LEGISLATIVE EFFORTS IN THE STATE CAPITOL
Over the course of the past 10 weeks, my colleagues and I in the Missouri Senate have reviewed numerous legislative proposals, including some that required lengthy debate and deliberation.
This week marks the beginning of the Legislature’s spring break, which means the Missouri General Assembly will take time to recharge and gear up for the last half of the 2019 legislative session.
After spring break, the Legislature will begin working on our only constitutional responsibility, passing a balanced state operating budget for the upcoming fiscal year. As we review each state department’s request, it is important that we make sure they are efficiently and effectively spending our tax dollars, especially when it comes to funding our states infrastructure needs.
With the failure of Proposition D last November, there have been numerous proposals discussed in the State Capitol on how to fund our state’s infrastructure needs. It’s no secret, Missouri’s roads and bridges are below adequate and are in need of repair. As our state budget continues to grow, I believe we must make fiscally responsible decisions when it comes to addressing this issue. I look forward to a productive dialogue on this issue, with the hope of finding a funding solution to our transportation infrastructure needs.
YOUTH ART MONTH
On March 11, 2019, several area youth were recognized for their artistic talent during the Missouri Senate’s annual Youth Art Month awards ceremony.
Erika Miller, a high school senior from Joplin, won first place in our district. As a result, her artwork was selected to be featured in the Senate Art Exhibit for the remainder of the year.
Hadley Zoromski, a student at Columbian Elementary School in Carthage, was awarded the Junior Legislator Award for participating in the Youth Art Month contest.
It was truly an honor to meet Hadley and her family.
The Senate Art Exhibit was established in 2014 as a joint effort between the Missouri Alliance for Arts Education and the Missouri Art Education Association. The exhibit showcases fine arts programs from all 34 Missouri Senatorial Districts.
