Capitol Update for the Week of Jan. 15, 2019
Ragtag Film Society
The Ragtag Film Society of Columbia Missouri has been a champion of independent media art since 1997 when a small band of volunteers began showing a few movies at a local concert venue. Now, the Ragtag Film Society is an official nonprofit organization with a professional staff and nearly 1,000 volunteers. The Ragtag Film Society has received the 2018 Missouri Arts Award from the Missouri Arts Council. They will be presented this award on February 7, but I wanted to take this opportunity to congratulate them on this achievement! The Ragtag Film Society offers more than 3,000 screenings annually at the Ragtag Cinema and produces the internationally recognized True/False Film Fest. True/False features nonfiction films as well as art installations, concert, panels, parties and education events for filmmaker and audiences. Additionally, Ragtag sponsors special events year-round and showcases a variety of films throughout Columbia. Ragtag is a staple of the Columbia arts community and this award is well deserved!
Gubernatorial Appointments
I was proud to introduce three more candidates to the Gubernatorial Appointments Committee this week. Each of these nominees, along with Jack Jensen who was featured in last week’s column, have been confirmed by the Missouri Senate and can officially begin in their positions. These individuals have impressive resumes and I am confident they will serve Missouri well.
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Kellie Ann Coats, Executive Director of the Missouri Women’s Council. Ms. Coats is uniquely qualified to serve as the new Executive Director for the Missouri Women’s Council. The council, established in 1985, promotes women’s development and education in Missouri. Ms. Coats has served as a leader in women’s organizations for her entire life. Her experience is diverse and represents the great enthusiasm with which she approaches her work. From her early days in Girl Scouts to her most recent selection to the Great Missouri Leadership Challenge Class, Ms. Coats has proven herself as a great leader and champion for women in Missouri. |
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Rob Dixon, Director of the Department of Economic Development. Mr. Dixon is a native Missourian and served in the U.S. Marine Corps. He also holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Missouri State University, a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Missouri – St. Louis, and an Associate of Arts in Political Science from St. Charles Community College. Throughout his career, Mr. Dixon has focused on workforce development and helping Missouri’s businesses grow in the state. His goal is to increase the competitiveness of our state by encouraging businesses to flourish in Missouri. |
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Anna Hui, Director of the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations. Anna Hui, JD, has held numerous senior positions in both state and federal government. She served as Associate Deputy Secretary of Labor at the U.S. Department of Labor, Chief of Staff to former U.S. Department of Labor Secretary Elaine Chao during her tenure at the Heritage Foundation and as the Acting Director of the Illinois Department of Labor. Ms. Hui’s impressive track record will aid in her work to enact much-needed reforms for Missouri’s workers and employers. |
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.
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