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2015 End of Session
Capitol Report
Contact:
Janson Thomas—(573) 751-2420

Legislation Sent to Governor

Missouri's FY 2016 $26 Billion Budget

Status of Sen. Walsh's 2015 Legislation

Free Summer Lunches for Children

Summer Safety Tips

"Road to Tomorrow" Initiative

Gubernatorial Appointment

Visitors to the Capitol

Legislation Sent to Governor

The First Regular Session of the 98th General Assembly officially ended at 6 p.m. on Friday, May 15. This session, your Missouri lawmakers diligently worked to send more than 150 bills to the governor for his consideration. As of this report, roughly 24 of those measures are set to become law. For the remaining bills, the governor has the option of signing them, vetoing them or taking no action and allowing them to become law.

Several pieces of legislation I sponsored or co-sponsored this session were successfully passed by the Legislature and are among those currently waiting for the governor’s consideration.

Shown above, Sen. Walsh discusses legislation on the Senate floor
during the 2015 session.

Senate Bill 435 conveys two acres of land from the State of Missouri to St. Louis County, so that St. Louis County Parks can build a standard shelter at the location. This location is near an existing county park where the Nature Conservatory and the Friends of Fort Belle Fontaine Park host an annual Eagle Watch Day and Harvest Hay Rides at the historic and natural site overlooking the Missouri River in North St. Louis County. The Division of Youth Services (DYS) has a facility nearby, the Missouri Hills Youth Center, and this bill recognizes the special relationship that exists between the Missouri Hills Home and the adjacent park. DYS will continue to use the park for the children, and I am very supportive of this relationship.

I filed several measures this session establishing public education days. One of those is Senate Concurrent Resolution 4, which recognizes every Sept. 26 as Mesothelioma Awareness Day. Mesothelioma is a form of cancer most often caused by asbestos, which affects the smooth lining of the chest, lungs, heart and abdomen. The layer of tissue surrounding these organs is made up of mesothelial cells, hence the name mesothelioma. For over a decade now, the national Mesothelioma Awareness Day has been the driving force behind the movement to bring more attention and funding for a cure to this deadly cancer.

I also filed Senate Bill 277, legislation designating the month of November as "Epilepsy Awareness Month." Epilepsy is the fourth most common neurological disorder, affecting more than 2 million Americans of all ages. It’s characterized by recurring, unpredictable seizures and can lead to other health problems. Epilepsy Awareness Month seeks to promote research for a cure, raise awareness about epilepsy, improve how people with epilepsy are perceived and ensure that people with seizures are able to participate in all of life’s experiences. While SB 277 did not ultimately pass, an identical House version did and I was happy to carry the bill through the process in the Senate.

I also handled House Bill 88 in the Senate. The measure designates July 3 of each year as “Organ Donor Recognition Day.” According to organdonor.gov, more than 123,000 people are currently waiting for an organ, 21 people will die each day waiting for an organ and a person is added to the donor waiting list every 10 minutes. While these are very powerful statistics, I believe the most important one you’ll find is this: one organ donor can save up to eight lives. Choosing to register as an organ donor is quite possibly one of the easiest, most meaningful decisions a person can make. Not only does organ donation save lives and give hope to those facing serious illnesses, it can also provide a sense of healing and purpose to the friends and families of loved ones who have passed.

Also this session, the Legislature successfully passed House Bill 137, a measure ending the practice commonly known as “pay to play” in Missouri. I co-sponsored similar legislation in the Senate. In 2009, language was passed requiring state fee offices to institute a competitive bidding process, and language was added directing that special consideration would be given to nonprofit groups that would invest the money back into the community. In response, the Missouri Department of Revenue (DOR) created a system that awards points to a bidder if they agree to give a portion of their profits back to the state — essentially establishing a pay-to-play system within the bidding process.

Under HB 137, DOR must follow bidding procedures as defined in state law, and no points will be awarded for a return-to-the state bid offer. The measure also clarifies who is given special consideration in a fee office bid. It includes 501(c)(4) organizations, with the exception of dark money political action entities. Additionally, special consideration will be given to organizations and entities that reinvest a minimum of 75 percent of their net proceeds to charitable organizations in Missouri.

House Bill 137 accomplishes several goals: it clarifies the law’s original intent of removing politics from the bidding process; it reinforces the idea that we primarily want to see local, nonprofits running these offices and investing their profits back into the communities they serve; and it further prevents dark money political organizations from participating in the bidding process.

Putting an end to the practice of pay-to-play has been a priority of mine all session, and I’m proud we were able to get this measure to the governor’s desk. House Bill 137 contains an emergency clause, so the provisions of the bill will immediately go into effect upon receiving the governor’s signature.

Missouri's FY 2016 $26 Billion Budget

In April, the General Assembly completed its work on the state's $26.1 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2016, fulfilling its only constitutionally required duty. The budget was crafted with a surplus to help keep spending under control and continue to provide adequate funding for the state’s vital programs. The Senate Appropriations Committee, of which I’m a member, focused on creating a budget that increases funding for education and ensures public money is spent wisely. I firmly believe government should be a constructive partner by investing in solving problems.

