Ron Copeland

This bill generally allows for an individual to care for a greater number of children without having to obtain a childcare facility license. For example, the bill now allows an individual to care for up to four children under the age of two (previously three children) without needing a license. Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill serves as a step in the right direction to reducing excessive regulations within the childcare industry. Instead of the many wasteful spending initiatives proposed this session, lawmakers should build on this deregulatory approach to make childcare more affordable.

Reducing Childcare Costs by Permitting an Individual to Care for a Greater Number of Children Before Having to Comply with Costly and Burdensome Regulations.

This bill expands regulations on the methods in which children must be restrained in a motor vehicle. Under the bill, a child is now required to be secured in a rear-facing restraint system until the child reaches two years of age, at which point a forward-facing restraint system may also be used. Additionally, the bill now requires the purchaser of a pre-owned vehicle to submit a vehicle inspection certificate in order to register a vehicle. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the further expansion of the nanny state weakens individual liberties and the ability for parents to decide the best and most safe methods to transport their child. Furthermore, the vehicle inspection enforcement mechanism serves as yet another burden for motorists and may be a major barrier for purchasers of classic cars and specialty vehicles.

Worsening Nanny State Mandates Surrounding Child Restraints and Vehicle Inspections.

The Chappell amendment #7 to a multi-agency appropriations bill. The amendment makes slight cuts for a few dozen initiatives ranging from economic development to mental health. Support is the Limited Government Position as this amendment serves as a step in the right direction to restraining the legislature's out-of-control spending. Missouri's state debt and liabilities currently exceed $17 billion, representing a $8,600 debt burden for each Missourian. The state must pursue every available avenue to reign in its out-of-control spending, as, when coupled with the over $185 trillion federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Increasing Fiscal Responsibility by Slightly Reducing Wasteful Spending within the Budget for a Few Dozen Initiatives.

This bill enables the Department of Economic Development to provide up to $10 million in grants annually so companies can enhance cybersecurity. The Department may select which businesses it wishes to assist (with 50% of the funds directed towards those with less than 50 employees) and provide each business with a grant of up to $15,000. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as providing "cybersecurity" for private companies is not a proper function of government with this cronyism merely enriching select businesses favored by bureaucrats. Missouri's state debt and liabilities currently exceed $17 billion, representing a $8,600 debt burden for each Missourian. The state must pursue every available avenue to reign in its out-of-control spending, as, when coupled with the over $185 trillion federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Fueling Out-of-Control Spending by Forcing Taxpayers to Pay for Cyber Security Upgrades for Government Favored Businesses.

The Richey amendment #1 to an appropriations bill for real property releases and related services. This amendment provides greater clarity and integrity on the expenditure of appropriations within the bill while also ensuring that no funding is expended on staffing or programs associated with "Diversity, Equity or Inclusion" (DEI). Support is the Limited Government Position as this amendment strengthens government integrity while also protecting against DEI and other practices which sow division amongst Americans and are intended to further grow the role of government.

Strengthening Government Integrity and Protecting Taxpayers from the Funding of "Diversity, Equity and Inclusion" (DEI) within a State Property Lease Appropriations Bill.

This bill contains multiple provisions surrounding the operation of motor vehicles and the automotive industry. First, the bill further strengthens laws surrounding cellphone usage while driving to now ban texting as well as any scrolling or pushing of buttons on a mobile device. Second, the bill implements a series of new regulations on motor vehicle financial protection products and prohibits credit and the sale or lease of a vehicle be conditioned on purchasing a product. Furthermore, among other provisions, the bill contains the same regulations found within HB 894 governing franchise agreements between automobile manufacturers and dealers. This includes the requirement that manufacturers now reimburse dealerships for warranty and recall repair work at the rate the dealership wishes to set, versus the rate of comparable franchisees within the market. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this overreaching one size fits all ban on mobile device usage while driving fails to account for new vehicle self-driving technologies. Additionally, this measure represents one of the worst examples of cronyism and utilization of government power to enrich one party (dealerships) at the expense of another party (manufacturers) in contracting agreements which should be privately negotiated without any government involvement.

Imposing an Overreaching Ban on Mobile Device Usage While Driving and Enriching Automobile Dealers at the Expense of Manufacturers through Draconian New Regulations.

The Meredith amendment #12 to an appropriations bill for the Department of Social Services. This amendment reduces Medicaid expenditures by $34 million (which is expected to require less funding due to lower program eligibility after COVID). The amendment then directs the funds cut from Medicaid to be provided to the Department of Mental health for an 11.3% employee pay increase. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the state should not normalize "emergency" levels of funding and spending. The federal and state government should return to its funding and expenditure levels prior to COVID-19. The state must pursue every available avenue to reign in its out-of-control spending, as, when coupled with the over $185 trillion federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Advancing Fiscal Irresponsibility by Providing an 11.3% Pay Hike for Government Employees within the Department of Mental Health.

The Davidson amendment #1 to a bill pertaining to physical therapy. The amendment exempts individuals who provide physical therapy services in middle and high schools from a number of additional regulations within the bill. Support is the Limited Government Position as this amendment combats regulatory overreach by helping ensure athletic trainers and school staff are not blockaded by excessive regulations in their work to care for student athletes.

