Lawmakers rush to get legislation across finish line in last minute bill blitz

Lawmakers are making a final push to pass last-minute bills before the 6:00 p.m. deadline on Friday, making the end of the legislative session.

Several big-ticket items passed in the last hours of the session, including tax cut bills for businesses and individuals. Senate Bill 844 drops the corporate tax rate to 4 percent and goes into effect in 2020. The individual income tax rate would be reduced to 5.5 percent starting next year, and then gradually drop to 5.1 percent if the state meets revenue targets.

The House also approved legislation that puts a 10-cent gas tax hike on the November ballot for voters to consider. It will increase incrementally and could raise as much as $293 million by 2027 for much-needed infrastructure improvements. The revenue could also help fund the Highway Patrol. The current tax is one of the lowest in the nation.

Prevailing wage also passed both chambers Friday. The proposal alters the way wages are calculated for high priced jobs. Right now, some groups like schools and counties pay a set wage for certain construction and maintenance work.

The House also passed a Senate Bill that would revise the tuition cap for higher education institutions. It would allow them to raise it 5 percent above inflation if there are budget cuts to higher ed.

Gov. Greitens released the following statement following the end of the regular session:

“I’m grateful that members of the General Assembly passed many important bills this session. I’m encouraged to see that so many of our shared priorities–reforms to our foster care system, protections for our veterans, new opportunities for Missouri students, important pro-jobs legislation, and more–are among the many accomplishments.

At the start of this legislative session, we said that Missouri is strong and she is getting stronger. As we look back over the work that we have been able to do this year, I am proud to say that Missouri grows stronger still. We’ve rolled back more burdensome regulations, cracked down the over-prescription of opioids, won more quality jobs for Missouri workers, deployed Missouri Guardsmen to help secure our U.S. border, and we continue our mission to make life better for Missouri families.”