From Senator Mike Parson's Legislative Column

Governor Jay Nixon gave his State of the State Address this week.  In this annual speech the governor presents his version of the state budget.  In recent years the Governor, House of Representatives and Senate all crafted their respective budgets from the same estimated revenue numbers. This year Governor Nixon is basing his budget on higher levels of revenue than the House and Senate anticipate receiving.

As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I believe we should develop a budget based on cautionary numbers.  The Committee began meetings this week (January 20, 2014) and will continue doing so through much of the Legislative Session.  Because the State of Missouri requires a balanced budget, the budget takes time to develop and will be designed with careful considerations.  The final version of the budget must be agreed to by the House, Senate and Governor Nixon.

The Right to Farm constitutional amendment will be on the ballot this November. The intent of the amendment is to protect "... the right of farmers to operate their farms in a safe and responsible manner without fear of being regulated out of business by outside interests."  Already, opposition from those who would like to end production agriculture in our state is beginning to form. 

Commentary:  The economy of the Fourth Congressional District in Missouri is based largely on agriculture.  Senator Parson is calling on affected citizens to take an early active role in educating and presenting the need for the Right to Farm amendment to voters both rural and urban. He encourages you to contact him to arrange opportunities for presenting "...the case for the need of the Right to Farm amendment!"  He may be contacted at mparson@senate.mo.gov.