Senator Elaine Gannon’s Capitol Report for Jan. 11, 2024

Welcome to 2024 and the convening of the Second Regular Session of the 102nd General Assembly. It seems like I was just sworn in to represent our community in the Missouri Senate, and now I’m beginning my fourth, and what will be my final, session as your state senator. Not seeking reelection was a difficult decision for me to make, as public service has been my calling and passion since I started teaching school some 40 years ago and was elected to serve in the Missouri House of Representatives in 2011. When I spent time with my grandchildren over the holidays and realized how precious and brief these formative years are, I knew that my next calling and passion was that of grandmother, and that I did not want to miss out on another four years of prioritizing them and making memories.

le this may be my last session, I am resolved to make it my most productive yet. In my last report, I detailed my legislation to provide free identification to homeless youth and install lifesaving AEDs in all Missouri public schools. Both measures were second read and referred to committees on Jan. 9, so I look forward to explaining their merits to my colleagues when I present them during upcoming public hearings.

Several Senate Committee hearings were conducted this week, including Gubernatorial Appointments. I was proud to sponsor Brittney Southworth as the District Eight Commissioner on the Missouri Commission on Human Rights. This statewide council enforces the Missouri Human Rights Act in an effort to investigate and eliminate discrimination based on race, religion, age, disability, national origin, sex or familial status.

Senator Gannon poses with Brittney Southworth's family following her confirmation hearing.

On Jan. 10, the Senate Education and Workforce Development Committee heard several measures related to school choice and vouchers. While I realize these are trendy and often times misrepresented topics, I stand firm in opposing any legislation that will detract funding from public schools. According to Article IX of the Missouri Constitution, “the general assembly shall establish and maintain free public schools for the gratuitous instruction of all persons in this state,” and the title of Section 8 reads, “Prohibition of public aid for religious purposes and institutions.” In my opinion, any bill or ploy to divert this crucial funding to private schools is not only unconstitutional, it is extremely unfair and potentially detrimental to the children, hardworking teachers and rural communities in Missouri. To me, diverting money from public schools to unaccountable private schools is like trying to fix a drought by depleting more water from the soil. I prefer to use these resources, donations, tax credits and voucher dollars to improve public school outcomes.

If you find yourself in Jefferson City, please stop by my office in Room 426 and meet my team, Heather and Janet. We want to make sure you can navigate state government, share your opinions and stay involved in the legislative process.