Senator Bill White’s Capitol Report for June 23, 2022 Another Bill Signed Into Law On June 16, I was honored to attend the bill signing
Category: Columns
Sen. Barbara Anne Washington’s Legislative Column for the Week of June 20, 2022
Week of June 20, 2022 Governor Signs Omnibus Higher Education Bill into Law On June 16, the governor signed into law an omnibus higher education
Sen. Karla Eslinger’s Legislative Column for June 17, 2022
The Signature of Approval The Legislature has been out of session for more than a month, but the work of representing the 33rd Senatorial District
Sen. Mike Bernskoetter’s Legislative Column for June 15, 2022
Protecting Our Farmland Farmland is a precious resource in our state, serving a wide range of functions. For starters, it’s the foundation of many family
Sen. Andrew Koenig’s Capitol Report for June 15, 2022
Take Advantage of the Missouri Motor Fuel Use Tax Refund Like you, I am increasingly frustrated by the skyrocketing price of gas, and from what
Sen. Barbara Anne Washington’s Legislative Column for the Week of June 13, 2022
Week of June 13, 2022 Governor Signs Bill Protecting Use of Certain COVID Treatments On June 7, the governor signed legislation into law to prohibit
“Highlights with Hegeman” for the Week of June 13: The Importance of Father’s Day
In 1909, Sonora Louise Smart Dodd was sitting in church listening to a sermon on Mother’s Day. The 27-year-old started to think about her father.
Sen. Bill White’s Capitol Report for June 9, 2022
Senator Bill White’s Capitol Report for June 9, 2022 Governor Signs Professional Licensing Bill into Law On June 7, the governor signed House Bill 2149 into law,
Sen. Barbara Anne Washington’s Legislative Column for the Week of June 6, 2022
Week of June 6, 2022 Coping with COVID-19 Virtual Event I will be hosting a virtual “Coping with COVID-19” event on Saturday, June 11 at
Sen. Mike Bernskoetter’s Legislative Column for June 8, 2022
Honoring “Old Glory” It was 1777, and the war for independence had been raging for two years already. Countless men had fought and died in
“Highlights with Hegeman” for the Week of June 6: Paving a Better Way Through Rural Missouri
As many of you know, I am one of the biggest proponents of working to improve our state’s infrastructure. To me, state government should be
Sen. Barbara Anne Washington’s Legislative Column for the Week of May 30, 2022
Week of May 30, 2022 Supreme Court Hears Case on Collective Bargaining Rights The Missouri Supreme Court heard arguments on May 24 in a case
“Highlights with Hegeman” for the Week of May 30: Remembering Those Who Made the Ultimate Sacrifice
Each year, the United States sets aside the last Monday in May as a day of remembrance for all those who have died while serving
Sen. Karla May’s “May Report” for the Week of May 23, 2022
The Week of May 23, 2022 Supreme Court Hears Case on Collective Bargaining Rights The Missouri Supreme Court heard arguments on May 24 in a
Sen. Andrew Koenig’s Capitol Report for May 27, 2022
May 27, 2022 2022 Session Wrap-Up The 2022 legislative session officially ended on May 13. This session was at times tumultuous, but I believe we
Sen. Dave Schatz’s Legislative Column for May 27, 2022
Wrapping Up the 2022 Legislative Session Friday, May 13, marked the end of the 2022 legislative session. Over the course of the past five months,
Sen. Sandy Crawford’s Capitol Report for the Week of May 23
Memorial Day weekend is almost here. While this holiday weekend serves as the unofficial start to summer, it also provides us with the opportunity to
Sen. Mike Bernskoetter’s Legislative Column for May 25, 2022
Protecting the Integrity of Our Elections Elections are at the foundation of the way our government operates. Because of the essential role they play, it’s
Sen. Bill White’s Capitol Report for May 25, 2022
Senator Bill White’s Capitol Report for May 25, 2022 Governor Launches ARPA Website To help Missourians monitor the funding received from the American Rescue Plan
“Highlights with Hegeman” for the Week of May 23: Putting More Resources into Education
Part of assembling the state budget each year includes allocating a certain amount of money toward educating the children of our state. Every year, approximately
Sen. Barbara Anne Washington’s Legislative Column for the Week of May 16, 2022
Week of May 16, 2022 American Rescue Plan Act Website Launched On May 16, the governor announced the launch of a public website to help
Sen. Mike Bernskoetter’s Legislative Column for May 18, 2022
