From the Desk of Senator David Pearce

The Budget Process in Action

The end of this legislative session is rapidly approaching, and instead of winding down, things in the Capitol are speeding up. While May 13 is the last day for session, May 6 is the deadline for the legislature to present a final budget to the governor for approval.

The budget bills originate in the House, and were recently sent to the Senate, where I and other members

of the Appropriations Committee have worked diligently to hammer out details of the Senate’s plan for the 13 budget bills that represent all state funds. Part of the budget creation process also deals with supplemental funding. This week, two supplemental budget bills were sent to the governor to help offset some of the cuts that were made to the current fiscal year’s budget and to be used for the next year’s budget. Those cuts were the result of shortfalls in tax revenues, gaming and other revenues that typically fund areas like education. The supplemental bills that were approved utilized $189 million in federal educations jobs funds that had been set aside to use for that specific purpose. This money will also allow us to maintain current funding levels for Missouri education for next year.

The remaining budget bills addressing our state’s fiscal year 2012 operating budget have passed on the Senate floor. If there are any differences between the House and Senate versions, the Senate will send the bills back to the House for its review. If the House does not approve the Senate’s changes, then a conference committee will be created, and the discussion will continue to resolve any differences. When the conference committee makes it suggestions, the budget bills will make one more trip through both chambers for approval before making it to the governor’s desk by the deadline of 6:00 p.m. on Friday, May 6.

This process started in January. This kind of responsibility, the funding of every state program and the expenditure of every state dollar, is very important. Our job here in the Capitol is to create something that is equitable and efficient for all of Missouri.

As always, please feel free to contact me or my staff with any questions or concerns at any time. We look forward to hearing your comments and suggestions and trying to answer any questions you may have. You can reach us by phone at 866-277-0882 (toll-free) or 573-751-2272, or by fax at 573-526-7381.

Senator David Pearce serves Bates, Cass, Johnson and Vernon counties in the 31^st State Senatorial District.

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