Amato for Jeffco

06/05/2026

06/05/2026

With interim upon us I thought I would share this segment from House Communications.

With the 2026 legislative session now concluded, attention turns to Governor Mike Kehoe’s desk as he reviews the legislation approved by the Missouri General Assembly during the regular session.

Bills that were passed by both chambers are formally signed in open session by the Speaker of the House and the President Pro Tem of the Senate before being delivered to the governor for consideration. Because the legislature has adjourned for the year, the governor has 45 days to act on legislation sent to his office.

Under Missouri law, the governor has several options when reviewing legislation. He may sign a bill into law, veto it and return it to the General Assembly, allow it to become law without his signature by taking no action within the allotted timeframe, or, in the case of appropriations bills, issue line-item vetoes on specific spending provisions.

If a bill is vetoed, the Missouri House and Senate may attempt to override the veto during the annual September veto session. A two-thirds vote in both chambers is required to override a gubernatorial veto.

Most legislation passed during the regular session will take effect on August 28, 2026, unless the bill contains an emergency clause or a different effective date specified in the legislation. Bills carrying an emergency clause become effective immediately upon the governor’s signature.

Over the coming weeks, lawmakers, stakeholders, and Missourians across the state will continue monitoring which measures are signed into law as the legislative process moves into its final stages for the year.

It is an honor to serve, and I hope this capitol report answers your budgetary questions.

06/02/2026

I am extremely happy with this endorsement of the statewide Frateral Order of Polce. This is because my late father spent most of his adult career working for the St. Louis Police Department. My first cousin and mentor also now deceased was a St. Louis Homicide Detective for almost 15 years. I was thinking of both my late father and cousin when helping to get passed the legislation of expanding the sunset and compensation to families of loved ones killed in the line of duty last year.

05/08/2026

As stated in my last Capitol Report I would send out information on the Governors proposal on eliminating the income tax that you will be voting on in an upcoming election.

Last week’s Capitol Report I shared Budget Committeeman Darin Chappell comments that I thought would be helpful. This week I am sending out some of the highlights and talking points that you may find useful. We are going in the last week of session, and I hope to give you a report on the conclusion in my last Capitol Report before summer break.

Breaking Down HJR 173 & 174

HJR 173 & 174 is a proposed constitutional amendment that would go before Missouri voters at a future statewide election (either August or November 2026). If approved, it would begin a long-term shift in how Missouri collects taxes by working toward eliminating the state income tax and restructuring other parts of the tax system to make up the difference.

Fiscal Context

Currently, Missouri’s individual income tax accounts for roughly 65% of the state’s general revenue. In fiscal year 2025, general revenue totaled $13.4 billion for the year ending June 30, with the income tax comprising the majority of that amount. Missouri’s state sales tax for general revenue is 3%, plus an additional 1.225% dedicated to public schools, conservation, state parks, and soil conservation, bringing the statewide rate to 4.225%. Local option sales taxes are added on top of that, and in more than 50 locations statewide, the combined rate is already 11% or higher. Without expanding the range of goods and services subject to sales tax, replacing current individual income tax revenue would require raising the state sales tax rate to nearly 13%.

This proposal asks Missouri voters to change the state constitution in a major way by tying the long-term elimination of the state individual income tax to future revenue growth. In simple terms, it sets a goal of gradually reducing Missouri’s income tax rate whenever state revenues grow, with the stated end goal of eliminating the income tax entirely.

Official Ballot Summary

The official summary statement of the resolution would read:

"Shall the Missouri Constitution be amended to:

Phase-out the individual income tax based on revenue growth;
Reduce personal property and other local taxes when local revenues increase;
Modify the sales and use tax to eliminate income tax and reduce local taxes; and
Protect local funding for public schools and other purposes?".
Ending the State Income Tax

The goal of the proposal is to fully eliminate Missouri’s individual income tax—but it does not happen automatically or on a fixed timeline. Instead:

Lawmakers would be required to reduce the income tax over time
Those reductions must be tied to growth in state revenue
When the state brings in more money, the income tax rate is expected to go down
There is no set deadline for when the tax must be fully eliminated
Once the income tax reaches zero, it cannot be brought back.

Changes to Sales Taxes

To replace the money currently generated by income taxes, the proposal allows the state to expand what is taxed under the sales tax. Right now, Missouri cannot apply sales tax to many services. This proposal creates an exception:

Lawmakers could expand sales tax to more goods and services
But only if the change is clearly tied to eliminating the income tax and reducing local taxes
Any time sales taxes are expanded or increased, lawmakers must also pass income tax cuts of roughly equal size
In simple terms: the state cannot raise more through sales taxes for this purpose unless it is also cutting income taxes at the same time.

