Trooper James M. Bava Memorial Highway Bill Passes in Senate
Upon returning from last week’s Legislative Spring Break, this week marked the beginning of the second half of the Second Regular Session of the 98th General Assembly. My fellow legislators and I have focused on perfecting and passing legislation and holding committee meetings before session adjourns on May 13. The Senate Appropriations Committee began hearings on the state’s budget this week, which allocates state funds to a wide variety of services, such as quality transportation, education, and other state programs.
This week, one of my pieces of legislation, Senate Bill 1009, was passed out of the Missouri Senate. This bill honors Missouri State Highway Trooper James M. Bava by creating a memorial highway in Audrain County. Trooper Bava tragically lost his life in the line of duty on August 28 of last year while in pursuit of a motorcycle traveling at a high speed. The legislation recognizes a portion of Highway FF from Elmwood Drive to County Road 977 as “Trooper James M. Bava Memorial Highway” with commemorative signs, paid for through private donations. The memorial highway will stand as a testament of Trooper Bava’s service and dedication to family, friends, fellow patrolmen and our district. Senate Bill 1009 will now work its way through the House Chamber, including a committee hearing and floor debate, to hopefully be passed into law.
There were several school groups from the district visiting the Capitol this week, including St. Joseph Catholic School and two groups to recognize Missouri Fine Arts Alliance, Fulton High School Theatre and Mexico High School. A group from the Troy 9th Grade Center was recognized for winning the Missouri Chamber’s “Dream It. Do It.” video competition, promoting manufacturing jobs in Missouri. Mikyla Clubb and her teacher, Darla Deimeke, from Community R-6 High School visited for the 2016 Senate Art Exhibit Awards Recognition. Many of these students were recognized for their various accomplishments and had the opportunity to tour the building and watch floor debate. Being a retired teacher, I loved meeting the students and hearing about their work to better our local schools and communities.
As the session continues, I will continue to give weekly reviews on important legislation that the State Senate is working on and the progress of legislation that I am working on.
It is an honor to be your State Senator, and my door is always open to your concerns, questions or comments. Please feel free to contact me at (573) 751-2757 or visit my web page at www.senate.mo.gov/riddle.