Schaefer: Senate Tweaks Budget To Improve School Bus Funding

This week, the Senate Appropriations Committee worked diligently to make and finalize important funding changes to House Bills 1-13. These bills will be presented to the entire Senate for discussion next week. The General Assembly has until May 6 to approve and pass these appropriations bills, and I am fully confident that we will be able to do so well within that time limit.

Several students from the PedNet Coalition as they watch the proceedings in the chamber. Dr. Kristin Sohl (left), and fellow pediatrician Dr. Lauren Miltenberg in the Senate Chamber after their introduction. University of Missouri pediatric physicians Dr. Jason Hagely (left) and Dr. Kevin Tompkins watch the proceedings on the Senate floor.

One of these budget issues involves a $20 million increase for K-12 transportation funding and $20 million for higher education institutions. By trimming some of the governor's recommendations and re-aligning other funds, we have eased some of the burden facing Missouri's schools. One of the bills that I sponsored, Senate Bill 213, was finally passed out of the Senate and was introduced in the House. This bill would modify the information required in a petition for guardianship for a minor or an incapacitated person to protect their rights or property in cases where a guardian or conservator is deemed necessary. Another bill that I sponsored, Senate Bill 322, was passed in the Senate. This bill would extend the sunsets (expirations) from September 30, 2011 to September 30, 2015 for the Ground Ambulance, Nursing Facility, Medicaid Managed Care Organization, Pharmacy, and Intermediate Care Facility for the Mentally Retarded Reimbursement Allowance Taxes. These taxes are self-imposed by these organizations, and the ending dates are being extended in order to continue receiving matching federal dollars. In addition, Senate Bill 323 was passed on Thursday (4/14). This bill would mandate that the state auditor conduct a one-time comparative audit of several of the largest state agencies in Missouri. Then, the auditor would compare the fiscal practices of these agencies and submit a report recommending cost-saving measures to be used in all state agencies. These bills are now pending committee hearings in House of Representatives. On Monday (4/11), I had the pleasure of meeting with and introducing on the floor several young students from the PedNet Coalition for The Missouri Bicycle and Pedestrian Federation advocacy day. These students included Max Overshiner, Annarose Overshiner, Lucy Muller, Ella Stroh, Sophia Casto, Xane Keenan, Zach Cunning, and Tate Windmoeller. Tuesday (4/12), I introduced Dr. Kristin Sohl along with several University of Missouri pediatricians for Missouri Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics First Annual Advocacy Day. On Wednesday (4/13), I introduced the Doctor of the Day, Dr. Michael Friedman, on the floor of the Senate. Dr. Friedman is the Medical Director of the Surgery Center of Columbia and practices as an anesthesiologist. In addition, I had the pleasure of meeting with and introducing several Windsor Street Montessori students who were visiting the Capitol from Columbia. April marks the No MOre Trash! Bash in Missouri. The No MOre Trash! Bash is a litter prevention campaign launched by the Missouri Departments of Transportation and Conservation to encourage Missourians to join in "spring cleaning" and help Missouri become a litter-free state. To take action and participate in this year's bash, consider scheduling a clean-up or educational activity and involve your friends, family, and coworkers. For more information or to sign up for activities, visit http://extra.mdc.mo.gov/nomoretrash/ or call 888-ASK-MoDOT (275-6636). 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 feel free to contact my office.