Editorial
In our view: Agreeing on changes
As much as we call out legislators who we think do the wrong thing, we should also point out cases where we believe they get it right. In the case of a bill changing how the state manages its investments, we’d like to point out every single representative and senator.
The Invest in Missouri bill didn’t receive a single “no” vote throughout its trip through the Legislature. Earlier this week, the House approved the final version of the bill and sent it to the governor’s desk with a 155-0 vote. The House has 163 members, so eight didn’t cast votes.
But getting that amount of support on this bill shows that legislators are capable of looking past party lines. It also shows that the bill is a good idea, and should be signed into law by Gov. Jay Nixon. Scott Holste, spokesperson for Nixon, said Thursday that the governor’s signature on the bill is likely.
Proposed by Treasurer Clint Zweifel, the plan eliminates a cap on interest-rate return. Currently, Missouri can invest taxpayer money under the terms of its cap, thus guaranteeing less-than-desirable earnings.
Once the cap is removed, Missouri would have a better option for investing taxpayer dollars and get a much better rate of return than the U.S. Treasury’s rate of about 0.2 percent.
Another part of the bill would expand the Missouri Linked Deposit program by making more funds available to entrepreneurs seeking to create or expand businesses. In short, the bill creates jobs without spending an extra dollar of taxpayer money.
Our only gripe with the bill was that it appeared smaller banks and credit unions might not be able to participate. That has since been corrected.
In these end-of-session days, where political disagreements threaten to hamper solutions and derail progress according to party lines, it’s good to see that some things can be universally agreed upon.
- Editorial
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In our view: Qualified for the job?
Voters in Jasper and Newton counties will be making decisions on several key positions on the local level. Among them are the presiding commissioner races in each of the two counties.
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Voices: Ensuring a safe place
When we think of our community, we want to think that we live in a safe place. This is one reason why people live where they do. On Aug. 3, the city of Neosho will be asking the voters to approve a tax levy that will go to fund city services.
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Voices: Operate ‘leaner’
How gullible do these local businesses think the citizens of Neosho are?
It is quite all right for these businesses to support an increase in property taxes. While they may state that this increase will affect them, it will, in truth, have very little impact upon them. -
Voices: Integrity and work ethic
I am writing this letter in support of William “Bill” White. He has donated countless hours as past president of the Joplin Swim Team, where I was fortunate to serve on the board of directors with him for the last four years.
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Voices: Qualified candidate
Aug. 3 is almost here and we in the 129th District have a very important decision to make.
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Voices: Way of life
Jim Stone’s recent column in The Joplin Globe shares with readers the “need to stop parroting the words of pundits ... to honestly listen to each other ... and pursue a dialogue that actually makes our nation progress.”
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Voices: Missed opportunities
I see the friends of Gary Nodler are out in force now. Of course, the fact that Gary Nodler has been a state senator all this time is not due to any exceptional ability on his part. Rather, no one bothered to challenge him until his term limits ran out.
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Voices: Blunt’s election ads
Congressman Roy Blunt’s political ads promise to “clean up” government and reduce spending that has put the United States in debt. They sound like they are for a “new” candidate.
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Voices: Vote for a fresh face
With the elections drawing near, the ads ramping up, the door bells ringing, the signs are a-flying, and everyone drawing opinions, why would you vote for a fresh face?
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Editor's note: Campaign letters
The Joplin Globe wants to hear from candidates vying in the Aug. 3 election and their supporters and critics.
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