Special Audio Report on the FY 2011 Budget - April 23, 2010 |
Sen. Barnitz discusses the work the Senate Appropriations Committee put into creating a balanced budget. (RT: 27) |
|
While he is not pleased with all the areas that were cut, Sen. Barnitz says it is important to pass a balanced spending plan. (RT: 29) |
|
One big budget issue this year was Career Ladder funding for teachers in the state. Senator Barnitz discusses his role in restoring that funding in the Senate’s version of the budget. (RT: 1:56) |
|
Higher education funding was also restored on the floor of the Missouri Senate. Senator Barnitz says this will ensure tuition does not increase for Missouri students. (RT: 1:47) |
|
Senator Barnitz explains actions dealing with agriculture in the budget. (RT: 34) |
|
Another issue that came up on the floor of the Senate was funding for pregnancy resource centers. Senator Barnitz explains the funding and the importance of these centers. (RT: 1:30) |
Audio |
One idea to save state funds is to consolidate the Missouri Highway Patrol and the Water Patrol departments. Senator Barnitz says he wants to make sure he has all the information before going forward with the idea. (RT: 51) |
Audio |
Expanding Qualifying Renewable Energy Sources - April 2, 2010 |
Senator Frank Barnitz talks about his Senate Bill 848, which would allow methane from farm animal waste to qualify as a renewable energy resource for purposes of the Renewable Energy Portfolio requirement.
(RT: 1:00) |
Audio |
Making Sure Overseas Votes Are Counted - March 23, 2010 |
Senator Frank Barnitz explains Senate Bill 845, legislation that would make it easier for those serving overseas to cast their ballots.
(RT: 55) |
Audio |
Senator Barnitz explains why he sponsored Senate Bill 845.
(RT: 19) |
Audio |
| Rebooting Missouri - March 23, 2010 |
Senator Frank Barnitz discusses Rebooting Missouri, a Senate program to discuss ideas submitted by the public on how to streamline government.
(RT: 46) |
Audio |
Upcoming Economic Development Meeting - March 2, 2010 |
|
Senator Frank Barnitz discusses an upcoming economic development meeting, set for March 19, 6 p.m., at the Havener Center in Rolla. (RT: 1:13) |
Audio |
Citizens with Disabilities - March 1, 2010 |
Senator Barnitz speaks to a crowd at the Disabilities Rights Rally in the Capitol. |
Streaming Video |
| Appropriations - February 19, 2010 |
The House Budget Committee has been working on the state’s spending plan. Sen. Barnitz says he has some concerns about the work they have completed so far.
(RT: 45, OC: in the House.) |
Audio |
| Open Enrollment - February 19, 2010 |
This week, the Senate Education Committee discussed a proposal to create open enrollment for public schools in the state, a measure opposed by Sen. Barnitz. He discusses why the legislation would negatively affect his district.
(RT: 42, OC: will be closed.) |
Audio |
Job Creation - January 28, 2010 |
Senator Frank Barnitz, D-Lake Spring, discusses several programs to foster job creation outlined by the governor during his recent State of the State Address. The Missouri First Initiative offers larger tax incentives to existing Missouri businesses that want to expand within the state.
(RT: 46, OC: to retain jobs) |
Audio |
Another proposal that the governor outlined in his State of the State is the Missouri Science and Innovation Reinvestment Act (MOSIRA). Sen. Barnitz discusses this program, which would create a dedicated fund to help attract and grow high-tech businesses in the state.
(RT: 38; OC: here in Missouri) |
Audio |
Training for Tomorrow is an initiative that will invest funds in Missouri’s community colleges for educating Missourians for in-demand careers. Senator Barnitz explains how community colleges play an important role in this program.
(RT: 42; OC: in the state) |
Audio |
Energy Solutions - January 28, 2010 |
Several communities in the 16th Senatorial District have been affected by a recent announcement by Sho-Me Power that it would not be able to renew its contract to provide power to those communities. Senator Barnitz is meeting with these municipalities to try to find solutions that will create a stable energy plan for the future. (RT: 1:21; OC: very reasonable rate) |
Audio |
UPDATE: No Tax Increases for Missouri Farmers -
January 28, 2010 |
The first measure to pass the Missouri Senate this session was Senate Concurrent Resolution 35, legislation that would stop a tax increase on farmland recently recommended by the State Tax Commission. Senator Barnitz explains why this legislation is such a top priority.
(RT: 34; OC: to see done) |
Audio |
No Tax Increases for Missouri Farmers - January 21, 2010
|
The Missouri State Tax Commission recently proposed a 28.7 percent increase in property taxes for the most productive farmland in the state. Senator Frank Barnitz, D-Lake Spring, discusses how this would be an added burden to those involved in agriculture.
(RT: 26; OC: try to overcome) |
Audio |
Sen. Barnitz talks about how the rural communities in the areas affected by the rate increase would be negatively impacted. (RT: 31; OC: a larger area) |
Audio |
Sen. Barnitz details actions being taken in the Senate to stop the proposed increase.
(RT: 38; OC: fo into effect) |
Audio |
Missouri's Budget - January 7, 2010 |
The 2010 legislative session began on January 6th. Senator Frank Barnitz (D-Lake Spring) discusses one of the major challenges the Legislature faces this year, creating a balanced budget with state revenues in decline. |
Audio |
Senator Barnitz says that the Legislature will need to work in a bi-partisan manner to make tough decisions concerning state spending. |
|
|
|