Funding for K–12 education will increase by $84 million, and higher education will see a $12 million increase — both areas receiving more than the governor recommended. The budget will also provide an additional $2 million for the A+ Schools Program and $5.4 million for equity funding for community colleges.

Specifically relating to state funding for North St. Louis County Schools:

  • The Hazelwood School District will see a $1,844,524 increase, for a total of $57,718,600;
  • The Ferguson-Florissant R-II School District will receive an additional $1,127,107, for a total of $41,305,496;
  • The School District of Jennings will see an increase of $416,659, for a total of $15,270,007; and
  • The Riverview Gardens School District will receive an additional $967,391, for a total of $35,453,150.

St. Louis Community College will receive $5,245,143 for repairs and renovations, including updating science labs and new finishes for ceilings, floors and walls.

The St. Louis Veterans Home has been allocated $17,370,768: a $265,009 (1.55 percent) increase over FY 2015 funding. The funds will go toward the design and construction of a new storage building; installation of electronic medical records; and repairs, replacements and improvements at state veterans’ homes and state veterans’ cemeteries.

The Bellefontaine Habilitation Center will receive $16,504,176, part of which will be used for HVAC work. The funding will be used to replace pneumatic HVAC controls with direct digital controls and replace variable air volume units. The facility is currently unable to maintain a stable indoor climate due to obsolete pneumatic controls.

The Division of Youth Services (DYS) is the state agency charged with the care and treatment of youth committed to its custody. Services include assessment, care and treatment, and education of all youth committed to its care. DYS operates treatment programs ranging from non-residential day treatment centers through secure residential institutions, including the Missouri Hills Youth Center in North St. Louis County. For FY 2016, the Missouri Hills Youth Center will receive $1,595,780 to be used for various renovations, HVAC system replacement and roof replacement.

The Legislature also committed $3 million in grants for the Waterways Program to provide planning assistance to port authorities, as well as $700,000 for the Amtrak operating expansion. $28 million more in funding will go toward the Victims of Crime Act and an additional $20 million will go to SEMA disaster funding.

Fiscal Year 2016 will run from July 1, 2015, to June 30, 2016.
Status of Sen. Walsh's 2015 Legislation

The final status of my sponsored bills for the 2015 legislative session is as follows:

Senate Bill 120 Requires law enforcement agencies to adopt written policies for investigating officer-involved deaths and modifies provisions related to victims' rights. Referred to the Senate Transportation, Infrastructure and Public Safety Committee.
Senate Bill 121 Allows third and fourth class cities to adopt certain ordinances relating to residential rental property. Referred to the Senate Jobs, Economic Development and Local Government Committee.
Senate Bill 122 Establishes a Health Care Directives Registry. Passed by the Senate; hearing conducted in the House Health and Mental Health Policy Committee.
Senate Bill 130 Creates a right to unpaid leave for employees that are affected by domestic violence. Passed by the Senate Small Business, Insurance and Industry Committee.
Senate Bill 211 Allows human trafficking victims to participate in the address confidentiality program administered by the Secretary of State. Passed by the Senate; on the House Calendar for Third Reading.
Senate Bill 212 Adds an element to the crime of aggravated or first degree stalking. Bill combined with SBs 112, 212, 143 and 234.
Senate Bill 276 Designates the third Thursday in November as the "Great American Smokeout Day." Passed by the Senate; defeated in the House.
Senate Bill 277 Designates the month of November as "Epilepsy Awareness Month." Passed by the Senate; on the House Calendar for Third Reading.
Senate Bill 435 Allows the governor to convey the state's interest in specified property owned by the state in St. Louis County to the county. Delivered to the governor.
Senate Bill 436 Modifies a provision relating to electrical contractor licenses issued by political subdivisions. Hearing conducted in the Senate Jobs, Economic Development and Local Government Committee.
Senate Bill 437 Modifies provisions relating to the sales taxes in St. Louis County. Hearing conducted in the Senate Jobs, Economic Development and Local Government Committee.
Senate Concurrent Resolution 4 Recognizes every Sept. 26 as Mesothelioma Awareness Day. Signed by the governor.
Free Summer Lunches for Children

During the school year, public assistance provides students from low-income families with free or reduced-priced meals at school. For many of the thousands of children who depend on this support, these are the only hot, nutritious meals they’ll get all day.

Education experts say the public’s assistance program allows kids to become better learners and is an important part of providing a quality education. While I certainly agree, I also believe the main reason we provide these meals as a state and nation should be much simpler: in a modern 21st century nation such as the United States, with incredible amounts of wealth and excess, no child should ever go hungry.

Unfortunately, many children are faced with hunger when school releases for the summer. In an effort to ensure these students continue to have access to food, the U.S. Department of Agriculture funds summer nutrition programs to supplement the free meals students receive during the school year. Missouri’s Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) is available to children ages 0 through 18 whose family incomes are less than or equal to 185 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines; and to income-eligible adults over 18 years of age who have been determined by a state educational agency to have a disability and who participate in a school-based program for the disabled during the year.

