From Conservation to Education, Senate Considers Wide Range of Legislation
Legislative News
This week the Senate considered a wide array of legislation, including measures pertaining to career and technical education (CTE) in the Show-Me State, emergency medical treatment and the Conservation Commission.
On Wednesday we began debate on Senate Bill 620, establishing minimum graduation requirements for a career and technical education (CTE) certificate that a student can earn in addition to their high school diploma. The measure also changes the composition of the Career and Technical Education Advisory Council so the commissioner of education, not the governor, appoints the council’s eleven members and expands the council to include two senators and two representatives.
Providing students with both technical and core academic skills, CTE is an important piece of our education system. In addition, students who earn CTE certificates tend to have a wider range of options upon leaving high school; they can choose to start their careers, continue on with their technical education or attend a two- or four-year college or university. Having a strong network of CTE programs is also a win for Missouri’s economy, as it produces a highly skilled workforce. If signed into law, students entering high school in the 2017-2018 school year and thereafter will be eligible for a CTE certificate.
Senate Bill 677 increases emergency access to life-saving medical treatment by establishing requirements for authorized entities to stock epinephrine (EPI) auto-injectors. Much as the expanded availability of Automated External Defibrillators helps save the lives of individuals experiencing sudden cardiac arrest, greater access to EPI auto-injectors can do the same for those having a life-threatening allergic reaction, or anaphylaxis.
An “authorized entity” includes, but is not limited to restaurants, recreation camps, youth sports leagues, amusement parks and sports arenas. Public schools and public charter schools are not considered authorized entities. The measure specifies required training and the procedures for making auto-injectors available to individuals other than trained persons. It also requires all basic life support ambulances and stretcher vans to be equipped with auto-injectors and staffed by at least one person trained in their use. The Senate perfected SB 677 on Wednesday.
Currently, the Missouri Constitution requires the Conservation Commission to be comprised of four members. Appointed by the governor, these individuals must possess a knowledge of and interest in wildlife conservation, and no more than two members can belong to the same political party. From developing the Conservation Department’s policies to deciding how to allocate its $170 million annual budget, the four members who make up the commission wield a significant amount of influence and power.
Although the commissioners aim to serve all of Missouri, the simple fact is that each of them only calls one region of the state home. Right now, the four members are from three parts of the state: central Missouri, southeastern Missouri and St. Louis. Senate Joint Resolution 19 creates the opportunity for a better geographical representation to exist within the commission by increasing the total number of commissioners from four to six, with no more than three members belonging to the same political party.
Through SJR 19 we hope to bring greater awareness to the geographically diverse conservation needs of our entire state and provide the public with improved access to the commission. Because SJR 19 seeks to amend the Missouri Constitution, the measure will go to a vote of the people if it is approved by the Legislature.
Senate Spouses Offer Time and Efforts to Improve the Community
In a city that runs full steam ahead from January to May, we often miss the important efforts happening quietly behind the scene. This year, the Senate has formed a team of highly qualified “helpers” who are offering their time to make the Jefferson City community a little bit better.
Once a month, a bipartisan group of Senate spouses are gathering in the Capitol city to volunteer at different organizations. While their spouses are working on bills, they are putting together food and supplies to help those down on their luck become more self-sufficient and independent.
The idea began last fall when some of the Senate spouses got together and decided there were some positives ways they could give back to the community. They initially sought out resources to help the St. Raymond’s Society, and the efforts grew.
This month, the group gathered at Dreams to Reality on Jefferson Street to coordinate outfits, clothing, and jewelry. The organization supports women in transition by providing interview and work attire so they can be confident and prepared for career and job opportunities. Next stop on the list was packing meals for families at The Pantry. The Pantry is an organization that not only provides the food, but volunteers teach families how to prepare those healthy and delicious meals. Lastly, the team of volunteers made a stop at the St. Raymond’s Society. St. Raymond’s supports mothers who have chosen life for their child. They provide resources to help support the family after the baby is born by helping the mother become self-reliant and having the security of a stable home.
For those who could not make this month’s trip, many have chosen to donate diapers or money to help the cause. The team of spouses said not only is this a good way to give back to the community, but it’s a great morale building activity.
For more information on Dreams to Reality, go to www.dreamstoreality-jc.org. For more information on The Pantry, visit https://www.facebook.com/thepantryjc/ or www.thepantryjc.org. For more information on the St. Raymond’s Society, go to www.srshelp.org.
Contact Me
I always appreciate hearing your comments, opinions and concerns. Please feel free to contact me in Jefferson City at (573) 751-2173. You may write to me at Senator Ron Richard, Missouri Senate, State Capitol, 201 W. Capitol Ave., Rm. 326, Jefferson City, MO 65101; e-mail me at ron.richard@senate.mo.gov or visit me on the Web at www.senate.mo.gov/richard.