Week of Dec. 27, 2021 State Minimum Wage Set to Increase Beginning Jan. 1 The standard statewide minimum wage for most Missouri workers will increase
Author: Senate Communications
Sen. Mike Bernskoetter’s Legislative Column for Dec. 28, 2021
Looking Back on 2021 It may seem hard to believe but another year has come to a close. For some, I’m sure that’s a blessing,
Sen. Steven Roberts to Host Online Fountain Park – Lewis Place Development Meeting
JEFFERSON CITY — State Sen. Steven Roberts, D-St. Louis, will be hosting a Zoom meeting with developer Kevin Baker and community members to discuss the
Sen. Barbara Anne Washington’s Legislative Column for the Week of Dec. 13, 2021
Week of Dec. 13, 2021 The ACT score requirement for Missouri’s Bright Flight scholarship will be increasing to 32 for students graduating from high school
Sen. Mike Bernskoetter’s Legislative Column for Dec. 14, 2021
A Time For Hope and Generosity Christmas is one of my favorite times of year. It provides an opportunity for family and friends to come
Sen. Steven Roberts Fights for Seniors Overburdened by Rising Property Taxes
JEFFERSON CITY — State Sen. Steven Roberts, D-St. Louis, has pre-filed two pieces of legislation aimed at freezing property tax rates for Missouri’s seniors. “In
Sen. Mike Bernskoetter’s Legislative Column for Dec. 1, 2021
Pre-Filing Priorities As many of us begin preparing for the holidays, the Missouri General Assembly is already looking ahead to next year. On Dec. 1,
Sen. Steven Roberts to Host COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic
JEFFERSON CITY — State Sen. Steven Roberts, D-St. Louis, announces he will be hosting a COVID-19 vaccination clinic on Sunday, Nov. 21, from 11 a.m.
Sen. Barbara Anne Washington to Host Youth Violence Town Hall Meeting
JEFFERSON CITY — State Sen. Barbara Anne Washington, D-Kansas City, will be hosting a town hall event to discuss youth violence on Saturday, Nov. 20.
Sen. Mike Bernskoetter’s Legislative Column for Nov. 17, 2021
400 Years of Being Thankful In 1620, a group of travelers aboard a small ship called the Mayflower landed on what would one day be
Sen. Mike Bernskoetter’s Legislative Column for Nov. 3, 2021
Celebrating Veterans Day Every year, on the 11th day of the 11th month, Americans pause to honor and remember those who bravely served our country
Sen. Mike Cierpiot’s Capitol Report for Oct. 10, 2021
Standing Against Mandates Missouri is continuing to take a stand against federal overreach. On Oct. 28, the governor signed an executive order preventing his administration
Sen. Mike Bernskoetter’s Legislative Column for Oct. 21, 2021
Improving Accountability in Missouri’s Medicaid Program One of the biggest costs to Missouri is the state’s Medicaid program, also known as MO HealthNet. The program
Sen. Steven Roberts to Host Halloween Covid-19 and Flu Vaccination Event
JEFFERSON CITY — State Sen. Steven Roberts has partnered with Affinia Healthcare, the St. Louis Department of Health, and the Urban League of Metropolitan St.
Sen. Mike Bernskoetter’s Legislative Column for Oct. 14, 2021
Helping Businesses The past year has presented many challenges for our state’s business community. From COVID-19, supply chain disruptions and staffing issues, some businesses have
Sen. Greg Razer’s Update on Accessing MO HealthNet Coverage
Accessing MO HealthNet Coverage After months of hard-fought battles, certain Missourians can finally begin to access health care coverage guaranteed to them under the state constitution.
Sen. Barbara Anne Washington’s Legislative Column for the Week of Sept. 27, 2021
Week of Sept. 27, 2021 Since August 28, many of the bills passed by the General Assembly and signed by the governor have become law
Sen. Steven Roberts Recognized by Missouri’s Judges for Advancing Justice in Missouri
JEFFERSON CITY — State Sen. Steven Roberts, D-St. Louis, was one of five Missouri state senators recognized by the Judicial Conference of Missouri for their
Sen. Mike Cierpiot’s Capitol Report for Sept. 30, 2021
Recognizing Our Korean War Veterans Following in the shadow of World War II, the Korean War is often referred to as the “Forgotten War,” but
Sen. Steven Roberts Graduates from U.S. Air Force JAG Course
JEFFERSON CITY — State Sen. Steven Roberts, D-St. Louis, graduated from the United States Air Force’s Judge Advocate Staff Officer Course (JASOC) on Friday, Sept.