Wrapping Up A Successful Session The 2022 legislative session has come to a close. While at times the session was stressful and outcomes were uncertain,
Sen. Holly Thompson Rehder’s Legislative Column for May 17, 2022
The Session Ends The 2022 legislative session has come to a close. It was a contentious four and half months but, in the end, we
Sen. Karla Eslinger’s Legislative Column for May 16, 2022
The End of Session The Second Regular Session of the 101st General Assembly has come to a close. The Senate ended legislative activity Thursday evening
Sen. Karla May’s “May Report” for the Week of May 9, 2022
On the Floor The 2022 legislative session came to an early close in the Missouri Senate on May 12. Despite ending a day early, the
Sen. Elaine Gannon’s Capitol Report for May 16, 2022
Senator Elaine Gannon’s Capitol Report for May 16, 2022 Another Legislative Session Is in the Books The final gavel fell on May 12, drawing the
Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer’s Legislative Column for May 16, 2022
KCPD Funding Bill Passes The 2022 legislative session ended on May 13. During the final hours, I was able to get one of my top
Sen. Barbara Anne Washington’s Legislative Column for the Week of May 9, 2022
Week of May 9, 2022 A Success End to Session In the final week of the 2022 legislative session, several of my priority pieces of
“Highlights with Hegeman” for the Week of May 16: Legislative Session Comes to an End
Another legislative session has come and gone in Missouri. The Legislature spends four and a half months in Jefferson City each year with the goal
Sen. Bill White’s Capitol Report for May 16, 2022
Senator Bill White’s Capitol Report for May 16, 2022 The Final Gavel Falls The final gavel fell on the evening of May 12, signaling the
Sen. Denny Hoskins’ Capitol Report for Week of May 9, 2022
2022 Session Ends The Missouri Senate ended its participation in the 2022 legislative session nearly a day before the constitutional deadline after passing a hastily
Sen. Sandy Crawford’s Capitol Report for the Week of May 9
The 2022 legislative session has come to a close with several of my priorities now on the governor’s desk for his consideration. The past four
Sen. Holly Thompson Rehder’s Legislative Column for May 9, 2022
An Eventful Week We had an incredibly eventful week this past week in the Missouri Senate as we finalized the operating budget for the 2023
Sen. Barbara Anne Washington’s Legislative Column for the Week of May 2, 2022
Week of May 2, 2022 Lawmakers Finalize State Operating Budget On May 6, lawmakers granted final approval to the appropriations bills comprising the state operating
Sen. Justin Brown’s Legislative Column for May 9, 2022
Bringing Federal Dollars Home Last week, the Missouri General Assembly met its constitutional obligation and passed a balanced budget for the coming fiscal year. Due
“Highlights with Hegeman” for the Week of May 9: Delivering a Balanced Budget
Each year, the Missouri General Assembly has one constitutionally mandated task, which is to pass a balanced budget. On the surface, this may sound like
Sen. Karla May’s “May Report” for the Week of May 2, 2022
On the Floor It was another week of late nights and long debates on the Senate floor. On May 3, the Senate moved forward with
Sen. Dave Schatz’s Legislative Column for May 6, 2022
Protecting the Integrity of the Ballot Box The ability to cast one’s vote on Election Day is a fundamental part of our representative republic. An
Sen. Karla Eslinger’s Legislative Column for May 6, 2022
Protecting Property Rights and Returning Taxes As we approach the end of the 2022 legislative session, the Missouri Senate took two major actions that will
Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer’s Legislative Column for May 6, 2022
Dollars for the District As I prepare this report, we are just a few hours away from the deadline for approving the 2023 fiscal year
Sen. Denny Hoskins’ Capitol Report for Week of May 2, 2022
Passing the Budget It is crunch time in the Missouri General Assembly. With a deadline for passage of the budget looming and the last day
Sen. Sandy Crawford’s Capitol Report for the Week of May 2
The Missouri General Assembly has completed its only constitutional obligation, which is to send a balanced budget to the governor. May 6 was our deadline,
Sen. Elaine Gannon’s Capitol Report for May 6, 2022
Senator Elaine Gannon’s Capitol Report for May 6, 2022 The Buck Stops Where? May 8 is the birthday of Missouri’s native son, President Harry S.
