Lawmakers returned to Jefferson City this week as the First Regular Session of the 98th General Assembly convened at noon on Wednesday, Jan. 7. Six newly elected senators and 11 re-elected senators were sworn in by Missouri Supreme Court Chief Justice Mary R. Russell.

Shown above, Senator Romine and his family during the Grand March on the evening of Jan. 7. From left to right, front row: Erika Romine, Kathy and Gary Romine, Derek Cook and Brody Romine. Back row: Jason Romine, Daniel Romine and Jessica Cook.

The day ended with the Grand March and Legislative Ball held in the Capitol Rotunda. I was happy to celebrate the evening with my wife, Kathy; my son, Daniel, and grandson, Brody; my son, Jason, and his wife, Erika; and my daughter, Jessica, and her husband, Derek. I would also like to thank those visitors who made the trip up from the district; it was great to have you in attendance. Overall, it was a very nice and relaxed evening and a terrific way to kick off the 2015 session.

The first two days of session were primarily spent introducing legislation.  Most of the work we will be doing during the first couple of weeks will be done in committee hearings, where we listen to testimony on proposed bills. If a measure is passed out of committee, then it will make its way back to the floor for debate.

While a few committee appointments have been announced, the majority of assignments have yet to be submitted. The President Pro Tem is expected to submit many of the remaining appointments within the next few legislative days.

Last week, I encouraged my constituents to share their concerns with MoDOT over the proposed rule change dealing with “traffic generator” signs, which direct motorists to tourist attractions, such as parks, caves and historical sites.  Private attractions would have needed one million visitors per year to qualify for a sign. The move would have eliminated many of the signs found on Missouri highways that point motorists to our local businesses.  MoDOT listened and has announced it will rewrite the proposed rule change that would have affected these signs.  I will continue to monitor the rewritten rules and make sure our district is not negatively impacted.

Tourism is a critical part of our state’s economy, especially for rural areas. Worried that the proposed rule change would negatively impact the ability of tourist locations to draw in visitors, many individuals contacted MoDOT to express their concerns. I am pleased MoDOT has decided to rethink its proposed change, and I want to thank them for listening to all those who voiced their opinions.

Finally, as session gets underway, I am excited to begin working with my new and returning colleagues so that, together, we can accomplish our goals. As always, the purpose of my office is to help the residents of my district navigate the bureaucracy here in Jefferson City. I always aim to do what is best for everyone back home, and I welcome your input as we progress through session.

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