Members of the House Majority Caucus met recently to discuss some of their legislative priorities for the upcoming session that begins Wednesday, Jan. 6. While the issues will change and evolve as session progresses, the caucus meeting did make it clear that several items will be prominently discussed during the upcoming months.
- Ethics Reform – The House Speaker has made meaningful, substantive ethics reform a top priority that will be one of the first things addressed when the session begins. Reforms will likely include a ban on all gifts from lobbyists to legislators, and an end to the revolving door that allows members to leave the legislature to immediately become lobbyists.
- Transportation Funding – Missouri continues to face a funding crisis that will jeopardize the state’s ability to maintain and upgrade the state’s highways and bridges. House members are focused on finding transportation funding solutions, and are equally committed to doing so without increasing taxes on Missouri citizens.
- Economic Development – The members of the Missouri House will continue efforts in 2016 to bolster Missouri’s economy by attracting more job creators to the state. The legislature will also continue to work to minimize bureaucratic red tape to ensure businesses can thrive and grow.
- Stadium Financing – The legislature continues to be opposed to the governor’s plan to finance a new stadium for the St. Louis Rams without securing the approval of the public or the legislature.
- Addressing the Terrorist Threat – In the wake of the terrorist attacks in Paris and San Bernardino, legislators in Missouri continue to look at ways to ensure the safety of Missouri citizens.
- University of Missouri Reforms – Following the protests that led to the resignation of both the system president and the MU chancellor, legislators are now looking at reforms to ensure adequate oversight and accountability within the system. Legislators are committed to ensuring the state’s flagship state university can carry out its mission to provide a quality education to all students.
- Reining in an Overreaching Executive Branch – The Missouri House will continue its efforts to rein in a governor who continues to abuse his authority. The legislature will likely move to override the governor’s budget restrictions that he put in place despite having a revenue surplus.
- Pro-Life Agenda – The legislature will continue its efforts to protect the sanctity of all life by working to make abortions even rarer and safer.
- Protecting Second Amendment Rights – House members also will work this session to ensure the rights of law-abiding gun owners are protected.