Sen. Rick Brattin’s Capitol Report for the Week of May 2: Crisis at the Border
There is a very real crisis happening on our southern border. In contrast to the four years of the Trump Administration, the last two years
Sen. Mike Bernskoetter’s Legislative Column for May 5, 2022
Protecting Property Rights On May 5, the Senate passed an important piece of legislation to protect Missourians’ private property rights, as well as the value
Sen. Bill White’s Capitol Report for May 5, 2022
Senator Bill White’s Capitol Report for May 5, 2022 The Countdown to Adjournment With only one more week to transform legislative proposals into law, legislators
Sen. Mike Cierpiot’s Capitol Report for May 5, 2022
Preserving the Integrity of Our Elections On May 3, the Missouri Senate moved forward with an important piece of legislation aimed at protecting the integrity
Sen. Holly Thompson Rehder Proposes A More Compassionate Approach to Homelessness
If you’ve driven through Kansas City or St. Louis, more likely than not you have seen individuals sleeping on the sidewalk or experiencing episodes of
Sen. Holly Thompson Rehder’s Legislative Column for May 2, 2022
Budget Work Continues Last week, the full Senate took up and passed revisions to Missouri’s Fiscal Year 2023 budget recommended by the Senate Appropriations Committee.
“Highlights with Hegeman” for the Week of May 2: Making the Right Decisions for Missouri
The Missouri General Assembly has only one constitutional obligation, which is to pass a balanced budget each year. On the surface, this may seem like
Sen. Dave Schatz’s Legislative Column for April 29, 2022
Funding Our Priorities This week, members of the Missouri Senate put their stamp of approval on a series of bills that make up the
Sen. Karla May’s “May Report” for the Week of April 25, 2022
On the Floor It was another busy week in the Missouri Senate as we approach the final few weeks of the 2022 legislative session. For
Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer’s Legislative Column for April 29, 2022
Budget Moves Closer to Approval This week in the Missouri Senate, we passed 14 appropriations bills for the various departments of state government. Thirteen of
Sen. Barbara Anne Washington’s Legislative Column for the Week of April 25, 2022
Week of April 25, 2022 Senate Passes Budget to Set Up Final Negotiations with House On April 26, the Senate approved its version of the
Sen. Karla Eslinger’s Legislative Column for April 28, 2022
Being True to My School As a member of the Missouri Senate, I’m expected to be in Jefferson City while the Legislature is in session.
Sen. Denny Hoskins’ Capitol Report for Week of April 25, 2022
Spending Uncle Sam’s Money One of my colleagues, a member of the minority party, described the $45 billion 2023 state budget voted out of the
Sen. Sandy Crawford’s Capitol Report for the Week of April 25
With two weeks remaining in this legislative session, we are continuing to work on bills that are important to the state. Some of my priorities
Sen. Bill White’s Capitol Report for April 28, 2022
Senator Bill White’s Capitol Report for April 28, 2022 Winding Up the 2022 Legislative Session With only two full weeks remaining, legislators are working to
Sen. Elaine Gannon’s Capitol Report for April 28, 2022
Senator Elaine Gannon’s Capitol Report for April 28, 2022 The Great Balancing Act Missouri’s Constitution requires the Legislature to pass a balanced budget each year.
Sen. Mike Bernskoetter’s Legislative Column for April 28, 2022
Missouri Senate Passes Budget After a marathon voting session, the Missouri Senate passed its version of the state operating budget for the upcoming fiscal year.