To find a summer food site near you, click here or call (888) 435-1464. For more information,
visit www.dhss.mo.gov.
Summer Safety Tips

Summertime means school is out, swimming, barbecues, sunshine, the outdoors and so much more. Whether you’re planning a beach vacation or a camping trip, it’s important to be aware of the potential dangers summer months can bring. Here are just a few tips to make sure you and your family have a fun and safe summer:

  • Closely watch those who are at high risk of heat-related illness, including young children, older adults and individuals with physical or mental illnesses;
  • Drink plenty of water, even if you do not feel thirsty (check with your doctor if you are normally supposed to limit your fluids);
  • The American Red Cross website provides detailed information to prepare your home and family in the event of a disaster or emergency, as well as great tips on a wide range of topics, such as water safety and pet safety.
    Never leave anyone or any pet in a parked vehicle as the temperature inside your vehicle can increase by almost 20 degrees in just 10 minutes;
  • Summer weather can be unpredictable, with the chance of wildfires, tornadoes and more. It’s important to be aware of pending weather conditions. Visit the National Weather Service to subscribe to weather and emergency alerts;
  • Using the correct insect repellent, along with other preventive actions, can discourage ticks, mosquitoes and other insects from biting you;
  • When starting a campfire or grill in a woodland area, never build a campfire under overhanging branches or trees, clear a 10-foot area of grass and pine needles, and keep plenty of water available and have a shovel ready;
  • Always swim with a buddy; do not allow anyone to swim alone; and
  • Never leave a young child unattended near water, and do not trust a child’s life to another child; teach children to always ask permission to go near water.

For a more complete list, click here or visit the Missouri Department of Natural Resources website at www.dnr.mo.gov.

"Road to Tomorrow" Initiative

Interstate 70 in Missouri runs for 251 miles border to border; it carries more than 31 million tons of freight annually, with a value of more than $59 billion; and 19 percent of the state’s businesses and 25 percent of the state’s jobs are located within three miles of it. From shipping goods to commuting to work, and so much more, these statistics provide just a snapshot of the critical role I-70 already plays in Missouri. The time has now come to discover how that role might become even bigger in the future, taking on a new life that will carry Missouri and the rest of the country into the coming decades, the next century and beyond.

The following is an excerpt currently posted on MoDOT’s website about a new initiative the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission (MHTC) has announced, called the “Road to Tomorrow.” The initiative’s goal is to make I-70 in Missouri available to the nation and the world as the laboratory to construct the next generation of highways:

"Missouri has always been at the vanguard of America's transportation system. From the earliest days of the nation’s westward expansion to the first length of the nation's interstate highway network, the Show-Me State has led the way.

And now it is time to lead again.

We are just now getting a glimpse of the new technologies that could serve as the basis for future highways. Innovations like GPS systems, autonomous vehicles, alternative fuels, new construction materials and computer-enhanced "smart" roads are changing the way we travel. We must build on this rising tide of new technology.

It is time to reach out to the world and gather the ingenuity, innovation and imagination it will take to build the transportation system of the future.

The MHTC has issued a call for private industry, entrepreneurs and innovators to bring their products and ideas to the birthplace of the interstate highway and collaborate with MoDOT to build the first section of the highway of the future. It’s only appropriate that the re-birth of the interstate highway begin at its birthplace. We invite industry, institutions and individuals to reach out with their ideas."

To start building the “Road to Tomorrow,” please click here or visit MoDOT’s website at www.modot.org.
Sen. Walsh Sponsors 13th District Gubernatorial Appointee
Shown above, Sen. Walsh with Dr. Jade James
(to the immediate left of the senator) during the Gubernatorial Appointments Committee Hearing on Wednesday, April 29, 2015.

In April, I had the honor of sponsoring Dr. Jade James, a board certified OB/GYN physician, to serve on the State Board for the Registration of the Healing Arts. Dr. James is the deputy director of the St. Louis County Department of Health, as well as its director of research and medical services. She also is the OB/GYN department chair at SSM DePaul Health Center and has been practicing medicine in the St. Louis area since 2002.

Dr. James is a member of the Mound City Medical Forum and the National Medical Association. She is also a board member of the Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri, mentoring girls by building character and self-esteem, and serving their communities. Active in her community, Dr. James serves as president of the Riverview West Florissant Development Corporation.

Throughout Missouri, hundreds of dedicated men and women are helping move our state forward through their service on one of the more than 200 public boards and commissions in Missouri. For more information on Missouri’s boards and commissions, please visit www.boards.mo.gov.

Visitors to the Capitol

 

Shown above, Sen. Walsh meets with 7th grade students from Salem Lutheran School during their visit to the Capitol on Wednesday, April 1, 2015.
Shown above, Sen. Walsh meets with 4th and 5th grade students from St. Norbert School during their visit to the Capitol on Wednesday, April 15, 2015.
Shown above, Sen. Walsh meets with 7th grade students from St. Angela Merici School during their visit to the Capitol on Wednesday, April 22, 2015.