On Thursday morning, the Veterans’ Affairs and Health Committee concluded the third hearing on Senate Bill 739, legislation I’m sponsoring this year to reform Missouri’s Medicaid program. The measure is actually a combination of recommendations we heard during the Senate Interim Committee on Medicaid Transformation and Reform last year.

During numerous hours of testimony, we heard from various witnesses on how strengthening the MO HealthNet system is an immediate issue. The program’s costs continue to grow, yet participants have not seen an improvement in the delivery or quality of services provided. We have to reform the program so it is financially sustainable and meets the needs of the Missourians it serves.

Senate Bill 739 is truly a bipartisan effort, a measure created with input from all sides of the issue, from health care providers to participants in the system.  I’d like to thank the interim committee members and my colleagues for their work on one of the most pressing issues before us this year.

The Financial and Governmental Organizations and Elections Committee held a hearing on Tuesday, March 4, on Senate Bill 782. The bill, which I’m sponsoring, would allow an individual with certification from the American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence to obtain teacher certification in elementary education.

Teaching is one of the noblest of careers. There are few things more important to educating the future leaders of our state. One of the best ways we can improve the education system in Missouri is by attracting quality teachers.

My legislation would allow people who have earned a degree in another field, but who are no longer working in that industry, to become certified as Missouri teachers. It’s an alternative route to becoming a teacher in Missouri. Studies have shown that these educators bring valuable real-world experience to the classroom.

I have the utmost respect for the teachers of this state and we need to be looking at innovative ways to attract more qualified candidates to the teaching profession. My legislation is a way to do that. I hope it’s given due consideration in the General Assembly, especially with our recent focus on educational issues in Missouri.

I was happy to welcome a number of visitors to the Capitol this week, including Pam Klipsch and Karen Duree of the Jefferson County Library, and Kathy Condon-Boettcher of the Festus Public Library; Alderman Alvin Sutton of Desloge; Carl Kinsky, the prosecuting attorney for Ste. Genevieve County; Steve Grider, the Recorder of Deeds for St. Francois County; Greg Camp, the City Administrator of Desloge; the Kleppe family from Farmington, including Kory, Juli, Van and Max, advocating for greater awareness and research in hemophilia; and representatives from the Music Therapists Association. 

Sen. Romine’s Sponsored Legislation for 2014

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