Productive 2016 legislative session comes to a close

By Rep. Patricia Pike

Missouri 126th District

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.-- After more than four months of hard work, late nights and lengthy discussions, the Missouri House of Representatives concluded the 2016 legislative session with a long list of accomplishments. The session began with a focus on substantive ethics reform, and the legislature pushed several measures across the legislative finish line that will help to improve the culture at the State Capitol. The House and Senate also worked together to approve a fiscally responsible spending plan that makes a record investment in K-12 education, significantly boosts funding for Missouri's colleges and universities, and provides new spending to help improve and repair the state's transportation infrastructure.

In addition to ethics reform and the state spending plan, the legislature moved to protect the integrity of the elections process by implementing a system of voter identification, and approved legislation to root out waste, fraud, and abuse in the state's welfare programs. Lawmakers also adopted several economic development measures to reduce bureaucratic red tape for Missouri's small businesses, invest in Missouri's system of ports, and attract conventions to the Show-Me State. Additionally, the legislature passed bills addressing issues ranging from suicide prevention to CPR instruction to tax relief for active duty members of the military.

With the completion of the regular session, the many bills passed by the General Assembly now head to the governor for his consideration. Legislators will next return to the State Capitol in September for the annual Veto Session when they will have the opportunity to consider overriding any vetoes made by the governor.

In the weeks to come I will continue to highlight 2016 legislation as well as share interesting Missouri facts. It is an honor to serve on your behalf in the Missouri House of Representatives. Our 126th District office is open year round and my contact information is patricia.pike@house.mo.gov or 573-751-5388.