The crafting of Missouri’s budget is always a challenge for lawmakers. Navigating the continuing revenue shortfalls has required a shifting of funding, but not in priorities. Facing a $500 million shortfall for the next budget year is daunting, but my colleagues and I remain committed to providing Missourians with a balanced budget that will serve the best interests of the entire state.
The budget process begins when the governor unveils his budget proposal in the State of the State address. Lawmakers then consider the governor’s budget recommendations as the budget work starts its journey through the House and then the Senate. The work on our state’s budget begins with meetings of the House Budget Committee and the Senate Appropriations Committee, which hear from various state departments and programs about current financial situations. Suggestions include how they can streamline their services, and what each requires for funding. This public committee process allows for each state department to have input before the budget bills are drafted.
The House drafts its version of the budget, broken into 13 bills from different state departments. The bills include appropriations for the Departments of Elementary and Secondary Education, Higher Education, Transportation, Economic Development, and Social Services, among others. Once the bills are approved in the House, they are sent to the Senate Appropriations Committee for consideration. As a member of this committee, this is the time when changes to the House suggestions are made until the Senate’s version of the proposed budget is ready to debate for the entire Senate. If any changes are made in the Senate version, five House and five Senate members come together in joint conference to agree on any differences.
When these final budget bills are approved by both chambers, the legislation is sent to the governor. The constitutional deadline for these bills to reach the governor’s desk is 6:00 p.m., Friday, May 11, 2012.
The process of drafting a budget for our state’s government is a task I take seriously. As with any budget, it takes information, discussion, and time to bring all the necessary pieces together. We are constitutionally bound to have a balanced budget and must not deficit spend. We must live within our means, as all Missouri’s families must do with their own budgets. We know tough choices will have to be made in order to accomplish this goal. However, it is clear to me and my colleagues that Missouri is a state that can achieve this goal, no matter how difficult.
Despite tough budget years, we have managed to maintain our AAA credit rating. Missouri is only one of seven states to have this designation. It has not been easy, but worth the work, as public entities get to enjoy a better financial rate, as well. This legislature believes that Missouri’s students deserve a world-class education. Making that happen will be difficult. A $500 million shortfall will be hard to make up. But we know that our state deserves our best work because of the people like you in the 31st Senatorial District, people who work hard every day, providing for your families. We will work to present a fiscally responsible, balanced budget for you.
As always, please feel free to contact me or my staff with any questions or concerns at any time. We look forward to hearing your comments and suggestions and trying to answer any questions you may have. You can reach us by phone at 866-277-0882 (toll-free) or 573-751-2272, or by fax at 573-526-7381.
Senator David Pearce serves Bates, Cass, Johnson and Vernon counties in the 31st State Senatorial District.å
