After introduction into the Senate, the budget bills will be sent to the Senate Appropriations Committee, of which I am a member. While this committee has already held extensive hearings on each state department budget, we will still discuss and amend the House proposal as we think needed before passing the bills out of committee.
When the Appropriations Committee begins to meet, I expect to start at 8:00 a.m., break for session, and then re-convene in the afternoon. Committee meetings can go until 11:00 or 12 p.m. as we pore over every item of the budget and try to squeeze out greater efficiency or eliminate waste where ever we can. Traditionally, the Committee takes about a week of this hectic schedule to do its work and then sends the bills to the floor of the Senate.
Once in the full Senate, senators take about a week to review, debate, or amend as deemed necessary, and then pass the budget bills. Generally, this process results in differences between the House and the Senate version of the budget. A conference committee, composed of members of both Chambers, is appointed to reconcile the differences. In the end, both Chambers must agree on the final version. Both Chambers must approve the 13 budget bills by May 6. The budget is then sent to the governor for his signature.
It is a long and time-intensive process – as it should be because we are spending taxpayer dollars and we need to be as watchful as we can. For the rest of the session, the pace will be fast and furious as we finish the budget, as well as finish up debate on a variety of priority bills. The last day of session is May 13.
Welcome Visitors
Again this week, constituents from District 8 took the time to visit the Capitol, which I always appreciate. Some of the visitors were: Nick Faulkner, Kelsey Shields, Juanita and Terry Wilson, Steve Fagan, Chere Chaney, Todd Appleby, J.R. DeGraffenreid, Kathy Garver, Jose Reveles, Sarah Harreus, Alice Madry, Colleen Downing, Amy Barlier, Robert A. Evans III, Barb Schnepf, and Craig Rutter. Several individuals from outside the district also dropped by the office: Phyllis Sue Domann, Nancy Parker, Tamra Carter, Bill Shackelford, and Bradley Harmon.
In addition, about 15 individuals came down for District Day. This is a really special occasion for me, as I have the opportunity to talk with them on the Senate floor and discuss their concerns about state government. I hope they enjoyed their day in Jefferson City as much as I enjoyed having them as my guests.
Town Hall Meetings
I was extremely pleased with the three Town Hall Meetings that I, along with Representatives Sheila Solon (Dist. 55), Gary Cross (Dist. 48), and Noel Torpey (Dist. 52), held during spring recess. I cannot say enough about the value of meeting directly with constituents and having the chance to hear your concerns. Thank all of you for taking time out of your busy schedule to come out and participate in your state government.
District 8 Day
There are still a few spots left for District Day on April 5, where I invite you to be my guest here in Jefferson City. Each day will begin at 10:00 a.m. and end around 3:15 p.m.
If you are interested, simply e-mail with your name, physical address, and number attending. You will be responsible for your own transportation to Jefferson City and lunch. Please consider coming – it is a great opportunity to learn more about your Missouri state government.
Share Your Heart and Home with a Foreign Exchange Student!
Program of Academic Exchange (PAX) welcomes host families of all kinds who would like to share their heart, home and culture with a young person from Germany, Korea, Sweden, China, France, Mexico, Italy or any one of our international students. Host families are asked to provide students with meals, a place to sleep and study, and a warm, supportive environment. Private rooms are not required and single parents, young couples and retirees are all welcome to host. “The rewards of hosting are certainly not monetary, but we have become so rich through these experiences,” say the DeWitt family of Minnesota. “What we have gained has been amazing: a daughter for life!”
For more information about becoming a host family with PAX, call or email local PAX Coordinator Liz Carver at 816-228-8587 or carver{underscore}elizabeth{at}yahoo{dot}com.
Upcoming Elections
The following elections are scheduled in Eastern Jackson County. I encourage you to remember the dates for your area and get out and vote!
| Date | Election |
|---|---|
| Apr. 5 | Municipal Elections for the following: Kansas City (Earnings Tax Question) Blue Springs Grain Valley Greenwood Lake Lotawana Lake Tapawingo Levasy Lone Jack Oak Grove Raytown Sibley |
| Apr. 5 | School Board Elections for the following: Lee’s Summit R-VII School District Blue Springs R-IV School District Grain Valley R-V School District Oak Grove R-VI School District Lone Jack C-6 School District Raytown C-2 School District |
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