On Wednesday, Jan. 9, I was sworn in as the new state senator for the 27th District. It’s an honor to serve the citizens of Bollinger, Cape Girardeau, Madison, Perry, Scott and Wayne counties. I’m looking forward to the work we’ll accomplish this session. There are many important issues that need to be addressed this year, and it’s a privilege to serve as the voice of the 27th District as we debate these measures.

Much of the work done in the first few weeks of session happens in committees. There, members consider various pieces of legislation and hear testimony from policy experts. While these hearings are often overshadowed by the more dramatic moments on the floor, most of the legislative legwork is done in committee. These meetings are also open to the general public, and are a great way for citizens to learn about specific policy measures, and, in some cases, testify their stance.   

Last week, I received my committee appointments for this session. I will serve as the vice chairman of the Senate Ways and Means Committee, which reviews bills concerning revenue and the public debt of Missouri, the assessment of real and personal property, the classification of property for taxation purposes, and gambling.

I will also serve on the Commerce, Consumer Protection, Energy and the Environment Committee, which reports on bills relating to the development of state commerce, protecting Missouri consumers, and environmental matters; the Financial and Governmental Organizations and Elections Committee, which examines bills relating to financial institutions and election law, among other duties; the Progress and Development Committee, which considers legislation concerning the changing or maintenance of bills relating to human welfare; and the Small Business, Insurance and Industry Committee, which considers legislation regarding small business, insurance, labor management, fair employment standards, and workers’ compensation, among other duties.

Additionally, I was appointed to the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules earlier this week. This committee is responsible for reviewing administrative rules filed by state agencies for compliance with Missouri law.

Many of these committees began meeting this week to consider legislation filed for the 2013 session. As bills are approved in committee, they will be added to the calendar for debate on the floor. I will keep you updated on any major events in the Capitol with these weekly legislative columns.

Contact Me

I always appreciate hearing your comments, opinions, and concerns. Please feel free to contact me in Jefferson City at (573) 751-2459. You may me write at Wayne Wallingford; Missouri Senate; State Capitol; Jefferson City, Mo. 65101, or email at wayne.wallingford@senate.mo.gov or www.senate.mo.gov/wallingford.

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