Senator Gina Walsh, D-Bellefontaine Neighbors, speaks on the floor of the Missouri Senate.

During the 2019 legislative session, my colleagues and I worked together to pass legislation that aims to improve the lives of all Missourians. I am proud to report that by the end of session we were successful in fully funding the K-12 Education Foundation Formula, assisting victims of domestic violence, implementing additional measures of criminal justice reform and expanding workforce development initiatives across the state.

As I enter my last year in Missouri Senate, I would like to thank you all for allowing me to stand up for the issues that matter most to you and trusting me to be a strong advocate for our community. It is an honor to serve the residents of the 13th Senatorial District and others across the state of Missouri.

In addition to passing various pieces of legislation, lawmakers also appropriated $200,000 in the state upcoming budget to provide assistance to farmers markets in urban communities. Throughout the budget process, I worked hard to advocate for this funding proposal.

I believe this funding will play a vital role in helping communities' access healthy foods in areas designated as food deserts. In some cases, families have to travel more than a mile to get to the closest grocery store, meaning they are less likely to eat healthy foods during their meals. 

Food deserts are identified as areas that lack access to affordable fruits, vegetables, lean meats and other food options that make up a healthy and balanced diet. Research shows that without a means of transportation, families who live in food deserts are more susceptible to negative health effects as opposed to those who have access to fresh fruits and vegetables.

When we look at ways to improve the quality of life for Missourians, access to fresh food should be No. 1 on the list, and I support any effort to help families eat and maintain healthy lifestyles.

On May 8, 2019, 10 Missouri High School Seniors were recognized by Boeing and the Missouri Chamber of Commerce for their commitment to furthering their careers through STEM education.

On May 8, 2019, Boeing teamed up with the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Missouri Department of Higher Education to host the Missouri Chamber's first STEM Signing Day at the State Capitol building in Jefferson City.

Similar to signing days for athletes, the event recognized 10 Missouri high school seniors who are pursuing a STEM career through in postsecondary education. STEM education refers to all curriculum relating to science, technology, engineering and mathematics. In recognition of their high school achievements, the students were awarded $1,000 scholarships.

I am a true believer that STEM programs provide a fresh lens for students who are interested in subjects like math and science. These students deserve the opportunity to engage in educational programs that allow them to follow their dreams, and I am proud of every student who has chosen to commit to a STEM program in their career field of choice.

During the ceremony, there were three students from Hazelwood West High School, located in my senatorial district, who were recognized. The students included:

• Jennifer Tenholder, a senior who will be attending Southeast Missouri State University in the Fall, pursuing a degree in digital forensics.
• Garcemary Ngana, a senior who will be attending Stanford University in the Fall, pursuing a degree in immunology.
• Kayla Kline, a senior who will be attending Missouri State University in the Fall, pursuing a degree in molecular biology.

The collaboration between Boeing and the Missouri Chamber reiterates how important it is to invest in our young people and their education endeavors. In addition, I also applaud the efforts of the parents and teachers who support these students’ passion and curiosity to find ways to help move our world forward.

The General Assembly gave final approval to the state's $29 billion operating budget for Fiscal Year 2020.

Elementary and Secondary Education:

This year, the Legislature approved record funding for K-12 education. For the third year in a row we fully funded the education Foundation Formula. By funding the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education at this level, we are meeting the State Adequacy Target. For schools in North St. Louis County, this means:

• In FY 2020, the Hazelwood School District will receive $65,396,965 in the upcoming state budget, an increase of $5,743,705.
• In FY 2020, Ferguson-Florissant R-II School District will receive $39,038,102 in the upcoming state budget, an increase of $2,099,614.
• In FY 2020, Jennings School District will receive $15,707,880 in the upcoming state budget, an increase of $391,693.
• In FY 2020, Riverview Gardens School District will receive $34,899,110 in the upcoming state budget, an increase of $2,039,766.

Higher Education:

In our community, St. Louis Community College will receive $44,004,261 in Fiscal Year 2020, which includes one-time funding of $2,012,359 for a MO Excels Workforce initiative. This funding will allow St. Louis Community College to expand its registered nurse and medical assistant programs, implement a linear programming program and establish a training program for students interested in accelerated coding.

Mental Health Services:

To provide a safe community for individuals living with developmental disabilities, the Bellefontaine Habilitation Center is receiving $17,398,757, an increase of $381,592 over what they received in FY 2019 to support increased medical care costs. The Bellefontaine Habilitation Center provides individualized plans for residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities that will provide them with a safe environment, ensure their personal needs are met and offer the most abundant life possible.

Public Safety:

Our veterans have sacrificed and served our country, and I believe it is important for them to have access to the resources necessary to provide for their families. In FY 2020, the St. Louis Veterans Home is receiving $15,774,677, an increase of $121,531 over what they received in FY 2019.

As we begin to make our checklist for the summer, it’s important for travelers with small children to make sure their child's vaccination shots are up to date.

As odd as it sounds, there has been an uptick in the number of measles' cases being reported across the country. This year alone, there has been 839 reports across the United States, with one case being identified in Missouri.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, this virus can easily be contracted through the air for up to two hours after an infected person has sneezed or coughed, and it can be up to four days before an infected person experiences any symptoms. The symptoms vary from a high fever, developing a red, spotted rash over the entire body and respiratory issues.

Luckily, measles' vaccines are administered by local health care providers, so parents can enjoy the summer knowing that their children are protected where ever they travel. CDC officials highly recommend that children receive two doses of the vaccine at the age of one and again between the ages of four and six.

Not only is this disease highly contagious, but it can result in death. In 2018, 82 people brought measles to the U.S. from other countries. This was the highest number of imported cases since measles was eliminated from the U.S. in 2000. Prior to 1963, when the measles vaccination program started, about three to four million Americans got measles each year, causing 400 to 500 deaths and 48,000 hospitalizations annually.

I encourage everyone to take the proper precautions to protect your family. For more information about measles and the vaccinations, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.

Whether floating down a river or hiking through one of our incredible state parks, Missouri’s natural resources provide us with endless opportunities to enjoy all that nature has to offer. In our community, the Columbia Bottom Conservation Area offers a view of the confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi rivers, more than 6.5 miles of river frontage, about 800 acres of bottomland forest and a 110-acre island.

With summer right around the corner, it’s time to get outside and enjoy the great outdoors. This is the perfect time to plan a family trip, hit the trails and embrace the scenery.

In early July, families can enjoy gazing at a beautiful view of fully-bloomed sunflowers that stretch for miles, or find a cool spot to watch some of Missouri's native species of birds fly to the fields for food.

For those who enjoy fishing, the Columbia Bottom Conservation Area presents the perfect opportunity to bring your poles on the family expedition. Missouri makes it easy for anyone over the age of 16 to get a fishing permit. In 2017, 775,328 people held fishing licenses, and starting May 25 through Feb. 29, 2020, fishermen may catch and keep largemouth, smallmouth and spotted Kentucky bass. These native fish can be found in most streams south of the Missouri River.

This summer, if you are looking to get away without driving too far outside of the city limits, I encourage everyone to explore the Columbia Bottom Conservation Area. For information about upcoming events visit the Missouri Department of Conservation website.

STATUS OF SEN. WALSH'S 2019 LEGISLATION