It has been a long but productive week in the Missouri House. We continue to strive to create jobs and pass legislation to make Missouri more fiscally responsible. This week HB73 was ordered printed and perfected, and was placed on the House calendar for third reading. This bi-partisan effort was overwhelmingly passed by the General Assembly.
The Missouri House of Representatives gave initial approval to legislation that would implement a system of drug testing for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families recipients suspected of using illegal controlled substances. The House perfected HB 73, sponsored by Rep. Ellen Brandom, R-Sikeston, by a vote of 121-37.
HB 73 would require the Department of Social Services to develop a drug testing program for applicants and recipients of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Program benefits. Tests would be given to individuals who the department has reasonable suspicion to believe engage in the illegal use of controlled substances. An applicant or recipient who tests positive would be ineligible for benefits for one year. Household members of an individual who tests positive could continue to receive benefits as protective or vendor payments to a third-party payee.
As the appropriations and budget process continues, the Missouri House has decided to put the cuts to education on the back burner. As we all know, education is very important to the State of Missouri and the people of the 128th district. The Missouri House and I want to protect education as much as possible. We will continue to fight for our children in Missouri.
As vice chairman of the Veterans committee, we, as a committee, voted do-pass on two bills this week. HB204 deals with the renewal of driver’s licenses for military personnel, and HB149 which deals with the Missouri military family relief fund. As a veteran, I believe this committee and the work we have, and will do, is very important.
I had a wonderful meeting with R-7 superintendant Tony Rossetti and DESE’s deputy commissioner for fiscal and administrative services Ron Lankford this week. After discussing the education formula, the way schools receive their funding, I realize how complicated education funding is. I want to thank them both for taking time to come to Jefferson City and do what they do best….EDUICATE. This time it was educating their 45 yr old representative.
I pray you all have a great week. Please come to the capitol and visit, the history of our great state and our capitol is so wonderful. Until next week, May God richly bless you all.
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