Preparing for a New Year

The new year creates a sense of reflection and optimism for the future. I am proud of what my office accomplished in 2023, and I look forward to many more accomplishments in 2024.

Our past achievements would not have been possible without the help of my amazing team. My legislative assistant Amanda Holtmeyer is integral to keeping our office running and making sure constituents’ concerns are addressed back at home. I also want to thank my former chief of staff Brad Green who joined the office of Missouri’s junior U.S. Senator as Deputy State Director. Brad was a vital part of our team over the last five years. I enjoyed our time working together, and I know he will do well continuing to serve the people of Missouri. 

I am excited to welcome a new member to our team for the new year! Harli Rhodes will serve as my new chief of staff. She comes to our office after previously serving as a legislative assistant in the Missouri Senate and, more recently, as Policy Director for the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development. I know Harli’s experience and passion will help us continue advancing the priorities of our district. 

The Second Regular Session of the 102nd General Assembly begins on Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2024. This session, I filed legislation that focuses on reducing tax burdens on Missouri seniors and advancing public safety. 

One of our accomplishments in 2023 was the passage of Senate Bill 190. This legislation provided much needed tax relief to seniors, allowing counties to freeze property taxes on the primary residences of seniors and exempting Social Security benefits from state income taxes. This year, I am sponsoring some important updates to SB 190 to encourage more counties to adopt the vital property tax protections authorized by the bill. Several counties around the state have already adopted ordinances implementing SB 190. I want to see those protections expanded throughout Missouri. The legislation I filed this session will advance that goal. 

I also refiled Max’s Law, which creates harsher penalties for those who injure or kill a police K-9 officer. The law is named for K-9 officer Max of the St. Joseph Police Department who was tragically killed in the line of duty. Currently, killing a law enforcement K-9 is punished as ordinary property damage. This legislation ensures these animals are appropriately protected by the law.  

I look forward to working with my team and colleagues in the coming months to advance these and many other pieces of legislation to improve lives of Missourians. It is my great honor to represent the citizens of Platte and Buchanan counties in the Missouri Senate. If we can be of any assistance, please contact my office at (573) 751-2183, or visit senate.mo.gov/Luetkemeyer.

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