Sen. Barbara Anne Washington’s Legislative Column for the Week of Sept. 13, 2021
Week of Sept. 13, 2021 Lawmakers returned to the Missouri State Capitol on Wednesday, Sept. 15, for the annual, constitutionally-mandated veto session. This session provides
Sen. Mike Bernskoetter’s Legislative Column for Sept. 16, 2021
Recapping the 2021 Veto Session State lawmakers returned to the State Capitol on Wednesday, Sept. 15, for our annual veto session. This usually day-long session
Sen. Mike Cierpiot’s Capitol Report for Sept. 15, 2021
Protecting Your Personal Liberty On Sept. 9, the president made an announcement that businesses with at least 100 employees must require their workers to be
Sen. Mike Bernskoetter’s Legislative Column for Sept. 10, 2021
The Work Remains A farmer’s work is never really done. Whether it’s raising livestock, harvesting crops, cleaning barns, maintaining equipment or one of the other
Sen. Mike Cierpiot’s Capitol Report for Sept. 9, 2021
Helping End Food Insecurity in Missouri In 2019, the U.S. Department of Agriculture estimated that roughly 12% of Missouri households faced food insecurity, meaning they
Statement from Senator Karla May Regarding Rally for Justice
Statement from Senator Karla May Regarding Rally for Justice JEFFERSON CITY — State Sen. Karla May, D-St. Louis, issued the following statement regarding the Rally
Sen. Mike Bernskoetter’s Legislative Column for Aug. 25, 2021
Improving Access To Reliable Internet There’s no question that we live in a digital age. On a daily basis, I’m sure many of us use
Sen. Mike Cierpiot’s Capitol Report for Aug. 24, 2021
Recognizing A Gold Star School As a lawmaker, one of my top priorities is ensuring our students are able to receive a quality education. I
Sen. Mike Bernskoetter’s Legislative Column for Aug. 11, 2021
Celebrating 200 Years of Statehood On Aug. 10, we marked the state’s 200th anniversary of statehood. It was on that day all the way
Statement from Sen. Karla May Regarding Court Ruling on Medicaid Enrollment
JEFFERSON CITY — State Sen. Karla May, D-St. Louis, issued the following statement regarding a court ruling that the state must immediately begin allowing Missourians
Sen. Mike Cierpiot’s Capitol Report for Aug. 3, 2021
Celebrating 200 Years of Statehood The summer is quickly coming to an end, and the school year is right around the corner. Soon, cold weather
Sen. Barbara Anne Washington’s Legislative Column for the Week of July 19, 2021
Week of July 19, 2021 In 2005, Congress passed the REAL ID Act to help strengthen security standards for state-issued licenses and IDs following the
Statement from Sen. Karla May Regarding Supreme Court Ruling on Medicaid Expansion
Statement from Senator Karla May Regarding Supreme Court Ruling on Medicaid Expansion JEFFERSON CITY — State Sen. Karla May, D-St. Louis, today issued the following
Sen. Steven Roberts Welcomes Latest Court Ruling on Medicaid Expansion
Senator Steven Roberts Welcomes Latest Court Ruling on Medicaid Expansion JEFFERSON CITY — State Sen. Steven Roberts, D-St. Louis, issued the following statement welcoming the
Statement from Sen. Greg Razer on the Announcement of Donald Kauerauf as the New Director of the Department of Health and Senior Services
Statement from Sen. Greg Razer on the Announcement of Donald Kauerauf as the New Director of the Department of Health and Senior Services JEFFERSON CITY
Sen. Mike Cierpiot’s Capitol Report for July 21, 2021
Improving Our State’s Aging Infrastructure System Earlier this month, the governor signed legislation into law raising the state’s gas tax for the first time in
Sen. Barbara Anne Washington’s Legislative Column for the Week of July 12, 2021
Week of July 12, 2021 In 2019, the U.S. Department of Agriculture estimated that roughly 12% of Missouri households faced food insecurity, which means they
Sen. Steven Roberts’ David Dorn Memorial Bill Signed into Law
Senator Steven Roberts’ David Dorn Memorial Bill Signed into Law JEFFERSON CITY — State Sen. Steven Roberts, D-St. Louis, commends the governor for signing Senate
Sen. Karla May Applauds Criminal Justice Reform Bill Being Signed into Law
Senator Karla May Applauds Criminal Justice Reform Bill Being Signed into Law JEFFERSON CITY — State Sen. Karla May, D-St. Louis, applauds the governor for
Sen. Mike Bernskoetter’s Legislative Column for July 14, 2021
