JEFFERSON CITY — We are approaching the halfway point for this legislative session. Lawmakers have spent the past 10 weeks introducing bills, conducting hearings, and discussing legislation. Now the truly intense work begins. The Senate will break for the next week, giving lawmakers some time to travel back to their districts. It’s always good to get back home for a few days, to meet with constituents and recharge the batteries.

When my colleagues and I return from break, we will take up many bills that have been awaiting debate. The priorities of the Senate have centered on making Missouri a more business-friendly state, giving companies the opportunity to make the Show-Me State a home for many different types of industry, as well as streamlining tax programs to both strengthen Missouri’s economy and welcome new trade opportunities.

Of course, the only mandated charge of the Missouri Senate is to complete a fiscally sound budget and deliver it to the governor’s desk the Friday before session ends. This year, that date is May 10. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, we continue to meet nearly every legislative day, hearing testimony from every state department and program as to upcoming financial needs. Much of legislators’ time in the Capitol is split between committees and floor debate.

Currently, I have two measures that have passed the Senate and are waiting to be heard in House committees. Senate Bill 7 would remove the two-year waiting period between a school district becoming unaccredited and when a temporary governing board can be put in place. Senate Bill 9 would allow University of Missouri extension councils to form districts comprised of cooperating counties in order consolidate efforts and possibly to better utilize funding for extension programming.

Three other education bills I am proud to sponsor include Senate Bill 378, which would modify aspects of three scholarship programs in our state, including the A+, Bright Flight and Access Missouri scholarship programs. This measure would lessen the length of time these scholarships are available, encouraging students to achieve their degrees more quickly. By reducing availability, we look to both lessen student debt totals and discourage dropouts. Recently referred to the Education Committee is Senate Bill 437, which has taken months to craft and get to this point. This bill is the culmination of the Joint Committee on Education’s work creating a performance-based funding model for higher education. Senate Bill 293 would enable certain institutions of higher education to lease properties without authorization from the General Assembly.

The work legislators complete in the General Assembly today is also the future of Missouri’s citizens. I look forward to next week, and the chance to visit with residents of the 21st District, and hear their opinions and what they have to say about what’s going on the State Capitol. I am in this position to be the voice of the 21st District, and I can better accomplish that job with your help.

As always, please feel free to contact me or my staff with any questions or concerns at any time. We look forward to hearing your comments and suggestions and trying to answer any questions you may have. You can reach us by phone at 866-277-0882 (toll-free) or 573-751-2272, or by fax at 573-526-7381.