One of the things I look forward to during the General Assembly’s mid-session recess is the chance to spend time in the district, talking with people and listening to their opinions regarding current legislation. During the hectic weeks of session in Jefferson City, there is not always time to do that. I have been fortunate to be able to visit a number of organizations and events in these brief days around the 31st Senatorial District, including schools and students, chambers of commerce, and local governments.
When session began, we knew that our main priorities were to provide a balanced budget and to get Missourians back to work. Even though discussion on the budget is still in the House, very soon, the Senate will be taking up the series of House bills that collectively make up our state’s budget for Fiscal Year 2013. As we begin thoroughly reviewing these measures, I will keep you up to date on the process.
Two bills that my colleagues and I have worked on have already been sent to the governor’s desk for his signature. Senate Bill 572 is a bill designed to streamline workers’ compensation laws and keep coworkers from being sued for honest workplace accidents.
House Bill 1219 is another piece of legislation designed to help Missouri businesses. It will bring Missouri back into line with the federal Civil Rights Act, and also contains the Whistleblower Protection Act. HB 1219 is also awaiting the governor’s signature. The companion to HB 1219, Senate Bill 592, was voted out of the Senate and sent to the House for its consideration.
I bill I have sponsored to help higher education is rapidly moving through the legislative process, as well. Senate Bill 455, which creates a core library of classes to ease the transfer process in higher education institutions, has passed the Senate and is being debated in the House. Other provisions in the bill will also improve remediation practices in our state’s colleges and universities.
Every student deserves the best possible education in order to provide for his or her future. Since a school’s accreditation can have a huge impact on a students’ education career, Senate Bill 677 would reduce the amount of time between a school district losing their accreditation and the state’s ability to step in to take a leadership role in the district. This bill is scheduled for debate in the Senate in the next few days.
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 31stState Senatorial District.
