The 2014 legislative session officially started Jan. 8 at noon, but the real work truly got underway last week as we began meeting in committees to hear testimony on proposed legislation. Bills are also still being introduced, and can continue to be introduced until the end of February. Many of the issues we’ll deal with this session are already starting to take shape.

One of my focuses this year is on veterans’ affairs. As a veteran, I have a deep and abiding respect for my brothers and sisters in arms. I’ve filed a number of bills aimed at improving the lives of military members in our state. This includes Senate Bill 631, a measure to give these men and women a little extra time to register to vote.

While registering to vote is an important civic responsibility, it’s easy to see why returning servicemen and women sometimes put it on the back burner. These individuals have spent months away from loved ones. It takes time to reconnect to a life left on pause while you serve your country. Unfortunately, this can result in them missing the opportunity to register.

Those who protect our democratic institutions should be given every chance to participate in them. To this end, I’ve filed legislation that would extend the time period by which military members may register to vote until the Friday before an election. If there was ever a segment of the population that should be given exceptions for extenuating circumstances, its men and women returning from military duty.

This isn’t the only area of our election process we can improve for military members. It’s widely believed that the order candidates’ names are listed on a ballot can have an impact on the results of an election. In Missouri, we’ve tried to nullify that effect by requiring candidates who file on the first day to draw numbers to decide ballot placement. After that, names are placed in the order they’re filed.

It’s a fair system, except for one problem:  Those who file by mail because of a disability or service in the military aren’t allowed to draw numbers. Instead, they’re placed in the order of their filing. This can put those candidates at a serious disadvantage, for no other reason than they’re physically unable to file in person.

Senate Bill 630 allows representatives for the candidates to draw numbers for ballot placement. It’s a simple change that could improve the ability of military members and citizens with disabilities to take part in the creation of public policy through elected office.

I’ve also filed Senate Bill 709, which would create new medallion programs for veterans: “Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Dawn” and “Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm.” The bill also authorizes the issuance of military medallions, medals or certificates for veterans of the Missouri National Guard regardless of whether he or she is a resident.

Public recognition is far more important to veterans than many people realize. Not fanfare, but simple recognition. The men and women who serve in the military need to know the sacrifices they made for their country weren’t in vain. These medals are a small way for to us to acknowledge those who were willing to give all for love of home and country.

Additionally, I’ve sponsored Senate Concurrent Resolution 17 to extend the dissolution date of the Joint Committee on Solid Waste Management District Operations, for which I was the chairman. During the interim, the committee heard recommendations from every district on how to improve efficiency in what is an incredibly important program to many counties, including those in the 27th District.

The hearings were incredibly positive, and I’m optimistic about the improvements we can make. Extending the committee’s work into this year will allow us to take those ideas and turn them into legislative proposals to improve these valuable programs.

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 write me 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.