Senate Ready to Tackle Second Half of Session
Fresh off spring break, the Missouri Senate has reconvened for the second half of the 2017 legislative session. Now that we have crossed the halfway point, bills will steadily begin to move back and forth between the two chambers as we try to get legislation to the governor’s desk for approval.
By all accounts, these last seven weeks of session are on track to be just as productive and successful as the first 11. On the immediate horizon we will continue to focus on regulatory reform, reviewing and eliminating unnecessary regulations, and judicial reform. In short, we will be using these final weeks to pass legislation that will establish a more business-friendly climate and create well-paying jobs for the people of Missouri. This is a continuation of our work from the first half of session.
Of course, our top priority for these final weeks will be passing a reasonable and responsible budget for Fiscal Year 2018. The 13 appropriations bills that make up the state budget are expected to start arriving from the House, for consideration of the Senate, sometime within the next few weeks. Once the budget is approved by House members, it will be revised in the Senate Appropriations Committee, on which I serve, and then come to the Senate floor for further discussion.
With a limited amount of time remaining, a greater sense of focus and intensity always seems to dominate these last days and weeks of session. This leads to both a flurry of activity and the potential for more intense, heated debate. However, rather than get discouraged or frustrated, I generally look forward to the challenges and opportunities that typically occur at the end of the session. I will continue to advocate for the needs and values of northwest Missouri until the final gavel falls on Friday, May 12 at 6 p.m.
As always, please feel free to call, email, or write with your ideas or concerns. My Capitol office number is (573) 751-1415, my email is dan.hegeman@senate.mo.gov and my mailing address is Room 332, State Capitol Building, Jefferson City, MO 65101.