Schaefer: Budget Finalized

At left: Senator Schaefer debates on the Senate floor during session.

This week at the Capitol, the Conference Budget Committee finally worked out the differences between the Senate and House versions of the budget bills. It was a difficult process, but the House and Senate finally came to a compromise that both sides agreed on late Wednesday night, which was then heard in both the House and Senate on Thursday. This compromise involved fully funding MoRx and in-home care, and also provided $12 million over the governor’s recommendation to higher education.

In addition, the legislature lessened a 7 percent cut to higher education that the governor had originally sought, by adopting a $12 million increase for higher education, and a $10 million increase for K-12 transportation. This will help colleges and universities to curb some out-of-pocket expenses for their students, and the K-12 transportation funding will keep schools from having to redirect other funds to pay for transportation costs.

Several budget bills were also heard on the floor of the Senate this week. House Bill 17, HB 18, and HB 21 were passed early Wednesday (5-4) morning, after a filibuster that lasted through the night, and SB 22 passed on Wednesday afternoon. All of these bills deal with capital improvements funding.

One of my bills, SB 213, was also heard in the House on Wednesday. This bill would modify the information required when petitioning for guardianship of a minor or an incapacitated person.

On Tuesday (5-3), I had the pleasure of introducing the 4th Grade class of West Boulevard Elementary School from Columbia along with their teacher Becky Elder. The class was visiting the Capital City to learn about state government and the history of the Missouri Capitol.

During the month of May, motorcyclists and motorists are encouraged to safely “share the road” in observation of the National Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. All motorists are reminded to watch for motorcycles and to be alert to help keep motorcyclists safe, while motorcyclists are reminded to make themselves visible to other motorists.

In news around the district, the Missouri Department of Transportation will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, May 24, at the Activity and Recreation Center at 1701 W. Ash Street in Columbia from 4:00 - 6:30 p.m. to discuss plans to widen Route 740 (Stadium Blvd.) in Columbia from just north of Interstate 70 to south of Broadway.

The plans also include modifying the interchange at I-70 and Stadium and adding lanes to Fairview Road from Worley Avenue North to the west entrance of the Columbia Mall and to Bernadette Drive from Fairview Road to Beverly Drive. The work is being done to improve safety and traffic flow through the area.

An open-house community briefing will be held on Tuesday, May 17, from 4:30 until 6:00 p.m. to discuss plans to replace the Lick Fork Creek Bridge on Route NN in Boone County. The bridge is located approximately three miles west of U.S. Route 63. The meeting will be held in the VFW Community Room at the Harrisburg R-VIII School Administration Building.

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.