It is certainly a smorgasbord of weather here in our state. We have had cold, wet, stormy, dry, sunny and warm all in the course of a few weeks. They say “variety is the spice of life,” and that’s describing Missouri weather perfectly.

With Spring, of course, comes a fresh start and a renewed vigor to accomplish our tasks here in the General Assembly with just a few weeks to go until we cross the finish line for this year’s legislative session.

The Senate this week Third Read and Finally Passed a bill I sponsored, SB 317. This piece of legislation simply authorizes the governor to convey unused and unwanted state properties to the Missouri Department of Transportation to be sold to entities in the private sector. This bill would help defray costs of maintaining these properties, and put them to use creating jobs and businesses. One of the tracts in our own district is already poised to go through the process when the bill is signed by the governor.

Senate Bill 317 now moves on to the House for similar consideration.

I hope everyone made it to the deadline with their federal and state income taxes this week. Considering the variety of methods available to accomplish this task, there are still a surprising number of people who file their taxes on April 15.

I always encourage my constituents to feel free to contact me throughout the year with comments, questions or suggestions by calling my office at (573) 751-5713. To find more information about the bills I sponsor, or visit www.senate.mo.gov/brown.