The Buck Stops Where?
On May 8, we honor President Harry Truman’s birthday with a statewide holiday. During his time as president, he had a sign on his desk in the Oval Office that read “The BUCK STOPS here” on one side, and “I’m from Missouri” on the other. The saying means to not shrink from your responsibility. From my perspective, this double entendre also works well as a motto for our state’s budget process. It is the General Assembly’s only constitutional requirement, and this year’s budget had to be re-written at the last minute due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In my opinion, the most notable changes in this year’s budget are the stark differences between the types of funds that are used to fund the state’s spending plan for 2021. Missouri’s FY 2021 operating budget is made up of general revenue funds, federal funds and other funds. The Senate’s FY 2021 state budget uses more than $14 billion in federal funds to balance the state’s bottom line. By comparison, the state’s spending plan for FY 2020 budgeted to use $9.8 billion in federal funds. The difference between the two amounts can be credited to the COVID-19 relief packages passed by Congress to help states during the coronavirus pandemic. This federal relief allows us to cover the estimated $700 million anticipated shortfall in general revenue for 2021. I believe the budget passed by the Missouri Senate represents the state’s priorities well.
Punitive Damages Bill Approaches the Finish Line
I am very pleased to report that my punitive damages tort reform bill, Senate Bill 591, was voted “do pass” on Wednesday evening by the members of the House Special Committee on Regulatory Oversight and Reform. It will now be heard and voted on in the Rules Committee and then sent to the House floor for a final vote. Like most bills in this stage of the process, its pre-filed number is preceded by a series of substitutions and amendments. The latest version reads SS#2 SCS SB 591 to give you an indication of the compromises and adjustments that have been made along the way. If the House passes SB 591 without making any changes to the legislation, it will head to the governor’s desk for his consideration and signature.
Governor Parson Releases Executive Order Extensions
The governor recently issued his ninth executive order since declaring a state of emergency in Missouri. On April 24, he issued Executive Order 20-09 extending Missouri’s state of emergency until June 15. Between the initial executive order declaring a state of emergency and today, he has issued several other orders to provide resources and protections to Missourians while the state navigates the pandemic. This latest executive order, 20-10, prolongs all of these orders until June 15, at which time they will terminate or have to be further extended.
May is …Month
May marks the observance of multiple organizations, groups of people, occasions and causes. Among these awareness campaigns are a few that are near and dear to my heart: Military Appreciation Month, Older American Awareness Month and Foster Care Month. The United States Senate designated May as Military Appreciation Month with a resolution in 1999, and we honor all of our active duty military members on Armed Forces Day, May 16, and those who have fallen in the line of duty on Memorial Day.
Congress passed the Older Americans Act in 1965 and reauthorized the act and its programs by passing the Support Older Americans Act this past March. This network of state and local agencies and providers connect senior citizens and their caregivers with important social and nutritional services. This year’s theme, Make your Mark, encourages and recognizes the many contributions made by older individuals in our communities.
The last designation I want to highlight is Foster Care Month. My family’s experience with the foster care system has made me a lifelong advocate, and I encourage you to learn more about the special needs of children living in foster care and get involved if you are able.
Thank a Teacher Week
This week marks Thank a Teacher Week. Although the traditional setting for this well-deserved recognition is different this year, teachers deserve our support while they remotely pave the way to success for our young people. Join your local school’s celebrations or just send a quick email or Facebook post to show your appreciation to these distinguished public servants.
