From the desk of Senator David Pearce

Senator David Pearce Appointed to Budget Conference Committee

JEFFERSON CITY — State Sen. David Pearce, R-Warrensburg, was recently appointed by Senate Leader Robert N. Mayer, R-Dexter, to a conference committee charged with creating a compromise between the House and the Senate’s version of the Fiscal Year 2012 budget.

“I would like to thank the pro tem for having the confidence in me and appoint me to such an important position,” said Sen. Pearce.  “I look forward to the work ahead. Sitting on this committee is a big honor that comes with huge responsibilities.”

The conference committee, made up of five members of the House and five members of the Senate, is responsible for taking the recommendations of both chambers for the 13 budget bills and creating a compromise that will be acceptable to both the House and Senate. When these changes have been made, the bills will need to return to both chambers for final approval.

“The task ahead is not easy but necessary to bring a fiscally responsible budget to the table,” said Sen. Pearce. “My colleagues and I will continue to hammer out the finer details of this budget until we accomplish what is best for Missouri.”

The final budget, totaling $23.2 billion, must be approved by both chambers and delivered to the governor by 6:00 p.m. on Friday, May 6, 2011.