Schaefer: Three Sponsored Bills Pass Senate

Several of my bills were discussed on the Senate floor this week.

Tuesday evening (4-5), Senate Bill 322 was debated on the floor. The bill would extend self-imposed provider taxes that allow hospitals and other facilities to receive federal Medicaid dollars. It was placed on the informal calendar after lengthy debates on proposed amendments that ultimately failed to be added to the bill.

Senate Bill 147 was passed by the Senate on Thursday (4-7). This bill would require school districts to indicate if they have a gifted education program in their school accountability report cards, as well as the percentage and number of students enrolled in the program.

Senate Bill 237 and Senate Bill 70 were also passed on Thursday. Senate Bill 237 would require the September 1996 Missouri Supreme Court standards for representation by court appointed child advocates to be updated, and SB 70 deals with modifying the Missouri Family Trust statutes.

At left: Senator Schaefer stands with Alyvia Swearingen on the Dais in the Senate Chamber.

Also on Thursday, I had the pleasure of meeting several constituents associated with the Family Facets Company in Columbia, as well as members of Boone County FFA. I also had the privilege of meeting Alyvia Swearingen, the recipient of the Senator Kurt Schaefer Award at her school, who was visiting the Capitol with her mother during spring break.

In news around the district, Central Missouri has recently received nearly $325,000 for recreational trail projects. The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has selected four specific trail projects funded by federal money from the Recreational Trails Program. These projects include three motorized trail projects in Finger Lakes State Park; an off-road vehicle trail repair and construction equipment purchase; off-road vehicle children track and overflow parking; and off-road vehicle loading docks, ramps, restrooms, equipment, and storage. The fourth project is providing $35,000 to help fund the Missouri State Parks Trail Book.

At left: Senator Schaefer poses with several members of Boone County FFA during their recent visit to the Capitol.

In addition, the Department of Economic Development’s Neighborhood Assistance Program has approved $42,900 in tax credits for the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Columbia area. Donations received as a part of this neighborhood assistance project will enable the Boys and Girls Club of Columbia to establish a Teen Center for at-risk youth in grades 6 through 12. If you have any questions about the project, feel free to contact Brenda Horstman with the Neighborhood Assistance Program at (573) 751-4539.

At left: Senator Schaefer poses with members associated with Family Facets Company in the Bingham Gallery.

Earlier this week, a bridge replacement project on Interstate 70 Northeast Outer Road over Little Cedar Creek began. The bridge, which is located one mile east of Route Z, is closed to traffic during construction, so motorists should find alternate routes around the work area. The bridge will remain closed approximately 57 days. This project is part of MoDOT's Safe & Sound Bridge Improvement Program, which will improve 800 of Missouri's worst bridges by the end of 2013.

In addition, a bridge in Boone County on Interstate 70 South Outer Road over Harmony Creek re-opened last week upon the completion of a bridge replacement project.

For more information or for a complete listing of bridges included in the program, please call 1-888-ASK-MoDOT (275-6636) or log on to www.modot.org/central.

As always, I encourage comments and questions about all facets of the Missouri Legislature. Feel free to contact my office if we can help.