Greetings from the fourth floor of your Missouri State Capitol. It is beginning to have the appearance of spring. However, March did come in like a lamb, and while we know there is probably a lion lurking out there somewhere, let us enjoy this as long as we can.
The big news in this building as is throughout all of Missouri and the nation is the coronavirus and rightfully so as we are all concerned for our safety. With Missouri's first confirmed case of coronavirus it has led our legislative leaders from both parties, in both chambers, to consider steps to minimize exposure to the virus among Capitol lawmakers, staff and visitors.
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As you may have heard, the Missouri Senate has made the decision to adjourn a week early for their annual legislative break. The Missouri House will continue to work during the week of March 16-20 in order to fulfill the Legislature's constitutional obligation to pass a state operating budget. However, the House will hold technical sessions Monday and Tuesday, and the full House will return Wednesday and Thursday to pass the budget. House leaders will continue to monitor the situation and will evaluate daily any additional steps that may be necessary to ensure the safety of those who visit and work in the Capitol. The House will adjourn for its annual spring break as scheduled March 19.
Here's what the House speaker, speaker pro tem and majority floor leader issued in a joint statement, "The General Assembly has the constitutional duty of writing and passing a balanced budget to fund the core function of government and the House remains focused on completing this responsibility. The legislative process for passing a budget begins in the House of Representatives and the House plans to move forward next week. The goal of both chambers is to fulfill our constitutional obligations while minimizing risk for members, staff and visitors."
Earlier in the week, leaders in the House and Senate announced they were taking additional measures to ensure the health and well being of members, staff and visitors to the Capitol. Our legislative leaders noted with hundreds of lawmakers and thousands of guests frequently traveling back and forth from every corner of Missouri, the Capitol is an environment that will be highly susceptible to spreading infections like the coronavirus. As such, the leaders of the General Assembly have encouraged guests who are not directly participating in legislative business to refrain from visiting the Capitol at this time.
Due to the large number of House members and their close proximity to guests and one another, House leadership has taken additional precautions including closing the floor and side galleries of the House Chamber to the public, as well as the House Lounge. Visitors are still able to view session from the upper galleries, and hearings will proceed as normal with the public being able to attend and testify. The goal of the House is to ensure the legislative process continues unimpeded and visitors continue to have access while at the same time securing high traffic areas that could promote the spread of the virus.
"It is out of an abundance of caution that the General Assembly is taking the preventative steps to minimize the risk of an outbreak in Missouri," House Speaker Elijah Haahr said. "While the General Assembly continues to conduct business as normal, we will closely monitor the situation to take necessary actions to maintain a safe environment that will ensure the health and well being of all those who work in, and visit, the Capitol."
Lawmakers will continue to work with state and federal health officials to ensure public health resources are ready and can be used where they are needed, without delay.
Those of you seeking additional information or guidance on the coronavirus should call a new statewide public hotline that was activated by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. You will be able to access the information through the hotline by calling 877-435-8411. The hotline is staffed by medical professionals and is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
There are currently four confirmed cases of the coronavirus in Missouri.
I realize I have used most of this week's column to focus on the coronavirus, but it is so important that each of you take precautions to be safe. I sincerely hope and pray that will be the case for you and all Missourians.
It has been a busy past two weeks in this building, and many of the almost 2,000 bills filed are being heard and moved on to the other side of the building.
Here's a quick summary of my bills:
HB 2276 is a military dependent bill allowing active duty military members who are deployed outside the state can have their dependent children attend a college, university or trade school in the state and pay in-state tuition.
HB 1713 is the Capitol Complex bill and it was perfected on the floor this week and will be third read and passed this coming week if session allows. Otherwise it will be third read following spring break.
HCR 60 is the MIA resolution and it is also on the calendar to be third read and passed this week.
I will leave you with best wishes for this coming week and encourage each of you to take care of yourself and loved ones. Wash your hands often, use antibacterial hand sanitizers and if you have any symptoms see your family physician immediately. Have a great week and remember to shop local and shop Missouri made.
State Rep. Dave Griffith, R-Jefferson City, represents Missouri's 60th House District, and shares his perspective on statehouse issues twice a month.