A Busy Second Week at the Capitol
The second week of the 2020 legislative session was jam-packed with activity. Committee meetings began early in the week with back-to-back hearings on legislative proposals. The Appropriations Committee, on which I serve, is already hard at work hearing budget requests from the various state agencies. Crafting Missouri’s operating budget is a long, complex process that begins as soon as the session starts and doesn’t conclude until the final days prior to adjournment.
The Agriculture Committee heard testimony on a proposal to create a statewide standard for biodiesel blended fuel. The legislation calls for a phased-in biodiesel mandate, with a 5 percent biodiesel blend beginning in 2022. The percentage of plant-based fuel in the blend would increase to 20 percent by 2024. Biodiesel production increases demand for soybeans, provides jobs at processing and distribution facilities and decreases our dependence on foreign oil. It’s a win-win.
The Government Reform Committee took up two topics this week. First, we had an extended hearing relating to a bill that would change how punitive damages are awarded in lawsuits. Next we heard testimony on legislation that would increase penalties for illegal gambling machines. I’m sure we’ve all been to a gas station or truck stop and noticed what appears to be slot machines. That’s essentially what they are, but none of the money from these devices goes to the state to fund education.
This week, I introduced a number of bills in the Missouri Senate. One bill changes the legal definition of “small farmer,” doubling the allowable production threshold to $500,000. A pair of bills I’m sponsoring should make it easier to provide essential medical services in small towns and rural areas. One bill allows certified registered nurse anesthetists to administer controlled substances during the course of providing anesthesia. Another bill permits physician assistants to serve as staff on ambulances.
One measure I’m particularly passionate about would impose some accountability on telecommunications companies that supply broadband and cellular services in rural areas. Senate Bill 865 adds a claw-back provision to the Missouri Broadband Grant Program. Providers who fail to meet the performance standards required by the law would have to pay back the money they received from the state. Rural people have been paying as much or more for service as their urban and suburban cousins, but we don’t receive the same quality of service. It’s time for that to change.
On top of everything else happening this week, the governor delivered his State of the State Address to a joint session of the General Assembly. The governor reviewed the many successes of the past year, with particular emphasis on workforce development and infrastructure investment. Missouri now ranks seventh in the nation for small business wage growth. More than 40,000 new jobs have been added to Missouri’s rolls during this governor’s administration and Missouri’s 3.1 percent unemployment rate is below the national average.
The governor promised to continue his focus on workforce development in 2020. He proposed a few modest new programs – but no new taxes – and vowed to continue the investment in our roads and bridges that began last year. On a personal note, I was taken back when the governor called me out by name during the speech, saying that he was counting on me to move Senate Bill 673 across the finish line. This bill will make it easier for spouses of military personnel to obtain professional registration and licensing here in Missouri.
It’s been an eventful week, one of many to come, I’m sure. I’ll be sure to keep you informed of developments here at the Capitol.
It’s my honor to serve as your senator for the 16th District. If you have questions or need any assistance, please call my office at 573-751-5713 or log onto my webpage at https://www.senate.mo.gov/brown for more information.