Honoring Missouri Highway Patrol Trooper James M. Bava
This week, the Senate Transportation, Infrastructure and Public Safety Committee approved one of my pieces of legislation, Senate Bill 1009, which honors Missouri State Highway Patrol Trooper James M. Bava.
Trooper Bava tragically lost his life in the line of duty on August 28 of last year, while in pursuit of a motorcycle traveling at a high speed in Audrain County. Trooper Bava served in the Missouri State Highway Patrol for 20 months and was a member of the 97th Recruit Class. He was remembered by classmates and fellow Troopers in Zone F as a leader, friend and exemplary trooper.
The 25-year-old trooper from Audrain County, and a native of St. Charles County, will be greatly missed by his beloved family, friends and community. I am humbled by his family’s strength to visit the Senate to provide testimony for the legislation and to join us in the Senate Chamber to recognize Trooper Bava’s service with the Highway Patrol.
Senate Bill 1009 would designate a portion of Highway FF in Audrain County from Elmwood Drive to County Road 977 as the “Trooper James M. Bava Memorial Highway.” Trooper Bava’s service would be recognized with memorial signs on Highway FF in his honor, which would be paid for by private donations. This memorial highway is a small token of respect that we show Trooper Bava and his family, and I hope that it will serve as a reminder to the citizens of Missouri of the sacrifices that our men in uniform make to protect them every day.
On Thursday, Feb. 18, the Senate passed Senate Bill 608, sponsored by Sen. Sater. Senate Bill 608 will authorize MO HealthNet health care providers to charge a minimal fee for missed appointments and will create an $8 emergency room co-pay system. This policy will encourage patients to visit their primary care doctors before going to the emergency room where they can be treated more comprehensively and at a lower cost to the state. Studies show this could save more than $18 million a year in Medicaid costs alone if every state had a similar statute.
An amendment added to the bill will also add more transparency when it comes to the cost of medical treatment and as a result make health care providers compete for business. One way to cut down on costs is to make sure hospitals and clinics face more competition when it comes to procedures. With the added amendment, health care providers will be required to provide patients with an estimated cost of treatment within a reasonable amount of time. This will allow patients to make more informed decisions about provider options when seeking certain care.
Senate Bill 608 was passed in the Senate by a vote of 27 to 5 and is currently making its way through the House.
It is an honor to be your State Senator and my door is always open to your concerns, questions or comments. Please feel free to contact me at (573) 751-2757 or visit my web page at www.senate.mo.gov/riddle.