Budget woes, business incentives and ethics reforms top 2010 agenda for Missouri Legislature

Budget, ethics top Missouri lawmakers 2010 agenda

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Missouri lawmakers convened their 2010 session Wednesday besieged by budget woes and perceptions of corruption. They pledged to clean up their image and keep government running without raising taxes.

The challenges facing lawmakers contributed to a subdued mood as the House and Senate each gaveled into session around noon. They are scheduled to work until May 14.

The session began with some somber financial figures: Reports released this week show Missouri’s tax revenues are down 10.6 percent through the first half of its fiscal year and are projected to rebound only slightly in the coming months. An additional $200 million in cuts could be needed within weeks.

Further depressing the mood was some coincidental court action. While lawmakers gathered in Jefferson City, a former colleague was sentenced Wednesday in St. Louis to 18 months in federal prison for bribery and a former House speaker charged with assault had a hearing in state court in southeast Missouri.

Republican Senate leaders pledged that ethics reform would be one of the first bills debated. House Speaker Ron Richard appointed 12 members Wednesday to a new special committee to work on ethics legislation.

“We, as members, expect nothing less than the highest integrity in this chamber, and the people of the state deserve nothing less,” said Richard, R-Joplin.

Senate President Pro Tem Charlie Shields, R-St. Joseph, declared in his opening speech to colleagues: “We must restore confidence in our elected officials with ethics reforms.” His call to clean up the Capitol’s image received mild applause.

Lawmakers in 2010 also are to consider new incentives for businesses that expand or locate in Missouri — a particular challenge given the need to make budget cuts. Other measures likely to be debated would require insurers to cover autism treatment for children and toughen the state’s drunken driving laws.

Republicans hold a 23-11 majority over Democrats in the Senate and an 87-71 majority in the House, where there are five vacancies.