Protecting Middle and High School Personnel from Overreaching Regulations Pertaining to Physical Therapy.

This bill, known as the "Protecting Missouri's Small Business Act" requires the state and local governments to give careful consideration of the impact a shutdown order (such as during COVID-19) may have on Missourians and small businesses. Additionally, the bill requires governments which impose shutdowns which exceed 21 consecutive days or 45 cumulative days to waive any business licensing fees during the period and reduce the real and personal tax liability of the business based on the number of days of the shutdown. Support is the Limited Government Position as countless governments abused their authorities during the COVID-19 pandemic and placed enormous financial harms on small businesses. This measure helps combat government overreach by imposing a financial cost onto governments which impose a shutdown.

Protecting Small Businesses from Government Shutdowns by Requiring the State and Localities Waive Business Fees and Tax Liabilities During Shutdown Periods.

The Meredith amendment #16 to the State Board of Education appropriations bill. The amendment appropriates $138 million from the lottery proceeds fund to provide universal pre-kindergarten education regardless of a household's income. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as it is the role of government to provide education across K-12, not early childcare, or higher education. The amendment also raids the lottery fund to pay for this government expansion, an action which will inevitably result in higher property taxes to make up the lost funding.

Further Growing the Role and Scope of Government by Providing Universal Pre-K and Advancing Property Tax Hikes through the Raiding of the Lottery Fund.

The Merideth amendment #3 to amendment #1 to the omnibus criminal law bill. This amendment creates a "red flag" program whereby individuals via a law enforcement agency may seek to have a firearm immediately taken away from another person. The seizure is conducted through an "ex-parte" (one-sided) petition to a court if an individual alleges the firearms owner is a danger to themselves or others. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the one-sided petition violates due process under the law (an individual can't provide their defense) and this program lacks provisions that prevent nefarious individuals from abusing the system to harass or harm law-abiding individuals, thus unduly infringing their Second Amendment protections and leaving them defenseless.

Authorizing Seizures of Firearms without Due Process through "Red Flag" Risk Protection Orders.

This resolution would amend the state Constitution to exempt all property (real and personal) from taxation if it is utilized primarily for the care of a child. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as all state and local tax codes should be constructed in a broadly applied manner with as low of rates as possible for everyone. This and other central planning and tax cronyism schemes merely dilute the tax base which results in higher taxes on all other individuals and products to make up for the lost revenue. To reduce the costs of childcare, lawmakers should instead work to cut all unnecessary regulatory burdens and foster competition through a free marketplace.

Hiking Property Tax Rates through a Constitutional Amendment which Dilutes the Tax Base via Special Interest Exemptions for Childcare Centers.

This bill requires state and local law enforcement agencies to obtain a warrant prior to utilizing a drone to gather evidence or other information pertaining to criminal conduct or violation of a state statute or regulation. The bill provides certain exceptions to the warrant requirement in cases of imminent threat to life, hot pursuit situations to prevent harm to others, and for search and rescue. Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill aligns with the founding fathers' belief in the Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and its protections against unreasonable search and seizure by government.

Strengthening Civil Liberties through a Prohibition on Warrantless Drone Surveillance.

This motion overrides the Governor's veto of a portion of section 11.155 of the Social Services appropriation which reduced funding. This section provided $2.5 million for a year-round youth jobs program in St. Louis which the Governor reduced to $1,000,000 through his veto. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as it is the role of the private sector - not government - to provide job opportunities for youth. Instead of this wasteful spending, government should instead reduce the minimum wage and make other regulatory reforms to remove barriers for youth employment opportunities.

Fueling Out-of-Control Spending by Overriding the Governor's Veto of an Unnecessary Youth Job Program in St. Louis.

The Hardwick amendment #9 to an omnibus healthcare bill. This amendment prohibits public school districts and the department of health from forcing any student in elementary or secondary school to obtain a COVID-19 vaccination. Support is the Limited Government Position as this measure helps protect individual liberties by ensuring it is parents - not government - making the medical decision on whether or not to vaccinate their child against COVID-19.

Strengthening Parental Rights by Prohibiting Schools and Government Entities from Mandating Children Receive COVID-19 Vaccines.

This bill authorizes counties to issue bonds (debt) and create "land banks" which are intended to redevelop vacant and tax-delinquent properties. Under the program, a board is established which then transfers property to select third parties (oftentimes non-profit entities) for redevelopment. Under previous law, any tax-delinquent property is sold at auction to the highest bidder. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this measure not only places taxpayer funds at risk and weakens property rights but creates countless new avenues for corruption. Not surprisingly non-profit redevelopment organizations heavily lobbied for the bill due to the significant new revenue the measure would provide them.

Weakening Property Rights and Advancing Corruption by Authorizing Localities to Create "Land Banks" which Redevelop Property.

