Bill White: Budget will be focus for legislature during next couple of weeks

(From Sen. Bill White, R-Joplin)

Legislators returned to Jefferson City following six weeks of teleworking to finish the final weeks of the 2020 legislative session.

From my perspective, this past week was not business as usual in the halls of the Capitol; however, this week did mark the return of numerous committee meetings and floor debate in the Senate chamber.

One noted change was at the Capitol’s entrance where members of the Missouri National Guard (MONG) were stationed to screen lawmakers, staff, lobbyists and visitors for viral symptoms and possible exposure. 

I gladly welcomed the sight of my quiet, sanitized Capitol office, messages in my inbox about scheduled committee hearings, notes on my desk about possible bill substitutions and even the partially hidden, mask-clad faces of my colleagues in the Senate Chamber!

Most of the bills that had scheduled hearings this week have been passed by the other chamber.

While legislation continues to be discussed throughout the State Capitol, I believe the focus of lawmakers over the next two weeks will be passing a balanced state operating budget for the 2021 fiscal year. This will be no easy feat considering our state is facing multi-million dollar shortfalls to general revenue.

The Office of Administration’s Division of Budget and Planning reported in early April that net general revenue collections for March 2020 decreased by 4.2 percent when compared to March 2019. Despite these numbers, I am confident that the Appropriations Committees and the leaders of our state departments will be able to prioritize spending and find practical solutions to the financial deficits created by the virus.

As far as outcomes for my sponsored legislation, it still may be too soon to tell. Senate Bill 748, relating to disability accommodations for commercial driver’s license applicants, has been placed on the informal calendar for perfection. 

I sponsored similar legislation during the 2019 legislative session, but it ended the year in the same place — the Senate’s formal perfection calendar. The Sewer and Water Infrastructure Act, Senate Bill 592, is also on the calendar for perfection.

I am pleased to report that one of my legislative priorities, Senate Bill 718, is beginning to move through the House’s legislative process. 

On Wednesday, SB 718, the omnibus legislation to expand and reform services for members of our military and their families, was referred to the House Veterans Committee. 

While my punitive damages bill, Senate Bill 591, has yet to be referred to a House committee, I am confident that it will gain traction in the House and cross the legislative finish line before the end of the 2020 legislative session.

If you are looking for some free entertainment for the remainder of the stay-at-home order, I encourage you to visit the Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) website. 

Whether you are a seasoned deer hunter or just someone who enjoys nature walks, there is something for everyone. Adults may subscribe for their free Missouri Conservationist magazine, and children can sign up to receive X-Plor Adventures in Nature in the mail each month. MDC’s website also offers interactive lessons on a variety of topics and apps to download. One thing that is not susceptible to the virus is the great outdoors, so learn more, and then go explore.