Representative Matthew Overcast Capitol Report

Greetings Friends of the 155th District!

 

Our office has been receiving some calls regarding Liberty Electric.  I would like to provide you with some information about Liberty Electric and SB4. Liberty’s current rate increase request is completely unrelated to Senate Bill 4. They filed that case with the Public Service Commission (PSC) well before SB 4 passed, and it won’t be affected by the bill until their next rate case, which is likely a few years away. I’ve also been hearing from constituents that Liberty still has significant issues with billing accuracy and customer service. Requesting a rate hike while those issues remain unresolved is a hard sell, and I agree—people have every right to be frustrated.

 

But SB 4 isn’t causing those increases—in fact, it was designed to prevent the kind of crisis we’re drifting toward. Missouri has been using more energy than it generates for some time now—and the costs of that imbalance are real and unsustainable. When demand outpaces supply, utilities are forced to buy electricity from the open market—often at dramatically inflated rates. That burden gets passed directly onto ratepayers, local governments, and job creators.

 

Under the Biden Administration, we’ve seen the closure of coal and legacy fossil fuel plants without adequate replacement. When energy usage spikes beyond what we can generate in-state, utilities are left scrambling to fill the gap at any cost. It’s a dangerous cycle—and it’s one of the reasons I supported SB 4.

 

The bill focuses only on investor-owned utilities (IOUs)—not co-ops—and ensures that no additional power plants can be permanently shut down unless a replacement facility is already online. This protects grid stability and prevents the shortfalls that lead to high-cost emergency power purchases. It’s a smart, preventive step toward keeping electricity affordable and reliable for Missouri families and businesses.

 

There’s also been a lot of confusion around Construction Work in Progress (CWIP). SB 4 simply gives utilities the ability to request CWIP as a financing option—but it still must be reviewed and approved by the PSC. It’s not automatic, and it’s not a blank check. When used properly, CWIP actually saves customers money by avoiding high-interest debt. In fact, testimony showed it could save up to $90 million on a single new natural gas plant.

 

The bill also includes strong consumer protections:

 

- Ends mandatory “time-of-use” electric billing—customers can opt in, but it can’t be forced.

 

- Ensures large industrial users like data centers pay their fair share, rather than offloading infrastructure costs onto families and small businesses.

 

- Maintains full PSC authority over rate-regulated utilities.

 

Regarding Liberty’s ownership: I’ve looked into that too. While they are part of Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp., based in Canada, Liberty Utilities is still predominantly owned by American shareholders, with only two major Canadian stakeholders as I understand it. Regardless of ownership, they operate under the full authority of Missouri and U.S. regulatory bodies—including the PSC.

 

I was proud to vote for legislation supported by Governor Mike Kehoe and conservative Republicans who understand that regulated utilities are legally obligated to pursue the most cost-effective path forward when investing in our grid. This isn’t a speculative policy—it’s a pro-Missouri plan for energy security, ratepayer protection, and economic growth.

 

I want my kids and yours to grow up in a state where power is reliable, affordable, and made right here at home. That’s what SB 4 helps secure.”

 

Landmark Legislation Advancing Public Safety, Tax Cuts, Economic Growth, and More Signed into Law

 

Governor Mike Kehoe recently signed a broad slate of bills into law, concluded a highly productive legislative session focused on strengthening public safety, cutting taxes, revitalizing the economy, and supporting Missouri families, workers, and communities. Below is a comprehensive look at the key measures signed.

 

Supporting Missouri’s First Responders: Public Safety Recruitment and Retention Act

 

At the St. Louis Fire Department headquarters, Governor Kehoe signed Senate Bill (SB) 71, which delivers meaningful support to Missouri’s public safety professionals and their families.

 

Highlights of SB 71:

- Public Safety Recruitment and Retention Act: Tuition and fee assistance for public safety personnel and their dependent children who meet service and residency requirements.

- trengthened penalties for burglary and vehicle-related crimes.

- Extended the Line of Duty Compensation Act for families of fallen officers.

- Adjustments to the St. Louis Firefighter’s Retirement Plan.

 

Cutting Taxes and Supporting Missouri Businesses

 

Governor Kehoe signed House Bills (HB) 567 and 594, delivering tax relief and regulatory reform for Missouri families, businesses, and job creators.

 

Key provisions include:

- Maintaining the state minimum wage at $15/hour while repealing automatic CPI increases.

- Eliminating burdensome paid sick leave mandates.

- Authorizing an income tax deduction for all capital gains for individuals beginning in 2025.

- Expanding the Senior Citizens Property Tax Credit and exempting essential hygiene products from sales tax.

 

Governor Kehoe also signed additional pro-growth bills addressing financial institutions, regulatory reform, and local government operations.

 

Investing in Economic Development

At ceremonies in St. Louis, Governor Kehoe signed HB 199 and HB 1041, supporting tourism, small business, and Missouri’s proud brewing and wine industries.

- HB 199 creates a special entertainment district in downtown St. Louis, expands opportunities for other counties and cities to establish districts, and supports ports, sports facilities, and local transportation authorities.

- HB 1041 reduces taxes on malt liquor, supports Missouri’s wine industry, and permits extended alcohol service hours during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Advancing Missouri Agriculture and Rural Communities

Recognizing agriculture as the backbone of Missouri, Governor Kehoe signed Senate Bills (SB) 79 and 82, ensuring farmers and rural families have the tools and support they need to thrive.

- SB 79: Improves rural health care access by expanding telehealth, mandating MO HealthNet coverage for hearing aids and cochlear implants, modernizing prenatal care protocols, and allowing membership-based health benefit contracts.

- SB 82: Protects Missouri’s water resources by creating a framework to monitor and regulate water exports, safeguarding water for agricultural, municipal, and commercial use.

If you ever have, any questions or concerns feel free to call me at 573-751-2042 or email me at Matthew.Overcast@house.mo.gov. Our office is always here for you.