Moving Critical Legislation This week I was honored to shepherd an important House bill relating to tax credits for adoptions, domestic violence shelters and maternity
Category: Columns
Sen. Dave Schatz’s Legislative Column for April 9, 2021
Pushing Back Against Federal and Presidential Overreach In recent decades, I believe executive overreach and the abuse of presidential powers have threatened our country’s system
Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer’s Legislative Column for April 9, 2021
Victims Before Criminals During a legislative work week shortened one day by the Easter holiday, we engaged in several extended floor debates, with several measures
Sen. Karla Eslinger’s Legislative Column for April 8, 2021
Finding Common Ground With the 2021 legislative session well past the halfway mark, I’ve had an opportunity to settle into the culture of 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. Denny Hoskins’ Capitol Report for Week of April 5, 2021
Honoring UCM I was honored this week to welcome a delegation from the University of Central Missouri to the Capitol. During their visit, I presented
Sen. Sandy Crawford’s Capitol Report for the Week of April 5
This week was a great time to meet with my constituents. I enjoy visiting with people from all parts of my district to discuss the issues
Sen. Bill White’s Capitol Report for April 8, 2021
Senator Bill White’s Capitol Report for April 8, 2021 Short Week Yields Long Discussions Our Senate workweek was condensed by one day to observe the
Sen. Jeanie Riddle’s Capitol Report for the Week of April 5, 2021
Protecting the Children of Our State As a mother, a grandmother and a retired schoolteacher, one of my top priorities is ensuring the children of
An Appreciation for All Things April
An Appreciation for All Things April Missouri always seems to redeem itself in April when warmer temperatures and longer days replace the months of gray
Sen. Hegeman’s Column for the Week of April 5: Improving Missouri’s Digital Infrastructure
Government should have a limited role in our lives. My time in the Legislature has shown me this limited role can be a good thing,
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. Dave Schatz’s Legislative Column for April 1, 2021
Standing Up for the Thin Blue Line Every day, the men and women of law enforcement wake up, put on their uniforms, hug their families
Sen. Karla Eslinger’s Legislative Column for April 1, 2021
Moving Legislation Forward We had another busy week at the Missouri State Capitol, but I must confess that my mind was, at least in part,
Sen. Angela Mosley’s Legislative Column for the Week of March 29, 2021
On Tuesday, March 30, I was proud to present Senate Bill 278 to the Senate Transportation, Infrastructure and Public Safety Committee. This legislation repeals a
Sen. Bill White’s Capitol Report for April 1, 2021
Senator Bill White’s Capitol Report for April 1, 2021 No Fooling on the Floor My colleagues and I had some lengthy discussions on the floor
Sen. Sandy Crawford’s Capitol Report for the Week of March 29
This week, many legislative proposals were discussed at length. Two of those bills that received first-round approval from the Missouri Senate are Senate Bill 120 and
Sen. Rick Brattin’s Capitol Report for the Week of March 29: Saying “No” to Vaccine Passports
You may have read about or watched a report recently about the state of New York creating the first-in-the-nation “vaccine passport.” For those who don’t
Sen. Holly Rehder’s Legislative Column for April 1, 2021
A Tool to Fight Drug Abuse For eight years as a member of the House of Representatives, I fought to enact a prescription drug monitoring
Sen. Denny Hoskins’ Capitol Report for Week of March 29, 2021
Supporting Our Troops This week, the General Assembly sent the second completed bill of the 2021 legislative session to the governor’s desk. Senate Bill 2,
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. Justin Brown’s Legislative Column for March 31, 2021
A Time of Resurrection Perhaps it’s because I was raised on a farm, but I’ve always loved spring. The change of temperature, the longer days
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. Hegeman’s Column for the Week of March 29: Looking Out for Missourians
As we begin the second half of the 2021 legislative session, my colleagues and I approved important legislation this week designed to move our state
Sen. Caleb Rowden’s Legislative Column for March 29, 2021
After our legislative spring break, my colleagues and I returned to the State Capitol last week refreshed and ready to finish the legislative session strong.
