Nance: State Budget Discussions, Redistricting

“No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth!” –Ronald Reagan

State Budget

The Missouri House has given first-round approval to the 13 appropriations bills that make up the state’s fiscal year 2012 operating budget. House members began discussion on the approximately $23.2 billion budget Monday evening and approved the appropriations bills Tuesday afternoon.

The budget approved by House members preserves basic aid for public schools at current funding levels; appropriating more than $3 billion for the school Foundation Formula. The budget also contains a governor-recommended cut of approximately 7 percent to public colleges and universities. In addition, the budget contains a 5 percent ($7million) cut to the budgets of all elected statewide officials.

Amendments adopted Tuesday cut the governor’s travel budget by $500,000 and reallocated the funds for dropout prevention in St. Louis. Another set of amendments achieved approximately $1 million in savings by cutting the salaries of all state agency officials who are paid in excess of $86,500. Health, mental health and social services all received increases for the coming year. The Judiciary Branch got a $3 million increase for Drug Courts.

Floor Action

HB 361, which would establish the Missouri Firearms Freedom Act, passed by a vote of 118-37.

HB 29, which would establish the Volunteer Health Services Act which allows a licensed health care provider to render volunteer professional health care services for a sponsoring organization, passed by a vote of 117-37.

HJR 6, which would propose a constitutional amendment guaranteeing the right of individuals to vote by secret ballot, passed with a vote of 100-57.

The House also Third Read and Passed over 40 consent bills. A consent bill cannot cause any fiscal impact to the state or be controversial.

Did you know that more than 91,000 acres of land in Missouri is owned by foreign countries?

Redistricting

The first map of redistricting is out and it is surprising that Ray, Lafayette, and Saline counties would now be in Emanuel Cleaver’s Congressional District. After close review, Excelsior Springs has also been given to that district. Nothing is finalized, but discussion is being continued. ( Map attached )

Visitors

Pictured [at right] are recent Eagle Scouts in Richmond. The young men from left to right are Chris Mallott, Jonathan Masey, Ian Wratt, and Quinton Maxwell.

Orrick school fourth graders visited the Capitol today. We had a great time and welcome other schools to the Capitol.

Mary Martens, Tanya McBee, and Nellie Ogan with Family and Community Education gave me a doll to be shared with an agency in Ray County. The FCE works to protect our children.

More than 14 Ray County Home Schoolers and their parents visited the Capitol Monday. It was a great experience for all.