The Meredeth amendment #3 to a bill pertaining to concealed carry of a firearm. The amendment raises the age to 21 to lawfully conceal carry a firearm. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as James Madison and our nation's other founding fathers understood that the right to keep and bear arms is a crucial individual liberty and protects the citizenry against a tyrannical government. The state should not infringe the individual liberties of adults who at age 18 can fight for our country, vote and enter into legally binding contracts.

Weakening Individual Liberties by Raising the Age to 21 to Lawfully Carry a Concealed Firearm.

This resolution, upon voter approval, would modify the threshold required to approve changes to the state constitution under the initiative process. Under existing law, changes to the state Constitution require a simple majority to pass. This resolution would raise the percentage needed for approval from 50 percent to 57 percent. Support is the Limited Government Position as the state's Constitution has been amended more than 60 times since 1945, resulting in the enactment of many big government and anti-freedom policies. The higher threshold will help limit the ability of out-of-state special interest groups and big government proponents to enact policies that violate limited government principles.

Restricting Abuse of the Initiative Process to Pass Big Government Policies by Raising the Threshold for Constitutional Amendments to 57% of the Vote.

This omnibus bill contains multiple provisions surrounding workforce training. First, the bill contains multiple taxpayer-funded loan repayment programs for individuals pursuing medical, nursing, and veterinary careers. Second, the bill establishes the "Intern and Apprentice Recruitment Act" which provides $1,500 tax credits to companies who provide internships and apprenticeships. Additionally, among other provisions, the bill creates the "Upskill Credential Training Fund" which awards certain employers with $30,000 grants if they provide training opportunities to upskill their employees with industry-recognized credentials. Oppose is the Limited Government Provision as these wealth redistribution schemes enrich select individuals and companies at the expense of businesses and individuals with careers that are not favored by government. Instead of this central planning and tax cronyism, lawmakers should allow the free market to provide much greater returns by reducing tax rates for all companies.

Expanding Cronyism and Corporate Welfare through Multiple New Taxpayer-Funded Subsidy Schemes Including the "Upskill Credential Training Fund".

This omnibus bill primarily pertaining to healthcare and government assistance programs largely boosts state spending, regulations, and welfare eligibility. First, the bill establishes a new health insurance mandate requiring greater coverage for mammography screenings. Second, the bill lifts the cap (was $156) on supplemental welfare benefits to individuals in assisted living, while also increasing asset limits and eligibility for welfare programs such as TANF, SNAP, Ticket to Work Health Assurance, and Missouri Employment First. Furthermore, the bill expands Medicaid under Obamacare from 60 days postpartum to a full year. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill drives up health insurance premiums and traps an even greater number of individuals into government dependency while continuing to grow the size and role of government. This is especially troubling considering Missouri's state debt and liabilities currently exceed $17 billion, representing a $8,600 debt burden for each Missourian. The state must pursue every available avenue to reign in its out-of-control spending, as, when coupled with the over $185 trillion federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Growing Government Welfare Spending and Health Insurance Mandates Plus Expanding Medicaid Under Obamacare to 12 Months Postpartum.

This bill places new regulations on how health insurers must calculate co-pay deductibles for private health benefit plans. Specifically, the bill requires that any amount paid by a third party on behalf of a consumer (e.g. a coupon from a drug manufacturer which covers part of the copayment for a drug) must be counted towards the consumer's health benefit plan deductible. Additionally, the bill requires health insurers and pharmacy benefit managers to reimburse 340B pharmacies (which receive discounted drugs) at the same rate as any other pharmacy. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as it is not the role of government to interfere in private contracting agreements or provide certain companies within an industry with financial or negotiation advantages over their counterparts through the regulatory process. This government overreach will merely drive-up insurance premiums and lead to higher consumer deductibles.

Hiking Health Insurance Premiums through New Mandates on How Co-Pays are Calculated and Insurer Reimbursement Rates for 340B Pharmacies.

This omnibus bill primarily pertaining to healthcare includes multiple provisions which expand eligibility for state welfare programs. For example, the bill makes more individuals eligible for the "Ticket to Work Health Assurance Program" and transitional benefits under TANF and SNAP by increasing the amount of income and assets and individual may possess and still be eligible. Additionally, the bill expands Medicaid under Obamacare from 60 days postpartum to a full year. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill traps an even greater number of individuals into government dependency while continuing to grow the size and role of government. This is especially troubling considering Missouri's state debt and liabilities currently exceed $17 billion, representing a $8,600 debt burden for each Missourian. The state must pursue every available avenue to reign in its out-of-control spending, as, when coupled with the over $185 trillion federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Increasing Government Dependency by Growing Welfare Benefits and Expanding Medicaid Under Obamacare to 12 Months Postpartum.

The Murphy amendment #11 to the omnibus occupational licensure bill. The amendment prevents local governments from enacting any additional occupational or professional licensing regulations beyond what has been set by the state legislature. Support is the Limited Government position as this amendment helps protect against regulatory overreach. Most occupational licensing regulations - especially those enacted at the local level - are overly restrictive and primarily designed to restrict competition.

Combatting Regulatory Overreach by Preventing Localities from Imposing Any Additional Occupational Licensing Regulations.

