Jan. 12, 2018

Capitol Update for the Week of Jan. 8, 2018

This week brought the first round of committee hearings in the Missouri Senate. Several bills have been referred to committee already and new bills are introduced each day. I currently serve on several committees including Appropriations, Economic Development, Insurance and Banking and the Joint Committee on Education. I am also honored to be serving as the Chairman of the Government Reform committee and the Vice-Chairman of the Professional Registration committee. I also continue to work with the 21^st Century Missouri Transportation System Task Force. Here is a brief overview of these committees’ responsibilities:

•  Appropriations — Consider and report upon all bills and matters pertaining to general appropriations and disbursement of public money.

• Economic Development— Consider bills and matters relating to economic development, job creation and retention, tourism and community and business development.

•  Insurance and Banking— Consider bills and matters relating to the ownership and operation of insurance, banking and other financial institutions.

• Joint Committee on Education — Review and monitor progress of education in the state’s public schools and institutions of higher education, and make recommendations to the general assembly for legislative action.

• Government Reform— Review, study, and investigate matters relating to the application, execution, and effectiveness of state laws and programs, the organization of state agencies and improving governmental efficiency and management.

•  Professional Registration— Consider bills and matters relating to departments, boards, bureaus and commissions of the state government, the internal operation of any state agency and the effect of federal legislation upon state agencies.

• 21^st Century Missouri Transportation System Task Force —Evaluate the condition of the state highway system, including roads and bridges as well as current transportation funding, and make recommendations regarding the state highway system and transportation funding. 

All of these committees have unique and important roles in the process of evaluating the merit of potential legislation. To find more information about these committees, or for information about the times and locations of committee hearings, please visit

https://www.senate.mo.gov/standing-committees/

What’s New in District 19?

I am very pleased to announce the nomination of Jack Jensen to the Child Abuse and Neglect Review Board. I have known Mr. Jensen for quite some time, as he served as the Assistant Principal at my elementary school. He has so many valuable assets and experiences to bring to the table and is passionate about kids. I am fully confident that Mr. Jensen will serve the children of Missouri well during his service on the Child Abuse and Neglect Review Board.

Additionally, The Department of Economic Development’s Neighborhood Assistance Program has recently approved a tax credit for Oats, Inc. which provides transportation services to elderly, disabled and low income individuals in 87 different counties throughout Missouri. This service removes barriers to employment, healthcare and other needs related to independent living. The funds from this credit will be used to purchase lift-equipped vehicles to ensure continuity of services to the approximately 28,700 people who utilize Oats, Inc. services. This funding will provide an improvement to the already important services offered to residents of the 19^th District.

I am here to serve you, and my office door is always open to your questions, concerns and suggestions. You can reach my staff at 573-751-3931 and an array of legislative and constituent resources at www.senate.mo.gov/rowden.