Perspective: Despite unusual ending, session deemed productive

This was the most interesting final week of session that I have observed since becoming a member of the Legislature. Quite frankly, I have not spoken with anyone, lobbyists and long-time staff included, who has observed a final week like this one. That being said, it has still been a very productive session, even absent the traditional mad-dash that characterizes the last week.

Budget - Passing a balanced budget is the one requirement of the Legislature in the constitution. This year's budget was completed and signed prior to the last week of session and contains increased and record funding for both K-12 and higher education, an increase in provider rates across the board, and an almost $100 million surplus to ensure that Missouri is better prepared to meet the unexpected in the upcoming year.

Agriculture - Agriculture remains the state's number one industry and it is right and good that the Legislature take measures to ensure the continued viability of agriculture in Missouri. The provisions of Senate Bill 12 will benefit both livestock and row-crop farmers and will ensure that Missouri's proud agriculture tradition continues and grows into the future.

Education - With the leadership of Sen. David Pearce and Rep. David Wood, the Legislature sent the "transfer bill" to the governor for approval. This bill reforms the student transfer process to better ensure that every Missouri child is provided an equal and quality education.

Court Reform - In response to the events of last August in Ferguson, the Legislature passed Senate Bill 5 which modifies the policies of municipal courts to better ensure they are operating fairly and consistently for all Missourians.

Tort Reform - Frivolous medical malpractice suits have made it too costly for many physicians to practice in Missouri. As a result, it has become increasingly difficult for Missouri to retain top quality doctors who have the option of moving to a neighboring state and paying far less for their malpractice insurance. Senate Bill 239 reinstates caps on non-economic damages in medical malpractice cases. This will reduce instances of frivolous lawsuits and will improve the cost and quality of medical care.

Bonding - For far too long the state has deferred maintenance on state-owned buildings. As is the case in the business world, this deferred maintenance is a liability. With the passage of a bonding bill, state and university buildings across the state will see much needed investments. Additionally, this bonding bill will facilitate long overdue improvements to the state Capitol and will better prepare if for another 100 years of service as the state's seat of government.

Federal Pushback - As the federal government continues its unquenchable grab for more and more power and control, Missouri has to push back against the federal government whenever possible. HB92 contains language that removes the term "waters of the United States' from the definition of waters of the state. Even as the EPA seeks to limit private property rights and regulate waterways that have never before been regulated by expanding the definition of waters of the United States, this change provides specific direction to the Department of Natural Resources on the extent of their regulatory authority. Missourians need to regulate our own water quality and resources, not the federal government.

Entitlement Reform - Senate Bill 24 seeks to address the explosive growth in entitlement spending in Missouri by restructuring the welfare system to better incentivize work activities. Instead of just distributing TANF money as benefits, which all too often serves as a disincentive to work, SB24 improves workforce participation by taking the savings generated from strengthened eligibility requirements and reinvesting them back into the system in the form of child care, job training, and transportation for recipients. This represents a significant change in how Missouri invests its TANF dollars and better serves as a hand-up rather than a hand-out.

Even as this is being written, there remains several hours left in session. In the coming weeks I will spend more time talking about legislation that the governor signs and the impacts to the Sixth Senate District.

My purpose and my intent is to serve the constituents of the 6th Senatorial District. If you are in the Capitol during the coming weeks and months, please stop by your office in Room 220.

State Sen. Mike Kehoe, R-Jefferson City, represents the 6th District.