99th General Assembly Convenes in Jefferson City
This week I stood in the stunning Missouri Senate Chamber and took an oath to represent the constituents of the 33rd Senate District for the second time. I said these very words four years ago when you first elected me to this position, and I will continue upholding the principles and values of the Missouri Constitution to the best of my ability. I am honored to serve as your Missouri Senator for another four years and to represent you in the halls of the Capitol. I promise to work hard to ensure the General Assembly hears about issues that you find most important.
Following the historic election in November and sweeping conservative victories, I am looking forward to working with our newly elected state lawmakers and statewide office holders. And with a new governor, this is sure to be an exciting time.
The dawn of a new era begins in Missouri with the office of the governor now held by a conservative. No longer will a veto proof majority be needed in the General Assembly. The potential to pass legislation that has previously been vetoed, including Right to Work and Paycheck Protection, is now a real possibility. Working together, I am confident the Legislature and the governor’s office are going to pass meaningful bills into law without the roadblocks we’ve seen in the past.
This year I’m honored to serve as chairman of the Senate Fiscal Oversight Committee, vice chair of the Senate Insurance and Banking Committee, and as a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senate Consumer Protection Committee, Senate Energy and the Environment Committee, and the Senate Professional Registration Committee. As a member of the Appropriations Committee, I’m not afraid to say no to big spending increases, and I assure you I will work to protect Missouri’s money.
Among the top issues we will be addressing this year are labor reform, tort reform, regulatory reform and education reform. It is our goal to pass legislation that will encourage and promote economic growth in Missouri. Compared to other states, Missouri ranks 47th in job growth and creation. We must change that direction. I’m proud to say I support Right to Work legislation and hope to make Missouri the next Right to Work state.
While this session is sure to be busy, I’m confident we are going to accomplish many things that will benefit the citizens of Missouri and the constituents of the 33rd Senate District.
Together we will help Missouri become a place where businesses will set up shop and families will come to live their version of the American Dream.
As always, I appreciate it when groups from around Missouri and from our community back home come to visit me at the Capitol. If you would like to arrange a time to come and visit me in Jefferson City, or if you ever have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact my Capitol office at (573) 751-1882.