Jay's Thoughts on the Issues
TAXES
I have served in the Missouri House of Representatives for the past 8 years. We have balanced a budget every year without raising taxes. I do not believe the State can tax its way out of the present situation.
IMMIGRATION
In 2007 I supported immigration reform in Missouri that was, at that time, some of the strongest immigration language in the country. I am proud to have been a part of the following initiatives but I believe continued diligence is required to protect the rights of our citizens.
Business entities and employers are prohibited from knowingly employing, hiring, or continuing to employ illegal aliens in Missouri. E-Verify is required for all public employers and business entities receiving a state contract or grant in excess of $5,000 or a state-administered tax credit, tax abatement, or loan from the state.
Aliens unlawfully present in the United States are prohibited from receiving a state or local public benefit unless it is offered under 8 U.S.C. 162(b.HB 1231 required Missouri driver’s license examinations to be administered in English so that the applicant can demonstrate his or her ability to sufficiently understand highway traffic signs and safety warnings.
In 2008 a measure was passed that required our Highway Patrol and other law enforcement officials to verify the immigration status of any person arrested, and inform federal authorities if the person is found to be here illegally.
The Department of Revenue is prohibited from issuing driver’s licenses to illegal aliens and persons who cannot prove lawful presence in the United States.
In 2009 a measure was passed that ensures Missouri’s public institutions of higher education do not award financial aid to individuals who are here illegally.
HEALTHCARE
I sponsored and passed legislation while in the House that improved access to affordable healthcare for small business employees by allowing small businesses to band together for the sole purpose of purchasing health insurance. Today Southwest Area Manufacturing Association has approximately 3,000 local individuals insured due, in large part, to this legislation. Ideas like this, giving more buying power to small businesses is just one way to hold down costs. Allowing insurance companies to cross state lines is another important step in providing healthcare to all Missourians. Those who cannot get insurance due to pre-existing conditions should have affordable options. All of these things along with portability could be done much more efficiently than the way the Federal Government is going about it and I would work toward that end.
ECONOMIC GROWTH
There is really only one way for Missouri and the country to come out of the current recession and that is with jobs. In these uncertain times, we must find ways to promote a more business friendly atmosphere in our state particularly for small businesses who create most of our new jobs. Whether that be with incentives or a new tax structure similar to the Fair Tax is a question we must ask. I believe some type of overall tax relief must be enacted for all businesses to give them the incentive to invest money back into their businesses. The creation of new jobs is imperative to our economic future.
2ND AMENDMENT AND RIGHT TO DEFEND
When I went into the Missouri House of Representatives, the only 2nd Amendment conversation was about assault rifles. While in office, I have supported Missouri’s concealed carry and the Castle Doctrine, which allows individuals to defend themselves and their property without first retreating. As a life member of the NRA, I believe the 2nd Amendment is a fundamental right granted by the Constitution and Missouri must never waiver from it.
PRO-LIFE
Eight years ago, when I took office, the only discussion about abortion was whether Missouri should allow partial birth abortion. During the four terms I have served in the House, we have passed laws that have decreased abortions to the numbers of the late 70's. Today Missouri has some of the most stringent anti-abortion laws in the country. I have been a proponent of and have voted for these restrictions each time. I am a pro-life individual and my voting record reflects that.
EDUCATION
Education has always been a top priority for me and will remain so. I am proud of what our area schools have been able to accomplish with the funds they have been given. I believe in giving them more control at the local level with fewer mandates from the State. There are going to be difficult times ahead but we must try to put as much of our budget as we realistically can into education. I believe in our public school system and have great respect for our teachers, school board members and school administrators.
BUDGET
Having served on the Budget Committee for the past two years, I am well aware of the problems we have in our State. Although we are not bankrupt, as many states are, there are going to be some difficult decisions required in the next four years. Missouri is one of only seven states that still has a AAA bond rating. That is due, in part, to frugal spending decisions in the past. These are tough times for taxpayers and, like them, the State must live within it’s means.
BY-PARTISANSHIP
I am a Republican and agree with my party’s platform; however, I believe I am well known and respected for working with both sides of the aisle, treating everyone as I want to be treated. I am very proud of the fact that most of the bills I have sponsored have passed with very little opposition, passing with an average of 140 votes out of a total of 163 when only around 90 of those voting are Republican legislators. Although I believe in the Republican party, there have been times when I have disagreed with leadership in the House and in those times, I have not hesitated to stand up for what I believe even when it meant going against the grain. This was evident when I led the fight to repeal the Village Law in the House against the Speaker of the House.