Greetings,

In the Missouri Senate, legislative committees have started meeting for the 2019 legislative session. These subgroups of lawmakers evaluate bills and resolutions before they make their way to the full body for further discussion and debate. This is a valuable part of the legislative process, as it allows lawmakers to host hearings where members of the public can voice their support or objection for certain proposals. This adds an extra step in the deliberative process, providing valuable information for senators to consider in deciding whether to vote for or against a specific piece of legislation.

On Tuesday, Jan. 22, I presented my first legislative proposal of the 2019 session for a committee hearing. Senate Concurrent Resolution 4, which designates the Kansas City Chiefs as Missouri’s official professional football team, was heard by the Senate Rules, Joint Rules, Resolutions and Ethics Committee.

I believe this proposal is important for both residents of Kansas City as well as all Missourians because it honors the vital role the Chiefs play in our state’s economy. The team’s presence creates hundreds of jobs and stimulates economic activity for many businesses, such as hotels, restaurants and bars, that see an influx of customers on game days. The Chiefs also give back to the community in more direct ways. For example, the team is a steadfast partner of our annual Public Health and Safety Fair, an event we hold each year in Arrowhead Stadium to assist Kansas City’s underserved communities. The Chiefs’ support is vital to making this event a reality.

More than just that, however, the Chiefs are also a positive symbol of our community. During game days, Chiefs fans of all races, religions and political beliefs can come together to support the same team. There’s strength in diversity, and we should recognize the importance of activities that unify many people in our statewide community.

If approved by the committee, SCR 4 will head to the Senate floor for additional discussion. Both houses of the Missouri General Assembly — the Senate and the House of Representatives — must approve a concurrent resolution before it goes into effect. I hope to see SCR 4 through that process as the session continues, and hopefully advance several of my other legislative proposals, as well.

Below, you will find a chart tracking the progress of each bill I have sponsored during the 2019 legislative session. I believe these proposals are important to Missourians of all backgrounds, and I look forward to discussing each and every one of them before the Missouri Senate.

Please know I value your input, and I invite you to visit my Capitol office, located in Room 225, if you are ever in Jefferson City. You may access my Senate website at senate.mo.gov/curls.