JEFFERSON CITY — This week in the Missouri Capitol, I was honored to take part in an annual ceremony held to commemorate injuries, illnesses and deaths that have occurred during the last year in direct connection to the workplace.

April 28 is observed across this nation as Workers’ Memorial Day. As a day set aside for remembrance, it serves two purposes. It is a day for friends and family to acknowledge the losses suffered, and it is a symbol of the commitment of employers and workers to the promise of a safer and healthier workplace.

One day out of each year will not eradicate workplace accidents or illnesses, but recognizing that single day is a way to give back to the families and colleagues left behind, and to honor the sacrifices made on behalf of their dedication to their jobs.

April 28 is the anniversary of the creation of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or OSHA. In 1970, federal legislation declared the Occupational Safety and Health Act passed, establishing OSHA in 1971. While this department can, at times, be perceived as overburdensome, the number of employees injured or killed on the job has been reduced.  The purpose of the legislation was to make certain that every American worker had a safe and healthy working environment.

Not only is this year the 43rd anniversary of OSHA, but it is also the 45th anniversary of the Coal Mine Health and Safety Act and the 37th anniversary of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act. With Missouri’s strong roots in the mining industry, these measures were beneficial to many, especially in southeastern area of the state.

Safe workplaces are something many take for granted in this day of modern advancement. But the journey down this road has not been easy. However, the most important business resource we possess as a state is the worker, and our employees deserve the best possible work environment.

Also this week, my colleagues and I in the Senate passed the 13 House bills that make up Missouri’s Fiscal Year 2015 budget. With our changes, the bills go back to the House. Each bill that the two chambers don’t agree will be assigned to a conference committee to hammer out the differences. Once that happens and both chambers are in agreement, these bills will be sent to the governor for his signature. This year, the deadline to send the budget to the governor is May 9. And, unlike legislative bills, the governor cannot veto appropriations bills. He can only veto line items, or specific provisions, in each bill.

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.