Hello All!  

I am so thankful you take time to read this report!  I cannot tell you how much I appreciate the time you take from your very busy schedule!
 
Budget work has taken the bulk of the time and focus this week. This week in budget committee we finished hearing presentation requests from the various state departments.  We are now in the what is called the “mark-up” process.  During this process the subcommittees of the various appropriations, make changes to the bills assigned to their subcommittee.  We should have that process completed during next week and then we will begin meeting as a full budget committee to make further changes among all the bills.  I am looking (and think I may have found) for money, approximately $500,000 for a Foster/Adoptive Resource Center for Southeast Missouri.  (Just a note of information here, every other part of the state has one of these centers, except Southeast Missouri!)  I am looking forward to making that change as soon as the full budget committee meets and am going to work hard to see that it stays in through the entire process. I have already started speaking to the Governor’s office about this need as well.  I will keep you posted on the success of this project!
 
This week I also was able to present the topic of Advanced Practice Registered Nurses to a subcommittee of Professional Registration.  I discussed with the subcommittee the current health status and outcomes of Missourians, some of which are absolutely terrible.  For example, Southeast Missouri has an infant mortality of 8.6%, the highest in MO and higher than some third world countries!  Missouri is also 36th in the nation in health (out of 50, with 50 being the worst), 41st in Cardiovascular health, 46th in Immunization Coverage, 39th in Cancer Deaths, 23rd in Low Birth Weight Babies, and the list goes on.  Missouri is not towards the top in anything.   I feel strongly that removing barriers of practice to Advanced Practice Registered Nurses and allowing them to work to the fullest extent of their education and training will allow them to partner more closely with physicians and other healthcare providers in improving these outcomes and the status of Missourian’s health.
 
I heard strong storms came through the Bootheel this week and some of our area did sustain damages.  If you or someone you know has sustained damages, please call my office if we can be of help.  My office number is 573 751 1494.
 
Have a wonderful weekend!
Until next week,
Tila