JEFFERSON CITY — In the last few hours of session, lawmakers debated many bills, trying to pass beneficial legislation for all Missourians. Each chamber brought up and addressed measures that were considered high priorities, or bills that might not have received much discussion since they were voted out of committee months ago. However, no matter the level of importance, many bills were brought up before the body and deliberated.

Two of my priority bills crossed the finish line this week as the legislative session drew to a close. Senate Bill 492 creates performance-based funding for four-year public institutions of higher education and community colleges. This concept has taken two years to come to fruition in Missouri, while about 30 other states have already implemented the funding model. Lawmakers will monitor performance-based funding, and continue to work with higher education officials to make the process as efficient and demanding as possible. This bill contains an emergency clause, which means that it will take effect immediately upon receiving the governor’s signature.

Another topic that has been hotly debated in the General Assembly is school transfers. In Missouri, when a school district becomes unaccredited, the students in that district have the option to attend a nearby accredited district. However, this puts a seriously undue amount of financial difficulty on the sending district. Not only is the sending district responsible for some transportation costs, but also for tuition for each student to attend the receiving school. This practice has helped push unaccredited districts in this state toward bankruptcy. It also created uncertainty about where students would attend school.

Senate Bill 493 addressed this issue and was sent to the governor for his signature. Most importantly, the bill addresses the issue of student transfers. Under this measure, a student in a school district that becomes or is already unaccredited must finish at least one semester in the unaccredited district, but then may transfer to a nearby accredited district, as long as the receiving district has the class space and resources to accept the student.

In the last few weeks, many other high profile bills passed the General Assembly and were sent to the governor for his consideration and signature. In the last weeks, the legislature passed Senate Bill 509, a bill offering tax cuts to many Missouri families and small businesses. Remaining competitive is in the best interest of Missouri, as is keeping more hard-earned money in the pockets of hard-working Missourians and small businesses.

Of course, these are only a few examples of the legislation that has made its way through the legislature this session. As session closes for 2014, I remain dedicated to sponsoring legislation for the benefit of the 21st Senatorial District and all Missourians. I look forward to traveling within the district during the interim.

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.