Rupp: A New Chapter of History Begins: The 2012 Regular Session

As the clock chimed at noon on Wednesday (Jan. 4), the Second Regular Session of the 96^th General Assembly was set in motion. The atmosphere in the chamber was optimistic and confident, as the first bills of 2012 were introduced in the Missouri Senate. My prayer is that lawmakers will be able to band together to pass beneficial legislation that will make Missouri an even better place to live, work, and raise a family.

The Legislature has many goals for the 2012 legislative session. Some of those priorities include passing a balanced budget without increasing taxes on hardworking Missourians — Senate leaders would like the governor to present his plan for a balanced budget at his State of the State Address scheduled for Jan. 17 — and passing initiatives that will encourage job creation in our state.

Currently, an estimated 8.5 percent of Missourians are out of work. In addition to unemployment hardships, studies show that 1 of every 6 Missourians is currently receiving food stamps. I’m committed to do all I can to endorse measures that will bring jobs back to Missouri, allowing families to serve meals on the table and keep a comfortable home.

Another top priority is cementing our commitment to education. Last year, we voted to maintain the school funding formula at its current level. In addition, we voted to restore $30 million in funding for ACCESS Missouri scholarships, after the governor cut the program by $48 million. Our children are our future, and they deserve to seize every opportunity possible to discover new and innovative ideas, and build leadership skills to serve them in their future.

Throughout session, you can utilize the Missouri Senate website (www.senate.mo.gov) to follow our legislative accomplishments. On the left-hand side of the screen is a window that states the meeting status of the Senate. You can also listen to live debate, follow dates of committee hearings on the hearing calendar, and view the Senate journal to keep up with our day’s work.

Please feel free to reference my Senate website, www.senate.mo.gov/rupp, as well. There, you will find links to my sponsored legislation, news releases, legislative columns, and multimedia postings. As always, please don’t hesitate to call or visit my Capitol office if I can be of any assistance to you.