This week we considered over 40 pieces of legislation, most of it going over to the Senate for their consideration.

House Republicans will claim their biggest victory this week by approving another historic tax relief package. The legislation cuts both personal and corporate income tax and exempts social security benefits from state tax.

I worry about this legislation and most others.

I have to ask, have we done our homework, do we understand all of the consequences, do we have enough money to satisfy all of our infrastructure needs, do we need to keep a reserve, should we have a professional opinion or audit?

Not having all the answers makes voting a heavy burden. Most of all, I want to do the right thing, even if I’m not sure what the right thing is.

Many of the bills we passed this week have bipartisan support. There is comfort in knowing I have voted in a manner in which most reasonable men and women would consider prudent. There are few bills however that are voted along party lines.

In those instances, I will vote with the Republican caucus. I represent a district which has solid Republican, conservative values and that’s a good thing.

But not all legislation is black and white, distinctively Republican or Democrat. As I mature in this legislative arena, I’m inclined to vote against those bills that haven’t been properly explained or vetted regardless of the mood of the legislative body.

This past week House members supported legislation to legalize sports betting.

We approved legislation to buffer urban homeowners from neighboring landfills.

I was proud to support several bills honoring and supporting veterans.

A couple of my committee bills finally came to the floor for the debate and were easily passed on to the Senate. I like the meat and potato bills which are simply housekeeping bills to keep Missouri a good place to live and work.

HB587 which modifies the collection of delinquent taxes will be a great tool to help clean up some of the derelict properties in our small towns. There are bills presented every week to protect children and the most vulnerable. All of these bill will have to endure the same scrutiny in the Senate.

One final piece of legislation, referred to as a House Joint Resolution, when passed by the House and Senate, will have to be presented to the voters for their final approval. This Resolution is a constitutional amendment relating to real property tax assessments. It will shift the community tax burden, adding additional taxes to some and eliminating taxes for others. It would also add some consistency to the question of future tax obligations.

When my vote decides the outcome and I have to make the tough vote, I hope it’s the right one. You can help, I appreciate your letters and your comments. It is helpful knowing how you feel about the issues of the day.

Please continue to reach out to us by sending us emails to bruce.sassmann@house.mo.gov or call Jill at the office 573-751-6668.

Please continue to pray for the family of Detective Sergeant Mason Griffith and Officer Adam Sullentrup and his family.