JEFFERSON CITY—Sen. Gina Walsh, D-Bellefontaine Neighbors, was reappointed yesterday, Jan. 13, to the Senate Appropriations Committee, which is responsible for creating the Senate’s version of the state’s annual budget. Passing the state budget is the only constitutionally required duty of the Missouri General Assembly. The committee will begin its work this year with a hearing to consider public testimony, next Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2015. Please see additional details below.

“Approving the state budget is one of the most important tasks the Legislature undertakes each year,” said Sen. Walsh. “It’s an incredible responsibility, and one I do not take lightly, to know that my colleagues and I on the committee are helping to decide where and how taxpayer money will be invested. It’s truly a privilege to serve on the Appropriations Committee, and I’m honored by the reappointment.”

In addition to the Appropriations Committee, Senator Walsh was appointed as Vice-Chair of the Senate Progress and Development Committee, which considers and reports on bills and matters concerning the changing issues relating to human welfare. She will also serve on the Senate Administration Committee, which controls the financial obligations and business affairs of the Senate; the Senate Rules, Joint Rules, Resolutions and Ethics Committee, which reviews matters relating to ethics and the conduct of public officials and employees, among other duties; and the Senate Small Business, Insurance and Industry Committee, which considers legislation relating to the ownership and operation of small businesses, different forms of insurance, and labor management, among other issues.

Senator Walsh will also be serving as the Assistant Minority Floor Leader of the 98th General Assembly. She was elected to the position by her peers on Thursday, Nov. 6, 2014. Senator Walsh previously served as Minority Caucus Secretary during the 97th General Assembly.

For more information on Sen. Walsh’s committee assignments and her sponsored legislation for the 2015 session, visit her Missouri Senate website at www.senate.mo.gov/walsh.

– Hearing Notice –

Appropriations Committee Hearing
Date: Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2015
Time: Noon
Place: Capitol Building, First Floor, Senate Committee Room 2

Due to a limited amount of time, persons interested in testifying on issues related to the above-mentioned departments should contact the Senate Appropriations Staff by the end of the day, Friday, Jan. 16, 2015. Call toll free at (866) 475-6083 or e-mail at public.testimony@senate.mo.gov.
Provide the testifier's name, organization (if any) and the subject matter. Testimony will be limited to three minutes. Fifteen copies of the testimony are recommended. One witness per organization will be allowed. For ADA accommodations, please contact (573) 751-4663 or (573) 751-3969 (TDD).