Building a Budget Through the Governor’s Priorities
Each year, the Missouri General Assembly passes a state operating budget, designating how billions of taxpayer dollars are spent on public services and investments. Even though the 2019 legislative session has only just begun, that process is already underway. On the day of the State of the State address, the governor outlined his budget recommendations. Though constructing the state operating budget is ultimately a legislative process, the General Assembly often works alongside the governor’s office to find the best way to appropriate public funds. As chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I look forward to working with the governor on crafting a smart and efficient budget that meets the needs of all Missourians.
In his speech, the governor highlighted the need to improve and maintain Missouri’s vast transportation network and infrastructure needs. I applaud the governor’s initiative in these areas. I’ve long been a strong proponent of expanding access to high-speed broadband internet and investing in water infrastructure projects. Additionally, Missouri’s highways and bridges need to be properly maintained. By spending money now on preventive maintenance, we can save money in the long run by avoiding the need for costly repairs.
The governor also announced his support for a 3 percent pay increase for all state employees. Currently, Missouri has some of the lowest paid state employees in the nation. That’s a shame, because it makes it much harder to retain talented workers. This is particularly true for our state corrections officers, who are severely undervalued for the amount of work they do to keep the rest of us safe. We should do what we can to support these hardworking folks.
As always, please feel free to call, email or write with your ideas or concerns. My Capitol office number is (573) 751-1415, my email is dan.hegeman@senate.mo.gov and my mailing address is Room 332, State Capitol Building, Jefferson City, MO 65101.