The Greatest Generation
The Greatest Generation Americans of all ages took a front row seat to the “Greatest Generation” during the opening scenes of “Saving Private Ryan.” This
“Highlights with Hegeman” for the Week of April 25: Preparing for Mother Nature’s Surprises
Over the past decade, we have seen several examples of extreme weather in our part of the state. Most of the time, it is possible
Sen. Barbara Anne Washington’s Legislative Column for the Week of April 18, 2022
Week of April 18, 2022 Senate Committee Advances FY 2023 State Operating Budget With just over two weeks until the constitutional budget deadline, the Senate
Sen. Karla May’s “May Report” for the Week of April 18, 2022
On the Floor Despite the shortened week due to the Easter Monday holiday, the Missouri Senate managed to work through a number of bills at
Sen. Karla Eslinger’s Legislative Column for April 22, 2022
An Opportunity to Address Needs In previous Capitol reports, I’ve mentioned the “markup” process, when the Senate Appropriations Committee proposes changes to budget bills sent
Sen. Holly Thompson Rehder’s Legislative Column for April 22, 2022
Three Weeks to Go We’re rapidly approaching the end of the 2022 legislative session. May 6 is the constitutional deadline for passing a balanced state
Sen. Denny Hoskins’ Capitol Report for Week of April 18, 2022
Focusing on the Budget We’ve reached the point in the session when the Legislature is occupied with the 2023 Fiscal Year budget. The Senate Appropriations
Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer’s Legislative Column for April 22, 2022
Taxpayer Protection Measures Advance This week, my Senate Joint Resolution 39 passed out of the senate and has been referred to a House committee for
Sen. Sandy Crawford’s Capitol Report for the Week of April 18
As we get closer to the end of the 2022 legislative session, several of my priority bills continue to move through the legislative process. Senate
Sen. Bill White’s Capitol Report for April 21, 2022
Senator Bill White’s Capitol Report for April 21, 2022 Taking it to the House Since my last report, I have had the opportunity to introduce
Sen. Mike Bernskoetter’s Legislative Column for April 21, 2022
Budgeting Time for the Budget Over this past week, the Senate’s Appropriations committee has been working through the state’s proposed operating budget for the upcoming
Sen. Barbara Anne Washington’s Legislative Column for the Week of April 11, 2022
Week of April 11, 2022 Sickle Cell Awareness Week Advances to House On April 14, the Missouri Senate passed Senate Concurrent Resolution 35. This legislation,
“Highlights with Hegeman” for the Week of April 18: The Importance of Child Care
I believe one of state government’s biggest roles is to assist those who need a hand up, and not a handout. This is why this
Sen. Dave Schatz’s Legislative Column for April 15, 2022
Progress and Property Rights When many people think of the Fifth Amendment to the Constitution, they envision someone sitting on the witness stand in
Sen. Karla Eslinger’s Legislative Column for April 14, 2022
Legislation with Real Impact The Senate continued to move legislation forward this week. We passed several Senate bills and sent them onto the House of
Sen. Karla May’s “May Report” for the Week of April 11, 2022
History Made On April 7, history was made with the confirmation of Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson as the first Black woman to sit on the
Sen. Sandy Crawford’s Capitol Report for the Week of April 11
More legislation is moving through the process as the 2022 legislative session heads into its final month. House Bill 1606 was voted out of the
Sen. Rick Brattin’s Capitol Report for the Week of April 11: Our Elections Are Not for Sale
There are still a lot of unanswered questions about the 2020 election, which was, perhaps, the most important election of our lifetimes. Why were state
Sen. Denny Hoskins’ Capitol Report for Week of April 11, 2022
A Productive Week in the Senate The Missouri Senate had another productive week, as we moved bills out of the upper chamber and onto the
Sen. Holly Thompson Rehder’s Legislative Column for April 14, 2022
Easter Reflections Easter is a time of renewal. As we turn our thoughts to the resurrection of Christ, we’re reminded that he is our example.
