Compromising on Transportation
It’s been an eventful week in the Legislature with the Senate Appropriations Committee digging into the details of the state budget and a number of important bills advancing through the legislative process. Most notably, the Senate brought clarity to the question of how Missouri would pay for road repairs in light of the voters’ rejection of increased gas taxes in November.
As originally drafted, Senate Concurrent Resolution 14 authorized the $351 million transportation bonding proposal presented by the governor during his State of the State Address in January. The governor recommended borrowing money to pay for repairs to 250 bridges throughout the state, so that money in the fuels tax-based state road fund could be used for other projects in the Department of Transportation’s work plan.
The bonding authorization legislation was brought before the Senate Tuesday afternoon, but members who favored an alternative plan from the House of Representatives launched a filibuster to block the measure. Senators debated the governor’s proposal until almost 2 a.m. Wednesday, when the resolution was tabled. Negotiations continued throughout the week, and SCR 14 was brought up again Thursday afternoon.
The revised measure trims the bond proposal to $301 million, to be repaid within seven years, instead of the 15-year payback originally envisioned. The substitute bill scales the bridge count back by 35, with a commitment to pay for those projects with general revenue funds. All bridge projects slated for repair or replacement – including seven within the 16th Senatorial District – are still on track, assuming final passage of the measure.
Between the protracted discussions Tuesday night and the final vote to perfect SCR 14 on Thursday, any Senator who wished to voice an opinion on the plan was given an opportunity to speak. In the end, the Senate reached a compromise that addresses the dire need for infrastructure funding without an increase in the gas tax. Once the measure clears the Senate Fiscal Oversight Committee and receives a final vote of approval from the full Senate, it will head to the House of Representatives.
In other legislative action this week, the Senate perfected Senate Joint Resolution 14, which establishes consistent term limits for all statewide elected officials. Currently, Missouri law imposes an eight-year limit on service for the governor, state treasurer, senators and members of the House of Representatives. This resolution, which would require a vote of the people, imposes the same eight-year limit on the lieutenant governor, attorney general, auditor and secretary of state.
Senate Bill 184 revamps the training portion of the Missouri Works economic development program to create an expanded job training program with increased funding. The governor specifically called for the creation of the new One Start program as part of his emphasis on workforce development in Missouri. The measure was perfected by the Senate this week and awaits review by the Fiscal Oversight Committee prior to final passage.
On a more personal note, one of the more interesting things I’ve experienced as a state senator has been the opportunity to review the state budget as a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. By law, budget bills originate in the House of Representatives and are then taken up by the Senate. The Appropriations Committee reviews the budget requests for every state agency and program that receives funding through the Legislature. It’s an eye-opening exercise and one that provides insight into the scope and reach of state government.
Finally, I will mention one more piece of legislation that I advanced this week. Senate Bill 330 creates two new special license plates that motorists can select when registering their vehicles. One plate honors the Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives, while the other recognizes the Missouri Association of Municipal Utilities. A $25 fee for the specialty plates will help fund electric lineman training programs. The Missouri Department of Revenue currently offers more than 150 specialty license plates that honor colleges, sports teams, charitable organizations, professions and military service among many other interests.
It’s my honor to serve as your senator for the 16th District. If you have questions or need any assistance, please call my office at 573-751-5713 or log onto my webpage at https://www.senate.mo.gov/brown for more information.