Committee Work Begins in the Senate
Legislative News
On Monday, Jan. 9, state lawmakers and statewide elected officials, members of Missouri’s congressional delegation, our state Supreme Court judges, a host of men and women in uniform, and thousands of Missourians descended on the south lawn of our magnificent Capitol for the inaugural festivities.
As Senate president pro tem, it was my distinct honor and privilege to call a Joint Assembly of the Senate and House of Representatives to order and preside over the inaugural ceremony. Against the backdrop of the United States and Missouri flags, Missouri Supreme Court Chief Justice Patricia Breckenridge administered the oath of office to the Show-Me State’s 56th governor and our newly elected statewide office holders.
Even the chilly January weather could not diminish the feeling of hope and excitement in the air as the governor took to the podium to deliver his inaugural address. He gave an inspirational speech that set the tone for his coming years in Missouri’s highest office. I look forward to working alongside his administration in the days, weeks and months ahead as we build a better, stronger Missouri.
Capping off the day’s events was the Governor’s Ball, which was held in the Capitol Rotunda. It was a great evening, and I felt truly fortunate to have my family and so many friends and colleagues gathered together in celebration of this next chapter in our state’s history. Of course, all good parties must come to an end, and it was back to work on Tuesday.
Over 300 bills have been filed and are starting to make their way through the legislative process. The first measures were heard in their respective committees this week, with the most notable being two labor reform bills. Senate Bill 19 will make Missouri the next Right to Work state, while Senate Bill 21 will enact Paycheck Protection. The Senate majority caucus has stated its commitment to transforming Missouri into a pro-worker, pro-transparency and pro-taxpayer environment this session, and these measures are a part of that larger plan.
As a reminder, the governor will deliver his first State of the State address on Tuesday evening, Jan. 17. During the joint session, he will lay out his legislative priorities and release his budget recommendations for the upcoming fiscal year. You may find the live audio of the speech on the Missouri House of Representatives website at www.house.mo.gov.
Contact Me
I always appreciate hearing your comments, opinions and concerns. Please feel free to contact me in Jefferson City at (573) 751-2173. You may write to me at Senator Ron Richard, Missouri Senate, State Capitol, 201 W. Capitol Ave., Rm. 326, Jefferson City, MO 65101; email me at ron.richard@senate.mo.gov or visit me on the Web at www.senate.mo.gov/richard.