The 2020 Legislative Session Is Underway
State lawmakers recently returned to the Capitol in Jefferson City for the start of another legislative session. Hundreds of bills have been filed, and many are now beginning to head to committees for further consideration. In fact, I presented two of my legislative priorities in committee this past week.
On Jan. 21, I presented Senate Bill 581 to the Senate’s Ways and Means committee. This legislation establishes the “Show Me a Brighter Future Scholarship Program,” which is a tax credit program to provide scholarships to low-income students in underperforming schools. Individuals and corporations will be able to donate to the fund and receive a tax credit for their donations. Money in the fund will then go toward providing tuition assistance for low-income students to attend better schools. I believe this legislation gives students a chance at a quality education without being denied because of the cost, and at the same time, saves the Foundation Formula those dollars.
I also presented Senate Bill 580 to the Senate’s Seniors, Families and Children Committee. Also known as the Long-Term Dignity Act, this bill allows Missourians to create a long-term care savings account to help cover the costs associated with long-term care expenses. With life expectancy increasing, so are the number of people suffering from medical conditions that typically come later life, such as Alzheimer’s disease, cardiac disease, mobility issues and more. Whether they have a hereditary predisposition or not, SB 580 allows individuals to prepare for tomorrow by saving today.
As the General Assembly continues working through the legislative process, the governor recently presented his priorities for the upcoming year. During his annual State of the State Address, the governor highlighted the success we’ve had in the area of workforce and economic development. Missouri’s unemployment rate remains at a historic low, and businesses are investing throughout the state. Missourians are taking advantage of the workforce development programs we rolled out last session, such as the One Start Program and the Fast-Track scholarship program. The governor encouraged continued support of these programs and others to ensure students leave school with the skills they need to succeed in the workforce. I look forward to working with the governor and my colleagues in the Legislature to keep Missouri moving in the right direction.
Lastly, I would like to make my constituents aware of a unique scholarship opportunity. Missouri Assistive Technology (MAT) is now offering scholarships to help individuals attend the Power Up 2020 Conference on March 30 and 31 in Columbia, Missouri. Individuals with a disability and families with an individual with a disability are encouraged to apply. Applications must be received by MAT offices no later than noon on Feb. 7, 2020. Applications can be submitted by emailing Adminassist@mo-at.org; by fax to 816-655-6710; or by physical mail to 1501 NW Jefferson St., Blue Springs, MO 64015. For more information, please visit at.mo.gov.
Please feel free to contact my office in Jefferson City at (573) 751-1464. For information about committees or sponsored legislation for the 2020 session, please visit my official Missouri Senate website at senate.mo.gov/Cierpiot.