JEFFERSON CITY — Senator Mike Parson, R-Bolivar, is pleased to announce legislation appropriating revenue from the sale of bonds to pay for maintenance and repairs to state buildings has been approved by the General Assembly and now moves to the governor’s desk.

Last year, the 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. House Bills 17, 18, and 19 allows the state to move forward on much needed repair projects.

“With interest rates being low and Missouri having an excellent bond rating, investors are quick to purchase our state’s bonds when they are offered,” said Sen. Parson.

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.

“We have an obligation to preserve public buildings of historic significance and provide a safe workplace for essential functions of government,” said Senate Leader Tom Dempsey, R-St. Charles.