Capitol Report: A Missouri solution for a Missouri problem

Last week, Stephanie and I took Addison and Andrew for their first visit to the Missouri State Fair. In between carnival rides, candy and animal competitions, we had the opportunity to see many of the amazing activities happening in our agricultural industry.

Anyone who had shared our experiences would not be surprised that agriculture comprises a significant portion of our state’s economy, but they would be shocked to know that this vital industry has come under attack by both extreme activists and overzealous government regulators. If left unchecked, these attacks threaten the livelihood of thousands, the health of our state’s economy, and our ability to continue our innovative leadership in this globally competitive industry.

In recent years, we have seen an explosion of ballot initiatives by well-funded special interest groups in order to circumvent the legislative process. Through the initiative petition process, these groups are able to get around the checks and balances process put in place by our founding fathers. This allows them to promote and advance their agenda without thorough debate from both sides of the issue. All too often, fancy advertisements and catchy slogans take the place of legitimate debate, discussion, and deliberation.

Last year, a national organization with no motivation to find solutions tailored to fit the specific issues we face here in Missouri, launched an attack on animal agriculture. While all of us agreed with their fundamental concern, dogs need to be bred and raised in healthy conditions, their approach and statutory language created great concern throughout the agricultural industry. As a result of these concerns and a lack of clarity in the adopted statue, the Legislature was asked to modify the law in a manner that protected our agricultural industry while keeping with the intent of Missouri’s voters. The final compromise strengthens provisions to locate and prosecute un-licensed “bad actors” while protecting legitimate agricultural operations from over reaching regulations.

While I firmly believe in the ballot initiative process, we cannot allow national organizations or special interests to hijack this process and advance an agenda that hinders Missouri’s future or its largest economic industry. The legislation passed this session found a common sense Missouri solution that protects the health and safety of these animals, protects law abiding agricultural producers, and protects Missouri’s agricultural industry.