Every January, a new legislative session starts in our State Capitol. Between Jan. 8 and May 15, 34 senators will make the trek from their hometowns to Jefferson City. Our goal is simple, to find ways to improve the lives of all Missourians, regardless of what part of the state they are from. We take the time to visit with constituents, whether it is through an official capacity or when someone stops us at the grocery store or after church. For the next five months, we are working for all of you.
In some ways, we will take up where we left off last May. All of the committee assignments stay the same. We will probably start hearing legislation in committee as early as this week. I will resume my role as chair of the Missouri Senate Appropriations Committee. Our job is to hear from members of the public, as well as directors of every department throughout state government. From there, we will review thousands of lines of budget items and produce a balanced budget that will go to the governor by May 8.
It is a true honor to be your Missouri state senator, and I am looking forward to working with my colleagues again this year to do everything we can to make our state a better place to live, work and raise a family. I appreciate all of the advice constituents have given over the past several months and hope people can take the time to make the trip to the Capitol at some point this session.
As always, please feel free to call, email or write with your ideas or concerns. My Capitol office number is (573) 751-1415, my email is dan.hegeman@senate.mo.gov and my mailing address is Room 332, State Capitol Building, Jefferson City, MO 65101.