Jefferson City, Mo. – Only eight weeks remain in the 2018 legislative session, which means lawmakers have already passed the halfway point.
During the first 12 weeks, Missouri Senators worked diligently to pass legislation, which will benefit every Missourian. So far this session, Missouri Senators have introduced 558 pieces of legislation and 22 Senate Joint Resolutions. Of those, 58 have been sent to the Missouri House of Representatives for its consideration.
Several key pieces of legislation passed by the Missouri Senate, so far this session, include:
Senate Bill 549 reauthorizes the Missouri Works Training Program and Missouri Works programs. Having a trained workforce is one of the top priorities for companies looking to come to or stay in Missouri. Job-training programs enhance our state’s workforce and attract and retain employers while keeping hardworking families in our communities. Missouri Works and the Missouri Works Training program allow Missouri to stay competitive when I comes to attracting business to the Show-Me State.
Senate Bills 894 & 921 establishes a statewide STEM career awareness program and enacts new provisions of law related to computer science. These bills will incentivize more Missouri high school students to take computer science courses by allowing the courses to count toward graduation. Computer science careers are growing at a rate faster than most fields. We currently have about 10,000 open computer science jobs in the state. By improving computer science education in the state, we can better prepare students for the workforce.
Senate Bill 547 creates an industrial hemp pilot program that would allow for the growth, cultivation and study of hemp. Industrial hemp is one of the oldest crops known to man. It is unique because every part of the plant is useful. The legislation implements strict permit and registration requirements in order to ensure compliance and safety with the pilot program. If approved, Missouri would become the 35th state to approve hemp legislation while allowing Missouri farmers to diversify their farmland operations. This bill still needs one more vote before heading to the Missouri House of Representatives for consideration.
There is still much work for lawmakers to do in the final weeks as the state’s 2019 operating budget still needs to be truly agreed and finally passed by Friday, May 11. The 2019 budget consists of 13 appropriations bills and will be an estimated $28 billion.
The second regular session of the 99th General Assembly wraps up on Friday, May 18 at 6 p.m.
For more information about the Missouri State Capitol or the Missouri Senate, please visit the Missouri Senate’s website at www.senate.mo.gov.