Union-related measures among Ozarks lawmakers' proposals for new session

It's doubtful the real numbers on the effect of Right to Work would change Rep. Burlison's mind, it might be Susan be fun to try...

By Jonathan Shorman  |  2:47 AM, Jan. 6, 2013
Springfield News Leader

Long-term economic growth and the threat of competition from other states is on the minds of most area legislators as they prepare to start the new legislative session on Wednesday.

The delegation for Greene and Christian counties includes two senators and 11 representatives. With the exception of Springfield representative Charlie Norr, a Democrat, the members are Republican. Rep. Sonya Anderson, representing some areas of north Springfield and rural Greene County, is the only woman.

 Several lawmakers interviewed by the News-Leader expressed support for so-called Right to Work laws. The laws typically state that unionized workers cannot be forced to pay union dues as a condition of their employment. Unions oppose such measures because Right to Work laws allow workers to benefit from unions — such as when the union acts as the worker’s bargaining agent — but exempt workers from having to contribute back to the union.
With the exception of Illinois, Missouri is bordered by Right to Work states.

Rep. Eric Burlison, R-Springfield, is sponsoring Right to Work legislation. He said the concept is not popular in Kansas City and St. Louis but has support in southwest Missouri.

“I think the reality of the job climate in Right to Work states vs. non-Right to Work states, it’s difficult to argue against the numbers,” Burlison said.

Whether Right to Work gains traction remains to be seen. House Speaker Tim Jones has indicated such a law may not move during the session because it would not have the support of Democratic Gov. Jay Nixon. Rep. Lincoln Hough, R-Springfield, said Right to Work will probably not be considered in the House unless a bill is passed by the Senate.

In the absence of Right to Work, another union-related measure has some members interested.

“I think we’re probably going to have to go with what I call Right to Work lite: which is Paycheck Protection,” Rep. Kevin Austin, R-Springfield, said.

Burlison has also sponsored Paycheck Protection legislation, which prohibits unions from using dues for political purposes without permission from workers.

While the chances of passing union-related legislation during the session appear murky, almost all members seem driven to pass tax credit reform. Gov. Nixon has called for reform as well.

Sen. Bob Dixon, R-Springfield, and Sen. Jay Wasson, R-Nixa, want the legislature to consider benevolent tax credits and economic development tax credits separately.

Many benevolent tax credits expired in August after the legislature failed to renew them during the previous session, a casualty to a battle over more general reform. Among the credits that expired is the Children in Crisis credit, which makes donations to organizations such as Isabel’s House or the Child Advocacy Center tax-deductible.

The benevolent credits are generally not considered controversial and members expect they will be renewed.

But while members agree on the need to reform the economic development tax credits, many were unwilling to offer specific changes they would like to see.

Broadly, Reps. Austin and Elijah Haahr, R-Springfield, said they were in favor of capping the total amount of some credits. Haahr wants to go a step further.

“I think sunsetted tax credits could be extremely beneficial to the state,” Haahr said.

Rep. Lincoln Hough, R-Springfield, warned against vilifying tax credits and said a balance is needed. He said it is naive for newly elected members to claim they know the best approach to the issue.

“We’ve got to be cognizant of the good they can do,” Hough said.