This bill contains multiple new spending programs and tax exemptions for select industries. For example, the bill provides income tax deductions of up to $500,000 a year for selling a farm to a young farmer, and deductions up to $25,000 for leases and crop share agreements with beginner farmers. The bill also increases tax exemptions for biofuel production, while providing funding for "Missouri hardwood forest product promotion" and "large animal veterinary student loans." Additionally, the bill allows trucks in the logging industry to exceed roadway weight limits. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this cronyism enriches select companies, industries, and individuals while shifting tax burdens onto others not favored by government. The free market - not central planning by government bureaucrats - is the best mechanism to drive investment and expand economic growth.

Expanding Cronyism and Government Central Planning through Multiple Special-Interest Tax Cuts and Spending Programs.

This bill appropriates $16 billion to the Department of Social Services. This includes increased funding for a range of welfare programs, such as the state's Medicaid system. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this appropriation, combined with the other appropriation bills, totals $50.7 billion which is the largest budget in state history. This amount of spending represents $1.3 billion more than requested by Governor Parson and $1.7 billion over the prior year. The state must pursue every available avenue to reign in its out-of-control spending, as, when coupled with the over $185 trillion federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Fueling Out-of-Control Spending through a $16 Billion Appropriation to the Department of Social Services with Increased Funding for Medicaid and other Welfare Programs.

This bill makes permanent a number of the temporary regulatory waivers the Governor implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic which concern the practicing authority of advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). Under the bill, APRNs have greater flexibility with regard to the amount of time a physician under their collaborative practice arrangement must be present. Additionally, APRNs can more easily obtain waivers to practice outside the current 75-mile radius restriction from their collaborating physician, among other provisions. Support is the Limited Government Position as this regulatory relief results in greater access to healthcare and competition which ultimately drives down costs for patients.

Expanding Access to Healthcare and Reducing Costs by Providing APRNs Greater Practicing Authority Under their Collaborative Agreements with Physicians.

This bill increases the amount of tax credits the Department of Economic Development may issue under the Missouri Works program from $6 million to $10 million annually. The program provides funds to select private businesses the Department seeks to help attract and expand. Additionally, the bill provides up to $10 million in tax credits to the railroad industry for new rail infrastructure expenditures. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as all state and local tax codes should be constructed in a broadly applied manner with as low of rates as possible for everyone. This and other central planning and tax cronyism schemes merely dilute the tax base which results in higher taxes on all other individuals and products to make up for the lost revenue. Lawmakers should instead eliminate the Missouri Department of Economic Development and utilize the savings to lower tax rates for all companies and allow the free market to provide much greater returns on investment.

Expanding Cronyism and Corporate Welfare by Increasing Subsidies Under the Missouri Works Program and to the Railroad Industry.

This resolution, under voter approval, enshrines multiple election provisions into the state Constitution. This includes specifying only U.S. citizens may vote, that all elections be my paper or mechanical methods, that voters are only entitled to one vote, and that the state may not deploy a ranked-choice voting system. Support is the Limited Government Position as ensuring only U.S. citizens are eligible to vote and maintaining physical ballots are critical aspects of ensuring free and fair elections, an essential component of democracy under our nation's constitutional republic.

Strengthening Election Integrity through a Constitutional Amendment to Ensure Only U.S. Citizens may Vote and Utilization of Paper Ballots in Elections.

This bill enacts both the Show Mo Act and the Entertainment Industry Jobs Act which provide subsidies to companies producing television, film, and traveling entertainment projects in the state. These two programs provide tax credits which reimburse between 20% to 30% of the costs of the projects. According to the fiscal note, the programs are expected to cost taxpayers roughly $24 million a year. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as there is no role for government to subsidize the film production or live entertainment costs of private companies - especially considering this measure enriches woke Hollywood production companies that are antagonistic to limited government principles.

Forcing Taxpayers to Subsidize Woke Hollywood Production Companies via Tax Credits Under the "Show Mo Act" and "Entertainment Industry Jobs Act".

This bill establishes a regulatory framework which allows individuals to legally place bets on the outcomes of sporting events. Under the bill, Missouri would join neighboring states such as Kansas, Arkansas, Illinois and Iowa which have legalized sports gambling. The bill imposes a 10% tax on revenues which is expected to grow Missouri's tax base by $15 to $20 million annually. Support is the Limited Government Position as individuals - not bureaucrats - should have decision rights over how to utilize the fruits of their labor - even when it comes to risky endeavors such as betting. This measure also helps eliminate the financial fraud and other significant societal harms that the current black market in gambling presents, while allowing the state to generate additional revenue. Such additional funding will also be utilized to increase addiction treatment.

Strengthening Individual Liberties and Growing the Tax Base by Legalizing Sports Betting.

