The governor’s annual budget address, more commonly known as the “State of the State,” was given on Jan. 28, 2013. There are some grandiose ideas the governor would like to see state lawmakers turn into reality.
For the current fiscal year — which runs from July 1, 2012, through June 30, 2013 — the budget is $24 billion. The governor’s proposal is to spend $25.7 billion in Fiscal Year 2014, which will start on July 1, 2013. This increase is based partially on revenue growth of 3.1 percent. This comes after four years of smaller revenue projections and budget deficits. Keep in mind, Missouri is constitutionally required to balance its budget every year, and we always do.
The governor’s proposal to add nearly $110 million to K-12 education is an excellent idea. We have had to keep education funding at the same rate for the last four years, due to the bad economy. Now, we have the chance to make up that shortfall and improve technology and teacher training. Early childhood education also stands to benefit from added funding next year. Again, this is great news for all of us in Missouri.
Unfortunately, there are some aspects of the proposed budget that are very questionable. The assumption that the federal government will reform Medicaid and provide our state with millions of dollars to add more people to the Medicaid role seems like a pipe dream. The members of the federal government have not proven themselves to be fiscally prudent; nor have they shown any signs of reform entitlements. Betting on Medicaid, without real reform, is a bad idea.
There has also been talk about a new bond issue, mainly for infrastructure purposes. This started with a few lawmakers late last year, and has now been picked up by the governor. Granted, Missouri does continue to enjoy a triple-A credit rating, and it would make sense to bond at this time. Low interest rates would be enjoyed for the duration of the 30-year period. I worry that too many special interests will want too many things. Any bill may become weighed down and be unable to pass the Legislature and go to a vote of the people.
The Senate Appropriations Committee started hearings on the budget shortly after the legislative session began in January. The bills will likely be debated in March and April on the floor. We are required to have a budget passed and sent to the governor no later than 6 p.m. on Friday, May 10, 2013. It may seem like a long time, but it really is not. We will hear from citizens, state department heads and others, and make our decisions based on the best information possible for everybody in our state.
We will soon be welcoming the members of the Missouri Retired Teachers Association (MRTA) to the Capitol on February 12th. To make things easier for all our visitors, I have reserved the Senate Lounge for a meeting with all members of MRTA from the 18th Senatorial District at 11:30 a.m. I look forward to seeing our retired teachers there.
We are also happy to welcome members of the district to Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Day at the Capitol, also on February 12th. I will be meeting with members of ambulance districts and other EMS groups at 9:15 a.m. in my Capitol office, 331-A.
As always, if you have questions or comments, please do not hesitate to contact my office. Thank you.
