Missouri’s elected officials returned to Jefferson City on Wednesday to begin their work on passing bills to make the Show Me State a great place to live, work and raise a family.
Associated Industries of Missouri listened intently as Speaker of the House of Representatives Tim Jones (R-Eureka) and Senate President Pro Tem Tom Dempsey (R-St. Charles) touted their plans to improve Missouri.
“AIM’s legislative priorities for 2013 align well with Speaker Jones’ ‘Triple E’ plan and Senate Pro Tem Dempsey’s ‘BIG solutions,” said Ray McCarty, president of Associated Industries of Missouri. “These two proposals commit Missouri’s newest policies to economic development, energy and infrastructure investments, and education reforms. AIM will work with leadership to ensure the specific plans within these proposals will spur economic growth through responsible tax and employment law reforms.”
Jones and Dempsey both addressed their respective chambers Wednesday when the two bodies reconvened for the opening of the 2013 session. Jones’ “Triple E” plan promotes economic development, energy infrastructure and education reforms.
The Speaker also asked his House colleagues to “work to ensure Missouri embraces responsible energy policies that will encourage affordable energy prices and technological development.”
He asked members to continue efforts on small modular nuclear reactors, an industry AIM will work to cultivate in Missouri.
Dempsey’s “BIG solutions” contain similar policies, but specifically touches on building infrastructure, including transportation; investing in education; and growing the economy with pro-employer reforms.
“While cutting income taxes is an important step, our legal climate also needs to be fair and structured to attract, rather than discourage, investment in our state,” said Dempsey. “The worker’s compensation system, which was created in cooperation with business and labor interests, should return to being the sole remedy for workplace injuries.”
Dempsey went on to discuss the underfunded Second Injury Fund and changes to Missouri’s prevailing wage laws.
“Associated Industries of Missouri has been a long-time promoter of several of the policies mentioned in the opening day speeches,” said McCarty. “This year is no different. But, legislators should be aware that while focusing time on controversial issues that will impact segments of our economy, broad-based tax relief will positively impact every business in Missouri – no matter the size or type.”
You can also hear Ray’s interview KCMO Talk Radio’s Greg Knapp: http://www.motaxpayers.com/Audio/KCMO%20Ray%20McCarty%20011013.mp3
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