The first few weeks of session are always a busy time of year as multiple people, representing a variety of interests, groups and perspectives, come in and out of the office. Quite frankly, getting to meet and talk with so many of you, hearing your perspectives and opinions on a variety of topics, is my favorite part of representing the Sixth Senate District. It is a privilege to represent you in the Missouri Senate, and I thank you for the opportunity to do so.
I want to say "thank you' to the Cosmopolitan Club for having thousands of us at their 51st pancake and sausage fundraiser on Wednesday. The club has raised thousands of dollars for diabetes research, education programs at St. Mary's and Capital Region Medical Centers, as well as multiple other charities and causes over these many years. I will say they were a little guarded when I walked into the kitchen to check out their cooking skills - I guess they see me as a "flapjack competitor."
Several bills have already been filled - some have had committee hearings already - regarding tax policy for Missourians.
This is unfinished business from last year, and I look forward to participating in discussions with the House, the governor's office and other stakeholders as we work to craft something that is responsible and meaningful. Missourians can do better things with their money than we in government ever can. Efforts to change Missouri's antiquated tax policies do not mean that other programs have to suffer. These are not "either/or" discussions, and should not be viewed that way.
As was the case last year, infrastructure, particularly transportation infrastructure, is the most common topic of discussions that I have. In some instances discussions begin on ancillary topics and ultimately wind up on transportation infrastructure, but day after day I am asked repeatedly and pointedly: When is Missouri going to be able to make much needed investments in transportation infrastructure? Missouri's 32,000 miles of roads and 10,400 bridges means we have the seventh largest transportation system in the United States, yet we are 49th in funding. This is a recipe that will not work for the safety, reliability, and economic future of our citizens. Worse yet, the funding slide is about to reach a 60 percent drop compared to what we had just four years ago. In the coming months, you will hear me explain more on why this has happened, but it is safe to say many states are faced with these same problems, and several have taken action to protect their systems so these assets are here for generations to come. We have not.
Over the course of the next four and a half months, I will not shy away from difficult issues like transportation funding just because it is an election year. That is exactly what a typical politician would do, and I refuse to be a typical politician. This issue is too pressing and too important to be swept off the table and away from discussion simply because it may be perceived as politically risky by some. You deserve better than that, and you will get better than that from me. I look forward to continuing discussion of Missouri's transportation needs in both the House and the Senate and am hopeful that these discussions will lead to Missourians soon getting to vote on a long-term transportation funding solution. You deserve an opportunity to decide.
On Tuesday, the governor will deliver his annual State of the State address. This is an important event in which the governor will articulate his vision for Missouri in the coming year and will, most importantly, demonstrate what his priorities for the state really are by proposing a budget for the Legislature's consideration. As a member of the Appropriations Committee, I look forward to working with the governor and the House to craft a budget that is fiscally responsible and focuses on limiting the role and reach of government in the day-to-day lives of Missourians, encouraging small businesses, growing Missouri's economy and educating our children in a manner that prepares them for them for future success.
If you are in the Capitol during the coming weeks and months, please stop by your office in Room 220.
Sen. Mike Kehoe, R-Jefferson City, represents the 6th District.