Denny Hoskins District 21 Column

Earlier this week, I had the opportunity to discuss Dollar Tree’s interest in Johnson County with the company’s CEO Bob Sasser and some of our elected officials here in the state. Dollar Tree plans to invest $100 million in the Warrensburg area and that investment starts with its project to build an enormous distribution center near Brady Commerce Park. This project is expected to bring hundreds of jobs within three years and increase the commerce throughout the area.

Dollar Tree’s decision to invest in our community is an endorsement of Missouri’s — Warrensburg’s — welcoming business climate. So, if we want to stay competitive with other states and continue to bring employment projects, we must understand the factors, such as geographical advantage, low taxes and regulations and a talented labor force, that influence a business’s decision to relocate or expand.

In addition to Johnson County, surrounding counties, such as Lafayette, Saline and Ray Counties, provide great and dedicated skilled people. Our people are strong-minded and capable, and it is not only Dollar Tree that recognizes that. Last Monday morning, Tara Industries held its groundbreaking ceremony. Tara Industries produces bio-fuels energy solutions, which have been increasing in demand as efficient sources of energy, by converting plant- and animal-derived products. The company plans to build on a site near Tina — close to Highway 65 — and expects to bring more than 400 jobs within the next decade. These projects are great for encouraging economic development in rural counties like Carroll County. As this year progresses, I look forward to more businesses expanding in other parts of the district.

Here in Jefferson City, discussion and debate surrounding the budget filled the committees, halls and Senate chamber. The Legislature is working hard to pass a budget within the next three weeks. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I spent many hours this week listening to testimony concerning appropriations for state departments and agencies. It is vital for the efficacy of our state that our departments and agencies get the funding they need. Moreover, the fact that the committee’s hearing rooms have been filled to capacity, with many people standing in the halls to carefully listen, shows the importance of our work and that many entities, organizations and people are affected by the appropriation process.

As highlighted in last week’s column, the Senate passed Senate Bill 376 last week. The bill would make “Old Drum” Missouri’s Historical Dog and “Jim the Wonder Dog” Missouri’s Wonder Dog. Senate Bill 376 is moving swiftly through the House, and I look forward to working with my colleagues and the governor to find more ways to encourage tourism and promote our local economies.

With less than a month left of session, we show no signs of slowing down. I will continue to represent the people of District 21 and focus on the issues that will improve our local and rural communities, strengthen our children’s education and hold my colleagues accountable to their jobs at legislators.

Bill Tracking Update

SB 183 - 04/10/2017 Adopted as amendment to SB 18 and refereed to House Committee (HSCSB)

Extends the Big Government Get Off My Back Act and modifies several provisions relating to the collection of money by public entities

SB 257 - 03/01/2017 Hearing conducted (COMM)

Allows telephone companies to select an alternate method of property tax assessment

SB 280 - 03/16/2017 Placed on Formal Calendar for Perfection (VETS)      

Requires the Department of Revenue to issue both REAL ID compliant and noncompliant driver's licenses and identification cards

SB 335 - 02/15/2017 Voted out of Committee (SFCH)

Modifies the definition of a service dog

SB 359 - 04/04/2017 Vote out of committee (SBIN) 

Modifies provisions relating to the promotion and sale of alcoholic beverages

SB 360 - 03/14/2017 Bill Combined w/ (SCS/SBs 360, 238 & 36) (EDUC)

Modifies provisions relating to virtual public schools

SB 375 - 04/05/2017 Voted out of Committee (SFCH)          

Changes the law regarding consent for a minor to obtain an abortion

SB 376 - 04/19/2017 Second Read in House (GENL)

Designates "Old Drum" as the historical dog of the state of Missouri

SB 395 - 04/06/2017 Hearing Conducted (HGENERALLAWS)           

Modifies provisions relating to the practice of public accounting

SB 416 - 02/28/2017 Hearing conducted (WAME)

Exempts the purchase of utilities for certain food preparation uses from state sales and use taxes

SB 452 - 02/28/2017 Hearing conducted (EDEV)      

Creates the Missouri Video Lottery Control Act

SB 454 - 03/27/2017 Hearing conducted (PROF)

Modifies provisions of the Missouri Athletic Trainer Practice Act

SB 472 - 03/27/2017 Removed from Consent Calendar (AGRI)       

Modifies the definition of "livestock" to include honey bees for the purposes of the state sales tax law

SB 485 - 03/30/2017 Placed on Informal Calendar (EDUC)

Excludes funds designated by taxpayers in an urban district as early childhood education funds from the local tax revenue calculation used to provide funding to charter schools that declared themselves as a local education agency

SB 531 - 03/09/2017 Second Read and Referred to Committee (SFCH)      

Provides for patient due process for persons receiving services from the Division of Developmental Disabilities

SB 532 - 04/05/2017 Placed on Formal Calendar (HPEN)

Modifies provisions relating to Department of Mental Health inspections

SCR 7 - 03/07/2017 Hearing conducted (RJRR)        

Expresses support for the people of Israel

SCR 14 - 04/24/2017 Hearing Scheduled (SCGO)

Applies to Congress for the calling of an Article V convention of states to propose an amendment to the United States Constitution regarding term limits for members of Congress

SCR 15 - 02/14/2017 Referred to Committee (RJRR)

Designates August 21, 2017, as "Total Eclipse Day" in the state of Missouri

I urge you to contact my office with any questions or concerns you have about state government so I can better represent you during the 2017 legislative session.

I always appreciate hearing your comments, opinions, and concerns. Please feel free to contact me in Jefferson City at (573) 751-4302. You may also email me atdenny.hoskins@senate.mo.gov.