Legislative Week in Review
The legislative days leading up to Easter weekend saw a flurry of activity in the state Capitol, with both chambers working diligently to advance legislation; and the commencement of budget hearings, as the budget bills have made their way over to the Senate from the House. As mentioned in last week’s column, the next four weeks will be action-packed. As chairman of Senate Appropriations, I am working hard to guide the committee through the process of crafting a responsible budget that utilizes our resources to best serve all Missourians.
Beyond budget work, this week the Senate tackled some priority issues, including measures pertaining to education, a farmers’ market program for our seniors, and app-based ride sharing companies like Uber and Lyft.
Senate Bill 313 doesn’t just recognize, but takes action on the belief that every child deserves a quality education, regardless of where they live or the challenges they may face. It also acknowledges that education isn’t one-size-fits-all and that not every school setting works for every child. Children who have a disability, foster children and children with a parent in active military service will be eligible to benefit from Education Savings Accounts (ESAs), which give families the financial freedom to choose the right learning environment for their child, without creating any increased burden on Missouri taxpayers. The legislation now moves to the House for consideration.
Senate Bill 373 establishes the Missouri Farmers’ Market Nutritional Program, requiring the Dept. of Health and Senior Services to apply for a federal grant to provide low-income seniors with vouchers that may be exchanged for eligible foods at farmers’ markets, roadside stands and community-supported agricultural programs. Any time we can harness innovative new approaches to helping our seniors, we absolutely should – particularly those who fall below the poverty level. This bill awaits final passage in the Senate before it is sent over to the House.
House Bill 130 opens the door for app-based ridesharing companies like Uber and Lyft to operate in every corner of the state, creating jobs and positioning Missouri communities for greater economic opportunities. In addition to expanding citizens’ affordable transportation options, ridesharing has also proven to help combat drunk driving. Although ridesharing has been operating in Missouri’s metropolitan areas for a while, statewide expansion has stalled in recent years. My colleagues have worked hard this legislative session to iron out differences and develop consensus around a regulatory framework that, if finally passed by the House and signed by the governor, will pave the way for folks throughout the state to enjoy this transportation option.
I hope everyone enjoys the Easter weekend and gets to enjoy time with family. In the meantime, I will look forward to updating you on the coming week’s legislative developments in next week’s column.
Always feel free to contact me throughout the year with any comments, questions, or issues by calling my office at (573) 751-5713 or by visiting my website at www.senate.mo.gov/brown.
Thank you for reading this and for your participation in state government.