Shown above, Sen. Walsh discusses legislation on the Senate floor during the 2016 session.

It is hard to believe, but there are now just three weeks left in the Second Regular Session of the 98th General Assembly, which began on Wednesday, Jan. 6. Within the first few weeks of session, Democrats in the House and Senate joined together to release our plan to “Move Missouri Forward.” This legislative platform was both a statement of the core Democratic values of opportunity, equity and compassion, as well as a reaction to the Republican majority’s assault on the middle class and Missouri’s working families.

The “Moving Missouri Forward” platform was designed to transform the state, both economically and socially, by ensuring that workers are protected from discrimination, paid a living wage and given equal pay for equal work. This legislative slate has also sought to expand access to health care for the working poor, provide resources to police departments to purchase body cameras, assist Missouri’s agricultural economy, ensure full funding of our public schools and ban all lobbyists’ gifts to legislators and their staff.

The eight Senate bills comprising the 2016 “Moving Missouri Forward” platform include:

• Senate Bill 653 - Nondiscrimination Act (Keaveny)
• Senate Bill 952 - Equal Pay for Equal Work (Walsh)
• Senate Bill 953 - Minimum Wage (Schupp)
• Senate Bill 955 - Lobbyist Gift Ban (Sifton)
• Senate Bill 958 - Farm-to-Table (Holsman)
• Senate Bill 961 - Medicaid Expansion (Nasheed)
• Senate Bill 962 - Body Cameras (Curls)
• Senate Joint Resolution 37 - Constitutional Amendment to Fully Fund the Foundation Formula (Chappelle-Nadal)

As you can see, the spirit of the “Moving Missouri Forward” platform is in stark contrast to the discriminatory nature of Senate Joint Resolution 39, a piece of anti-LGBT legislation masquerading as a religious freedom bill — a piece of legislation that will only succeed in taking Missouri backwards.

The proposed constitutional amendment seeks to block the state from imposing penalties on businesses, organizations and individuals who act in accordance with their religious beliefs concerning same-sex marriage. While proponents claim SJR 39 is narrowly defined, the reality is that it will open the door to more widespread discrimination against same-sex couples and their families than supporters are acknowledging. 

As I know many of you are aware, Senate Democrats began filibustering SJR 39 a little after 4 p.m. on Monday, March 8, and we continued to do so for the next two days. Unfortunately, the Senate Majority used the nuclear option to end debate and force a vote. The resolution passed 23-9 along party lines. While we were ultimately unable to stop SJR 39 from advancing, with the eyes of the nation turned toward Missouri, I am proud we never gave up fighting for equality and civil rights for every Missourian.

On both sides of the issue, the public's response has been overwhelming. Citizens throughout Missouri and the country were actively making their voices heard during the historic filibuster, and they have continued to do so in the days and weeks since. One of the loudest voices speaking out in opposition has been coming from Missouri's business community.

From top executives at large corporations to small business owners, these business and community leaders know that having an inclusive, diverse workplace is critical to attracting and retaining the best and brightest employees. They have also seen the negative economic impact experienced by states that have passed similar legislation. For example, Indiana estimates it has lost $60 million in canceled convention business following the passage of its Religious Freedom Restoration Act in 2015. Earlier this month in North Carolina, an international financial services company canceled plans to open a brand new global operations center after the controversial Public Facilities Privacy & Security Act passed. The expansion would have led to 400 new jobs. Those jobs will now be going elsewhere. We cannot allow Missouri to close the door on job creation.

SJR 39 was heard in the House Emerging Issues Committee on April 12. If it is passed by the committee, it will then go to the House floor for debate. As a joint resolution, SJR 39 will not go to the governor; rather, it will be brought to a vote of the people in either the upcoming August or November election.

On Wednesday, Jan. 20, the governor gave his annual State of the State address, which coincided with the release of his budget recommendations for the coming 2017 Fiscal Year. In the weeks and months that followed, the 13 appropriations bills that comprise the $27.1 billion spending plan made their way from the House to the Senate.

This year’s budget includes significant funding increases for education in Missouri, including $70.4 million for K-12 public education and $21.2 million for early childhood special education. The Missouri Preschool Program is set to receive an additional $1 million. The budget also allocates additional funding for Missouri’s scholarship programs: Access MO, A+ and Bright Flight. This money will go a long way in making higher education more affordable for thousands of our students. Missouri’s higher education institutions will also see a boost in performance and equity funding to the tune of $55.8 million.

Other notable changes include $130,774 to implement the recommendations on law enforcement training standards and a 2 percent pay increase for Missouri’s state employees.

The House and Senate will next meet in conference to make final changes before sending the budget to the governor for his approval. State lawmakers have until May 6, 2016, to get the budget bills to the governor. Fiscal Year 2017 begins July 1, 2016.

Several upcoming events are being hosted by the Missouri Department of Conservation, and constituents are encouraged to take advantage of these fun and free opportunities located in the 13th Senatorial District. All three events will be held at the Columbia Bottom Conservation Area, near the Confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi rivers. Reservations can be made any time Wed.-Fri., 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sat. & Sun., 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call (314) 877-6014.

Budding Photographers

Spring has sprung and Mother Nature is gearing up to put on her springtime show. Grab your cameras and capture all the spectacular sites! We will start our session indoors to go over some beginner tips and tricks of photography. We will then venture out to capture some of Mother Nature’s finest work as it emerges from the ground. This program is intended for beginning photographers only. Bring any camera you would like, and come dressed for the weather. Reservations begin May 4.