Staying Connected in the Digital Age Over the past year, we’ve seen the power of the internet in our modern world. Whether it was connecting
Sen. Karla May Sees Scrap Metal Protection Bill Signed Into Law
Senator Karla May Sees Scrap Metal Protection Bill Signed Into Law JEFFERSON CITY — House Bill 69, which aims to crack down on the theft
Sen. Karla May’s Priority Legislation Signed Into Law
Senator Karla May’s Priority Legislation Signed Into Law JEFFERSON CITY — Legislation sponsored by State Sen. Karla May, D-St. Louis, which creates new funds to
Capitol Complex Tax Credit Signed By Governor
Capitol Complex Tax Credit Signed By Governor JEFFERSON CITY — State Sen. Mike Bernskoetter, R-Jefferson City, is pleased to announce the governor signed into law
Sen. Mike Bernskoetter’s Legislative Column for June 29, 2021
Fourth of July Two-hundred and forty-five years ago, a group of men gathered together and signed their names to a piece of parchment that would
Sen. Mike Cierpiot’s Capitol Report for June 29, 2021
Keeping Missouri Pro-Life Let me apologize up front for the length of this post. This past week was important and a bit complicated, and if
Senator May To Host 26th Ward Meeting on June 24, 2021
Sen. Mike Bernskoetter’s Legislative Column for June 17, 2021
Celebrating Father’s Day This weekend, we set aside time to honor the men who have played important roles in our lives. Whether he is a
Sen. Barbara Anne Washington’s Legislative Column for the Week of June 14, 2021
Week of June 14, 2021 This week, the governor signed into law House Bill 271, a local government omnibus bill. Among the bill’s numerous provisions
Sen. Steven Roberts Hosts Covid-19 Vaccination Clinic
Senator Steven Roberts Hosts Covid-19 Vaccination Clinic JEFFERSON CITY — State Sen. Steven Roberts, D-St. Louis, announces he will be hosting a COVID-19 vaccination clinic
Sen. Mike Bernskoetter’s Legislative Column for June 8, 2021
Helping Our No. 1 Industry As chairman of the Senate’s Agriculture committee, I understand the important role agriculture plays in our state. After all, it’s
Sen. Barbara Anne Washington’s Legislative Column for the Week of May 31, 2021
Week of May 31, 2021 The First Regular Session of the 101st General Assembly has formally wrapped up, but the lawmaking process continues to play
Sen. Mike Bernskoetter’s Legislative Column for May 26, 2021
Honoring Our Fallen Heroes It seems the warm weather is finally here and so is the unofficial start of summer. For many, schools are letting
Sen. Karla May’s May Report for the Week of May 10, 2021
On the Floor On May 14, the 2021 legislative session came to a close. The week was incredibly busy with a flurry of legislative activity.
Sen. Greg Razer’s School Bus Safety Task Force Passed by General Assembly
Senator Greg Razer’s School Bus Safety Task Force Passed by General Assembly JEFFERSON CITY — State Sen. Greg Razer, D-Kansas City, announces the Missouri General
Sen. Barbara Anne Washington’s Legislative Column for the Week of May 17, 2021
Week of May 17, 2021 After four and a half months of policy discussions and debates, the 2021 legislative session came to a close on
Sen. Mike Bernskoetter’s Legislative Column for May 17, 2021
Wrapping Up the 2021 Legislative Session After months of hard work and late nights, the 2021 legislative session is now over. Coming to a close
Sen. Greg Razer Announces Passage of Mental Health Parity Legislation
Senator Greg Razer Announces Passage of Mental Health Parity Legislation JEFFERSON CITY — State Sen. Greg Razer, D-Kansas City, announces the Missouri General Assembly has
Sen. Karla May’s May Report for the Week of May 3, 2021
On the Floor This week, the Missouri General Assembly passed a more than $35 billion state operating budget for the upcoming fiscal year. This funding
Senator Greg Razer Secures Funding for Buck O’Neil Bridge Feasibility Study
Senator Greg Razer Secures Funding for Buck O’Neil Bridge Feasibility Study JEFFERSON CITY — State Sen. Greg Razer, D-Kansas City, has secured $300,000 in Missouri’s
Sen. Mike Bernskoetter’s Legislative Column for May 7, 2021
The Final Countdown The end of the 2021 legislative session is fast approaching. With only one week of session left, lawmakers are busy trying to
Missouri General Assembly Approves Proposal to Increase Access to HIV Prevention Medication
