The Start of the 2019 Legislative Session
The First Regular Session of the 100th General Assembly began on Jan. 9, at noon. The day began with the swearing in of recently-elected senators, myself included. This provided an important opportunity to reflect on and ultimately renew our commitment to serving the people of Missouri. As I have spent time in both the Missouri House of Representatives and the Missouri Senate, I know the legislative process can be a long and often difficult one. No matter what challenges we face in the Legislature, I know that every member of the Missouri General Assembly is committed to making our great state a better place to live, work and raise a family.
This year, I am honored to serve as the chair of the Senate’s Economic Development Committee. This important committee will hear bills geared toward creating and retaining jobs, promoting the state’s tourism industry, community and business development and other economic development policies. I look forward to working with my colleagues on the committee to promote sound economic policies that keep Missouri’s economy moving in the right direction.
Additionally, I will also be serving as a member of the following Senate committees:
- Commerce, Consumer Protection, Energy and the Environment, which considers legislation relating to the development of state commerce, the commercial sector, consumer protection, telecommunications and cable issues, the development and conservation of energy resources and the disposal of solid, hazardous and nuclear wastes and other matters relating to environmental preservation;
- Gubernatorial Appointments, which considers appointments made to Missouri’s various boards and commissions by the governor;
- Ways and Means, which hears legislation involving the state’s revenue and public debt, the assessment of real and personal property, the classification of property for taxation purposes and gaming;
- Small Business and Industry, which hears bills related to the ownership and operation of small businesses in the state, as well as issues involving labor management, fair employment standards, workers’ compensation and employment security.
There is much work to be done this legislative session, and I am eager to get back to work. It is truly an honor to serve as the senator for the 8th Senatorial District. If you ever have questions about legislation or state government, my office is here to serve you. Please feel free to contact my office in Jefferson City at (573)751-1464. For information about committees or sponsored legislation for the 2019 session, please visit my official Missouri Senate website at senate.mo.gov/Cierpiot.