Missouri was hit again this week with severe snowstorms.  Snow accumulation throughout the state varied from one to 14 inches, and many still suffer loss of power due to the heavy accumulation of snow on trees and power lines.  Thank you to all emergency personnel who responded to the storm and continue to help our citizens.

For future reference, click here or visit the Missouri Department of Transportation’s website at www.modot.mo.gov to see a map of road conditions throughout the state.

Shown above, the snow-covered Capitol following a winter storm. Photo courtesy of House Communications.

On Wednesday (2-27), the Education Committee voted Senate Bill 193, legislation I filed regarding gifted education, out of committee.  This bill now awaits placement on the Senate calendar for floor debate.

The Appropriations Committee heard Senate Joint Resolution 3 on Wednesday.  The measure would permit the Board of Fund Commissioners to issue bonds in the amount of up to $950 million.  Up to $250 million of the bond proceeds would provide funds for constructing state buildings, facilities and projects, with at least $40 million dollars of the $250 million allocated to the maintenance of parks and park facilities. The bonds would also provide funds for the construction, renovation and rebuilding of higher education buildings. At least 15 percent of the bond proceeds must be allocated to community colleges.   This bill was voted out of committee and now awaits placement on the Senate calendar for floor debate.

Next week—weather permitting—the Appropriations Committee will complete the departments’ presentations of their budgets.  On schedule next week are the Department of Social Services, the Department of Health and Senior Services, the Department of Corrections, Capital Improvements, Maintenance and Repair, and Reappropriations.

On Thursday (2-28), the Missouri Division of Tourism hosted its legislative day in the Capitol Rotunda.  Many senators and representatives participated in the event.  Remember to check Visit Missouri at www.visitmo.com this year for vacation ideas!  In addition, the Gifted Association of Missouri (GAM) held an event in the Capitol Rotunda with guest speakers for the students.

Thursday (2-28) was the last day in the Senate to introduce bills.  I filed the following bills:

• Senate Bill 462, which relates to fees for garnishments;
• Senate Bill 463, regarding county ordinances establishing minimum standards for residential occupancy;
• Senate Bill 464, relating to revenue bonds for public projects;
• Senate Bill 465, which creates a tax amnesty period;
• Senate Bill 466, which requires all donation receptacles to provide the name and contact information of the owner;
• Senate Bill 467, relating to tobacco; and
• Senate Bill 468, which has to do with local hospital districts.  I will provide more detail on these bills in future newsletters.

You can also visit my Senate website at www.senate.mo.gov/schaefer for more information.

The True/False Festival will be in Columbia Feb. 28 thru March 3.  True/False is celebrating its tenth year and is known for showing great documentaries.  More information on the festival can be found here or by visiting www.truefalse.org

Did you know…..?

Missouri's first woman state senator, Mary Gant, served from 1972 until 1980.