After the governor’s State of the State Address last week, I have taken a closer look at his budget and how it will affect the 19th Senatorial District. Major themes in his address included workforce development, infrastructure, reforming the correctional system and making state government more efficient. As the state senator who represents the University of Missouri-Columbia, I believe it is extremely important that the state looks to its higher education institutions to increase our state’s workforce development opportunities.
The governor has made higher education one of his fiscal priorities this year as a part of his plan to increase workforce development. He has proposed $22.2 million in grant funding for the Fast Track Workforce Grant Program. This program will give adults the chance to receive advanced job training through our state’s public colleges and universities. This grant program requires the participant to be over 25 years old and earn an adjusted gross income of less than $80,000 per year. For many working families in mid-Missouri, the exorbitant cost of tuition and books is a factor in their decision not to further their education. This program will give those adults the opportunity to earn their bachelor’s degree and help them build a career. The 19th Senatorial District is home to many prominent colleges and universities, so I am excited about the possibility of this program.
Not only has the governor proposed increased funding for higher education, he has also recommended $250,000 for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) curriculum for students in grades sixth through eighth, and $450,000 to provide computer science teachers with professional development opportunities. This funding is extremely important to our district. Workforce development should not only be focused on educating and training adults, but also providing our children with a wide variety of curriculum topics to show the potential of STEM related career paths.
This week, the Senate Gubernatorial Appointments Committee heard appointments of citizens to various boards and committees across the state. I would like to congratulate and recognize three constituents from the 19th Senatorial District who were appointed: Randall Bryson, Craig Stevenson and Sheila Barrett Ray.
Randall Bryson has been appointed to the Missouri Real Estate Appraisers Commission. His expertise in appraisals will assist him immensely in his work on this commission, and I think he will make an excellent addition to the organization.
Craig Stevenson has been appointed to the Missouri State Foster Care and Adoption Board. As a foster parent himself, Craig has the necessary experience to help enact positive change to the foster care and adoption system. I believe he will bring a unique perspective to the board.
Sheila Barrett Ray has been appointed to the Missouri State Board of Nursing. I am confident that her knowledge and experience in the nursing field will greatly aid in her work on the board.
I am here to serve you, and my office door is always open to your questions, concerns and suggestions. You can reach my staff at 573-751-3931, and you can visit www.senate.mo.gov/rowden for an array of legislative and constituent resources.