2017 Session Begins; Senate Committee Considers Right to Work Legislation
We are now more than a full week into the First Regular Session of the 99th Missouri General Assembly. On Wednesday, Jan. 4, the Honorable Judge Patricia Breckenridge, Chief Justice of the Missouri Supreme Court, administered the oath of office to 12 re-elected senators and five newly elected senators. I want to extend a very warm welcome to each of our new senators and their staff.
As we are coming off a presidential election year, there were a few important events that needed to happen before session could really kick into high gear. On Monday, Missouri’s 56th governor and our newly elected statewide officials were sworn in on the south steps of our beautiful Capitol. The day’s historic festivities were capped off with the Inaugural Ball.
With all the exciting pomp and circumstance now behind us, the Missouri Senate is wasting no time turning its attention to the tough issues facing our state and its citizens. At the top of our to-do list this session is passing smart, substantive legislation that will promote job growth and economic development in the Show-Me State. On Wednesday, the Senate Committee on General Laws, of which I am a member, heard testimony on two pieces of labor reform legislation. Very simply, Senate Bill 19 would make Missouri the 28th Right to Work state, while Senate Bill 21 would enact Paycheck Protection.
For years, state legislators have been trying to pass Right to Work laws in Missouri, but to no avail. And with every year that has gone by, more and more of our businesses have moved across the state line to neighboring Right to Work states like Kansas and Iowa. Thankfully, unlike in previous years, we now have a governor who realizes the urgency of making Missouri a Right to Work state.
The way I see the issue — the way many supporters see the issue — Right to Work is not about weakening labor unions; rather, it is about giving employees a choice, as well as the opportunity to make sure their unions are working for them. I have always supported Right to Work, and I am looking forward to the day Missourians are able to start reaping the benefits it brings.
The Missouri House of Representatives is considering similar Right to Work legislation. Whether by way of the House bill or the Senate bill, Right to Work is likely to be the first measure sent to the governor’s desk this session.
In other legislative news, committee assignments were announced last week. I am honored to have been appointed chair of the revamped Senate Committee on Economic Development, which is responsible for considering legislation relating to the promotion of economic development, creation and retention of jobs, tourism and the promotion of tourism as a state industry, and community and business development. I was also appointed a member of the Fiscal Oversight, Gubernatorial Appointments, and Insurance and Banking committees. Please visit my Senate website for a complete list of all my committee appointments.
It continues to be an honor serving the men, women and children of the 20th Senate District. As we go forward in session, please know I value your input, and my office is here to help in whatever we can. Be sure to look for my weekly column throughout session to stay updated on legislative events in the Capitol.
If you have any questions or comments regarding your state government, please feel free to contact me at (573) 751-1503. You are also welcome to e-mail me at jay.wasson@senate.mo.gov.