The final gavel fell on May 12 to signal the official ending of the 2023 legislative session. While debates were contentious at times, I believe this was a productive, successful five months in Jefferson City that will result in positive outcomes for Missourians. I’ll highlight a few of the bills that now await the governor’s consideration and signature.
First and foremost, I’m grateful to have ushered Senate Bill 45 across the legislative finish line. What started out as a proposal to extend MO HealthNet coverage for postpartum women has now grown to include multiple provisions related to health care and Missouri citizens’ future success. In addition to the effort to battle our state’s high maternal mortality rate, the final approved legislation includes several health awareness days, allows first responders to acquire and administer the drug overdose antidote, naloxone, and directs proceeds from opioid settlements toward the Opioid Addiction Treatment and Recovery Fund. Additionally, SB 45 establishes a transitional program toward independence for those receiving government assistance, such as TANF and SNAP benefits, simplifies the process for applying for social service benefits and permits pharmacists to administer certain vaccinations.
On May 10, the General Assembly sent two proposals to the governor which I believe will help protect children. The Saving Adolescents from Experimentation, or SAFE Act, prohibits health care providers from performing gender transition surgeries or prescribing cross-sex or puberty blocking medications for minors. Senate Bill 39 restricts biological males from competing in sports designed for females in our state’s public, private, charter and postsecondary schools. As a former swimming coach, I’m thankful SB 39 passed, ensuring a level playing field for young female athletes.
Below are a few of the proposals I endorsed with a “yes” vote this session:
- Missouri First Responder Mental Health Initiative Act.
- The Show-MO and Entertainment Industry Job Acts.
- Senate Bill 106, which prohibits performing prostate, pelvic or anal examinations on anesthetized patients and includes language from my lead poisoningand breast examination proposals.
- Senate Bill 190, which freezes property assessments for retired homeowners and exempts Social Security income from taxation.
I’ll close with a brief summary of the operating budget for FY ’24, which is flush with federal funds turned Show-Me State investments. In addition to fully funding the Foundation Formula and transportation costs for K-12 schools, the budget sustains the pay raises for our hardworking teachers, allocates additional funding for childcare programs and dedicates nearly $3 billion to widen Interstate 70 to three lanes from Wentzville to Blue Springs. Missouri’s ports, institutions of higher education and workforce development initiatives will receive additional funding, and our aging veterans homes will be able to make necessary capital improvements. All told, the FY ’24 operating budget totals roughly $50 billion, the largest in Missouri history.
I am particularly honored to announce that I sought and secured $334 million in funding for our community, with an additional $19 million to dedicate to capital improvement projects.
I attribute these successes to my team, Janet and Heather, and the steadfast advocacy and support of each citizen in the 3rd Senatorial District. Words cannot express how honored I am to represent our community in the Missouri Senate. Thank you for your trust and assistance as we work together to make our community and state an even better place to call home.
