A Moment with Mike for April 1st, 2009

State Representative Mike Thomson
Our mid-session break allowed me to spend more time at home, which I thoroughly enjoyed, and also allowed me time to visit schools, talk to 4th grade classes and to talk with local constituents. The hectic pace of Jefferson City returned quickly, however, as we dove into the budget process. We began debate on the budget bills on Tuesday and in a marathon session on Wednesday; we passed a $22.8 billion budget for Missouri.
Crafting a budget is never easy, but in this economic climate, it was even more of a daunting task. The House and Senate base this budget on the one percent revenue growth estimates agreed upon in January. The budget we passed was crafted by the fiscally responsible philosophy that has helped to keep Missouri out of the financial emergencies that other states are now experiencing. Tough decisions were made to ensure Missouri’s financial stability, but these decisions will make us better off in the coming years.
The sharp downturn in our economy over the past year and a half has caused many states to have to raise taxes or slash programs to meet the current levels of incoming revenue. As an advocate for education in Missouri, I have watched as other states around us announce their intention of cutting education budgets and educational programs to survive. I am thankful that my colleagues shared my opinion that education is vital to the growth of our state and as we worked to bridge a $400 million dollar budget shortfall, educational funding received less cutbacks than many other agencies in the state.
The school foundation formula through which our public schools receive funding was changed in 2005. Along with this change was a promise to do a four-year phase-in to fully fund the formula. This years House budget includes a fully funded formula for K-12 education, providing our school districts with the funding necessary to provide quality education to our young people.
As the budget moves from the House to the Senate we will continue to negotiate programs that were cut or reduced. Changes will be made and the Senate may approach this task with a somewhat different philosophy as we continue to examine the strings and regulations attached to stimulus money from the Federal government. I am confident we will come up with a fiscally responsible budget, based on wise decisions that have made Missouri a national economic leader.
If you have questions, you may reach me at my Capitol number 573-751-9465, at the local district number, 660-582-4014, by email at mike.thomson@house.mo.gov or by mail at Room 114B State Capitol Building, Jefferson City, MO 65101.