What Happens to Local Taxes

The proposal also includes protections so that local governments don’t see a large increase in revenue from these changes without adjusting other taxes. If sales taxes are expanded:

Local governments must make a one-time adjustment about a year later
They must reduce other taxes (like property taxes or local sales taxes) to offset about 97% of the new revenue
They can choose how to do that, using:
Property taxes
Sales taxes
Earnings taxes
However, there is a strict rule: Public school funding cannot be reduced as part of these changes.

Adjusting State Tax Rates

The proposal also requires adjustments to certain state sales tax rates written into the Constitution.

About one year after changes are made, tax rates may be adjusted
The goal is to keep overall state revenue roughly balanced
The State Auditor would calculate the new rates
Temporary Flexibility for Lawmakers

To make all of this possible, the proposal gives lawmakers temporary flexibility under Missouri’s constitutional revenue limits.

Certain tax changes related to this plan would be exempt from those limits
This flexibility lasts for five years (up from three years in earlier versions)
What It Means Overall

If approved by voters, HJR 173 & 174 would:

Set Missouri on a path to eliminate the state income tax
Tie income tax cuts to how much the state’s revenue is growing
Allow sales taxes to be expanded to help replace that revenue
Require tax offsets so local governments don’t collect significantly more money
Protect funding for public schools
Give lawmakers time and flexibility to manage the transition

Bottom Line
This proposal would make a major change to Missouri’s tax system. Instead of relying heavily on income taxes, the state would gradually shift toward a system that relies more on sales taxes. Unlike earlier versions, the final plan does not follow a strict formula—instead, it relies on future lawmakers to reduce taxes step by step as the state’s finances allow.

Thank you, it is an honor to serve!

05/01/2026

I thought for this week’s capitol report it may be a good idea to share Representative Darin Chappell’s words concerning the Elimination of the State Income Tax legislation. Next week I will once again send out information regarding the upcoming ballot measure. I hope it answers some of your questions. Darin made his living as a bean counter. Rep. Darin Chappell is a former City Manager and City Administrator, and I have a lot of confidence in his knowledge of finance.

“Okay, here’s the deal” …

The House and Senate have passed HJR 173 & 174 and there is vas misunderstanding about this Tax Reform effort. In this post, he sets the records straight to the best of his ability. “Now, you may well disagree with the policy in question, and that’s fair.” He states “you can disagree respectfully. However, what’s not fair, is for someone to suggest that he is somehow being less than honest.” He offers for those “who may not know him well to ask around…” He is well known for his truthfulness. He contends that “every single thing he writes is 100% true.”

“First, this HJR cannot go into effect without the vote of the People. Simply passing both Chambers of the General Assembly is not enough; the measure will be on the ballot for voters to decide.:

“Second, The Governor’s signature is not needed for this measure. The Governor will determine when it will be on your ballot, but that’s all.”

“Third, this measure is not an attempt to raise increased tax revenues for any government, State or local. The measure demands that the revenues raised be neutral (the same amount of money collected) or less in exchange for Eliminating the State Income Tax.”

“Fourth, this will not have any negative effect on Public Education funding. It is specifically written into the amendment that such is not permitted.”

“Fifth, this amendment would insert a constitutional requirement to gradually eliminate the State income tax by way of the growth of revenues from the normal economic growth in the State.”

“Once the income tax is eliminated, this amendment would disallow the General Assembly from ever re-establishing an income tax again.”

“In order to expedite that progress toward a 0% income tax, this amendment asks if the General Assembly may create legislation to expand a consumption tax onto purchases currently exempt from sales taxes. This is largely in regard to various services. The General Assembly will have five (5) years in which to formulate and pass such a plan.”

Chappell contends that “the plan will be adopted must be done in one piece of legislation, and all new State revenues raised by the expanded tax base must be used ONLY for the reduction, and eventual elimination, of the income tax. No other purpose is permitted.”

“The expansion of the consumption tax base for the State also allows the Counties, Cities, and other local governments to have a sales tax on that basis too. However, whatever the increase in revenues to the local governments are gained as a result MUST be offset at the local governmental level by either lowering the overall sales tax rate, lowering local property tax rates, or a combination of thereof.”

“It is extremely important to understand,” Chappell says that, “if this amendment passes at the ballot box, we can, in just a few years, eliminate the income tax, have a minimal increase in the State sales tax (less than 6% for the State rate as opposed to the current 4.225%), and lower local sales tax rates, property tax rates, or both.”

“I have ready what many are saying, and MANY are simply incorrect.” Darin Chappell further stated that, “I know the matter well, having filed a similar plan (the Missouri Fair Tax) four times during my tenure in the House. I’m happy to engage in genuine discussion, and to answer specific questions. If I don’t know, I’ll say so, explain why not, and do my best to find out.”

