By Mo. State Senator Jamie Burger
JEFFERSON CITY – In a fashion that made this southern Missourian feel right at home, legislators got down to the nitty gritty at the State Capitol this week. The Senate Appropriations Committee has put its finishing touches on the bills that will comprise next year’s state operating budget, committees considered proposals passed in the other chamber and multiple pieces of legislation inched closer to the governor’s desk. The next three weeks are going to fly by!
I experienced another “first” in the Senate on Wednesday when I served on a conference committee to review changes made to House Bill 737. Similar in scope to my Senate Bill 83, which is now on the Senate Calendar for perfection, this legislation permits foster children to keep any survivor benefits they’re entitled to.
Since the upper chamber made changes to the language approved by the Missouri House of Representatives, and the House did not accept those changes, the legislation had to be re-negotiated by the appointed conference committee made up of members from each chamber. The committee members meet, discuss compromises and resolve the differences. Then the newest version of the bill will go back through both chambers. This legislation, now being considered by the House Fiscal Review Committee, was also a priority of my predecessor in the 27th Senatorial District. I am hopeful the measure will pass and believe it will greatly improve the lives of these vulnerable children, who will be able use this money to get on their feet and transition into adulthood, instead of it being awarded to the state to reimburse the child’s past expenses.
On April 23, the House Conservation and Natural Resources Committee approved my water preservation legislation, Senate Bill 82. Now one step closer to the finish line, I am optimistic SB 82 will pass to require those who wish to export water to get a permit from the Department of Natural Resources.
Additionally, my legislation requiring public school districts to display the Ten Commandments in every classroom and building was passed by the Senate Education Committee on April 23. Under Senate Bill 594, school boards may use their funds or accept donations to purchase the signage.
I am pleased to report on the progress of two bills that could greatly benefit District 27. Senate Bill 28, increases the maximum speed cotton trailers may travel from 40 to 65 miles per hour and repeals a requirement these trailers be used exclusively to transport cotton. The Senate has requested the House recede or grant a conference committee on the amended bill. The second passed out of the Senate Economic and Workforce Development Committee on April 23. Senate Bill 681 authorizes a tax credit for all contributions made to Missouri’s pregnancy resource centers to encourage donations to help them sustain their important work. These centers are a lifeline for some pregnant women and their unborn babies, providing the guidance and support they need to get off to a great start.
Welcoming Folks from Back Home to the Dome
As always, the highlight of my week is welcoming members of our community to the State Capitol. Below are some of the folks who took the time to stop by and say hi! The photo below is the Mineral Area College Cross Country champions, their coaches and Sens. Burger and Henderson.
Senator Burger congratulates Kaydence Stause, left, and Presley Ridings, right, two cross country runners from Mineral Area College who placed first in nationals.