Committees and State of the State Dominate Week Two
The second week of the 2019 legislative session came and went, and I marvel at how much can happen in a few days. Although we didn’t spend much time in the Senate chamber this week, there was a constant stream of people in and out of offices as lawmakers began laying the foundation for the months ahead.
One of the most important announcements of the week was committee assignments. These appointments are made by the president pro tem of the Senate. I was honored to be asked to chair the Senate Judiciary Committee. I’m excited to begin work on this important committee, which considers and reports on bills relating to Missouri courts, civil procedure, criminal law and other related issues.
I believe my background prepares me well for this duty. I am one of only four attorneys in the Missouri Senate, and the only practicing attorney in the Republican caucus. As one of only three newly elected senators to chair a standing committee in 2019, I appreciate the rare opportunity presented to me. I am humbled by and grateful for senate leadership’s confidence and support.
In addition to chairing the Judiciary Committee, I’ve also been named to four other committees: General Laws, Government Reform, Rules and Gubernatorial Appointments. The Committee on Gubernatorial Appointments has already begun its work of vetting the governor’s nominations of people to serve on various state boards and commissions, including several boards that meet and have members in Buchanan and Platte counties.
The big event of the past week was the governor’s State of the State Address, which was delivered to a joint session of the House and Senate. Most of the governor’s speech focused on workforce development and investment in Missouri’s infrastructure. These are the two main priorities of his administration.
I support the governor’s call for a renewed focus on job training programs and other workforce development efforts. Ensuring we have a well-trained workforce that is able to fill current jobs in our community is an issue at the forefront of the minds of our business leaders. I look forward to delving into the governor’s proposals as the Senate takes up legislation in the months to come.
Likewise, I support the governor’s request for increased investment in Missouri’s infrastructure. We must be good stewards of our existing facilities and continue to build for the future. It costs money to lay asphalt, repair bridges and create a backbone for rural broadband connectivity. The question, always, is how to pay for it.
I appreciate the governor’s determination to seek solutions that do not require increased taxes. I’m happy he respects the will of the people, who made it clear last November that they’re taxed enough. In his speech, the governor called for $350 million in bonds to pay for bridge maintenance projects. I’m reserving judgement about the advisability of borrowing money to pay for such infrastructure upgrades until I learn more details, but I pledge to give the governor’s requests careful consideration when they come before the Senate.
One topic that the governor touched on briefly, but I feel is critically important, is opioid addiction. Narcotic overdoses are the leading non-natural cause of death in Missouri. More people die from overdoses than lose their lives in car crashes.
It’s a complex problem with no single solution. But one piece of the puzzle is a system to monitor the dispensing of prescription painkillers. Doctors and pharmacies need the ability to identify patients who may be abusing opioids, so they can get those people help before it’s too late.
Missouri is the only state in the nation that does not have a prescription drug monitoring program. I have filed Senate Bill 155, which creates the Narcotics Control Act and establishes such a monitoring system. It’s my hope this measure moves forward, and the General Assembly is finally able to approve this much-needed program and begin to address the epidemic of opioid addiction.
It is my great honor to represent the citizens of Buchanan and Platte and counties in the Missouri Senate. If there is anything I or my staff can help you with, please contact my office at 573-751-2183, or visit www.senate.mo.gov/luetkemeyer.