This bill establishes three new tax credit programs surrounding childcare. The "Childcare Contribution Tax Credit Act" provides a credit equal to 75% of a donation to a qualified childcare provider if the donation is used to provide services. The "Employer Provided Childcare Assistance Tax Credit" gives employers a 30% credit for the amount they paid to a childcare provider. The "SUCCESS Tax Credit" provides taxpayers with incomes of less than $75,000 with a credit up to $1,800 for expenses incurred for childcare. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this wealth redistribution scheme enriches select childcare providers while shifting tax burdens onto other individuals who do not benefit from the targeted tax breaks. Instead of manipulating the tax code and hiking tax burdens on non-favored individuals, lawmakers should advance de-regulatory policies across the childcare industry to lower costs and expand competition. This free-market approach is the best way to make childcare more affordable.

Expanding Wealth Redistribution through a Series of New Tax Credits for Childcare.

The Richey amendment #1 to a multi-agency appropriations bill. This amendment cuts roughly $17 million in spending for the "Stronger Connections Grant Program" and the "Project Extended Impact Program," with the latter an initiative created due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, the amendment prohibits funds within the appropriation bill from being used for purposes of "Diversity, Equity or Inclusion" (DEI). Support is the Limited Government Position as these spending programs cut are unnecessary initiatives which primarily enrich government-favored non-profits. Additionally, this measure helps protect taxpayer funds from being utilized to promote politicized DEI efforts which sow division amongst Americans and are intended to further grow the role of government.   Roll Call Vote: 75-71 on March 28, 2023

Cutting Wasteful Education-Related Spending Programs and Prohibiting Expenditures for "Diversity, Equity and Inclusion" within a Multi-Agency Appropriations Bill.

This bill places the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department under state control through the creation of a five-member board. The board, which oversees the policing, would be made up of the Mayor of St. Louis along with four commissioners appointed by the governor. The bill is in response to homicide and violent crime rates which have doubled and have been reportedly causing businesses to flee the city. Support is the Limited Government Position as ensuring public safety and protecting property rights serve as essential components of government. Unfortunately, this bill is especially necessary due to many so-called criminal justice "reforms" which have led to skyrocketing crime rates and are being advanced in state legislatures by radical-left billionaires through their funding of advocacy organizations on both sides of the political aisle.

Increasing Public Safety by Placing the St. Louis Police Department Under State Control.

This bill prohibits local governments from enacting any ordinances which require a property owner to have a property inspected prior to selling. Additionally, localities are prohibited from imposing any moratorium on eviction proceedings unless authorized under state law. Support is the Limited Government Position as buyers and sellers should be free to negotiate and make their own decisions surrounding property inspections. Additionally, moratoriums on evictions infringe property rights and ultimately drive-up rental costs for everyone by exposing landlords to additional risk and expense.

Strengthening Property Rights by Prohibiting Local Governments from Enacting Ordinances which Mandate Property Inspections or Restrict Eviction Proceedings.

This bill authorizes the creation of "human and pet cemeteries" where the remains of both humans and animals could be interred and memorialized together at the discretion of the lot holder. Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill strengthens individual liberties by providing individuals greater freedom to memorialize their loved ones and their pets.

Strengthening Individual Liberties by Permitting the Creation of Cemeteries Housing both Humans and their Pets.

This bill appropriates $1.47 billion to public colleges and universities operating across the state. The bill also contains funding for initiatives such as the "Fast Track" workforce incentive grant which provide additional subsidies to individuals pursuing certain careers prioritized by government. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as it is a necessary role for government to provide quality K-12 education - ideally through school choice. College and university-level education should be funded through user fees (i.e., tuition) by those who wish to pursue their selected career path. These enormous costs should not be imposed on individuals who elect to pursue activities other than higher education, such as those who start their own businesses or work in the trades.Furthermore, Missouri's state debt and liabilities currently exceed $17 billion, representing a $8,600 debt burden for each Missourian. The state must pursue every available avenue to reign in its out-of-control spending, as, when coupled with the over $185 trillion federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Fueling Out-of-Control Spending and Wealth Redistribution through a $1.47 Billion Appropriation for State Colleges and Universities.

The Lavender amendment #8 to an appropriations bill for the Departments of Mental Health and Health and Senior Services. This amendment provides these agencies an additional $200 million in federal funding and on-time funding from COVID-19. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this measure further fuels the state's addiction to federal funding and potentially places state-taxpayers on the hook to maintain the elevated level of expenditure in the event federal funding is cut. Missouri's state debt and liabilities currently exceed $17 billion, representing a $8,600 debt burden for each Missourian. The state must pursue every available avenue to reign in its out-of-control spending, as, when coupled with the over $185 trillion federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Advancing Run-Away Spending by Channeling an Additional $200 Million in Federal Funds to the Departments of Health and Senior Services and Mental Health.

This bill makes multiple changes to laws surrounding the concealed carry of a firearm. First, the bill repeals "gun-free zones" within the public transit system by allowing concealed carry while on buses and at terminals. Second, the bill removes government barriers to conceal carry at places of worship by now allowing religious establishments to set their own policies. Finally, among other provisions the bill lowers the age to obtain a concealed carry permit from 19 to 18 years of age. Support is the Limited Government Position as "gun free zones" do not protect communities, rather they place individuals in defenseless positions against criminals who do not abide by the law. This measure helps prevent tragedies by ensuring individuals on public transit and at places of worship are able to protect themselves.

