State Lawmakers Send Key Legislation, FY 2017 Budget to the Governor
Legislative News
This week state lawmakers successfully passed a key piece of education legislation and a trio of ethics reform bills. Perhaps most importantly, we have finalized the Fiscal Year 2017 budget, and it is now on its way to the governor for his consideration.
Highlights of this year’s $27.1 billion budget include a record level of foundation formula funding for the state’s K-12 public schools, increased funding for early childhood special education and the Missouri Preschool Program, and a 2 percent pay increase for state employees, effective July 1, 2016.
Missouri’s scholarship programs are set to receive increased funding this year, making higher education more affordable for numerous students throughout the state. A compromise between House and Senate positions means Missouri’s higher education institutions will also receive a 4 percent across-the-board increase in performance and equity funding, and the University of Missouri administration’s budget will only see a $3.8 million cut — half of what the House originally proposed.
We successfully defunded Planned Parenthood, which means Missourians won’t see any more of their taxpayer dollars being used to fund the state’s only abortion provider. In total, the FY 2017 budget seeks to reduce Medicaid spending by $55 million. Although we had until 6 p.m., Friday, May 6, to deliver our final budget to the governor, we have once again completed it early enough to be able to overturn any of the governor’s line-item budget vetoes or decisions to withhold funds.
Also on its way to the governor is Senate Bill 586, sponsored by Sen. Jay Wasson, R-Nixa. This bipartisan measure will help save the state’s public education funding formula, which is currently underfunded by more than $500 million.
Created in 2005, the foundation formula determines the amount of funding each school district in Missouri receives. It was designed to grow at a fair rate; however, because the 5 percent cap on the State Adequacy Target (SAT) was removed in 2009, the formula has continued to grow at such a rate that it is now all but impossible to fully fund in its current state. The move to remove the cap was based on projections of approximately $75 million annually in new gaming revenue; unfortunately, that money never materialized. Since then we have been fighting a losing battle while the SAT continues to rise at an unsustainable rate.
Senate Bill 586 simply reinstates the 5 percent cap on operating expenses, hopefully allowing the Legislature to fully fund the formula within just a few short years. This one modification will preserve the formula and give Missouri school districts the predictability they need to effectively plan their budgets and provide a quality education to our students.
Despite having broad bipartisan support, it is likely the governor will veto SB 586. If and when he does, we will be looking at a $560 million gap between the current budget and full funding as soon as next year. If he signs SB 586, we can slow the growth and set realistic expectations that will allow our school districts to confidently plan for the future.
We were also successful this session at passing meaningful ethics reform — an achievement years in the making. As of Wednesday, the General Assembly has sent three bills to the governor’s desk. After many hours of hard work and debate, the result is a genuine effort from members to advance ethics reform in a positive direction.
Late last week, we passed legislation specifying that no statewide elected official or member of the General Assembly shall serve as a paid political consultant. House Bill 1983 prohibits statewide elected officials and members of the General Assembly from receiving compensation as paid political consultants for specified political activities on behalf of other individuals holding office as statewide elected officials or members of the General Assembly. House Bill 1983 has been signed by the governor.
On Wednesday, we passed House Bill 1979, which will help solve the “revolving door” issue we currently face by imposing a six-month rule for lobbying when elected officials of the General Assembly, statewide elected officials and office holders requiring Senate confirmation leave office. When elected officials run for office, they are essentially making a commitment to their constituents for the entire length of their term; they should not be able to leave their office early to become lobbyists. House Bill 1979 applies to all current and future legislators.
We also passed a measure to help curb corruption of campaign funds. House Bill 2203 requires former public officials to dissolve their candidate campaign committees before registering as lobbyists. It limits how long campaign funds can be invested and how they can be used. It also restricts former lawmakers from converting campaign funds into personal gains.
Finally, I want to take a moment to acknowledge the passing of a truly great Missouri statesman: former Missouri State Senator Carl Vogel. Carl Vogel wore many hats. First and foremost, he was a loving husband and father. He was also a successful business owner, veteran, community leader and public servant, having served in the state Legislature for 20 years. I am thankful for the privilege of getting to know and work with him. Carl leaves behind his wife, son and daughter, and friends too numerous to count. I ask everyone to please keep the entire Vogel family in your thoughts and prayers.
Contact Me
I always appreciate hearing your comments, opinions and concerns. Please feel free to contact me in Jefferson City at (573) 751-2173. You may write to me at Senator Ron Richard, Missouri Senate, State Capitol, 201 W. Capitol Ave., Rm. 326, Jefferson City, MO 65101; e-mail me at ron.richard@senate.mo.gov or visit me on the Web at www.senate.mo.gov/Richard.