Legislative Column for the Week of January 15, 2018

This has been a busy week in the Missouri State Capitol, and I was fortunate to have visited with many constituents regarding several concerns and issues.

Computer Science Education

Young Missourians have a vested interest in developing their skills in science and technology, but many of them do not have ample opportunities to expand their knowledge in these areas.   The Ozarks SySTEAMic Coalition, along with other educators and members of the business community, visited the Missouri Capitol to promote the inclusion of computer science education in high school classrooms. They were advocating for computer science courses to be offered statewide as an optional substitute for either one mathematics credit or one science credit. Legislation would require the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to establish K-12 standards and teacher certification for computer science courses. This would give students the opportunity to explore technology while building skills for their future careers.

In today’s technology driven environment, it is important for Missouri students to have access to computer science courses. The job market for individuals with computer science skills is booming and new technologies are creating more job opportunities each day. Including computer science courses in the state curriculum is good for Missouri students and will ultimately aid in the economic development of our state.

 Senator Wasson (pictured on the dais) met with local business and education leaders to discuss computer science education.

Committees

Senate committees play an important role in the legislative process. The public hearings conducted by these committees give a bill’s sponsor the opportunity to explain their bill while also providing the public a chance to voice their opinions about the proposed legislation. I currently serve on four standing committees:

Economic Development, which I chair, considers bills and matters relating to the promotion of economic development, creation and retention of jobs, tourism and the promotion of tourism as a state industry and community and business development.

Fiscal Oversight considers bills that require new appropriations or expenditures of appropriated funds in excess of $100,000, or that reduce such funds by that amount during any of the first three years that public funds will be used.

General Laws considers bills and matters referred to it relating to general topics

Commerce, Consumer Protection, Energy and the Environment considers bills relating to the development of state commerce, the commercial sector, consumer protection, telecommunications and cable issues, the development and conservation of energy resources and the disposal of solid, hazardous and nuclear wastes and other matters relating to environmental preservation.

 
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.