Wrapping Up the First Half of the Legislative Session
We have reached the halfway point of the legislative session. Looking back on my time spent in the Missouri Senate so far, it has been an honor and a privilege to serve the citizens of the 6th Senatorial District. There have been some long nights and some trying times, but I understand it all comes with the responsibility of serving you in the Missouri General Assembly.
So far this session, we have approved more than 30 pieces of legislation and sent them to the Missouri House of Representatives. This includes one of my legislative priorities. Senate Bill 196 authorizes the Missouri Department of Natural Resources to award grants that help maintain and restore historic county courthouses across the state. Through this legislation, we can help provide counties with critical funds that keep these historic buildings standing for decades to come. Senate Bill 196 was the first bill I passed out of the Missouri Senate. I am incredibly proud of the work we have accomplished so far this year.
While it is my hope that we will continue to advance legislation for our community, important work remains to be done in our Senate committees. As I have said before, these committees play an important role in evaluating the merits of legislation before it reaches the Senate floor. Over the past couple of weeks, I have presented several of my bills to various committees, including one bill on March 13.
Senate Bill 385 authorizes the conveyance of state property in order to build a port on the banks of the Capital City. This land would be conveyed to the Heartland Port Authority of Central Missouri, who will be overseeing the creation of the port. I believe project would be a great opportunity for our community. It has the potential to increase economic activity in our area by providing increased access to the Missouri River for important industries and create a path for affordable shipping opportunities. I presented SB 385 to the Senate’s Local Government and Elections Committee, and I was glad to have the support of citizens and leaders of Jefferson City, Cole County and Calloway County during the committee hearing.
Please feel free to contact my office at (573) 751-2076. For information about my committee assignments or sponsored legislation, please visit my official Missouri Senate website at senate.mo.gov/Bernskoetter.