The Senate adjourned about midnight last night -- the conclusion of our portion of The Gov's special session. Although special sessions are supposed to be reserved for true emergency situations, we have been meeting, to the tune of about $100K a day of your tax dollars, so The Gov can get an economic development bill passed before he is up for reelection next year. Rather than an actual emergency, like addressing the healthcare crisis in the state or providing assistance for flood victims in southwest MO, this was a Special Session for Special Interests.
The special session was called by The Gov after he decided to veto the economic development bill (HB 327) passed by the general assembly during the regular session. I supported and voted for HB 327.
Unhappy with the bill we passed, The Gov once again trampled on the Constitution by dictating exactly what could and could not be discussed during the special session. The Missouri Constitution clearly states that appropriation of state funds is under the exclusive jurisdiction of the legislature. Despite this clear separation of powers, The Gov issued the narrowest call in the history of the Missouri Legislature and effectively prevented the legislature from doing what we are supposed to do -- legislate.
The special session started on August 20, but we did not debate the bill until yesterday. We started at 1:00 and went for almost 11 hours. Ten and half of those hours were dedicated to the economic development bill and the last few minutes were spent on a transportation bill and gubenatorial appointments.
I offered two amendments. Both were ruled out of order as "beyond the scope" of The Gov's call. The first amendment would have required that money attributable to the Quality Jobs Tax Credit be used to fund the state's childcare subsidy program. The second amendment would have required that no tax credits under the act be disbursed until Medicaid is reinstated to 2004 levels. It was clear from the start of session that no amendments were going to be accepted -- especially those that actually affect the most vulnerable people of the state of Missouri. Instead The Gov and the Republican dominated legislature made it their priority to give money to their friends and family.
I raised the issue of the constitutionally of this bill. I warned that it is likely to end up in litigation -- just like the rest of the ill-conceived junk that has been coming out of Jefferson City for the last two years. Voter ID. Campaign contribution limits. Abortion. MOHELA. The list goes on and on. So in addition to passing yet another handout for big business, the state will most likely have to pay to defend a lawsuit regarding its constitutionality and if their track record continues, the taxpayers will have to pay lawyer fees to the plaintiffs' attorneys.
I hope I'm wrong. I hope that after this bill becomes law that the economic development tap will open up and money will start pouring in to the state. I hope that we will use that money to fund the important social programs that have been neglected by the state for too long. A girl can always dream...
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