Love note from Jeff City

Greetings, My Fellow Missourians

Driving back to the Capitol was somewhat treacherous on Monday for most everyone. Freezing rain, ice and snow across much of Missouri was the norm; this caused several multiple-vehicle accidents and road closures. However, most all of the Missouri legislators made it in by Monday afternoon, and we went right to work doing the people’s business.

Monday evening I attended the Rural Electric Cooperative reception and got to visit with Aaron Ash and Don Levi, both with Sac Osage Electric Co-op. One of my priorities is to stay informed and up-to-date on the electric providers in our District 125. It’s most important that electricity is available, reliable and affordable. Tuesday morning, these gentlemen were at the Capitol and stopped by the office, advocating for current legislation. I appreciate their involvement, input, and commitment to a high standard of service.

The Economic Development Committee hearing on the full repeal of Prevailing Wage was held on Tuesday evening. The committee heard three identical bills, including the language I have sponsored(HB1436). It was a very successful hearing with the hearing room full of county commissioners from across the state. It was great to listen to Marlon Collins, Cedar County Presiding Commissioner, testify in favor of the full repeal and the huge impact it would have for the cost of repair or replacement to county infrastructure needs. Some other commissioners that testified were from Cape Girardeau, Dent, Macon, and Platte Counties. We were also extremely pleased that Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft attended the hearing and gave a detailed testimony in favor of the full repeal. This repeal would clear the way for qualified/competitive bidding on public works projects, not to mention the fact that it is the most proficient use of taxpayer dollars.

This week in the Conservation/Natural Resources Committee, we heard testimony on HB1657 that would allow non-resident landowners to hunt on their own land without being required to purchase out-of-state tags. This bill allows any U.S. citizen who is not a MO resident, but owns at least 75 acres of property in Missouri, to receive resident hunting, fishing, or trapping permit privileges. Currently, since 2009, the MO Conservation Department (MDC) requires all MO landowners who live out-of-state, but own MO land and pay MO property taxes (and in many cases, pay personal property taxes on equipment) to purchase a non-resident hunting permit, the same as hunters who do not own land in MO. For example, Forrest Lucas, who owns Lucas Cattle Company, comprised of several hundred acres of land, cattle and machinery. In addition, he established and owns Lucas Oil Speedway at Wheatland. Due to his business interests, he is a rather large employer and taxpayer in Hickory County. I made a personal phone call to Mr. Lucas, whose permanent address is in Indiana. I asked if he knew he would be required by current MDC regulation to purchase a non-resident $225 firearm deer tag to hunt deer on his own land. He was unaware of that policy, because he really is not a hunter. However, he stated, “If I wanted to bring my grandson and hunt on my own property during deer season, I should be allowed to do so, the same as every other landowner in Missouri.” I agree with him and will do everything I can to support HB1657.