Missouri Senate members will be working late this week in Jefferson City, as lawmakers wrap up the first half of the 2021 legislative session. Lawmakers will be debating on several key issues this week, including a proposed gas tax increase and school choice legislation.

Senate President Pro-Tem Dave Schatz’s Senate Bill 262 is expected to go to the Senate floor this week

Senate President Pro-Tem Dave Schatz, R-Sullivan, tells Missourinet affiliate KTUI that senators will debate several key issues on the floor this week.

“I think education (school choice legislation), tax policy, motor fuel tax, and again I would anticipate that we will spend several long nights and when we break, people (state senators and staff) will probably be exhausted and ready for a break,” Schatz stated.

Schatz reiterated to Missourinet that while education reform is a top priority for several GOP state senators, Democrats worry about the impact on public schools.

Increasing transportation funding has been a top priority for Schatz, who notes Missouri’s 17-cent per gallon gasoline tax has remained the same since 1996.

Schatz’s Senate Bill 262 is expected to go to the Senate floor this week. The measure would increase Missouri’s gasoline tax by 15 cents per gallon, by 2027. It also includes a provision for an exemption and refund.

KPGZ News - KTUI and Brian Watts contributed to this story.