Volume 1, Issue 5 – The Week of Feb. 18, 2019
Investing in the Future of Missouri
On the floor this week, the Missouri Senate discussed Senate Bill 16. This bill creates the Fast-Track Workforce Incentive Grant, one of the governor’s main workforce development initiatives. This legislation is about equipping individuals with the skills they need to succeed in high-in-demand jobs. It would allow eligible individuals to apply for a grant to help pay for advanced training at one of our state’s public colleges and universities. I believe this bill has the ability to empower Missourians and get them into areas where employees are critically needed. There was a great deal of discussion on this issue, with several amendments being added on the floor. At the end of the day, SB 16 was laid over and is pending further debate. I look forward to returning to this legislation and working to pass it out of the chamber in the near future.
In the Senate’s Rules, Joint Rules, Resolutions and Ethics Committee, we discussed an issue that hits close to home for the 4th Senatorial District. Senate Concurrent Resolution 1 states that the Missouri General Assembly opposes any statewide vote or legislative mandate regarding the potential merger between St. Louis City and St. Louis County. This proposal does not take a stance on the Better Together proposal itself, but rather supports local control in determining the future of the St. Louis area without the input of the state as a whole. Over a dozen witnesses spoke in favor of SCR 1 and its support of local control. I believe local control is incredibly important on this issue, and I support this resolution.
Lastly, I would like to update you on legislation we discussed last week. The Senate’s Seniors, Families and Children Committee approved Senate Bill 76, which places work and community engagement requirements on individuals, ages 19 to 64, in order for them to remain part of MO HealthNet, our state’s Medicaid program. I voted against this legislation, believing it has the potential to harm Missourians. Senate Bill 76 now heads to the Senate floor for further consideration. Once SB 76 comes up for debate before the full Senate, I look forward to standing up and voicing my opposition to this legislation.
Thank you for your interest in the legislative process. I look forward to hearing from you on the issues that are important to you this legislative session. If there is anything my office can do for you, please do not hesitate to contact my office at (573) 751-3599.