Schaefer; Grand Compromise Favorable For District, Tax Credit Reform

This week, several important issues were passed through the Senate that will have a substantial impact on both Boone and Randolph counties.

On Wednesday night (4-27), the Senate finally passed the new redistricting map [HB193] which now awaits the governor’s signature. This map leaves Randolph county intact, and keeps Boone and Randolph counties in the same district, which I believe is good news for our area.

Senate Bill 116, a bill that deals with tax credits, was also passed Wednesday night. I attached an amendment to the bill that supported tax credits for citizens living in low-income housing in an effort to ease the financial burdens drastically affecting many Missourians.

The compromise map awaiting the governor's signature. Senator Schaefer stands on the dais with several members of the Smokebusters organization, a non-smoking group from the district. Senator Schaefer and Truman State University intern Krista Crider in the Rotunda during the Truman Showcase at the Capitol a few weeks ago.

Senate Bill 237, a bill I am sponsoring that would require the September 1996 Missouri Supreme Court standards for representation by court appointed child advocates to be updated, was heard in the House Judiciary Committee. Also, SB 323, which would require the state auditor to conduct a one-time comparative audit of several of the largest state agencies in Missouri, was heard by the House Committee on Downsizing Government on Thursday afternoon (4-28). In my opinion, this bill is very important because it promotes efficiency and responsibility in Missouri’s state agencies, and in these rough economic times, efficiency is an important factor in determining how and when the state of Missouri will get back on its feet economically. Also on Wednesday, I had the pleasure of introducing a group of constituents from the University of Missouri School of Medicine on the floor. They were at the Capitol to unveil their new mobile simulation service that offers lifelike computerized simulated patients and a variety of other advanced training equipment. The vehicle will travel throughout the state to enhance the performance of rural health professionals and improve care for patients. In news around the district, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources announced the city of Columbia, as a Certified Local Government, will receive a $12,000 grant through the Federal Historic Preservation Fund. Columbia will use the grant to complete an analysis of the economic effects of historic preservation in the city. The study will include at least two public meetings and is scheduled to be completed in the summer of 2012, when the final report will be posted on the city’s website. 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.