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This week…

The Missouri General Assembly had a short week this week, with cancelling session for the rest of the week due to inclement weather. Cancelling session, led to several things being held up including gubernatorial appointments and redistricting.  Still no word yet on a supplemental budget.

The Missouri Senate has been met with much tension already this session, this week it was surrounding the confirmation of Donald G. Kauerauf, as Director of the Department of Health and Senior Services. There were several folks who opposed his nomination citing concerns regarding pro-life and vaccinate mandates. There were time constraints for the confirmation process, which led to Parson temporarily appointing Richard Moore as the Acting Director for the Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS).

Missouri Senate

Legislation

There have been over a thousand bills filed thus far, many of those related to education. As mentioned during our advocacy presentations, the link for a list of key bills is listed below. We have highlighted a few below.

Tracking List:

Gubernatorial Appointments

The Senate Gubernatorial Appointments Committee met this week on several nominations. The hearing was met with much controversy surrounding Donald G. Kauerauf, who was nominated to be the Director of the Department of Health and Senior Services. Governor Parson released a statement refuting some of the claims that have been made surrounding Director Kauerauf's confirmation hearing. The committee ultimately voted out a slate of other nominees but refused to vote on Kauerauf's appointment. There were time constraints for the confirmation process, which led to Parson temporarily appointing Richard Moore as the Acting Director for the Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS).

Missouri House of Representatives

STEM Education

On Monday, the House Workforce Development and Progress Committee heard public testimony regarding Representative Travis Fitzwater’s bill that would require that computer science courses successfully completed and counted toward state graduation requirements shall be equivalent to one science or practical arts credit for the purpose of satisfying admission requirements at any public institution of higher education in the state (HB2202).