Final week in Jefferson City

The House and Senate gave final approval for the 2019 State Operating Budget. This will make the second consecutive year that the school foundation formula has been fully funded. In addition, the budget keeps funding stable for higher education which helps minimize tuition increases for students. The final spending plan will also help schools with additional funding for transportation funds. This year's budget plan enforces fiscal discipline by holding welfare spending in check. It also will include a budget reserve of $100 million to allow for emergency spending plans.

Other key highlights of the budget include:

Social Programs

$1.8 million increase in funding for the state's independent living centers, which help people with disabilities to increase their independence and their opportunity to participate in day-to-day life within their communities.

$1 million increase for the state's drug treatment courts to partially restore an FY18 cut.

$72 million increase for nursing home reimbursements, an additional $1 million for developmental disability rebasing, and a 1.5 percent rate increase for all other Medicaid providers.

Community and Economic Issues

$400,000 restoration of proposed cuts to the Missouri National Guard to prevent the closure of several armories..

A 1 percent pay increase for state employees starting Jan. 1, 2019. (Does not include legislators).

$374,000 for a physician prescription monitoring program to curb opioid abuse..

$4.75 million increase over the governor's recommendation for tourism funding and grants ($14.75 million total).

Once the budget is available online, I will send a link that you will be able to access the entire budget.

We still have one week left in which to pass any remaining bills that are still waiting to be processed. I have been able to have three of my four bills that I sponsored make it through. This next week will hopefully see my benevolent tax credit bill make it to the finish line. As the session draws to an end, I will be sending out an End of Session report that will highlight the Truly Agreed and Finally Passed Bills.

With warmer weather and school about out, I want to remind you about a program sponsored by the Missouri Department of Conservation. Want to fish, but don't have the gear? You can now visit your local library in Farmington and check out rods and reels, small tackle boxes equipped with hooks, sinkers and bobbers. This program provides an opportunity for kids and adults who don't have fishing gear to try it first before making an investment in equipment.