withholds because revenues are below expectations. Historically, he withholds funding from schools, children's programs, veterans and elderly benefits and then -- later in the year, when revenues are shown as growing substantially -- he calls a press conference, restores some (that's SOME) of the funds and takes credit for saving the day. You see why I call this guy a schmuck. I can promise the veto session will be memorable this year.
The governor did sign a few bills last week. SB 814 creates an income-tax deduction for Missouri residents who are active duty members of the armed forces and stationed in Missouri. HB 1435 expands the ability for nonprofits to receive refunds if they were incorrectly charged sales or use tax. HB 1582 allows businesses to file W-2 forms electronically. HB 1717 requires notice if a public water system adds or removes fluoridation. SB 823 clarifies a state and local sales tax exemption for Internet access.
He also vetoed several bills, including SB 591, which would have changed Missouri's antiquated criteria for expert witnesses; SB 847, which would have caused stricter guidelines for insurance claims; SB 844, which provided protection against liability for farmers and ranchers when livestock got out through no fault of the owners; SB 641, which would end taxation of federal payments for flood damages; HB 2030, which would eliminate capital gains on sales of employee stock plans (ESOPs); HB 1432, which would have caused the government to have policies limiting the process of "Administrative Leave" when employees are accused of wrongdoing; and HB 1713, which would cause the Clean Water Commission to place farmers, business owners and stakeholders on the Commission instead of government-picked bureaucrats. Each of these vetoed bills would have decreased government powers and increased individuals' powers. They would have relieved unfair tax burdens and enabled those who work for a living to keep more of what they earn. They would have caused the government to be more accountable. Some of them will be over-ridden during the veto session, but we never seem to get them all done and we have to start all over next session.
We were at a ribbon cutting at the Freeman Clinic in Anderson on Monday. Freeman President Paula Baker was on hand to show us the new rehabilitation wing. We met some great medical providers, including my brand new primary physician, Dr. Zheng. My doctor had retired and I needed to find a new one, and she fits the bill. Jane is delighted because she is already bossing me around -- telling me to wear sunscreen and stuff like that.
Until then, I am and remain in your service.
-- State Rep. Bill Lant may be reached by calling 417-437-8223 or 573-751-9801, or emailing [email protected]. Opinions are those of the author.
Community on 07/14/2016