The Missouri Senate last week gave its approval to its version of the Fiscal Year 2014 state operating budget. These 13 budget bills move through a deliberative legislative process designed to produce a fiscally responsible budget for the people of Missouri. The Senate Appropriations Committee used the months leading up to debate last week to listen to testimony from various members of state departments and programs regarding funding for their particular entity. These committee members made changes to all of the budget bills to reflect the Senate's spending plan. Since passage of the budget out of the Senate, members of both the House and Senate have been appointed to serve on conference committees where senators and representatives will work on the differences between the two chambers' budget versions and bring forth a final version of the budget for both chambers to approve.

The Senate approved its total $24.7 billion operating budget with a $65.9 million increase for the state's K-12 school foundation formula and a $34 million increase for public higher education institutions. The Senate withheld funding for the state's Drivers License Divisions, due to the ongoing investigation related to the unlawful distribution of Missouri citizens' private information to the federal government. Hopefully cooperative discussions will continue between the Legislature and members of DOR so we can get to the bottom of this critical issue. Work will continue on the budget until the constitutional deadline to deliver the state's spending plan to the governor on May 10.

Senators recently advanced to the House legislation that would authorize the creation of treatment courts for veterans. Under Senate Bill 118, these courts would handle cases involving substance abuse or mental illness of current or former military personnel. Veterans' treatment courts could accept participants who meet certain criteria from other jurisdictions when there is not one of these specific treatment courts located where they are charged. Also, these courts would refer various substance abuse and mental health treatments to participants. According to the U.S. Department of Defense, 1 in 5 veterans suffers from substance abuse and behavior health problems, which can result in homelessness, family disintegration, suicide and criminal behavior. With passage of this legislation out of the Senate, I'm proud to stand with my colleagues and offer opportunities for rehabilitation, instead of incarceration, for veterans and Armed Forces service members.

Around the District and Capitol Visitors

I recently attended the Sikeston Chamber of Commerce annual awards banquet. It was great visiting with this group of caring people who work with local governments, civic leaders and outside firms to encourage business relocation and expansion in the Sikeston area. It is obvious they take pride in their community and the work they do to bolster our area and state's economy.

I also met with members of the Bloomfield Chamber of Commerce during their annual banquet. This completely volunteer-only operated organization exists to promote the city of and events in Bloomfield.

In addition, I attended the Three Rivers College ACE Awards last Friday evening. These awards are for the faculty and staff, and the candidates are nominated by fellow staff members.

Congratulations to all award winners — your dedication to your organization and profession is a profound benefit to our communities and state as a whole. Thank you for your selfless service and may your work continue to make a difference for countless Missourians.

Last week, members of the Missouri Folk Arts Program visited the State Capitol to share their special art form. Barbara Culpepper (master quilter) and Peggy Tarrence (apprentice), both from Van Buren in Carter County, displayed their traditional piecework quilts and patterns in the Missouri State Museum. Tuesdays at the Capitol is a collaborative program of the Missouri Folk Arts Program and the State Museum of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. Artists who are participants in the Traditional Arts Apprenticeship Program, performing during these programs are paired with master folk artists to pass traditions on to the next Missouri generation.

Fourth grade students from Holcomb Elementary School visited the State Capitol.

Members of the Dunklin County Court Appointed Special Advocates for children (CASA) also made their way to the Capitol last week. CASA volunteers are child advocates and administrative/special events supporters who are ordinary citizens who do extraordinary work on behalf of children in foster care who need someone to stand up for them, listen to their needs, learn about their situations and help them find permanent and loving homes.

The fourth graders from Holcomb Elementary School also visited Jefferson City. I loved their energy and enthusiasm, and the kids were eager and excited to tour their State Capitol and learn more about state government.

I thank all the visitors from the 25th District who made their way to Jefferson City to advocate for their particular cause and learn more about state government and the legislative process.

For more information on the topics included in this legislative column, please call our office at (573) 751-4843 or visit our website at www.senate.mo.gov/libla, where you will also be able to see a list of my Senate bills filed this session. Thank you for the opportunity to serve you.