Sen. Angela Mosley’s Legislative Column for the Week of March 22, 2021
After our legislative spring break last week, I was energized and ready to return to Jefferson City and continue our work in the State Capitol.
Sen. Karla Eslinger’s Legislative Column for March 26, 2021
Legislative Session Continues The General Assembly returned from spring recess this week and quickly got to work with a full slate of committee hearings and
Sen. Jason Bean’s Legislative Column for the Week of March 22, 2021
Last week, my fellow senators and I were out of the State Capitol and back in our communities for our legislative spring break. I took
Sen. Holly Rehder’s Legislative Column for March 26, 2021
Protecting Our Kids (and our rights) With less than eight weeks remaining in the 2021 legislative session, every lawmaker is scrambling to get their proposals
Sen. Dave Schatz’s Legislative Column for March 26, 2021
A Call to Action: Supporting the Keystone XL Pipeline During my time in public office, I have done everything I can to support efforts to
Sen. Denny Hoskins’ Capitol Report for Week of March 22, 2021
Moving Legislation Forward The Legislature returned to Jefferson City this week following a one-week spring recess. During our time away from the Capitol, I was
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. Justin Brown’s Legislative Column for March 25, 2021
Back in the Game If the 2021 legislative session was a football game, we would have just come back on the field after half-time and
Sen. Sandy Crawford’s Capitol Report for the Week of March 22
We have moved into the second half of the 2021 legislative session, which means longer days and nights discussing legislation, plus more bills coming not
Senator Bill White’s Capitol Report for March 25, 2021
Senator Bill White’s Capitol Report for March 25, 2021 The Senate reconvened with full vigor this week after the mid-term recess. In addition to scheduling
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. Hegeman’s Column for the Week of March 22: Half Down, Half to Go
We have completed the first half of the 2021 legislative session. Much like last year, this has been a different session than most. Fortunately, it
Sen. Karla Eslinger’s Legislative Column for March 19, 2021
Connecting with the District The Missouri Legislature meets from early January through mid-May. It’s a busy five months for elected officials, as we travel each
Sen. Denny Hoskins’ Capitol Report for Week of March 15, 2021
A Mid-Session Recap The Missouri General Assembly is on spring recess this week, so there was no legislative activity at the State Capitol. Most senators
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. Hegeman’s Weekly Column for the Week of March 15: Reaching the Halfway Point
We have reached the midway mark of the First Regular Session of the 101st General Assembly. It is amazing how quickly these past two and
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
Sen. Holly Rehder’s Legislative Column for March 15
Mid-term Reflections The First Regular Session of the 101st General Assembly has reached the halfway point. The Legislature will take a one-week spring recess and
Sen. Andrew Koenig’s 2021 Mid-Session Report
After a busy week that saw several proposals move through the Missouri Senate, my colleagues and I have reached the halfway point of the 2021
Sen. Denny Hoskins’ Capitol Report for Week of March 8, 2021
A Taxing Week Ahead of Recess For myself, the past week felt like “win-some, lose-some” in the Missouri Senate. I was in the minority voting
Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer’s Legislative Column for March 12, 2021
The Halfway Mark The Missouri Legislature has reached the halfway mark in the 2021 session. Next week we begin our mid-term recess, and will return
Sen. Dave Schatz’s Legislative Column for March 12, 2021
Improving Our State’s System of Roads and Bridges From my first day in the State Capitol, one of my top priorities has been improving our
Sen. Karla Eslinger’s Legislative Column for March 12, 2021
Tackling Tax Issues We’ve reached the half-way mark in the 2021 legislative session this week, and the Senate advanced several important pieces of legislation before
Sen. Angela Mosley’s Legislative Column for March 12, 2021
President Signs $1.9 Trillion Coronavirus Relief Bill into Law On Thursday, March 11, the president signed the latest coronavirus relief bill, the American Rescue Plan
Sen. Jeanie Riddle’s Capitol Report for the Week of March 8, 2021
