State of the State Address

Every January, the governor gives his state of the state address. And, much like prior years, the speech included his budget and a laundry list of things he would like to see us pass this session. As I reflect on what the governor said, there were several key points from his address that stood out in my mind.

First, many of the governor’s ideas parallel the House’s legislative Blueprint for Missouri. In his plan, economic growth is built on a “foundation of fiscal discipline.” I was glad to hear that the governor, like Republicans in the House, is committed to balancing the budget while holding the line on taxes. Raising your taxes in an already weak economy would further hamper economic growth and lead to more job losses, and that’s the last thing we need.

The governor’s strategy for economic growth is also built on making government “smaller, smarter and more efficient.”  This was our approach last year, and we plan to continue shrinking and limiting the size and scope of government this session.

We have led on this issue by passing the Taxpayer Protection Act out of the House this past week. This legislation limits growth in the state budget by tying any budgetary increase to the rate of inflation plus population growth. This will ease any pressure the budget encounters during down-times by saving money when economic times are good.

Next, it was good to see the governor add $5 million in funding for our K-12 schools. The past few years we have kept the school funding level in order to balance the budget. The increase is a small step toward fully funding our schools and will help put them on a little better financial footing for the next fiscal year.

Finally, the governor addressed school reform, another top priority in our Blueprint for Missouri. Here in the House, we are already taking steps to ensure that all Missouri students receive a quality education. This week, the Elementary and Secondary Education Committee heard a bill that would fix the school foundation formula, ensuring that all schools receive their fair share of funding.

The next few weeks will be busy combing through the budget and advancing legislation outlined in the “Blueprint for Missouri.”  I look forward to working on these key pieces of legislation which will help move Missouri forward.

Thanks to everyone who stopped by my offices in Fredericktown and Piedmont last Friday.  It is an honor to serve you in the Missouri House.  If you would like to discuss this or any other issue with me, please call 573-751-5912 or you can email me at shelley.keeney@house.mo.gov

Please let me know if you would like to receive my weekly newsletter updates via electronic E-Mail, by sending an email with your name to:Shelley.Keeney@house.mo.gov

You may also go to the House members’ website and sign up for the newsletter on my home page, as well as have access to other House information and legislation. http://www.house.mo.gov/member.aspx?year=2011&district=156

As always, I appreciate hearing from you about your comments, opinions and concerns regarding legislative matters and state government.   You may also write me at: “Shelley Keeney; Missouri House of Representatives; State Capitol -- Room 313; Jefferson City, MO 65101-6806.”