The first legislation to go to the governor passed through the Legislature this week. The Missouri Senate approved House Bill 14 on Feb. 22. House Bill 14 is a supplemental budget for the current fiscal year, which began on July 1 of last year and will end this coming June 30.

The supplemental includes an 8.7% pay increase for state employees, with an extra increase for those employees who work for our correctional facilities and mental health institutions. Like so many businesses, the state is having a hard time finding qualified people to work at these essential places. I would also like to stress this raise does not include members of the General Assembly.

The supplemental budget also includes $20 million that would go to grants for safety improvements at our schools, which could help many of our rural school districts.

I am honored to serve as your senator in the Missouri Senate. If, at any time, you have questions, concerns or ideas regarding state government, please feel free to contact me at (573) 751-8793 or Sandy.Crawford@senate.mo.gov.