Sen. Mike Bernskoetter’s Legislative Column for April 14, 2022
Helping Our State Workers As the General Assembly enters the final four weeks of the 2022 legislative session, I have several pieces of good news
Sen. Bill White’s Capitol Report for April 14, 2022
Senator Bill White’s Capitol Report for April 14, 2022 Utility Bill Receives Approval I’m pleased to report my utility bill, Senate Bill 756, was perfected
Sen. Elaine Gannon’s Capitol Report for April 14, 2022
Senator Elaine Gannon’s Capitol Report for April 14, 2022 The Golden Rule Easter weekend begins with Maundy Thursday, a day for Christians to reflect on
Sen. Angela Walton Mosley’s Legislative Column for the Week of April 11, 2022
Moving Legislation Forward Recognizing Historically Black Colleges and Universities This session, I co-sponsored Senate Bill 718, which designates the third week of September as “Historically
Sen. Mike Cierpiot’s Capitol Report for April 14, 2022
Protecting Children Online I believe one of the main priorities of the Legislature is ensuring our state has a bright future ahead of it, and
Sen. Holly Thompson Rehder’s Legislative Column for April 11, 2022
When Things Don’t Make Sense When I first came to the Senate, I vowed to learn the ways of Missouri’s upper legislative chamber and figure
Sen. Barbara Anne Washington’s Legislative Column for the Week of April 4, 2022
Week of April 4, 2022 Priority Legislation Moving Forward After a successful week on the Senate floor, I’m pleased to report that several pieces of
“Highlights with Hegeman” for the Week of April 11: Making the Most of an Unfortunate Situation
A lot has been said and written about the opioid epidemic in our county. Part of helping those who are addicted includes getting to the
Sen. Bill White’s Capitol Report for April 11, 2022
Senator Bill White’s Capitol Report for April 11, 2022 And Then There Were Five With only five weeks remaining in the 2022 legislative session, the
Sen. Karla May’s “May Report” for the Week of April 4, 2022
On the Floor It was a relatively quiet and productive week in the Missouri Senate this past week, with the body passing numerous bills and
Sen. Denny Hoskins’ Capitol Report for Week of April 4, 2022
Supporting Agriculture This week, the Missouri Senate advanced legislation aimed at increasing opportunities for Missouri’s farmers and rural businesses. Included in House Bill 1720 are
Sen. Karla Eslinger’s Legislative Column for April 8, 2022
Planting Seeds for Growth in Agriculture With the May 13 end of session already looming on the horizon, the Senate put the theatrics of recent
Sen. Dave Schatz’s Legislative Column for April 7, 2022
Sending a Loud Message to Washington, D.C. It might come as a surprise to some, but the United States produces more oil and natural
Sen. Sandy Crawford’s Capitol Report for the Week of April 4
As we enter into the final weeks of the legislative session, there is still much to get done. A lot of this time will be
Sen. Elaine Gannon’s Capitol Report for April 7, 2022
Senator Elaine Gannon’s Capitol Report for April 7, 2022 The Awe of April Call me partial, but I believe our community is one of the
Sen. Mike Cierpiot’s Capitol Report for April 7, 2022
Making Progress It’s hard to believe, but the 2022 legislative session is more than halfway over. Lawmakers have managed to make some progress on several
Sen. Mike Bernskoetter’s Legislative Column for April 7, 2022
Plowing Ahead with Priorities There’s an old Irish proverb that says “You will never plow a field if you only ever turn it over in
Sen. Rick Brattin’s Capitol Report for the Week of April 4: Fighting Back Against Woke Corporations
Unless you’ve been living under a rock the last few years, you’ve undoubtedly been witnessing the hyper-politicization of corporate America. From Facebook to Coca-Cola to
Sen. Brian Williams: If Not Now, When?
If Not Now, When? For people who look like me, waiting for justice has been a lifelong endeavor. We have made tremendous progress, but every
“Highlights with Hegeman” for the Week of April 4: Helping Local Government
Oftentimes, I am more than happy to shine a light on those who do the yeoman’s work in our society. Unfortunately, they are not always