JEFFERSON CITY —State Senator Gina Walsh, D-Bellefontaine Neighbors, was recently appointed to the Senate Appropriations Committee, which is responsible for crafting the Senate’s version of the state’s annual budget. The committee will begin meeting next week to hear testimony from various state departments on funding needs for the upcoming fiscal year.

“It’s a privilege to serve on the Appropriations Committee, and I’m honored by the appointment,” said Sen. Walsh. “Approving the state budget is one of the most important tasks the Legislature undertakes each year. As we make decisions regarding taxpayer dollars, it’s critical we maintain funding for the departments and programs that help those in our state who need it most. As the senator for the 13th District, one of my top priorities will be securing funding for the Bellefontaine Habilitation Center and the St. Louis Veterans Home, two facilities that provide quality care to Missourians in our area and from all over the state.”

Senator Walsh was also appointed to the Senate Rules, Joint Rules, Resolutions and Ethics Committee, which reviews matters relating to ethics and the conduct of public officials and employees, among other duties.

“Since the Missouri Supreme Court’s decision last year, legislators have been operating in a political environment almost devoid of ethics rules,” said Sen. Walsh. “This is incredibly dangerous to our democratic process, and it undermines the public’s faith in its elected officials. I’m looking forward to working with the members on the committee as we consider legislation that will re-establish some of those important rules.”

Senator Walsh has fought for strengthening Missouri’s ethics rules throughout her career in the General Assembly. Later this month, she plans to file legislation criminalizing the obstruction of an ethics investigation in certain circumstances.

Additionally, Sen. Walsh will serve on the Commerce, Consumer Protection, Energy and the Environment Committee, which reports on bills relating to the development of state commerce, protecting Missouri’s consumers, the development and conservation of energy resources, and other matters relating to environmental preservation; the Progress and Development Committee, which examines bills concerning the changing or maintenance of issues relating to human welfare; and the Small Business, Insurance and Industry Committee, which considers legislation relating to the ownership and operation of small businesses, different forms of insurance, and labor management, among other duties.

For more information on Sen. Walsh’s committee assignments and her sponsored legislation for the 2013 session, visit her Missouri Senate website at www.senate.mo.gov/walsh.