Keeping our Financial Commitments
by State Senator Brad Lager (R-12)
Last week, the Senate finalized its version of the fiscal year 2011 budget. I am proud to report that the Senate concurred with the House in making education funding our top budget priority. Through the end of March, the state of Missouri is experiencing a 12% decline in revenue, and although many difficult decisions were made to balance the budget, we were able to protect the funding for elementary and secondary education. We were also successful in funding the Career ladder program which compensates teachers for extra work that is above and beyond their normal duties. While funding for future years remains in question, we have kept our commitment to pay for the work that has already been completed. We were also successful in keeping the Parents as Teachers program alive. The monies allocated for this program will be focused on students that are at a higher risk of falling behind early in their educational achievement while allowing non-high risk students to participate for a nominal fee. Finally, we were able to maintain higher education funding at a level that ensures Missouri’s universities and colleges will not seek tuition increases this year. I firmly believe that a higher level of educational attainment by our students is vital to strengthening our economy and improving our quality of life. By working to ensure our higher educational institutions are affordable, we are providing a better opportunity for Missouri’s working families to help their children achieve this goal.
The task of determining how to spend the people’s money is a tremendous responsibility. It is the most important duty of state legislators, and I believe the manner in which we allocate public funds essentially defines our priorities as a state. In this difficult budget year, I am pleased that the Senate maintained its commitment to education. Missouri’s taxpayers work hard everyday and we must always use their money in a responsible manner. By bringing fiscal responsibility, accountability, and transparency to the budgeting process, we will be successful in funding our most essential services while maintaining our commitment to Missouri’s citizens and taxpayers.
As always, please feel free to call, email, or write with your ideas or concerns. The Capitol number is (573) 751-1415, my email is brad.lager@senate.mo.gov and my mailing address is Room 429, State Capitol Building, Jefferson City, MO 65101.
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