For Immediate Release:
Jan. 21, 2014
Lawmakers in Upper Chamber Prepare for
State of the State Address

JEFFERSON CITY — Members of the General Assembly begin planning for the next fiscal year budget long before the governor outlines his fiscal priorities in his annual State of the State address each year. 

Article IV, Section 9, in the Missouri Constitution states, “The governor shall, at the commencement of each session of the general assembly, at the close of his term of office, and at such other times as he may deem necessary, give to the general assembly information as to the state of the government, and shall recommend to its consideration such measures as he shall deem necessary and expedient.  On extraordinary occasions he may convene the general assembly by proclamation, wherein he shall state specifically each matter on which action is deemed necessary.”

In mid-December, lawmakers who serve on budget committees in the Senate and House gathered to shape the Fiscal Year 2015 state operating budget, determining the general revenue estimate.  This figure helps all involved in the budgetary process estimate how much Missouri will have on hand between July 1, 2014, and June 30, 2015, based on projections, models, and research.  However, the General Assembly and the highest member of the executive branch could not agree on an estimate figure for FY 2015.

Senate President Pro Tem Tom Dempsey, R-St. Charles,  appointed Sen. Shalonn “Kiki” Curls, D-Kansas City; Sen. Joseph Keaveny, D-St. Louis; Sen. Brad Lager, R-Savannah; Sen. Brian Munzlinger, R-Williamstown; Sen. Scott T. Rupp, R-Wentzville; Sen. Kurt Schaefer, R-Columbia; Sen. Eric Schmitt, R-Glendale; Sen. Scott Sifton, D-St. Louis; and Sen. Gina Walsh, D-Bellefontaine Neighbors, as members of the Senate escort committee.  More than half of these senators are members of the Senate Appropriations Committee, chaired by Sen. Schaefer. 

The first meeting of the Senate Appropriations Committee is scheduled for tomorrow, Jan. 22, upon Senate morning adjournment in Senate Committee Room 2.  Members will review the governor’s recommendations for the 2015 fiscal year, examine FY 2014 supplemental recommendations, and discuss FY 2015 statewide issues.  Additional Appropriations Committee hearings can be found by visiting www.senate.mo.gov and clicking on the “Senate” link under “Hearings,” or clicking here: http://www.senate.mo.gov/hearingsschedule/hrings.htm.

The Senate and House of Representatives will convene in a joint session at 7:00 p.m. tonight (1-21) to receive the State of the State address from the governor.  Citizens can listen to the live address by visiting www.senate.mo.gov and clicking on the “House” link under “Live Debate.”