Honoring the Lives of Senate Family Members
The Senate began this week by paying tribute to former senators who have passed over the past two years. The Senate chamber was filled with members from the 99th General Assembly, families, friends, members of the Missouri State Highway Patrol and others who had the pleasure of knowing these well-accomplished legislators — each with distinguishing contributions to our state and unparalleled skills and knowledge in the workings of state government. Regardless of political differences, we, here, are a part of a family — the Senate family. And our pause this week to recognize the meritorious service of these great men and women reflects the love and respect we have for the Senate, its tradition and each other.
The names of the 13 senators and their service to the state and beyond can be found here.
Following the memorial service Tuesday morning, discussion and debate about House Committee Bill 3 led the Senate’s business until the early Wednesday morning. If HCB 3 passes, the state could potentially save more than $52 million. This saving is a crucial component to the Legislature passing a budget by the May 5, constitutional deadline. Without HCB 3, the state may not be able to save nursing home and in-home care services — services that thousands of Missourians with disabilities depend on — from proposed cuts.
Moreover, many people want to fully fund tens of programs and projects, but the money has to come from somewhere. As chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I have an obligation to make sure that the Legislature funds services within a budget. I will continue to work with my House counterpart and my colleagues to ensure that we have feasible budget — one that funds our K-12 education, health care services, and infrastructure while respecting our budgetary restraints.
As always, I encourage my constituents to contact me throughout the year with comments, questions or suggestions by calling my office at (573) 751-5713. To find more information about the bills I sponsor, visit www.senate.mo.gov/brown. Thank you for reading this and for your participation in state government.