- Week of April 28, 2023

Happy NFL Draft weekend, neighbors! Opening day gave visitors to Kansas City a glimpse of Chiefs Kingdom, the faithful fans who have made our town’s “sea of red” a national phenomena and our city’s warm hospitality and love for the game of football. It’s hard to fathom the time, planning, logistics and preparation that were involved with pulling off such an impressive event. Between the concerts, special guest appearances, autograph sessions with NFL superstars and interactive exhibits, our city has once again demonstrated its impeccable solidarity and unmatched flair for hosting events of such magnitude.

 Thousands attend opening day of the 2023 NFL Draft in Kansas City. Photo courtesy of Rob Collins from FOX 4.

As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I have similar feelings about the preparations that have gone into drafting our state’s operating budget. After months of hearings, countless meetings and skillful negotiations, I’m elated to report that on April 26, the Senate third read and passed the 14 appropriations bills that comprise its version of the operating budget for FY ’24. Since the House promptly refused to adopt our fiscal blueprint, a bicameral, bipartisan conference committee will hash out the differences next week and submit the final, agreed upon version to the governor before 6:00 p.m. on May 5.

The Senate’s recommendations differed from the House’s on multiple items. First of all, we restored the $4.5 million in funding to public libraries that had been stripped. Also, after a lengthy and lively 13-hour discussion on the floor, the Senate agreed to move the budget forward without the controversial Diversity, Equity and Inclusion language included in the House’s proposal that would have banned all state department spending on these initiatives.

Other highlights in the Senate’s budget include:

•      Full funding for the Medicaid expansion voters approved in 2020.
•      Additional investments in the Office of the Public Defender.
•      An additional $2 billion to widen Interstate 70 from Blue Springs to Wentzville.
•      Increased funding for childcare.
•      A substantial raise for our hardworking teachers.
•      $1.14 billion to the Department of Agriculture.
•          $217 million to both the Natural Resources and Conservation state departments.

All told, the FY ’24 budget divides $50 billion dollars between the 18 different state departments. Passing a balanced budget is definitely a feat of great magnitude!

While I am thrilled to report the arduous budget process is nearing completion, I’m disappointed the Senate approved House Joint Resolution 43 on April 27. Pending voter approval, HJR 43 modifies the initiative petition process, making it more difficult to amend our Constitution. The reason we have the IP process in place is to enable citizens to take action on issues the Legislature does not or will not pass. I believe this policy is unwarranted and will further disenfranchise voters. This is a good time to remind you to fully educate yourself on the entire amendments that appear on ballots before you go to the polls to cast your vote!

Highlights from the 9th Senatorial District

Steve McClellan, from the Local Investment Commission, joins Sen. Washington and Reps. Johnson and Young during Community Partnerships Day at the Capitol.

Senator Washington attended the Ivanhoe Neighborhood Council’s Family Fan & MU Resource Day and was able to see a lot of resources and information available to the community.

Help Spread the Word!

On June 24, I will host the annual Public Health and Safety Fair at the Urban Youth Academy, and we are now accepting submissions from vendors and sponsors. If you have a resource or product that would benefit our community, please sign-up today.

Below is a list of the bills I have sponsored in 2023. If you have questions or need additional information or assistance, please reach out.

Senator Washington’s Sponsored Legislation for 2023

It is an honor representing the great people of Kansas City’s 9th Senatorial District. If you need assistance navigating state government or understanding the legislative process, please contact me by calling 573-751-3158 or emailing Barbara.Washington@senate.mo.gov. My team is here for you!