Capitol Report

Governor Parson increases Missouri teacher pay

Governor Mike Parson signed SB 727 and HB 2287 into law. Together, the bills permanently increase baseline teacher pay to at least $40,000 per year, incentivize 5-day school weeks, increase support for early childhood education programs, and increase funding for small schools, among other provisions.

"I have and always will support Missouri teachers. Since the beginning of our administration, we've looked at ways to increase teacher pay and reward our educators for the hard work they do, and this legislation helps us continue that progress," Governor Parson said. "We ask a lot of our educators when it comes to teaching and caring for our children. Together, this legislation supports Missouri students, teachers, and families with more educational opportunities to succeed –including additional investments in pre-k–while ensuring our teachers earn a better wage."

SB727 and HB 2287 contain provisions relating to the following subjects:

·       Permanently raises starting teacher pay to at least $40,000 per year.  

o   Increases salaries for teachers with a master's degree and 10-plus years’ experience to a minimum of $48,000 per year by 2027.

o   Increases all Missouri teachers' salaries by the January Consumer Price Index report, with a cap of 3 percent annually.  

·       Increases state funding for early childhood education programs.  

·       Increases the funding limit and expands access for Missouri's Empowerment Scholarship Accounts.

·       Incentivizes school districts in municipalities larger than 30,000 inhabitants to have 5-day school weeks.

·       Establishes the Elementary Literacy Fund.  

·       Increases the small school grant funding program from $15 million to $30 million per year.

·       Protects retirement benefits for educators who continue teaching after retirement.

·       Establishes the Teacher Recruitment and Retention State Scholarship Program.

Right to Repair for motorcycles

My House Bill 2800, narrowly tailored to motorcycles, passed on the House floor as an amendment on Senate Bill 1298. This is the only time that a bill with Right to Repair language has made it to the floor in any capacity. A piece of liberty minded legislation, if it makes it to the Governor’s desk, would require the original equipment manufacturer to share documentation and tools so that an independent repair provider (i.e. the owner of a motorcycle) can personally repair their vehicle. With the advent of digital coding, motorcycle enthusiasts could not do so because of the encoding.

Supporting Israel

I recently spoke in favor of and voted for, House Concurrent Resolution 30 in support of Israel’s right to defend themselves against Hamas and terrorist attacks. I quoted Scripture, specifically God declared blessings for those who support the nation, and conversely, curses for those that did not. I noted the atrocities that have been perpetrated by Hamas and declared that all Missourians, particularly the House of Representatives, stand behind Israel’s efforts to secure the release of hostages and defend their nation.

Naming Day bill created

As Chairman of the House Special Committee on Tourism, I saw to the crafting of an omnibus Naming Day bill including many pieces of legislation sponsored by House and Senate members from across the state. The bill is now Senate Substitute No. 2 for Senate Bill 962 and contains my House Bill 2320, declaring Branson to be the Live Entertainment Capitol of Missouri. The legislation awaits passage in the House.

Protecting against shutdowns

My House Bill 2874, the ‘Protecting Missouri’s Small Business Act’ passed in the Senate as an amendment to Senate Substitute for HB 2062. The bill has one more hurdle in the House of Representatives prior to it hitting Governor Parsons’s desk to be signed into law. The legislation would call for government to have ‘skin in the game’ if any other ‘shutdowns’ should occur, by allowing small business to refrain from paying property tax and business license fees for up to six months or longer during said shutdown. During the recent pandemic, many businesses were closed unnecessarily and this bill would cause government to think twice due to loss of potential revenue.

Victory for life

I fought hard for HB 2634, which will Defund Planned Parenthood. This legislation prohibits public funds, including Medicaid reimbursements, from supporting abortion facilities or affiliates and grants taxpayers and the Attorney General the ability to enforce these provisions through legal action. Additionally, the bill amends existing statutes to require MO HealthNet participants to use services only from qualified providers and empowers the Department of Social Services to terminate contracts with unqualified providers due to specific offenses. It also prohibits reimbursement to abortion facilities under the “Uninsured Women's Health Program.” It was my honor to attend the bill signing by the Governor.

Border security

For the past four years in the House, I have called for tighter border security, even a temporary closing of our southern border. HB 2016 was signed into law on Wednesday, May 8, as Governor Parson traveled to the southern border in Texas to receive an update on Missouri personnel deployed to the border in support of Operation Lone Star. During the visit, the Governor signed HB 2016, the supplemental appropriations bill that funds the deployment, into law. The deployment strategy involves implementing rotating shifts for National Guard members and dispatching highway patrol troopers equipped with standard law enforcement gear, all of whom have volunteered for the mission. In line with these efforts, the Missouri General Assembly approved a $2.2 million supplemental budget request to support border security initiatives and replenish the Governor's emergency response fund.

Veteran suicide

As a member of the Veterans Committee, we have been focused on the epidemic of Veteran suicide. HB 1495 emphasizes the state's commitment to addressing veteran mental health and preventing suicide. This legislation tasks the Missouri Veterans Commission, in collaboration with the Department of Mental Health, to expand efforts in line with the Commander John Scott Hannon Veterans Mental Health Care Improvement Act of 2019. The bill mandates a thorough review and subsequent implementation of procedures, programs and treatment options to combat veteran suicide, with a focus on tailored support and proactive measures. HB 1495 also requires annual reporting on progress and effectiveness, demonstrating Missouri's proactive approach and dedication to ensuring the well-being of those who have served the nation. The legislation awaits the governor’s signature.

Need to contact my office?

Please call my office at 573-751-1309 if we can ever be of assistance to you, or stop by our office in Jefferson City in room 118. I or my legislator assistant are happy to help.

For TRUTH, JUSTICE, and the AMERICAN WAY!

Brian H. Seitz

State Representative of the 156th District

201 W. Capitol Ave.

Room 118

Jefferson City, MO 65101