The House floor was abuzz last week. We heard legislation on a broad range of topics and several bills addressing the four main components of our Family Recovery Plan. As you know, this plan combines Tax Reform, Healthcare, Jobs and Energy in an effort to jumpstart our sagging economy.
On Tuesday, HB 287 which I support, passed by 151-8. This bill classifies sawmills as agricultural property for the purpose of property tax assessments. This bill will tremendously help small agricultural businesses throughout our district. Oftentimes, these mills are the only employer in town and losing that is the last thing our rural communities need. Currently, mills are classified as commercial property assessed at thirty-two percent of market value. A simple classification change could mean substantial savings for mill owners since agricultural property is assessed at only twelve percent of its market value. This may also mean the difference between a mill being able to make it through these rough times or being forced to close its doors or layoff employees. We see this as vital legislation.
As states struggle with their budgets and consider where to make cuts, one thing we can all agree on is funding for education. Education is the key to success. People have overcome issues of location, poverty, and family background using education as a starting point. It is our responsibility to ensure that our students receive a top notch education.
Last week the Missouri House passed HB 242 which I co-sponsored, by a vote of 101-60. This bill gives school districts the option to establish a four-day school week. This depends upon a majority vote from the school board and can vary district to district. The number of required hours in a school year remains the same, but the number of days can be flexible depending on the local school board’s decision.
Educational excellence in Missouri is a top priority. Educational budget cuts often result in decreased funding for things like school supplies and teacher salaries – HB 242 acts as a remedy. The bill allows school districts to cut their operating expenses by 1/5 by reducing costs such as transportation or heating and cooling needs. Additionally districts would see a reduction in substitute teacher salaries, which would leave more funds available for educational essentials.
A four-day school week could also mean improved attendance rates for both students and teachers. Opening up a weekday allows more time for sporting events, doctor appointments, and more time for parents to spend with their children. In addition, the attractiveness of a four-day work week could make staff recruitment easier.
Missouri’s youth need to be academically successful in order to compete in our growing global economy. A four-day school week allocates more time to focus on the quality of education. Students who are struggling may be able to use the free weekday for remedial programs and the teachers willing to help would be paid extra. The extra day could also be used for professional development and ongoing education for teachers.
Currently, 17 states have adopted the four-day-week option and are experiencing a positive effect on attendance and an increase in test scores. A school in Minnesota expects to shave ten percent off transportation costs, which is especially helpful when fuel costs are uncertain. Webster County School District in Kentucky saved more than $150,000 and ranked much higher on state-wide standardized tests: from 111th in 2003 to 53rd in 2007.
The success of school districts in other states with four-day school weeks is encouraging. If the final bill passes, I trust our local school boards’ judgment on deciding whether this option would be a good fit for their schools. Education is a top priority and I will continue to do my part to ensure Missouri’s students are provided with the necessary means to achieve academic success.
Additionally this week we passed HB65 regarding Rural Empowerment Zones which I support. Currently, rural empowerment zones are only allowed to exist in Hickory County. This bill allows these zones to exist in any county with 18,000 or fewer residents, which takes in 56 additional counties, including Dent and Reynolds counties. This bill allows rural areas to be competitive with urban areas in attracting quality jobs.
It was a busy and productive week in your State Capitol. We have sent several pieces of legislation to the Senate for consideration. In addition, the House’s fifty committees continue to hold hearings to give our citizens a voice on legislation. This will help us make the best informed decisions in our state’s best interest.
(Jason Smith is a Missouri state representative.)
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The House floor was abuzz last week. We heard legislation on a broad range of topics and several bills addressing the four main components of our Family Recovery Plan. As you know, this plan combines Tax Reform, Healthcare, Jobs and Energy in an effort to jumpstart our sagging economy.
On Tuesday, HB 287 which I support, passed by 151-8. This bill classifies sawmills as agricultural property for the purpose of property tax assessments. This bill will tremendously help small agricultural businesses throughout our district. Oftentimes, these mills are the only employer in town and losing that is the last thing our rural communities need. Currently, mills are classified as commercial property assessed at thirty-two percent of market value. A simple classification change could mean substantial savings for mill owners since agricultural property is assessed at only twelve percent of its market value. This may also mean the difference between a mill being able to make it through these rough times or being forced to close its doors or layoff employees. We see this as vital legislation.
As states struggle with their budgets and consider where to make cuts, one thing we can all agree on is funding for education. Education is the key to success. People have overcome issues of location, poverty, and family background using education as a starting point. It is our responsibility to ensure that our students receive a top notch education.
Last week the Missouri House passed HB 242 which I co-sponsored, by a vote of 101-60. This bill gives school districts the option to establish a four-day school week. This depends upon a majority vote from the school board and can vary district to district. The number of required hours in a school year remains the same, but the number of days can be flexible depending on the local school board’s decision.
Educational excellence in Missouri is a top priority. Educational budget cuts often result in decreased funding for things like school supplies and teacher salaries – HB 242 acts as a remedy. The bill allows school districts to cut their operating expenses by 1/5 by reducing costs such as transportation or heating and cooling needs. Additionally districts would see a reduction in substitute teacher salaries, which would leave more funds available for educational essentials.
A four-day school week could also mean improved attendance rates for both students and teachers. Opening up a weekday allows more time for sporting events, doctor appointments, and more time for parents to spend with their children. In addition, the attractiveness of a four-day work week could make staff recruitment easier.
Missouri’s youth need to be academically successful in order to compete in our growing global economy. A four-day school week allocates more time to focus on the quality of education. Students who are struggling may be able to use the free weekday for remedial programs and the teachers willing to help would be paid extra. The extra day could also be used for professional development and ongoing education for teachers.
Currently, 17 states have adopted the four-day-week option and are experiencing a positive effect on attendance and an increase in test scores. A school in Minnesota expects to shave ten percent off transportation costs, which is especially helpful when fuel costs are uncertain. Webster County School District in Kentucky saved more than $150,000 and ranked much higher on state-wide standardized tests: from 111th in 2003 to 53rd in 2007.
The success of school districts in other states with four-day school weeks is encouraging. If the final bill passes, I trust our local school boards’ judgment on deciding whether this option would be a good fit for their schools. Education is a top priority and I will continue to do my part to ensure Missouri’s students are provided with the necessary means to achieve academic success.
Additionally this week we passed HB65 regarding Rural Empowerment Zones which I support. Currently, rural empowerment zones are only allowed to exist in Hickory County. This bill allows these zones to exist in any county with 18,000 or fewer residents, which takes in 56 additional counties, including Dent and Reynolds counties. This bill allows rural areas to be competitive with urban areas in attracting quality jobs.
It was a busy and productive week in your State Capitol. We have sent several pieces of legislation to the Senate for consideration. In addition, the House’s fifty committees continue to hold hearings to give our citizens a voice on legislation. This will help us make the best informed decisions in our state’s best interest.
(Jason Smith is a Missouri state representative.)
