The big takeaway for the week is the budget. Thousands of man hours go into the budget before it is presented on the Floor of the House of Representatives.

While the members have a vote and even an opportunity to make changes, the die is already set. Very little modification to the budget happens on the Floor of the House. The budget chairman’s presentation is, for all practical purposes, cut and dry.

Once passed in the House the Senate takes over, and yes, there will be changes. Usually change comes in the form of increases or additions. The House approved a $47.9 billion budget, $2 billion less than the Governor’s recommendation. My best guess, the Senate will restore much of the funding the Governor requested.

I could nitpick at all of the details of the budget but there are two big issues that concern me. Many members are quick to campaign about cutting taxes but there is little talk about cutting programs. There have been bills filed this year to cut capital gains tax, income tax, property taxes and offer more tax credits.

But there haven’t been any debates about reducing the size of government. State revenue is down about 1% from last year which is hardly the trend we need to keep up with inflation.

I was able to get one of my bills regarding improving the efficiency of the employment security payment program out of the House and on to the Senate. I’m hopeful, but it is a drop in the bucket.

The second issue is the education budget.

The deal breaker for me is the use of public funds for private schools. School choice is a hot topic but very unpopular with our local public schools. A $50 million scholarship program will allow more pubic tax dollars to be spent for private use. Maybe if more information from private schools were sunshine-able, we would have a trusted level of transparency.

Maybe if the private schools had to endure the same rules and regulations required of our public schools, we could compare apples and apples. I know we all want the best for the students. We should also want what’s best for the folks that have to pay the bills.

On the lighter side I was able to interact with some of my school groups.

Some will leave the building with a little knowledge about government and some will leave remembering the climb to the top of the dome or the ride on the “world’s” longest escalator. A personal highlight this week was a tour with Lt. Governor David Wasinger. I was happy to be included and have the chance to share ideas to improve our state government.

Don’t ever hesitate to reach out to our office. You can email me at bruce.sassmann@house.mo.gov or call my legislative assistant Jill Ryals at 573-751-6668.