As a conservative Republican, I believe in smaller government and fewer taxes. I also believe a little money in the bank saved for a rainy day is a good thing. As the Missouri General Assembly prepares for a possible special session our convictions and political philosophies will be put to the test. We will be asked to consider the largest state income tax in Missouri history, the state continues to receive good news regarding the amount of revenue flowing into state coffers. The 2023 fiscal year, which began July 1,  opened with a bang as revenues increased dramatically from the previous year. For the month of July, the state brought in $970.3 million. That represents an increase of 38.3 percent from July of 2021, when the state brought in $701.3 million in revenues. 

The state also ended the 2022 fiscal year on June 30, with growth of 14.6 percent compared to the previous 2021 fiscal year. The healthy revenue growth will allow legislators to consider substantive tax relief for Missourians.

We also need to consider state offered services. There are plenty of ways to spend the money and I’m sure if we tried to save a little, someone would find a way to spend it. Collectively we need to vote in the spirit of the State’s Motto, “Let the welfare of the people be the supreme Law.”

Every vote deserves careful consideration. There’s no perfect answer, simple solutions or easy votes. I am humbled to be in this position and I always appreciate your opinions.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact my office.

(State Rep. Bruce Sassmann, a Republican from Bland, may be reached at 573-751-1344, or via email to bruce.sassmann@house.mo.gov).