Shane Medlin-Willard School visits the Capitol on Thursday.
Weaubleau 8th graders touring the Capitol on Tuesday. |
This week the General Assembly approved legislation that has been two years in the making and will protect some of our state’s greatest assets – our public buildings. Last year, lawmakers took advantage of Missouri’s AAA credit rating to approve the issuance of up to $600 million in low-interest, marketable bonds for the repair of crumbling state infrastructure.
This year, lawmakers approved House Bills 17, 18, and 19, appropriations bills, which contain provisions for our state to move forward on some of these much needed repair projects. 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.
House Bill 19 contains a plan to use approximately $310 million for maintenance and repair projects. That includes $150 million for repairs of state-owned buildings and $160 million in repairs for higher education facilities. Of the $150 million for repairs of state-owned buildings, $40 million will go towards repairs to the deteriorating State Capitol building, and $100 million is slated for other state buildings.
With interest rates low and Missouri having an excellent bond rating, investors are quick to purchase our state’s bonds when they are offered. As lawmakers, we have an obligation to preserve public buildings of historic significance and provide a safe workplace for essential functions of government. I always appreciate hearing from you. If you have any questions about the topics discussed above, or any other issues, please do not hesitate to contact my office.
‘Nothing is Politically Right Which is Morally Wrong’ |