When: Monday, May 16, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Who: All ages

Spring Senior Picnic at Columbia Bottom Conservation Area

Spring has finally arrived! Relax in the warm breeze while enjoying the sight and sounds of colorful birds, bees and butterflies in the prairies. Learn of the power and beauty of our two mighty rivers at Columbia Bottom Conservation Area. Our investigation will include some light walking with easy access to all the areas we visit. Please bring a sack lunch to eat in one of the covered pavilions. Water and dessert will be provided. Reservations begin April 27.

When: Tuesday, May 17, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Who: Senior adults

Blue Moon

How can there be a blue moon in the middle of the month? We'll discuss this as we walk and view both the sunset over the prairies and the moonrise over the Mississippi River, since these events occur within minutes of each other this night. Participants will walk a mile or so on mostly gravel and sand that may not be suitable for smaller children. Call for more details. Meet at Lot “L” about 4 miles from the front entrance. Reservations begin May 4.

When: Saturday, May 21, 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Who: All Ages

Missourians are very blessed to live in a state with so much natural beauty. Whether floating down a river or hiking through one of our incredible state parks, Missouri’s natural environment provides us with endless opportunities to enjoy all that nature has to offer. As Missouri citizens, the responsibility is ours to preserve and maintain the Show-Me State’s natural environment for future generations. Of course, the need for responsible environmental stewardship extends well beyond Missouri’s border. As both Earth Day and Arbor Day are celebrated in the month of April, there is no better time than right now to renew our commitment to preserving and supporting our environment.

Each year, we come together as a country and as a global community in celebration of Earth Day, which marks the anniversary of the beginning of the modern environmental movement. Earth Day was the brainchild of former U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson, who was moved to action after witnessing the environmental devastation brought about by the massive 1969 oil spill in Santa Barbara, California.

This day of environmental consciousness has certainly evolved since it was first celebrated on April 22, 1970. Over the last 45 years, it has grown from an American day of observance to a global movement. Early on it led to the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency and the passage of the Clean Air, Clean Water and Endangered Species Acts. Earth Day 1990 brought recycling to the world stage. And in 2010, the Earth Day Network launched The Canopy Project, which is a global tree planting initiative.

Formally founded in 1872 by J. Sterling Morton, a pioneer from Nebraska, Arbor Day is an annual day of observance that celebrates the role of trees in our lives and promotes tree planting and care. The idea of Arbor Day quickly spread to other states, coming to Missouri in 1886. For many years, the holiday was celebrated on April 22, Mr. Morton’s birthday. Although Missouri celebrates its Arbor Day on the first Friday in April, National Arbor Day is always observed on the last Friday in April, which is April 29 for 2016.

According to the Missouri Department of Conservation, Missouri contains more than 14 million acres of forest land. These forests clean our air by removing carbon dioxide, dust and gases, provide outdoor recreation opportunities, wildlife habitat and employment for thousands of Missourians, and generally contribute to the overall beauty of our state. On this upcoming National Arbor Day, I encourage you to become more knowledgeable about proper tree care and give back to the environment by planting a native tree.

I also wish to encourage residents of the 13th District to take part in the state’s annual No MOre Trash! Bash, which is running now through May 15. Sponsored by the MDC and the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT), this great event asks citizens from every corner of the state to help clean up litter from roadsides, parks, neighborhoods, rivers, streams, trails and other places. Trash Bash activities also include educational efforts in schools, community events and Earth Day celebrations.

MoDOT annually spends about $6 million to remove litter from more than 385,000 acres of roadsides along 34,000 state highway miles; annual volunteer efforts to pick up litter along Missouri highways are valued at $1 million. Just last year, Missourians collected more than 60,000 bags of litter and several truckloads of debris during the month-long Trash Bash. As you can see, volunteer efforts not only have a huge positive impact on our environment, but they also help reduce the cost of keeping our land and waterways clean.

Volunteers are needed across the state to participate in litter cleanup activities. Participants can report their cleanup efforts and will receive a thank you No MOre Trash! pin. For more information and to learn how to participate, visit nomoretrash.org or call 1-888-ASK-MODOT (1-888-275-6636).

Early this session, I was honored to sponsor two outstanding individuals for gubernatorial appointments.

On Jan. 27, I sponsored Mr. Kenneth McGhee's appointment to the State Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors. Mr. McGhee has been a funeral director at Archway Memorial Chapel in Hazelwood, Missouri, since 1985. He has a strong background in public service and previously served on the State Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors from 2002 to 2007. He has also served on the State Board of Private Investigators and Fire investigators since 2008.

On that same day, I also had the privilege of sponsoring Ms. T’Shon Young's appointment to the Organ Donation Advisory Committee. Ms. Young is the education and community outreach coordinator with Mid-America Transplant Services in St. Louis. A resident of Florissant, Ms. Young’s extensive background in community outreach makes her capable of assisting the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services in the development of ongoing organ donor awareness efforts to educate Missourians on the importance of organ donations.

Throughout Missouri, hundreds of dedicated men and women are helping move our state forward through their service on one of the more than 200 public boards and commissions in Missouri. Whether it’s ensuring the proper licensure of health professionals, advocating for vulnerable children and seniors, or supporting a specific sector of the economy, these citizens are continuing to make sure that the Show-Me State is a great place to live, work and do business. Engaging talented and experienced individuals in public service is a key part of our strategy to continue Missouri’s economic turnaround and improve the quality of life for everyone.

For more information on Missouri’s boards and commissions, please visit www.boards.mo.gov.

Shown above, Sen. Walsh with Mr. Kenneth McGhee during the Gubernatorial Appointments Committee Hearing on Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2016.	Shown above, Sen. Walsh with Ms. T'Shon Young during the Gubernatorial Appointments Committee Hearing on Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2016.