Strengthening Self-Defense and Second Amendment Rights by Repealing "Gun-Free Zones" on Public Transit and Places of Worship.

The Meredith amendment #3 to amendment #8 to the bill relating to political subdivisions. The amendment authorizes localities to ban individuals under the age of 18 from carrying a firearm on public property. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this government overreach harms the ability of responsible minors and adults to engage in Second Amendment activities (such as father and son hunting trips).

Blocking Minors from Hunting with Adults by Prohibiting Individuals Under the Age of 18 from Carrying a Firearm on Public Property.

This bill specifies that work or services performed through telecommuting or rendered remotely are not subject to the City of St. Louis' one percent earnings tax. Additionally, the bill requires the city to supply quarterly reports detailing receipts from the earnings tax. Support is the Limited Government Position as this measure serves as a step in the right direction in helping protect workers from St. Louis' dreadful taxation policies. Ultimately, lawmakers should work to repeal the authority of St. Louis to impose its draconian earnings tax, which merely funds unnecessary government initiatives.

Ensuring Missourians Performing Remote Work are Exempt from St. Louis' 1% Earnings Tax.

The Sassman amendment #5 to an appropriations bill for planning and capital improvements across state government. This amendment directs $5 million to the Department of Natural Resources for enhancement of the Missouri Rock Island Corridor which is a former railway corridor. This amendment serves as a "rails to trails" program which converts the former rail tracks into pathways for recreation. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the land on which the railroad tracks lie was originally seized through eminent domain by Missouri Central Railroad Company. Since it is no longer being utilized by the rail industry the land should be returned to property owners rather than utilized to further grow government land holdings and taxpayer expenses.

Further Growing Government and Unnecessary Spending through a $5 Million Appropriation for the Missouri Rock Island Corridor (Rails to Trails Program).

This resolution, upon voter approval, amends the state constitution to guarantee the right of hunters and anglers in the state to hunt and harvest wildlife and fish by legal means and subject to the powers of the Conservation Commission. Support is the Limited Government Position as this measure strengthens individual liberties by ensuring all citizens are provided the right to hunt and fish by ethical and responsible means.

Amending the State Constitution to Guarantee the Right to "Hunt and Fish".

The Meredith amendment #4 to the Higher Education and Workforce Development appropriations bill. This amendment provides millions in additional funding (on top of already increased funding levels) to the state's community colleges and universities through increased disbursements out of the lottery fund. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this amendment raids the lottery fund which helps pay for K-12 education, an action which will inevitably result in higher property taxes to make up the lost funding. It is the role of government to provide education across K-12 - not college and secondary - which merely results in wealth redistribution from individuals who instead choose to pursue the trades or start small businesses.

Fueling Out-of-Control Spending and Wealth Redistribution by Further Hiking Funding Levels for State Colleges and Universities.

The Richey amendment #11 to the State Board of Education appropriations bill. This amendment prohibits taxpayer funds from being used for staffing or programs associated with "Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Belonging" (DEI) or other concepts tied to collective guilt ideologies such as Critical Race Theory (CRT). Support is the Limited Government Position as taxpayer funds should not be utilized to promote DEI or CRT which are ideologies that sow division amongst Americans and are intended to further grow the role of government.

Protecting Classrooms from Critical Race Theory and Politicized Initiatives Surrounding Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging".

This bill provides the Governor the power to appoint a special prosecutor (with a staff of 15 attorneys) to the St. Louis Circuit Attorney's Office to handle cases involving gun violence and other violent crime. The appointment may be made if the Governor determines there is a threat to public safety and health, and the measure is largely in response to cases within St. Louis and around the nation of prosecutors refusing to prosecute crime. The bill also contains multiple other provisions intended to bolster law enforcement and public safety. Support is the Limited Government Position as ensuring public safety and protecting property rights serve as essential components of government. There have also been countless cases of George Soros-funded prosecutors across the nation refusing to prosecute crime to advance "racial justice". Unfortunately, this bill is especially necessary due to many so-called criminal justice "reforms" which have led to skyrocketing crime rates and are being advanced in state legislatures by radical-left billionaires through their funding of advocacy organizations on both sides of the political aisle.

Increasing Public Safety by Authorizing the Governor to Appoint a Special Prosecutor to Handle Cases Involving Violent Crime.

This bill appropriates $850 million to the Department of Economic Development as well as roughly $450 million to the Departments of Commerce and Labor and Industrial Relations. Also within the bill are a long list of supplemental appropriations such as $300,000 to support the history of American Jazz, $1 million to "celebrate the emancipation of black slaves in the U.S.," $500,000 for a non-profit to "increase the number of young community leaders," and $2 million to educate the public on the value of Missouri hardwood forestry products. Other expenditures surround incentives for certain businesses and tax increment financing programs. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the Department of Economic Development is an unnecessary entity along with many of the other initiatives funded under this bill. The free market - not central planning tax schemes by bureaucrats - is the best mechanism to direct investment to the most promising initiatives and regions of the state. This appropriation, combined with the other appropriation bills, totals $50.7 billion which is the largest budget in state history. This amount of spending represents $1.3 billion more than requested by Governor Parson and $1.7 billion over the prior year. The state must pursue every available avenue to reign in its out-of-control spending, as, when coupled with the over $185 trillion federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Fueling Out-of-Control Spending and Cronyism through an $850 Million Appropriation to the Department of Economic Development.

