Legislature Concludes Veto and Extraordinary Sessions
The Missouri General Assembly recently concluded its annual veto session as well as an additional extraordinary session. Ultimately, lawmakers chose not to override any of the governor’s vetoes. The Senate confirmed several gubernatorial appointments, and the Legislature as a whole approved bills dealing with STEM education and drug treatment courts.
Three gubernatorial appointees were from the 12th Senatorial District: Janet Rogers, Monica Walker and Michael Thompson. Ms. Rogers and Ms. Walker were confirmed to the Child Abuse and Neglect Review Board, while Mr. Thompson was reconfirmed to the Coordinating Board for Higher Education. I wish these fine folks the best of luck in serving the great state of Missouri.
The STEM education bill approved by the Legislature will allow high school students to take a computer science course to fulfill part of their graduation requirements, and will also allow for funding to train the instructors who teach these courses. The bill also creates a STEM Career Awareness Program. I believe, as do many of my colleagues, that STEM is an important part of our state’s future. It’s vital we adequately prepare our students not just for today’s job market, but for the job market of the future. I believe this bill is a positive step in the right direction.
The General Assembly also voted to expand the state’s treatment court system, which helps offenders suffering from addiction become productive members of society. Studies have shown these types of programs lower recidivism rates, thereby saving taxpayer dollars. I support the effort to give these folks the treatment they need to remake their lives for the better.
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.