JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Today, the House of Representatives approved a joint resolution sponsored by State Rep. Eric Burlison to limit the rate at which the state government can increase spending. If approved by the Senate, the resolution will give voters the opportunity to adopt a taxpayer protection act that would ensure government spending does not grow out of control in the future.
Burlison’s proposed constitutional amendment, HJR 75, would prohibit appropriations in any fiscal year from exceeding the total state general revenue appropriations from the previous year by more than the appropriations growth limit. The legislation defines the appropriations growth limit as the greater of zero or the sum of the annual rate of inflation and the annual Missouri population growth.
“It is our duty as legislators to ensure taxpayer dollars are utilized properly and that government puts some money aside in times of economic improvement,” said Burlison, R-Springfield. “With this constitutional amendment, we can balance out the economic highs and lows to ensure future legislatures stick with the kind of fiscally responsible spending plans the taxpayers expect and want.”
HJR 75 also would allow for emergency appropriations when necessary and mandate a reduction in state income taxes when revenue exceeds reserve fund limits.
The bill now moves to the Senate. If approved, the proposed constitutional amendment would go before a vote of the people.
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