Chappell further states, “I have no interest, time, or patience in arguing for the sake of argument, however. I do not lie and will not engage those who do. Disagree all you want, respectful to all reading this. If you want to be disrespectful, that’s what your page is for…” (yes, I took this from his Facebook post)

As already stated, I thought some insight from a financial expert on State Taxes being a member of the House Budget Committee would be helpful.

04/24/2026

Since being in the House I have been lucky enough to have passed legislation. All my bills up to now were attached to other pieces of legislation. This week for the first time I testified in front of a Senate Committee because HB 2103 was considered as a stand-alone piece of legislation. The idea, HB 2103 was brought to me by Arnold resident James Von Klemen and is an attempt to stop crooks from stealing your house. The advice I got from upper classman was to take no more than a minute and a half to explain the legislation in the Senate Committee. Those that know me would laugh, understanding I take more time to say good morning. I did with difficultly as suggested and the hearing went perfectly.

The only other really big thing that happened this week was another step in eliminating the state income tax. When it left the House on its way to the Senate there were two safeguards in making sure the legislation did as intended. When it came back from the Senate for the final vote there were an additional two more safeguards added.

Now it goes to the ballot for a public vote. The only part the governor plays on a House Joint Resolution (HJR) is he decides which election it will appear.

I will go into more detail the Highlights of the legislation at a later date. There are, however, a couple of aspects of the legislation to cut through all the political rhetoric.

This being an election year there are those who oppose, talking about this idea hurting local schools or raising the cost of food. Please be advised that neither scare tactic is true. This legislation is revenue neutral and will be phased in as growth is triggered over time. Since income tax season just ended, I would encourage you to look at the amount you paid that eventually over time would be eliminated. The important thing to remember is you will vote on this issue when the governor decides to place it on the ballot.

Thank you, it is an honor to serve.

04/17/2026

Phil Amato’s Property Rights Protection Bills pass big in the Missouri House

There is a belief regarding legislation getting passed in the Missouri Legislature. If legislation, after being referred to committees assigned by the Speaker is voted out of the Missouri House before Spring Break, the chance of becoming law goes up about eighty percent. Representative Amato knowing this belief made protecting property rights his top priority along with trying to keep crooks from stealing your house.

Amato knows statistics show that the majority of people’s biggest asset is their home. Amato stated. “Whether a person is trespassing and squatting in your home or trying to steal your house by filing fake documents stopping this criminal act was a top priority for me this legislative session.”

Amato brought bankers together, the title people and Recorder of Deeds across the state to stop this egregious behavior. HB 2103 makes tampering or using a fake notary no longer a misdemeanor but a felony that besides a large fine will result in also prison time for the crook. In legislation HB 2103 there is also a caveat that includes judicial review within 20 days if the crooks are successful and steal your home. In St. Louis County there was a home stolen with fake documents and it cost the homeowner thousands in attorney fees and months to get before a judge to unravel the mess.

Amato says. “A key part of the legislation was to make sure if the crooks become one step ahead of us in the future the homeowner will be able to get before a judge within 20 days. James Von Klemen from Arnold brought me the idea of stopping this behavior. I was shocked to find out that a crook could steal your house without even having your Social Security number. While also researching the issue I discovered that a lady from Missouri was caught trying to steal Graceland. They tried to steal Elvis’ House for goodness sakes.”

Amato brought together the banker, title people, Recorders of Deeds and reached across the aisle to gain bipartisan support. HB 2103 received unanimous support in the Financial Institutions Committee Chaired by Representative Bill Owen, a retired banker from Springfield. The legislation also received unanimous support in the committee Fiscal Review and only one dissenting voted in the Rules Committee before coming to the House Floor for debate. The final vote from the Missouri House of Representatives was 134 yes and 5 no. Now the legislation is headed to the Missouri Senate where Senator Jamie Burger has filed legislation that mirrors Amato’s House bill.

Amato’s other piece of legislation to protect real estate was the Squatters Bill HB 2099. The Squatters Bill idea was brought to Amato by local businessman Jerel Poor. It passed three sessions ago and was signed by the governor. It was alter struck down by a judge because the Senate had added a piece of legislation on to the bill that did not fit the original intent.

Amato stated. “This piece of legislation was working perfectly for almost 2 years. The Squatters portion of the bill is being appealed by the Attorney Generals office, but I did not want to take a chance of something going wrong, so I refiled the legislation this session.”

The good news was since the Squatters Bill was in existence for almost two years and after getting feedback from Sheriffs across the state Amato made the legislation better. The latest version passed the Missouri House 137 yes, and 1 no with 9 voting present.

Amato said. “Now if you own a lake lot with no dwelling you can remove a trespasser squatting on your property in forty-eight hours. If someone dies living alone and a crook is trolling the newspaper obituary’s and takes over the house, the executor of the estate can also have the Squatter removed in forty-eight hours.”

