Many of the decisions made by lawmakers are difficult. Recently, however, it seems that decisions relating to the budget take the most time and are the most challenging. The General Assembly is constitutionally bound to pass a balanced budget. Our deadline is 6:00 p.m. on May 11. Simply, we cannot spend more than we take in. This year, we will once again need to make tough choices in order to fulfill our responsibilities.
This year’s budget is facing a shortfall of $500 million, in part from previous years’ use of federal stimulus dollars to shore up our budget. As one of nine members of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I have heard testimony from department heads and members of many state agencies since January, each describing their department’s financial need or discussing potential cuts that could be made to maximize efficiency of services.
My colleagues and I are committed to providing a budget that will fulfill the needs of our state to the best of our ability, without raising taxes. Still, many of the choices we face will have long-lasting effects as we make those tough funding decisions.
The process of Missouri’s budget begins with the governor’s recommendations. Those were presented in the State of the State in mid-January. Then the House Budget Committee drafted and presented its budget. When the House budget bills reached the Senate, the Senate Appropriations Committee continued with its public hearing process to hear proposals from state departments. We then reviewed the House’s plan and compared it to the Senate’s plan, making the necessary amendments.
With the budget bills passed out of committee this week, the full Senate will begin debate on its version of the budget. If any changes are made, it will go back to the House for further review. If there are items that are not agreed between the chambers, a 10-member conference committee is called so that discussion can occur between the House and Senate and compromises made. Last year, I had the honor of serving on the conference committee. It can be detailed, delicate work, but the people of Missouri deserve the most fiscally responsible outcome the General Assembly can provide.
Budget work can be difficult for a number of reasons. Every state agency would like to be fully funded in order to continue to provide the services currently available. We are in a financial situation where that may not be possible for every agency, but I will do my best to continue to make necessary services available, as well as provide for our future while maintaining Missouri’s AAA bond rating, as one of only seven states that had been able to do so. The citizens of the 31st Senatorial District and all Missourians deserve no less.
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 31st State Senatorial District.
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