We have had a lot of activity going on at the Capitol recently despite the poor weather we have been experiencing. Recently the House proposed our version of the budget using estimates agreed upon in the fall by the House, Senate, and University of Missouri. Here are some of the highlights from the House proposal. The largest expansion of Bright Flight in the History of the State with a new forgivable loan program.

If you are a high school senior and score in the top 3% on the ACT or SAT you will now be eligible for both the $2500 scholarship and a forgivable loan that will cover your entire tuition and fees at any public university in Missouri if you commit to staying and working in the state upon graduation. This loan program would also be available to the 4th and 5th percentile ACT or SAT scores as well. This will keep our best and brightest here in the state. A fully fund A+ Scholarships and a 20% increase in Access Missouri Scholarships. A $20 million dollar increase to Access Missouri Scholarship Program will help provide access to higher education to thousands more Missourians.
K-12 Education
$278m increase for the Foundation Formula ($122m GR and $156m Surplus Revenue) which would make the K-12 education budget the largest in in state history.
$8.2m for Missouri Preschool Program in unaccredited and provisionally accredited districts.
$3.5m for reading programs in unaccredited and provisionally accredited districts.
$1m increase in Parents as Teachers.
$1m increase for Teach for America.
$10m increase to transportation funding.

We have worked hard to create a budget that benefits all Missourians. Outside of increased education funding, we have expanded dental coverage to Medicaid recipients to help cut back on emergency room visits. We have provided $4.5m for matching funds to Early Stage Business Development Grants and a $5m increase to Tourism funding—one of Missouri’s greatest economic drivers.

Beyond the budget there are several other Bills moving through the House. One of these is to allow for oral administration of chemotherapy. Oral Chemo is the newest way to provide chemotherapy to cancer patients and it is more effective with less of the negative side effects. We need to clear the way for the new treatment to be easily available for Missouri families. I, like so many others, have felt the impact of cancer on my family and I am proud to support a bill that might make the journey to recovery just a little bit easier for these patients.

Last week my “Right to Hunt, Fish, and Harvest” bill was passed out of committee. I am excited to see so much support from my colleagues when it comes to securing our Missouri heritage.

Coach Pinkel and the Mizzou Football team visited the Capitol and addressed the General Assembly. It was great to have the team up for a visit after a great season. I am looking forward to watching them continue to compete in the SEC. As always, please feel free to contact my office with any questions, comments, or concerns you might have!