There was a lot of speculation this week about lawmakers not making the constitutional deadline of Friday, May 11, at 6:00 p.m., to pass the state’s operating budget. However, with just one day left before the constitutional deadline, the Senate approved the conference committee’s reports on House Bills 2002-2013 that make up the funding for Missouri’s state departments. The process that the budget has followed to its completion has not been a smooth one. With 34 members in the Senate, and 163 members of the House, it’s no surprise that there are differing opinions, but an important part of this process is listening to colleagues and making necessary allowances for the good of the state and its citizens.
One difficulty lawmakers have faced has been an overall shortfall of around $500 million. The budget has been supported in the past by federal funds. Those funds have run out, causing this shortage, as well as a natural increase in some programs, such as Medicaid.
The Senate has worked to keep level funding for education for the last few years. Since we are constitutionally bound to not deficit spend, tough choices had to be made. Our students deserve our best efforts to provide for their needs. This year, the budget allocation for Fiscal Year 2013 education funding rose slightly, with the foundation formula funding coming in at $3.009 billion for K-12 education. Higher education funding also remained constant. At one point in the budgeting process, a proposed 12.5 percent cut was targeted for higher education, so the final budget number was a relief. As an added bonus, an additional $3 million was given to seven public universities across the state in the final week of negotiation, including more that $580,000 for University of Central Missouri, to deal with equity funding issues.
Another important topic during budget negotiations has been funding Missouri’s veterans’ homes. The issue of a dedicated funding source has been discussed at length. As discussion continued over the last few days, the General Assembly passed House Bill 1731, creating specific funding for the Veterans’ Commission Capitol Improvement Fund and the Missouri National Guard Trust Fund. I am proud to say our veterans’ homes will be funded through FY 2013.
As a member of the nine-person Senate Appropriations Committee, I have been part of the ongoing budget process. The budget bills contain approximately 1,500 line items that have each been examined at length. As a legislative body, we appropriate money to what we consider to be priorities. That being said, the Senate has worked diligently to ensure funding for both K-12 and higher education. My colleagues and I consider it an obligation to fund our children’s futures and our veterans’ care. Even when our responsibilities lead us to debate long into the night, which has happened often this session, we have remained dedicated to passing a balanced budget that best serves the interest of all Missourians.
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.
