On Wednesday, Jan. 15, Pinnacle closed their hospital in Boonville. Unfortunately, when the Department of Health and Senior Services performed their annual inspection, there were critical violations found, and the company made the decision to close the hospital. It is upsetting to me that the hospital’s employees and patients were affected by this decision. However, this past Tuesday, Jan. 21, I was pleased to hear that MU Health Care held open interviews in Boonville and Boone Hospital Center hosted a job fair for Pinnacle employees in Pinnacle Hospital’s lobby. It is incredible that both of these hospitals decided to allow these individuals to interview with them, and I am hopeful that those affected by Pinnacle’s decision will be able to find a new job with MU Health Care or Boone Hospital Center.
On Wednesday, Jan. 22, the chief justice of the Missouri Supreme Court gave the annual State of the Judiciary Address. Like the State of the State Address, this speech informs Missourians about the judiciary’s priorities for the upcoming year.
The Legislature is committed to finding new and innovative ways to support Missouri’s court system. Currently, the courts are moving to a new online system that would allow individuals with tickets to go online to file documents and contact the prosecutor. Last year, the Legislature appropriated $2 million to fund this automation system, but it takes a lot of money to fund these types of programs. The chief justice asked for $2.8 million in this year’s budget to help protect the system against cyber threats and provide more user-friendly options for Missourians.
In the past, Missouri has been a leader in the fight against substance abuse and addiction. The first piece of legislation to address treatment courts was passed over 20 years ago, and last year, we restored core funding for treatment courts and secured additional funding for those services. These courts give many individuals the opportunity to receive treatment for their addictions that may have otherwise been inaccessible. Treatment courts are also instrumental in helping Missouri veterans overcome their addiction. Treatment courts are helping Missourians fight addiction, and I am glad the Legislature has taken steps in the past few years to fund these courts.
I look forward to working with my colleagues on some of the issues the chief justice described in his address. It is vitally important for the Legislature to make decisions that empower and support our state’s court systems and the judges, attorneys and staff who work diligently for our citizens.
Also, it is important to recognize the sacrifices that veterans make for our country. I am proud to report Cooper County was designated as a Purple Heart County by the Department of Missouri Military Order of the Purple Heart on Wednesday, Jan. 22. The governor, who is a veteran himself, spoke at the ceremony at the Cooper County courthouse. This designation is given to communities for their dedication to supporting and honoring our country’s combat wounded veterans and those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Supporting our veterans and active service men and women should always be one of our top priorities, and I am proud that Cooper County was recognized for their efforts.
Lastly, as we experience severe winter weather, I encourage you to stay safe on the roads. A good way to stay updated on the weather is to download MODOT’s Traveler Information app. The app gives you information about road conditions. You can also view weather updates on the KOMU 8 Weather app, KRCG 13 Weather Authority app and KMIZ Wx app. During this unpredictable weather, I would encourage you to stay home if you can. If you must be out on the roads, please slow down and stay safe.
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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 you can visit www.senate.mo.gov/rowden for an array of legislative and constituent resources.