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Issue: 1110 Date: 12/1/2011
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RCGA Board of Directors Adopts 2012 Legislative Agenda
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| The Missouri State Capitol building in Jefferson City. |
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On November 17th the RCGA's Board of Directors approved our 2012 Legislative Agenda, which features policies aimed at developing and sustaining a world-class economy and community for the St. Louis bi-state region. Each year the Legislative Agenda is developed by the RCGA's Public Policy Council, which is comprised of government affairs executives from the area's large businesses and institutions, as well as small business leaders who are interested in civic and political affairs. The Legislative Agenda is focused on four key areas that reflect the overall business interests of our large and diverse membership: Promoting an Advantageous Business Climate, Investing in Innovation and Capital Formation, Leveraging Regional Assets, and Strengthening Education and Workforce Development.
Below is a brief overview of RCGA's top legislative priorities in Missouri and Illinois. While both states will continue to face near-term budget challenges, the RCGA remains committed to pursuing policies and investments that will strengthen economic opportunities for the region.
Missouri Priorities
Full Funding for the Missouri Science and Innovation Reinvestment Act (MOSIRA)
The RCGA is very pleased that MOSIRA, which has been one of our top priorities for the past several years, passed during the Special Session and was signed into law by the Governor. However, because the program is subject to the annual appropriations process, we must work each year to ensure that MOSIRA is the predictable, stable source of state funding for investments in high-tech entrepreneurial infrastructure that it is intended to be.
Finding a Path Forward on Economic Development
The RCGA is deeply disappointed by the failure of the legislature to pass a major statewide economic development bill for the fourth straight year. The inability of House and Senate leaders to reach agreement on how to review and revise the state's existing tax credit programs has become an unacceptable stalemate that is hurting Missouri's ability to develop critical projects like an international air cargo hub at Lambert Airport. The RCGA will continue to advocate for new economic development tools that will help the St. Louis region thrive and grow, including incentives to enhance the region's global competitiveness and create high-paying jobs. We also understand the need for periodic reviews of existing tax credit programs to ensure their effectiveness and efficiency, and will continue our work to ensure the viability of proven programs that create jobs and leverage private investment.
Working to Strengthen Missouri's Business Climate
While progress was made last year on some of the "Fix the Six" business coalition's priorities, several issues remain. The RCGA will continue to push for reforming the workers' compensation system so that employees are protected from being sued by their co-workers, and to ensure that employees who contract occupational diseases are properly covered by the workers' compensation system. The group will also pursue a solution to the state's insolvent Second Injury Fund, without placing an undue burden on Missouri employers. Also, the RCGA will continue to advocate for employment law reform, which passed the legislature last year but was vetoed by the Governor.
Illinois Priorities
Promoting Fiscal Responsibility and a Balanced Budget
The RCGA will continue its efforts in Illinois to advocate for responsible stewardship of state finances and a balanced budget, without placing an undue tax burden on the business community. Illinois is expected to end the current budget year with an $8 billion deficit, despite increasing the state's personal and corporate income taxes earlier this year. While many budget cuts were made, these savings were offset by the high cost of the state's pension system, which is facing an $85 billion shortfall due to decades of underfunding. The RCGA supports fiscal stability and sustainability of public pension programs, including adequate contributions from employees. The RCGA also discourages the creation of new programs that will not provide a positive return on investment to the state.
Reforming the State's Workers' Compensation System
While the RCGA applauds the meaningful changes the legislature made to the state's workers' compensation system last year, which are estimated to save Illinois businesses some $500 million annually, the bill did not go far enough. For example, there still is no requirement than an injury be related directly to the workplace, so the RCGA supports strong causation standards and policies to reduce costs and unnecessary litigation.
Ensuring Capital Bill Projects Remain on Schedule
The RCGA also supports the Metro East projects included in the 2009 Capital Bill, and will work to ensure that they remain on schedule and receive the necessary funding from the Illinois Department of Transportation and the Capital Development Board for timely completion.
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| The Illinois State Capitol building in Springfield. |
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