This bill, known as the "Regulatory Sandbox Act" creates a new Regulatory Relief Office within the Department of Economic Development. The regulatory sandbox would apply to all industries, with certain laws or regulations being waived for participating businesses so they can demonstrate innovative new product offerings over a 24-month period. Support is the Limited Government Position as this measure helps spur innovation and expand consumer choice and competition in the marketplace. This measure is especially needed in Missouri where the state's code is plagued with countless overreaching regulations.

Expanding Innovation and Economic Growth through the Creation of a "Regulatory Sandbox Program" which Provides Exemptions for New Products from Certain Regulations

This bill reduces the top income tax rate from 4.95% to 4.5% effective January 1, 2024. The bill also cuts the corporate tax rate from 4% to 2% on January 1, 2024 and then to 1% on January 1, 2025 if certain fiscal standards are reached. Support is the Limited Government Position as these tax cuts will drive businesses to Missouri and unleash economic growth by keeping a greater amount of resources in the private sector where they can be reinvested. Instead of enacting countless out-of-control and wasteful spending initiatives the legislature should work to make even greater cuts in the top personal income tax rate.

Expanding Economic Growth by Lowering the Corporate and Personal Income Tax Rates.

This bill is designed to ensure all student groups at public institutions of higher education are treated equally and provided the same benefits and opportunities regardless of religious practices. Under the bill, institutions man not take discriminatory actions against belief-based student associations or deny them benefits provided to other student associations, solely due to their sincerely held beliefs and practice requirements. Support is the Limited Government Position as the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution protects against government infringement of religious liberty. Ultimately taxpayers should not be forced to fund most aspects of higher education, including student associations. However, if such funding is provided, it should be dispersed equally and without any discriminatory action pertaining to religious belief.

Strengthening Religious Liberties on College Campuses by Ensuring All Student Groups are Provided Equal Treatment.

This bill makes a few reforms to the state's certificate of need laws which limit the construction and expansion of healthcare and assisted living facilities. Under the bill, a greater number of facilities can now be constructed in urban areas. Furthermore, the bill allows additional factors to be taken into consideration to allow facility expansion and construction. Support is the Limited Government Position as this measure serves as a step in the right direction to expanding access and competition within the healthcare and nursing home sector. Ultimately, this competition results in lower consumer prices and greater quality.

Expanding Competition by Slightly Reducing Anti-Competitive "Certificate of Need" Regulations Covering Health Care and Assisted Living Facilities.

The Weber amendment #5 to the Higher Education and Workforce Development appropriations bill. This amendment makes individuals who are residing within the state unlawfully eligible for in-state tuition rates at Missouri colleges and universities if they graduated from a Missouri high school. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this amendment not only forces taxpayers to subsidize the higher education costs of individuals residing in the country unlawfully, but also limits opportunities for legal residents to enroll in competitive state colleges.

Forcing Taxpayers to Provide Illegal Immigrants with In-State Tuition Rates at Public Colleges and Universities.

This bill establishes an "open enrollment program" which allows students to attend schools within districts they are not residents. The program does not cover charter schools, and caps the percentage of students transferring out of a public school district from exceeding 3% of the prior year's enrollment. Support is the Limited Government Position as this measure, generally viewed as a "moderate parent choice bill," serves as a strong step in the right direction of building a "market in education" which improves educational outcomes for all students by driving competition.

Expanding School Choice through the Creation of an "Open Enrollment Program" which Allows Students to Attend Schools within Districts they are Not Residents.

This bill, known as the "Intern and Apprentice Recruitment Act" provides businesses selected by the Department of Economic Development with a $1,500 tax credit for each intern or apprentice they hire (up to $9,000) and pay at a rate equal to or greater than the minimum wage. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as all state and local tax codes should be constructed in a broadly applied manner with as low of rates as possible for everyone. This corporate welfare and tax cronyism scheme merely dilutes the tax base which results in higher taxes on all other businesses and individuals to make up for the lost revenue. The legislature should instead spur economic growth (which results in the hiring of interns and apprentices) through bills such as HB 816 which slash the corporate tax rate.

Expanding Cronyism and Corporate Welfare through the "Intern and Apprentice Recruitment Act"

This omnibus bill contains numerous provisions which change criminal law. However, some of the bill's key provisions surround substantial changes around expungement and the trial of juveniles. For example, the bill contains a "clean slate provision" which allows a previously incarcerated individual to now expunge a much greater range of records, such as the possession of a firearm at a school, as well as crime sprees committed during an "extended course of criminal conduct." The bill also significantly shortens the amount of time that must past to have a record expunged to 18 months instead of the previous 3-year requirement. Additionally, the bill contains a "raise the age" provision which loosens penalties for serious felony offenses committed by a juvenile by increasing the age from 12 to 14 in which they may be tried in an adult court. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as safeguarding communities and ensuring public safety is one of the most important roles of government. This bill prevents businesses and families from protecting themselves from dangerous convicted criminals and unknowingly sharing housing or providing employment in key financial roles - critical information considering the national 44% recidivism rate. Unfortunately, this bill is one of many so-called criminal justice "reforms" which have led to skyrocketing crime rates and are being advanced in state legislatures by George Soros and other radical-left billionaires through their funding of advocacy organizations on both sides of the political aisle.