Missouri General Assembly Approves Proposal to Increase Access to HIV Prevention Medication JEFFERSON CITY — Legislation allowing HIV-prevention medication to be dispensed by pharmacists without
Sen. Mike Cierpiot’s Capitol Report for May 5, 2021
Explaining My Vote on Medicaid Expansion Recently, I voted to increase Medicaid funding to reflect the expansion approved by voters last August. I was in
Sen. Steven Roberts Opposes Legislation Impacting Missourians’ First Amendment Rights and the Initiative Petition Process
JEFFERSON CITY — State Sen. Steven Roberts, D-St. Louis, opposes two pieces of legislation moving through the Missouri Legislature, calling the bills attacks on Missourians’
Sen. Barbara Anne Washington’s Legislative Column for the Week of April 26, 2021
Week of April 26, 2021 This week, over a dozen appropriations bills were voted on by the Missouri Senate as it finalized its version of
Sen. Karla May’s May Report for the Week of April 26, 2021
On the Floor The debate over funding Medicaid expansion took center stage this week as the Senate passed its version of the state’s operating budget
Sen. Mike Bernskoetter’s Legislative Column for April 29, 2021
Passing Priorities This week, the Missouri Senate approved its version of the state’s operating budget for Fiscal Year 2022. Composed of 13 appropriations bills, the
Sen. Barbara Anne Washington’s Legislative Column for the Week of April 19, 2021
Week of April 19, 2021 This week, the Senate’s Appropriations Committee completed its work on the state’s operating budget for the upcoming fiscal year. This
Sen. Karla May’s May Report for the Week of April 19, 2021
On the Floor The Senate has lined up several bills this week to be sent over to the Missouri House of Representatives in the near
Sen. Mike Bernskoetter’s Legislative Column for April 22, 2021
Preserving History This week, the Missouri Senate gave an initial round of approval to one of my priorities for the 2021 legislative session. Senate Bill
Statement from Sen. Steven Roberts on the Verdict of the Derek Chauvin Trial
Statement from Senator Steven Roberts On the Verdict of the Derek Chauvin Trial JEFFERSON CITY — State Sen. Steven Roberts, D-St. Louis, today issued the
Sen. Karla May’s May Report for the Week of April 12, 2021
On the Floor Late nights are becoming more common in the Senate. On Monday, April 12, the upper chamber debated Senate Bill 11, which creates
Sen. Mike Bernskoetter’s Legislative Column for April 15, 2021
Securing Our Farms Missouri is blessed with fertile farmland and hardworking people who know how to put it to good use. According to the Missouri
Sen. Greg Razer Congratulates Appointee to Northwest Board of Regents
Senator Greg Razer Congratulates Appointee to Northwest Board of Regents JEFFERSON CITY — State Sen. Greg Razer, D-Kansas City, congratulates Stephen Coppinger who was approved
Sen. Steven Roberts Promoted to Captain in U.S. Air Force
Senator Steven Roberts Promoted to Captain in U.S. Air Force JEFFERSON CITY — State Sen. Steven Roberts, D-St. Louis, has been promoted to the rank
Sen. Barbara Anne Washington’s Legislative Column for the Week of April 5, 2021
Week of April 5, 2021 This week, the General Assembly moved one step closer to creating a statewide prescription drug monitoring program, with the Senate
Sen. Karla May’s May Report for the Week of April 5, 2021
COVID Vaccination Efforts As of April 9, COVID-19 vaccinations are now available to all adult Missourians. Individuals can register at Missouri COVID-19 Vaccine Navigator in
Sen. Karla May’s May Report for the Week of March 29, 2021
Women’s History Month In celebration of Women’s History Month, I participated in a panel discussion held by the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO) –
Sen. Greg Razer, in Support of Kansas City, Votes No on Senate Bill 53
Senator Greg Razer, on Support of Kansas City, Votes No on Senate Bill 53 JEFFERSON CITY — State Sen. Greg Razer, D-Kansas City, voted “no”
Sen. Mike Bernskoetter’s Legislative Column for March 31, 2021
Saluting Our Seniors I’m sure for many of us the thought of retirement conjures up images of beach vacations and lounging around in the sun
Sen. Barbara Anne Washington’s Legislative Column for the Week of March 22, 2021
Week of March 22, 2021 This week, the Missouri Senate debated legislation directly impacting the Kansas City region. Senate Bills 53 & 60 would lift
