This week began the First Extraordinary Session of the 96th General Assembly, or, in other words, special session. The governor called this session in order for the legislature to discuss a handful of issues, some that weren’t resolved during regular session and a couple that have come up since session ended on May 13.
While we in the Senate have worked hard to proceed on legislation during the special session, it is just as important to me to take the time to understand how these bills will impact the 31st District. The jobs measure, Senate Bill 8, introduced this week is 268 pages, and rather than debate it without the chance to thoroughly read and assess it, my colleagues and I decided it would be in the best interest of our constituents to take the weekend to review the material. We want to be deliberate and reflective in our evaluation of the bill and give it the consideration the citizens of Missouri deserve.
The original call sent out by the governor outlined the topics to be discussed by the General Assembly, including economic development measures, such as enacting the Compete Missouri Initiative, debating legislation relating to the Aerotropolis hub at the Lambert-St. Louis International Airport, and passing acts that would create and develop high-tech data call centers around the state. Discussion of tax credits was included in the call as well, both to approve continuing current tax credits and issuing certain new ones to attract business to Missouri.
In addition, the call was expanded to include the repeal of a specific provision in SB 54, which became law on Aug. 28, dealing with social media between students and their teachers. Also, the legislature is charged with passing a measure that would move Missouri’s presidential primary to March, as well as a bill that would give control of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department to the City of St. Louis.
A special session can be called by the governor with the direction of certain topics to be discussed, as evidenced by this week’s proceedings. Per the Missouri Constitution, any special session called by the governor can last up to 60 days, and the governor can call multiple special sessions, either consecutively or congruently. The governor timed this special session to coincide with veto session, held in the second week of September. This saves taxpayer dollars and is much more efficient.
Economic development is a necessity to our state. We need jobs available to our citizens. When my colleagues and I met a few weeks ago to outline the details of the measure that helped the governor decide to call this special session, we did so in order to create a better future for our state. While it is true that I am very interested in the parts of the bill that offer incentives for high-tech calling centers and the Missouri Science and Innovation Reinvestment Act (MOSIRA), as these would be especially beneficial to the 31stSenatorial District, our whole state can benefit from a number of provisions. The Compete Missouri initiative could also help many businesses in rural Missouri to expand.
I look forward to the outcome of this special session, to the work the legislature will put into furthering our state’s opportunities and goals. I have no doubt that by focusing our efforts and working together, we will be able to hammer out legislation that will be favorable for the 31st District and for the entire state.
As always, please feel free to contact me or my staff with any questions or concerns at any time. We look forward to hearing your comments and suggestions and trying to answer any questions you may have. You can reach us by phone at 866-277-0882 (toll-free) or 573-751-2272, or by fax at 573-526-7381.
Senator David Pearce serves Bates, Cass, Johnson and Vernon counties in the 31st State Senatorial District.
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