Jan. 17, 2019
Senator Caleb Rowden’s Column for the Week of Jan. 14, 2019
This week marked the first full week of 2019 legislative session. On Wednesday, my colleagues and I received our committee assignments for the 2019 legislative session. I am honored to serve as the chairman of the Rules, Joint Rules, Resolutions and Ethics Committee and as the vice-chairman of the Administration and Gubernatorial Appointments Committees. I am also proud to be a member of these committees: Joint Committee on Education, Missouri Arts Council Trust Fund Board of Trustees and the Missouri State Capitol Commission. Here is a brief description of each committees’ responsibilities:
- Administration: oversee and have sole and complete control of all financial obligations and business affairs on the Senate, the assignment of offices and seats and the supervision of certain designated employees.
- Gubernatorial Appointments: consider and report upon gubernatorial appointments referred to the committee.
- Rules, Joint Rules, Resolutions and Ethics: report on rules for the government of the Senate and joint rules when requested by the Senate; consider, examine and report upon bills and matters referred to it relating to ethics and the conduct of public officials and employees and recommend to the Senate the rules by which investigations and disciplinary proceedings will be conducted.
- Joint Committee on Education: review and monitor the progress of education in the state’s public schools and institutions of higher learning and make recommendations to the General Assembly for legislative action.
Every year the governor lays out their legislative agenda for the upcoming year during the State of the State Address. This year, the address was given on Wednesday, Jan. 16, in the Missouri House Chamber. The governor focused on workforce development and infrastructure during his speech. Workforce development is of the utmost importance in Missouri. Cultivating jobs and preparing the next generation to enter the workforce is vital to enriching our industries and growing our economy. Infrastructure is closely tied to workforce development, not only regarding our bridges and roads, but also our public school system.
During his address, the governor proposed $75 million in funding for bold and innovative workforce development programs. To ensure that Missouri will prosper as we move forward, we must invest in the youth of our state as they will become the next generation of workers. Overall, I found the governor’s speech to be impressive. It is evident by his legislative agenda that he truly cares about the future of our great state. By investing in workforce development and infrastructure, and working together, I believe we can truly achieve a brighter future for Missouri.
On Tuesday, Jan. 15, Missouri’s 47th State Treasurer was sworn into office. He is a graduate of the University of Missouri and I would like to offer him my sincere congratulations as he begins his tenure in this position. I am excited to see him continue to protect the fiscal interests of all Missourians in his new role as treasurer.
Next Monday, Jan. 21, is Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The Senate will not convene for session and our offices will be closed in honor of this holiday. We will reopen on Tuesday, Jan. 22. This federal holiday is held in January in honor of Dr. King’s birthday, and celebrates his life and achievements as an American civil rights leader. This year marks a milestone as it would have been Dr. King’s 90th birthday.
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