On the Table this Session I’m happy to be back at the Capitol for the Second Regular Session of the 103rd General Assembly! There’s a lot on the table this session. So far, Missouri lawmakers have filed more than 2,000 pieces of legislation! With Senate committee hearings already in full swing, we were busy this week, examining and talking through issues that are important to our constituents. The big focus this week was on the governor’s budget proposal for fiscal year 2027, which he shared during his State of the State Address on Jan. 13. Overall, his message was about being responsible with taxpayer dollars – keeping government smaller, spending wisely and staying disciplined with the budget. The governor highlighted progress made during his first year in office in several key areas: making our communities safer, boosting the economy, supporting our farmers and improving education. He also talked about modernizing Missouri’s tax system, including a long-term plan to eventually get rid of the individual income tax. I fully support this effort, and the governor has asked legislators to pass a resolution so Missouri voters can weigh in on this in November 2026. If people vote to phase out the income tax, that doesn’t automatically mean sales tax has to go up. At this stage, it’s unclear how that lost revenue would be replaced. That’s something to be determined. Finding a way for Missourians to keep more of their hard-earned money and maintain services they rely on is going to be a long and challenging conversation. I’m looking forward to next week’s hearing when the Senate Appropriations Committee, which I serve on, will take up the supplemental budget. We’ve already been meeting to dig into the details of the governor’s budget proposal as we continue this important work. Thank you for staying connected and for all your support. Please continue to contact my office at 573-751-4008 with your concerns, questions and comments. To view my sponsored legislation, please visit senate.mo.gov/Henderson. | 