With all the talk of "bipartisanship" from the Republican side of the aisle it was a fun week in Jeff City. .

Senator "filibusters" on immigration issue

Republicans can call it a "filibuster" but it doesn't quack like a duck

Senator Scott Rupp (Republican from Lincoln County) was feeling his oats this week. He has temporarily blocked the nomination of Linda Martinez as the State's Economic Director. It is somewhat surprising that he is being so outspoken since when he was a House Member he was practically invisible. I served with him for four years from 2002-2006 and barely remembered his name. What is so funny about this is the "filibuster" label the press and Republicans have put on his opposition to the nomination.

Most people believe a filibuster is when a legislator continues to talk until he either drops or the opposition gives up. It is called "talking out a bill" to prevent a vote.So you would think the person who stages a filibuster would have to at least stand up and talk. Not so much though in this new "bipartisan" world.

The Republican (the balance is now 23-11) leadership in the Senate simply say it is a filibuster and then go on with other business. So it becomes a defacto filibuster only because they say it is so. Pretty handy. A Senator can obstruct the nomination of an eminently qualified nominee - doesn't have to stand up and defend it and it gets labeled a filibuster. His opposition to her revolves around immigration issues. The word is he demands Jay Nixon promise him - in writing - that she will enforce immigration laws "properly."

Committee assignments become an issue

Anti-Gay? Oh! Surely not in Jeff City

The committee assignment issue has been festering in Jefferson City. In this new "bipartisan" world, that the Republicans seem to be continually talking about now that we have a Democrat Governor and President, it would seem that they would at least try to appear fair. But no.

Since the inside world of the Legislature is so far removed from daily life perhaps the Republicans think that no one will notice. But they overlooked one aspect of the new politics. It is no longer acceptable to discriminate against people simply because they are gay. And that is clearly what has happened with State Representative Jeannette Oxford. After serving for four years he was thrown off the Children and Families Committee without any explanation other than some people find her "offensive." That she could be offensive is so blatantly false to any person who has ever met Jeanette it is laughable. She is probably the least offensive person in the Missouri House. But she is openly gay. So, in spite of the custom that legislators remain on their same committees so they can gain experience and expertise in an area, she was summarily told she was off her favorite committee. What a great bipartisan gesture. It will be interesting to see if the progressive interest groups go to bat for her. Here is the link to the KC Star story.

One of the great ironies in this story is that Oxford is an ordained minister who shares from time to time her spiritual values during debates on the floor. Here is a link to her MLK sermon that she delivered a a United Church of Christ up in Webster Groves last month. It will give you an idea of what they threw off the committee for being "offensive."

House passes the first Bill of the Session - a "Jobs" bill.

First bill is an economic development bill that is supposed to spur job creation

We voted 141-19 in favor of a package of tax breaks for businesses that supporters claim will create jobs in the wake of the state's loss of 26,500 jobs in 2008. The bill's fiscal note estimates it will cost the state at least $300,000 a year with an unknown upper limit, although some informal estimates place the total cost at $40 million or more a year.

A primary component of HB 191 would eliminate the existing $60 million cap on tax breaks available through the state's Quality Jobs program, which provides companies incentives for creating jobs that pay at least the average local wage and provide employer-funded health care coverage. The bill also includes a ten-fold expansion of subsidies for companies that simply don't cut jobs, boosting the amount available to $30 million a year from the current $3 million. In addition, the bill provides tax breaks for biotechnology research, venture capital investments and data storage companies that locate facilities in former mines.

Gov. Jay Nixon supports the bill, but skeptics question whether the measure will result in any new jobs and are concerned that is merely a tax giveaway for various business interests. Critics say it is simply more corporate welfare.

A personal note

Our daughter Nicki is due to give birth any day now to her first child. We do know it is a boy but we do not know when he will arrive. Will keep you posted. John & Ingrid

Thank you for the opportunity to serve,

State Rep John Burnett