Week of April 22, 2024

Clearing the Budget

Greetings! While stress levels are on the rise in the state Capitol as we creep up on the end of the 2024 legislative session, many of us were able to release some steam through fun and fellowship on Tuesday at the Annual Legislative Charity Softball Tournament. This event raises funds for the Samaritan Center and is always a welcome, brief distraction from the often heated debate and discussion taking place on issues we are all passionate about throughout the day. My wife and I were delighted to take part and had a blast (although I admit bringing home the trophy would have made it even better).  

One of the biggest protections I wanted to get passed this session was the guarantee that public funds are not going to abortion providers or their affiliates. The Missouri House of Representatives passed House Bill 2634 on Wednesday, which places this regulation in state statute. This is legislation that was amended and passed by the Senate two weeks ago. The House did not make any further changes to the bill before passing it, so it will now go to the governor’s desk to be signed into law. 

The deadline to pass the state budget is now just a couple of weeks away. Part of the discussion around our mandate to provide a balanced budget involves a bill to reauthorize the federal reimbursement allowance (FRA). Senate Bill 748 is a bill that allows Missouri to distribute FRA funds to various medical facilities throughout the state. However, this iteration of the bill does not have the sunset clause found in versions passed in previous years. This limits the state’s ability to reassess needs and discuss whether taxpayer dollars are being properly utilized and routed to the proper resources. Missouri passes its operating budget every year, allowing annual oversight and discussion on the best use of taxpayer dollars, preventing government spending from growing out of control. It is a long, difficult process. One, I believe, every legislator should welcome as stewards of public resources. We would never allow elected officials to pass a budget without regular review, so it seems obvious that we should put a similar check in place with how we allocate this $4 billion we receive from the federal government.  

One of my greatest joys in representing the 21st District in the Missouri Senate is when I get to draw attention to citizens accomplishing great things. I got to present two Courtesy Resolutions this week. The first was to members of the Friends of Pharis Farm in Liberty, who recently received the Missouri Preservation McReynolds Award for their efforts to preserve this piece of Missouri history. 

 I was proud to present a courtesy resolution to (L-R) John Davis, Miriam Spencer, and Elizabeth Beckett. 

The second resolution was presented to Kelee Katillac, the co-author of “Historic Style” and recipient of the 2024 Osmund Overby Award from Missouri Preservation. 

 It was great to stand with Rep. Kurtis Gregory as we honored Kelee Katillac.

I also find great joy in promoting education and activism in the lawmaking process with the voters and leaders of tomorrow. It was a blessing to have the third grade class from Saints Peter and Paul School of Boonville visit our office. 

It was my pleasure to provide a tour of the Senate Chamber to Third Graders
  from Saints Peter and Paul School of Boonville.

I always enjoy visiting with constituents and coming to understand the problems they face or the rights they feel need to be protected. So, if you find yourself in the Capitol, don’t be afraid to come up to my office. I’d love to meet with you.

As always, I appreciate hearing your comments, opinions and concerns. Please feel free to contact me in Jefferson City at 573-751-4302. You may also email me at denny.hoskins@senate.mo.gov.