Senate Passes First Legislation of the Year

This week, the Missouri Senate passed one of the most important bills for farmers in years. Senate Bill 12 is this year’s version of 2014’s omnibus agriculture bill, without provisions relating to captive deer. The measure would create the Missouri Dairy Revitalization Act, an important provision that is sure to help the struggling dairy industry in the state of Missouri. The act also requires the University of Missouri to conduct annual research on the estimated state sales tax revenue generated from dairy products, and create a special fund to help the dairy farmers in our state.

Senate Bill 12 also gives our beef producers a say in the beef commodity check-off programs; prevents foreign ownership of agriculture land; limits the fees collected from livestock marketing permits; alters pesticide applicator liability insurance requirements; provides livestock activity liability waivers; allows an 85,500 pound weight limit for trucks carrying livestock; and requires the Missouri Department of Agriculture to create a better system for labeling renewable fuels at gas stations. I’ve always believed it’s important to give Missouri farmers all the tools they need to continue to make our great state one of the world leaders in agriculture production. Senate Bill 12 is a major step in the right direction, and I hope the House passes this legislation so the governor can sign the bill into law. 

The Missouri Senate also debated today two pieces of legislation related to last year’s $600 million bonding plan previously approved by the 2014 General Assembly. Senate Concurrent Resolution 8 and Senate Concurrent Resolution 9 identify much needed renovation and construction projects for numerous state parks and historic sites, state buildings and the State Capitol, and places of higher education. The list of projects include electrical, plumbing and fire safety improvements; roof, window, foundation, flooring and ceiling repairs; restroom renovations; and the replacement of mechanical equipment, among other projects.  SCR 8 and SCR 9 were approved by the Senate today and now move to the House for their consideration. 

The legislation also includes $40 million for much-needed repairs and new safety measures for the State Capitol, as well as $35 million for the State Capitol Annex. When it comes to ensuring the safety of our state workers, providing for the future education of our students and preserving the integrity of our state parks and historic sites, we must act in a timely manner. Putting off necessary repairs and delaying important expansion projects not only poses safety risks, but also stifles education and economic development.