Senator Trent has agreed to carry Amato’s Squatters Legislation in the Senate. Getting both Stealing Your House Legislation and removing Squatters would be most helpful to homeowners statewide. Amato is getting a well-deserved reputation in the state capital as a problem solver. Protecting people’s property is just the latest reason for this leaders’ reptation. Also, out of committee unanimously are bills HB 1772 making adoptions easier out of foster care. HB 1770 allowing abused children as adults to go after their abusers criminally. HB 2461 that reauthorizes the food pantry tax credit is scheduled to come out of committee after the Spring Break. Amato is also carrying the legislation on Artificial Intelligence HB 1769 that has garnered so much attention beyond the state of Missouri.

Partisan politics has become extremely aggressive in the last few years but Amato, using his problem-solving leadership skills, puts coalitions together for success around the capital that helps people.

Amato says. Bringing into an office a dozen chocolate chip cookies or chocolate covered mini doughnuts is a great conversation starter. I am so grateful for the relationships I have developed from around the state. I have made friends that will last a lifetime.”

Amato, since being elected, stated that he has learned that Missouri is the second state in the nation for family farms ownership. This means agriculture is big business in Missouri. Amato jokingly says he is known as the city slicker in some parts of rural Missouri. Amato told the Rock Newspaper that he is very sensitive to rural Missouri’s needs and concerns.

“I know nothing about farming or ranching but listen intently to their concerns. In return I get invitations to their shindigs like the Cattle Ranchers Dinner in Sedalia and get togethers at the Farm Bureau as well as the Soybean Center Headquarters in Jefferson City.”

Amato stated that getting rural Missouri’s support on his protecting property rights legislation was a big reason for his lopsided yes votes.

“Being a state representative is more than just voting on issues. The job is all about relationships and knowing what my father taught me about keeping your word and the importance of handshakes. A good chocolate chip cookie also goes a long way too.”

04/02/2026

I was excited Monday getting to the Capitol, knowing it might turn out to be a big day. HB 1769, that is the Artificial Intelligence legislation was being voted on in Rules, which is the last stop before being eligible to come to the House Floor. I am happy to announce that the legislation received a unanimous vote. The AI – HB 1769 I believe will turn out to be the Holy Grail in this new technologically world we have inherited of artificial intelligence. Monday late afternoon the Ways & Means Committee passed out HB 2461 on extending the food panty tax credit program for another 5 years. This successful financial assistance to food pantries across the state expires this calendar year so I am trying hard to get it reauthorized.

Wednesday, my Adoption Legislation HB 1772 received its first reading on the House Floor. I have some great pieces of Legislation this year and it would be hard to select which one being the most important. HB 1772 however will change children’s lives and give them who are in foster care a positive way out.

Thursday is the day for bills being Third Read to be voted out of the Missouri House. It was not as busy as last week with 13 Budget Bills and 7 other pieces of legislation being voted out of the House but busy nevertheless.

Before leaving the Capitol for the week there was one final Rules Committee held and two of my bills were taken into consideration. HB 2463 on prohibiting implied contracts with referral companies regarding Assisted Living and Nursing Homes was not voted out of Rules. Good news however, my HB 1770 on Child Abuse was voted out of Rules unanimously. This is giving an abused young person 10 years after their 18th birthday to criminally go after their abuser. This will give the victim enough time to hopefully seek counseling by having the courage to face their accuser.

It is an honor to serve.

03/27/2026

It is no secret that in today’s political climate the attitude is attack first and absolutely no retreat.

I had a situation in the Missouri House come up the last couple of weeks I hoped the end result would change the tide. We will change the names to protect the innocent.

I was presenting a piece of legislation on the house floor and a gentleman misinterpreted the bill and got a little rough with his disagreement. My response was to say “how about we agree to disagree” and I held my tongue. When sitting down a colleague came to me indicating she knew the gentleman was wrong. I agreed and she was confused why I did not respond to his attack telling her it was not my style.

The following week the gentleman called me to apologize and told me he was now in favor of my legislation. He further stated he planned to publicly apologize to me on the house floor.

When my legislation came up on the house floor for a final vote, I addressed my colleagues to inquire if anyone had any questions. The gentleman got to his feet in the rear of the chambers and did as promised. He told the body his support for the legislation and then proceeded to apologize to me in front of the entire Missouri house of representatives. I left my microphone walking up the main aisle to the surprise of many in the chambers. The Chief of Staff to the Floor Leader walked up to ask if I was alright. I told him the man was apologizing to me, and I was going to do what my mother taught me and shake his hand.

If I had responded in the same manner as his attack this Capitol Report would not have the ending I wanted.

It is an honor to serve.