Threatening Public Safety by Implementing Multiple Dangerous Criminal Justice "Reforms" Including "Clean Slate" and "Raise the Age".

This bill establishes a Health Professional Loan Repayment Program within the Department of Health and Senior Services. Under the program, taxpayers will repay the student loans of certain healthcare professionals who work for at least two years in an area the Department believes there is a "defined need" for additional services. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the free marketplace - not central planning by government bureaucrats - is the best mechanism to allocate and direct labor and services. This government interference further fuels runaway spending despite the fact Missouri's state debt and liabilities currently exceed $17 billion, representing a $8,600 debt burden for each Missourian. The state must pursue every available avenue to reign in its out-of-control spending, as, when coupled with the over $185 trillion federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Expanding Government Central Planning and Runaway Spending through the Creation of a Health Professional Loan Repayment Program.

The Bosley amendment #9 to an appropriations bill for the Department of Social Services. This amendment extends the duration of postpartum coverage provided under Medicaid (government-provided healthcare) from 60 days to 1 year. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill further grows government dependency under the state's Medicaid welfare program.The state must pursue every available avenue to reign in its out-of-control spending, as, when coupled with the over $185 trillion federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Increasing Government Dependency and Ballooning Medicaid Welfare Spending by Hiking Postpartum Benefits from 60 Days to 12 Months.

This bill enacts a number of new regulations on the franchise agreements between automobile manufacturers and dealerships. Most notably the bill requires automobile manufacturer to now reimburse dealerships for warranty and recall repair work at the rate the dealership wishes to set and charge its customers. Under previous law the rate was based on the rates charged by comparable franchisees within the market. Additionally, the bill forbids a subsidiary of a manufacturer or dealer from selling vehicles and provides dealerships more time to challenge manufacturer reimbursement amounts. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this measure represents one of the worst examples of cronyism and utilization of government power to enrich one party (dealerships) at the expense of another party (manufactures) in contracting agreements which should be privately negotiated without any government involvement. These government mandates and price controls significantly drive-up vehicle repair costs for manufacturers, ultimately leading to more costly vehicles and weaker manufacturer warranties for consumers.

Hiking New Motor Vehicle Prices through a Series of Anti-Competitive Mandates Designed to Enrich Automobile Dealerships.

This bill no longer requires an individual to obtain a construction permit for earthen basin projects if they are constructed for the retention of nontoxic and nonmetallic earthen materials. Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill helps provide regulatory relief within the construction industry, allowing individuals to avoid costly and burdensome permitting requirements.

Providing Regulatory Relief in the Construction Industry by Exempting Certain Earthen Basin Projects from Permitting Requirements.

The Windham amendment #4 to House amendment #7 to the Commercial Financing Disclosure Act. The Windham amendment imposes a series of new regulations onto consumer lenders, including the establishment of a thirty-six percent annual cap on interest and fees that a lender may charge on several types of loans. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the free-market - not government price controls - is the best mechanism to ensure the lowest borrowing rates and greatest available credit options for all borrowers. These additional regulations and price controls merely reduce borrowing and lending opportunities.

Imposing Additional Mandates and Price Controls on Consumer Lending Which Reduce Borrowing Opportunities.

This bill requires any local government that enacts an ordinance requiring installation of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, to pay for all the associated costs with installation, maintenance, and operation. The bill also prohibits any ordinance that requires more than five charging stations per a parking lot. Support is the Limited Government Position as the free market - not government bureaucrats via central planning - is best equipped to determine the need and level of investment in electric vehicle infrastructure.

Combatting Government Overreach by Requiring Any Locality that Imposes Electric Vehicle Charging Mandates to Pay for All Associated Costs.

This bill repeals a fiscal integrity measure which voters enacted 50 years ago that covers state-regulated utility companies. The measure prevents utility companies from charging ratepayers for "construction work in progress" (CWIP) to help protect against boondoggle projects that ratepayers are ultimately responsible for. Under this bill, the CWIP provision is repealed to allow utilities to charge ratepayers for the construction of small module nuclear reactors. Under existing law, a utility company would be required to evaluate the risk and fund the initial investment of the product they wish to supply before charging ratepayers. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill serves as a blank check for utility companies and nuclear energy companies (who heavily lobbied the bill) to enrich themselves at the expense of ratepayers. There have been multiple cases in states such as South Carolina, Florida and Georgia where ratepayers have been forced to pay billions of dollars in higher electricity costs due to boondoggle nuclear power projects. If such a project is not a worthy investment of a utility company or other investors, it is likely not a worthy investment for ratepayers either.

ILA

Ron Copeland