Jefferson City — State Sen. Lincoln Hough, R-Springfield, today issued a statement relating to the governor signing House Bill 14, a supplemental budget for the current fiscal year:

“Thank you to my colleagues for finishing this in a timely manner. The cost-of-living adjustment for state employees that is included is an incredible step in the right direction. This adjustment proves that the state of Missouri is grateful for the tiresome and difficult work provided by our veterans homes’ nursing staff, corrections employees and behavioral health staff, along with many others.

“I would like to thank the governor for including funding to tackle the newly arising, yet sweeping, problem of invasive black vultures. These birds are killing our cattle and destroying property.

"I’m proud that my colleagues were able to forgo raising their own pay to focus on increasing the wages of our critical employees. Missouri’s prosperity is historical, and it’s a perfect opportunity to make lasting, cemented change.”