Sen. Karla May’s May Report for the Week of March 22, 2021
On the Floor This week, the Missouri Senate debated a wide-ranging police reform bill. Senate Bill 53 prohibits the use of respiratory chokeholds by police
Sen. Steven Roberts’ David Dorn Memorial Bill Unanimously Passes Senate
Senator Steven Roberts’ David Dorn Memorial Bill Unanimously Passes Senate JEFFERSON CITY — The Missouri Senate voted unanimously in support of legislation to designate a
Sen. Mike Bernskoetter’s Legislative Column for March 24, 2021
Big Issues Before the Legislature The Missouri Senate was back in action this week and entered the second half of the 2021 legislative session. At
Sen. Mike Bernskoetter’s Legislative Column for March 17, 2021
Mid-Session Update It’s hard to believe how quickly time has flown since the start of January, but the Missouri General Assembly has already reached the
Sen. Barbara Anne Washington’s Legislative Column for the Week of March 8, 2021
Week of March 8, 2021 The Missouri Senate dedicated part of the week to discussing two tax proposals. The first tax bill discussed was Senate
“Mega” Vaccination Event Announced for Jackson County
Jefferson City — State Sen. Barbara Anne Washington, D-Kansas City, joined the governor for the announcement of a “mega” vaccination event planned outside of Arrowhead
Sen. Karla May’s May Report for the Week of March 8, 2021
On the Floor On Monday, March 8, the Senate discussed a tax bill that could have a drastic effect on every municipality in the state.
Sen. Mike Bernskoetter’s Legislative Column for March 11, 2021
Honoring a Local Hero At 100 years old, Bill McAnany has lived a life like few others have. Born in St. Louis, Bill grew up
Sen. Karla May’s May Report for the Week of March 1, 2021
On the Floor This week, the Missouri Senate debated yet another tort reform bill. Senate Bill 7 establishes a time frame to sue a manufacturer
Sen. Razer’s Vaccine Update for March 4
Register For COVID-19 Vaccine The COVID-19 vaccination landscape in Missouri continues evolving, and my office remains in regular contact with those organizing our state’s vaccine
Sen. Steven Roberts Presents Legislation to “Freeze” Property Tax for Seniors
Senator Steven Roberts Presents Legislation to “Freeze” Property Tax for Seniors JEFFERSON CITY — State Sen. Steven Roberts, D-St. Louis, presented legislation that would freeze
Sen. Barbara Anne Washington Announces COVID-19 Vaccination Event Happening in Kansas City
Senator Barbara Anne Washington Announces COVID-19 Vaccination Event Happening in Kansas City Jefferson City — State Sen. Barbara Anne Washington, D-Kansas City, announced that a
Sen. Mike Bernskoetter’s Legislative Column for March 3, 2021
Raising Awareness for Scoliosis As the world continues to grapple with the ongoing pandemic, many people are taking a renewed interest in their personal health.
Sen. Greg Razer Files Bill Establishing School Bus Safety Task Force
Senator Greg Razer Files Bill Establishing School Bus Safety Task Force JEFFERSON CITY — State Sen. Greg Razer, D-Kansas City, filed Senate Bill 609, creating
Sen. Karla May’s May Report for the Week of Feb. 22, 2021
On the Floor After a week off due to the severe winter weather across the state, the Missouri Senate was back in action this week,
Sen. Mike Cierpiot’s Capitol Report for Feb. 25, 2021
Supporting Law Enforcement More bills are beginning to hit the Senate floor, leading the chamber to burn the midnight oil. On Feb. 22, the Missouri
Sen. Mike Bernskoetter’s Legislative Column for Feb. 24, 2021
Backing the Blue Police officers have never had an easy job. Every day, these brave individuals – people who are our family, our friends and
Sen. Barbara Anne Washington’s Legislative Column for the Week of Feb. 15, 2021
Week of February 15, 2021 The Missouri General Assembly recently truly agreed to and finally passed the first bill of the 2021 legislative session. The
Sen. Karla May’s May Report for the Week of Feb. 8, 2021
The Week of Feb. 8, 2021 On the Floor I was honored to open up session this week in the Missouri Senate by giving the
Sen. Steven Roberts Presents Dred Scott Resolution in Committee
Senator Steven Roberts Presents Dred Scott Resolution in Committee JEFFERSON CITY — State Sen. Steven Roberts, D-St. Louis, presented a Senate concurrent resolution calling on