Now that the elections are over, people may be wondering what is next for lawmakers in Jefferson City. In a way, I am too, but I will not be alone.

Each year, my office puts together an opportunity for anyone in the 18th Senatorial District to give me ideas on those things they believe should be considered by the Missouri General Assembly, and this year is no different.

If you go to my Missouri Senate Web page, senate.mo.gov/Munzlinger, you will see a wide variety of options and ways to stay in touch with me. On the left-hand side of the page — under the “E-mail the Senator” and
“Sign Up for E-News” tabs — you will see the tab called
“Submit a Budget or Legislation Suggestion.” This is where you come in.

Under this tab, there are several options. If someone is in favor of adding funding to one department or another, he or she is asked where this money should come from. An increase in one program means a decrease to another.  In the Show-Me State, we balance the budget every year and only spend on the most important services for the people of our state.

In addition, constituents are asked to explain why they believe one department should have more funding than the other. This helps us greatly, in terms of having the ability to see what it is the voters of our district want, and why.

Below this is a section asking what types of legislation people believe would best serve Missouri, or what laws are on the books that may need some changing. These are the questions that lawmakers ask themselves all the time, and are among the reasons why people run for office.

The opportunity to fill out this online survey continues from this week through the end of the year. Our next legislative session is only weeks away, and I am anxious to start prefiling bills that I think will help not only the 18th Senatorial District, but the entire state. The regular legislative session that was held this year yielded several major pieces of legislation, but we also saw some setbacks. I want to hear your perspective on what is working and what is not.

I also would like to take a moment and thank all of our veterans for everything they have done, and will continue to do, for our great nation.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact my office. Thank you.