From the desk of Senator David Pearce

“Big Government Get Off My Back Act” Handled by Sen. Pearce Moves Forward

JEFFERSON CITY — State Sen. David Pearce, R-Warrensburg, this week ushered House Bill 45 through the Senate, a measure which would extend the time frame found in the 2009 “Big Government Get Off My Back Act” by one year, as well as further define the terms full-time employee and new job. It passed in the Senate with a vote of 34-0.

“It is legislation like this that will help set Missouri and its small businesses on the right path,” said Sen. Pearce.  “Common-sense laws that help Missourians in the workforce are what we are trying to pass. By extending the sunset, the act can be utilized longer, and therefore, be of more help to small businesses and their employees.”

In the previous measure, any state agency that sought to propose a rule that might impact small business would not be able to do so for four years. House Bill 45 would increase that time period to five years. The original act also created an income tax deduction for the years 2011 through 2014 for small businesses with up to 25 full-time employees. This session’s measure would increase that to 50 full- or part-time employees, with full-time being defined as a job with more that 36 hours per week, and lasting at least 52 weeks.

This bill is sponsored in the House by Rep. Denny Hoskins, R-Warrensburg. "I'm thrilled this bill is one step closer to becoming law and helping small businesses in Missouri," said Rep. Hoskins.

“It is gratifying to see movement toward building new jobs in our state,” said Sen. Chuck Purgason, R-Caulfield, who chairs the Senate Ways, Means and Fiscal Oversight Committee and who sponsored the initial 2009 measure. “Small businesses in Missouri deserve opportunities to help individuals while fulfilling the basic goal of being a business.”

With amendments adopted in the Senate, HB 45 now returns to the House for final approval.