As written in the Missouri Constitution, the Legislature’s deadline to have a budget to the governor is today Friday, May 10 — one week before the conclusion of the 2013 legislative session. The Missouri Senate was proactive and worked long hours yesterday (5-9) to pass a balanced and fiscally responsible budget that includes a $66 million increase in funding for the state’s foundation formula for K-12 education, $1 million in increased funding for the A+ Schools Program, and an additional $1 million in general revenue funding for five regional projects to help Missourians with autism.

Aside from the 13 core budget bills that comprise the FY 2014 budget, supplemental bills addressing funds for various state services and infrastructure were discussed this week. This debate took place after the executive administration announced Monday that a governor's amendment to the FY 2014 budget would be drafted as a result of positive results highlighted in the April General Revenue Report. The report noted that the 2013 fiscal year-to-date general revenue collections are up 11.2 percent from last year, and April collections up 27.4 percent over April last year. It’s good to know that in an unpredictable and shaky economy, Missouri is on the right track to job growth and retention.

Included in the governor’s proposal and noted in HBs 17-19 (approved by the Legislature and sent to the governor) are specific investments for much-needed renovations and improvements throughout the state, including funds for the planning and design of a new Fulton State Mental Hospital, repairs to the State Capitol, and improvements to state parks. The Fulton State Mental Hospital, which is the oldest public mental health facility west of the Mississippi River, is in poor shape. Health facilities are meant to help people get better and encourage positive welfare for patients. If a health facility’s structure is beginning to go downhill, that’s not the ideal atmosphere for patients or employees to work towards good health.

Our Missouri Capitol and parks also are in need of attention. These sites encourage both tourism and education for visitors, and need to be preserved for our children and grandchildren. Our Capitol, in particular, is filled with important state history and just celebrated the 100-year anniversary of its groundbreaking. It’s astonishing to think of all the events that have occurred at the Capitol between 1913 and 2013 and all the memories that have been made within these walls. More mature generations of Missourians who visited the Capitol in their younger years can share their memories with their grandchildren who take field trips to the people’s building, and that’s a great feeling of pride for those families. The people’s building is the center stage for our state government and needs to be properly maintained.

Considering that the last week of the First Regular Session of the 97th General Assembly is almost upon us, lawmakers will remain very busy and bills will quickly move forward in the Legislature. To keep up with the legislative actions and developing news here at the Capitol, please visit the Missouri Senate website at www.senate.mo.gov. Thank you and God bless.