Last week, the county commissioners of Boone and Cooper counties stopped by my office to discuss their 2013 legislative priorities.

The Capitol hallways were very active this week.  Visiting my office on Tuesday for their legislative days were the Missouri Retired Teachers Association from Boone and Randolph counties, the Friends of Missouri Midwives and children, the Missouri Court Reporters Association, the Missouri Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, and Freedom of the Road Riders.  Thanks to all for visiting with me and sharing their views on current legislation.

State FFA officers visited the Capitol for their legislative day on Wednesday, Feb. 13. This is National FFA Week, and Kenneth Swope, Area VI State Vice President of Boonville, stopped by the office during his visit. DECA representatives Connor McCarty and Michelle King, along with advisor Pete Eichholz, were in the office to discuss several legislative issues. I also had the opportunity to visit with dental hygienists from across the state. I enjoyed meeting with these individuals and greatly appreciate the time they spent with me.

On Tuesday (2-12), Senate Bill 12 was perfected with amendments, and then passed out of the Senate on Thursday. If approved by the Legislature, SB 12 would provide immunity from civil liability for court appointed attorneys.  Senate Bill 121, regarding liquor laws, was also perfected on Wednesday.

Language from legislation I sponsored, Senate Bill 122, regarding sunshine laws, was added to Senate Bill 139, sponsored by Sen. Mike Kehoe. The bill was approved by the Senate and now goes to the House for consideration.  

On Wednesday (2-13), I filed Senate Bill 320 regarding an appointment of a student curator with the University of Missouri, and Senate Bill 321, which creates a professional licensing requirement for home inspectors and apprentice home inspectors in Missouri.

United Missouri 2-1-1

United Way has introduced a new program called United Missouri 2-1-1.  The 2-1-1 program can put you in touch with organizations equipped to help with anything from day care and rental assistance to counseling and vocational training. 

Dial 2-1-1 to speak to a trained professional 24 hours a day, seven days a week (TTY: 1-866-385-6525). Your phone call is confidential and free. Multilingual services are also available.  For more information, visit its website at www.211helps.org/gethelp.

Supporting the Missouri Honor Flight Program

The Veterans United Foundation and The Crossing Church will present a special screening of a new feature-length documentary about the National Honor Flight program. HONOR FLIGHT: One Last Mission will be shown on Monday, Feb. 25, at The Crossing Church in Columbia at 6 p.m. A silent auction will be held at 5 p.m. before the screening.

All proceeds benefit Central Missouri Honor Flight and its mission to take WWII and Korean War veterans to Washington D.C. to view the memorials to their service and sacrifice.  To make reservations, go to www.centralmissourihonorflight.eventbright.com.

Did You Know?

The first Capitol in Jefferson City burned in 1837, and a second structure completed in 1840 burned when the dome was struck by lightning on Feb. 5, 1911.