There are few tasks more difficult in the Missouri Legislature than crafting the state’s budget, which is also the only duty we’re constitutional required to complete each year. It’s a juggling act in many ways, as we try to account for the various priorities, interests and opinions held by the 197 members of the General Assembly.

Over the last week, members from both chambers have met in conference committee to hammer out the differences between the House and Senate versions of the budget. The bills that came out of those hearings made up the budget approved by the Senate and House on Thursday afternoon, one day shy of the Friday deadline.

The final version of the budget reflects the General Assembly’s long-standing support of education in our state, with a $115 million increase in the $3.1 billion already given to K-12 public schools. But, if more optimistic revenue projections hold true, the increase could total $278 million, a significant increase that goes far in making up the shortfall in the school foundation formula.

The budget also increased funding to higher education institutions by $43 million for performance-based funding, a way of appropriating money based on student outcomes to colleges and universities that more and more states are embracing. However, the plan also includes $6 million in equity funding for Missouri’s community colleges.

I’ve always been a staunch advocate for community colleges. These institutions play an incredibly important role in educating our workforce. I was happy to see my colleagues support the increased funding.

Additionally, the budget provides funding for the Joint Committee on MO HealthNet, which was one of the suggestions to come out of our work on Medicaid reform during the interim. The committee will examine Medicaid and make recommendations on the anticipated growth of the program, needed improvements, and anticipated funding needs. I’m hopeful adding more oversight to MO HealthNet can help the Legislature find ways to improve the program and ensure a solvent future.  Lastly, the budget provides funding for dental services under the MO HealthNet program.  The interim committee on Medicaid reform also brought this issue to the forefront also.  The funding will provide dental services to those in need and thereby reduce emergency room visits.

The Fiscal Year 2015 budget will take effect on July 1, 2014.

In other news, two bills I handled this year, have reached the governor’s desk.  House Bill 1201 would require proposed surface mining operations to contact all landowners within a half mile of the project. The bill closes a loophole in current state law so that all citizens in the area of a surface mining operation are aware of what’s taking place.

House Bill 1132 would increase the cap on the Pregnancy Resource Center, Food Pantry and Maternity Home tax credits by $500,000 each.

Both measures are now on the governor’s desk, awaiting his signature to become law.

This week, I was appointed chair of the Joint Committee on Education. It is an honor to be chosen by my fellow committee members. Our children and grandchildren are the future of this state, and I look forward to leading the committee in a direction that will provide more opportunities for all of Missouri’s children.

On Thursday morning the Missouri Lead Industry Employment, Economic Development and Environmental Remediation Task Force, of which I am chairman, met. The group continues to look at ways to support and grow the lead mining industry in Missouri while protecting the state and its citizens.

I was happy to welcome a number of visitors to the Capitol this week, including students from Viburnum School; Jimmy and Joyce Pyles, with their children, Harley and Jason; and Don Thompson, president of First State Community Bank. It was wonderful meeting with you all.

If you plan on stopping by the Capitol, please contact my office.

Sen. Romine’s Sponsored Legislation for 2014

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