Reaching the Halfway Point of the 2021 Legislative Session Thursday, March 11, marked the halfway point of the 2021 legislative session. Despite navigating the challenges
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. Bill White’s Capitol Report for March 11, 2021
Senator Bill White’s Capitol Report for March 11, 2021 My colleagues and I experienced a whirl of action this week as numerous pieces of legislation
Sen. Sandy Crawford’s Capitol Report for the Week of March 8
We have reached the halfway mark of the 2021 legislative session, and have done quite a bit of heavy lifting in 10 weeks. While it
Sen. Justin Brown’s Legislative Column for March 11, 2021
Tough Votes Before Mid-Term Recess The 2021 legislative session has reached the half-way point. In this last week prior to our mid-term recess, the Senate
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. Hegeman’s Weekly Column for the Week of March 8: Bringing Jobs to Missouri
As a lawmaker, one of my top priorities has been to support legislation that helps provide jobs to the men and women serving our country
Sen. Jason Bean’s Legislative Column for March 8, 2021
It was a busy week in Jefferson City as my colleagues and I continue to discuss and debate legislation on the floor of the Missouri
Sen. Andrew Koenig’s Tax Increment Financing Reform Legislation Passes Missouri Senate Unanimously
On Thursday, March 4, the Missouri Senate passed Senate Bill 22, which reforms the use of tax increment financing (TIF). Tax increment financing allows a
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. Angela Mosley’s Legislative Column for the Week of March 1, 2021
Another Busy Week in the Missouri Senate It is hard to believe we are nearing the midpoint of my first legislative session. It has been
Sen. Denny Hoskins’ Capitol Report for Week of March 1, 2021
Perfecting Education Savings As we near the half-way mark in the 2021 legislative session a number of important bills continue to be heard in committee,
Sen. Karla Eslinger’s Legislative Column for March 5, 2021
Last Call for Legislation Monday, March 1, was the last day Senate bills could be filed for the 2021 session. Amendments and bill substitutes can
Sen. Caleb Rowden’s Legislative Column for the Week of March 1, 2021
As we near the midway point of the legislative session, the Missouri Senate has discussed and debated numerous proposals and has sent 11 bills to
Senator Tony Luetkemeyer’s Legislative Column for March 5, 2021
Reducing Government As we approach the half-way point in the 2021 legislative session, we’ve now passed the deadline for filing new Senate bills. In total,
Sen. Brian Williams’ Legislative Column for the Week of March 1, 2021
Rental Assistance This week, I wanted to discuss an important resource available for those struggling with housing costs because of the COVID-19 pandemic. A few
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. Bill White’s Capitol Report for March 4, 2021
Senator Bill White’s Capitol Report for March 4, 2021 The Process of Progress The third month of session is underway, and I am very pleased
Sen. Sandy Crawford’s Capitol Report for the Week of March 1
As the calendar turns to March, we are seeing more legislation make its way through the legislative process. We have already completed two months of
Sen. Dave Schatz’s Legislative Column for March 4, 2021
Honoring a Famous Missourian Like many of you, I was saddened to hear of the passing of Rush Limbaugh. His radio show, and the conservative
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. Hegeman’s Column for the Week of March 1: Protecting the Rights of Every Missourian
The Missouri Senate spent a great deal of time discussing a measure this week that comes in response to some of the protests and other
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. Angela Mosley’s Legislative Column for the Week of Feb. 22, 2021
Vaccination Event Updates and the Beginning of Tax Season On Thursday, Feb. 25, Walmart began administering COVID-19 vaccines at the Harris-Stowe State University Emerson Performance
Sen. Holly Rehder’s Legislative Column for Feb. 26, 2021
Ending ‘Us vs. Them’ in Education This past Tuesday the Missouri Senate spent more than 12 hours debating an education reform bill before setting the
Sen. Caleb Rowden’s Legislative Column for the Week of Feb. 22, 2021
This week, I would like to provide a few resources to help the residents of our community find nearby vaccination events. For a few weeks
Sen. Karla Eslinger’s Legislative Column for Feb. 26, 2021
