The Appropriations Committee will soon complete reviewing the budget provided by the House of Representatives. After Spring Break, the Senate and House of Representatives will meet to discuss each line of the state budget individually. For a head start, I met with several members of the Missouri State House of Representatives to discuss different lines of the budget. I would like to thank all of individuals who have contacted me or stopped by the office to discuss specific issues concerning the budget. While we are deliberating, I will be sure keep the interest of the people of District 19 and the rest of Missouri in mind.

Senate Bill 351 was heard in the Commerce, Consumer Protection, Energy and the Environment Committee. Senate Bill 351 would create a regulatory system for transportation network companies (TNC) in Missouri. Statewide standards of regulation for these companies would prevent unnecessary interference of municipalities in business growth. The proposed standards would permit communities to benefit from the innovative services transportation network companies provide. The committee will review the bill again before it returns to the floor for debate.

Three of my bills were referred to committees this week: Senate Bill 544 to the Transportation, Infrastructure and Public Safety Committee, Senate Bill 545 to the Jobs, Economic Development and Local Government Committee, and Senate Bill 546 to the Education Committee. I will announce future hearings concerning my legislation in the newsletter.

West Boulevard Elementary School visited the Capitol to learn more about state government.

Georgia Atkins, daughter of General Counsel for Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry Jay Atkins, was the Page of the Day on Thursday, March 19. She is five-years-old and attends Sprout Academy Pre-school in Columbia. The Page of the Day has the privilege of delivering documents from Senators on the floor to the Senate Secretary.

Legislative Spring Break began on Thursday, March 19, upon adjournment and lasts until Monday, March 30. Each Senator will return to their district for the duration of the break.

Thank you for your interest in the issues that affect the citizens of Boone and Cooper counties.  If you have any questions or concerns throughout this session, or plan on coming by the Capitol, please contact my office at (573) 751-3931.

Did you know...?

Kansas City, Missouri has hosted more NCAA Men’s Final Four Tournaments than any other city, with a record 10 times: nine times at Municipal Auditorium and once at Kemper Arena. New York City comes in second, hosting the event seven times.