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May 11, 2018 Sen. Wasson’s Column for the Week of May 7, 2018This week, members of the Missouri Senate and the House of Representatives met to negotiate several items in the state budget. These negotiations were an important part of the process as we worked together to craft a fiscally responsible, balanced budget. There are several provisions I would like to highlight in my column this week. I am happy to report that the conference committee agreed to fully fund the K-12 budget and add an additional $10 million for school transportation funding. Additionally, we were able to increase funding for higher education. Funding for the A+ Scholarship Program was increased by $3.5 million, providing more opportunities for well-deserving students. An increase of $2 million was also approved for community college workforce development. Our colleges and universities are doing great work in our state, educating and training our future workforce. The Department of Economic Development also received some notable increases in this year’s budget. A $65 million increase was awarded to the Community Development Block Grant Program. These grants help local facilities to improve local health, safety and economic growth in their communities. The Tourism Cooperative Marketing Program also received a $4.75 million increase. These two programs play an important role when it comes to improving the business climate in our state. Provider rates for in-home health care will receive an increase in funding as will the daily reimbursement rates for Medicaid patients living in nursing homes. Other provider rate increases include mental health, dental care and primary care providers. The budget also includes an increase for the implementation of the REAL ID Act. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security granted Missouri an extension through October of this year in order to comply with the federal REAL ID Act. Without this waiver, Missourians would have no longer been able to travel on a commercial airplane unless they possessed a federally approved ID in addition to their state issued ID. This year’s budget allocates additional funds to the Department of Revenue for the purpose of bringing Missouri into compliance with federal regulations. The General Assembly is constitutionally required to create a balanced budget each year, an obligation we successfully fulfilled. While we tried to meet the needs of all of the departments, ultimately we had to make some tough decisions. I am confident this budget will promote economic growth in Missouri while ensuring government funds are spent responsibly and efficiently. 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. |