Schaefer: Bills Filed Concerning Gifted Education, Reimbursement For Physical Therapists

This week was a busy one at the Capitol. Bills are being heard in their assigned committees, the Appropriations Committee is looking into Gov. Nixon’s budget recommendations, and legislators from across the state are growing accustomed to the daily hustle and bustle of the Capitol.

On Monday night (1/24), I was privileged to receive the University of Missouri’s Geyer Award. The award recognizes the work of public officials and citizens for their positive impact on higher education at Mizzou. Award recipients from previous years include Govs. Roger Wilson, Mel Carnahan and Christopher “Kit” Bond. It was truly an honor to be one of the recipients of this award.

I introduced two bills last Thursday (1/20) in the Missouri Senate. Senate Bill 147 would require school districts to include in their annual school accountability report card whether the school district currently has a state-approved gifted education program and the percentage and number of students being served by the program.

I also introduced Senate Bill 148, which would require that physical therapists receive the same reimbursements for procedures similar to those any other health care provider would offer.

Another one of my sponsored bills, Senate Bill 119, which would create the Private Landowner Protection Act and allow for the creation of conservation easements, was referred to the Agriculture, Food Protection, and Outdoor Resources Committee last Thursday.

Also on Monday (1/24), I had the pleasure of meeting with Gary Heimericks, a long-time employee of the Department of Natural Resources. Mr. Heimericks was recently honored by the Senate with a resolution for his work of over 30 years with the state of Missouri.

I also had the chance to meet with the Missouri Association of Realtors on their Legislative Day at the Capitol on Wednesday of last week (1/19). At our meeting, they presented me with a certificate of appreciation for my legislative service.

I sponsored one gubernatorial appointment this week. Russ Unger from Columbia was appointed to the Missouri Community Service Commission. Russ was accompanied at the hearing by his wife and family.

Thank you for your continued interest in the issues that affect the citizens of Boone and Randolph counties. If you have any questions or concerns please contact my office.

Click on the photos below for a larger version:
Gary Heimericks and Senator Schaefer shake hands on the senate floor.	Senator Schaefer and the Missouri Association of Realtors pose on the Capitol's grand staircase.	Senator Schaefer with Russ Unger and his family during his Senate Gubernatorial appointment hearing.