The Missouri General Assembly returned to the Capitol this week for the start of the 2016 legislative session. It’s hard to believe this year also marks the beginning of my sixth session in the Senate. As I reflect on the last five years and look forward to the future, I am just as proud of what we’ve accomplished as I am determined to continue working to improve the lives of not only my constituents, but of all Missourians.
A substantial portion of this session will be focused on crafting the state’s Fiscal Year 2017 spending plan. Affecting everything from education and health care to public safety and transportation, passing a balanced, on-time budget is the single greatest responsibility the Legislature is tasked with each year. Last year’s $26 billion budget was the most fiscally conservative we’ve ever passed; and we will look to echo that same process again this session — continuing to provide adequate funding for our state’s vital programs and services, while also eliminating wasteful government spending.
My colleagues and I can likely expect to devote significant time this session to creating a more business-friendly environment and addressing Missouri’s loose ethics laws and infrastructure challenges. I have already filed several measures this year, which pertain to both local and statewide issues. While some are a continuation of previous years’ efforts, a few address new challenges that were brought to my attention during the interim.
I’m honored to be returning as chair of the Financial and Governmental Organizations and Elections Committee, and I look forward to the important work we’ll do in the weeks and months ahead, as we move legislation through the process. Please visit my new Senate website for a list of all my committee appointments.
Each and every session is an opportunity to build a better Missouri. Whether it’s fine-tuning existing policies or improving government services, there is always more we can do. As always, I welcome your input as I strive to represent the citizens of our district to the best of my ability. Please look for my weekly column throughout session to stay updated on legislative events in the Capitol.
If you have any questions or comments about this or any other matter regarding your state government, please feel free to contact me at (573) 751-1503; you are also welcome to e-mail me at jay.wasson@senate.mo.gov.