A Busy Week At the Capitol We had a busy week at the State Capitol. I’m pleased to share that I passed my first bill
Sen. Dave Schatz’s Legislative Column for Feb. 25, 2021
Providing Certainty During Uncertain Times Since the start of the pandemic, the coronavirus has had a devastating effect on our state. The virus has caused
Sen. Crawford’s Capitol Report for the Week of Feb. 22
We are seeing more legislation move through the Missouri Senate, as we have completed the first two months of the 2021 legislative session. Things will
Sen. Bill White’s Capitol Report for Feb. 25, 2021
Senator Bill White’s Capitol Report for Feb. 25, 2021 Wrapping Up Another Month of Session Senators returned to Jefferson City and got right back to
Sen. Denny Hoskins’ Capitol Report for Week of Feb. 22, 2021
Busy Days and Late Night The Missouri Senate began the week with a late night. On Monday, we took up a proposal to increase the
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. Justin Brown’s Legislative Column for Feb. 24, 2021
Preventing Lockdown 2.0 As Missouri begins reopening our economy after the pandemic, I believe the last thing we want is a bunch of trial lawyers
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. Hegeman’s Column for the Week of Feb. 22: Providing Jobs for Our Military Members
As a lawmaker, one of my top priorities has been to support legislation that helps provide job to the men and women serving our country
Sen. Angela Mosley Provides Update on COVID-19 Vaccination Events in St. Louis County
For a few weeks now, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS), Missouri National Guard, the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and local
Sen. Holly Rehder’s Legislative Column for Feb. 19, 2021
Remembering Rush The Missouri Senate was not in session this past week due to weather. With temperatures in the single digits and below, and a
Sen. Andrew Koenig’s Legislative Column for the Week of Feb. 15, 2021
Staying Up to Date on the COVID Vaccine in St. Louis County The St. Louis County Health Department has created an online portal for St.
Sen. Jason Bean’s Legislative Column for the Week of Feb. 15, 2021
Recognizing Hard Work During Severe Winter Weather I hope you have stayed safe and warm this past week as we experienced severe winter weather throughout
Sen. Angela Mosley’s Legislative Column for the Week of Feb. 15, 2021
Proposition E and Equity in Education This week, I want to take a moment and discuss Proposition E and the Riverview Gardens School District. Due
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. Bill White’s Capitol Report for Feb. 17, 2021
Senator Bill White’s Capitol Report for Feb. 17, 2021 Capitol Gains Despite the inclement weather and bitter cold temperatures, the Missouri Senate had a productive
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. Hegeman’s Column for the Week of Feb. 15: Taking Care of Missourians During a Pandemic
In my opinion, looking after our most vulnerable citizens is the most important job of state government. We have been tested as much as we
Sen. Dave Schatz’s Legislative Column for Feb. 12, 2021
Protecting One of Our State’s Most Valuable Assets While the current pandemic is at the forefront of a majority of our work in the State
Sen. Holly Rehder’s Legislative Column for Feb. 11, 2021
Fixing Medicaid Among the many new experiences I’ve had since coming to the Senate has been an increased focus on health care issues. As a
Sen. Karla Eslinger’s Legislative Column for Feb. 11, 2021
Moving Legislation Forward As the Missouri General Assembly concluded the sixth week of the 2021 legislative session, activity on the floor of the Senate chamber
Sen. Rick Brattin’s Capitol Report for the Week of Feb. 8: Protecting Firearms Businesses from Discrimination
If you are a firearms enthusiast, hunter or just like to shoot, like I do, you’ve probably noticed a change on the ammunition shelves over
Sen. Sandy Crawford’s Capitol Report for the Week of Feb. 8
The 2021 legislative session is moving quickly. The Legislature continues to review multiple measures in committee and one proposal is already on the governor’s desk
Sen. Mike Cierpiot’s Capitol Report for Feb. 11, 2021
Protecting Those on the Pandemic’s Frontlines Over the past few weeks, my office has been hearing from constituents about an important piece of legislation working
Sen. Denny Hoskins’ Capitol Report for Week of Feb. 8, 2021
Legislative Progress Continues The Senate has sent the governor the first “truly agreed and finally passed” bill of the 2021 session. House Bill 16, a