Week of February 5, 2024

Standing with Israel

Greetings! I hope this finds you well and that you’ve enjoyed the warmer temperatures coming through the state. They say the groundhog saw his shadow and spring is coming. Spring has also come for bills frozen in the legislative process.

This week, the Committee on Economic Development and Tax Policy heard my Senate Bill 825. This bill will establish an Office of Entrepreneurship to help assist small business owners. Senate Bill 825 will also establish a Regulatory Sandbox Act that will allow innovative businesses to navigate regulations more freely as they focus on bringing useful, new products and services to Missourians. This should stimulate business, competition and innovation across all sectors and help our economy grow.

It was a pleasure to welcome the Consul General of Israel and hear his words for the General Assembly. I stand with our allies in Israel in their continued fight against Hamas. As Missourians we must stand united against all forms of terror.

We also heard the State of the Judiciary address in a second joint session of the week. I am proud of the work the judges in our own district and throughout the state perform to help keep our cities and citizens safe.

I continue to make efforts to move initiative petition (IP) reform to protect the Missouri Constitution through the legislative process, but have met the anticipated resistance. Despite this, I will continue to work with my colleagues to bring your priorities onto the Senate Floor and get them to the House as quickly as possible.

We did have the chance to discuss Senate Bill 1168 and 810. These bills would put into statute a limitation that would prevent abortion providers in Missouri, or their affiliates or associates, from receiving funding through the state. This is a matter that is very dear to me. The lack of similar language is the reason I have stood against the federal reimbursement allowances (FRA).

I was happy to welcome many of those who celebrated Great Northwest Day here at the Capitol this week as well. If you are in the area please feel free to stop by my offices, I always love to meet with my constituents.

I will continue to keep you updated on the progress of bills through the legislative process and what I am working on for you.

As always, I appreciate hearing your comments, opinions and concerns. Please feel free to contact me in Jefferson City at 573-751-4302. You may also email me at denny.hoskins@senate.mo.gov.

It was an honor to meet with State FFA Officers Lynn Dyer, Higginsville, and Colin McIntyre, Walnut Grove.

I was happy to meet with Matt Allison, Liberty Fine Arts Department Assistant Director, as Liberty Public Schools received the 2024 Missouri Arts Awards in the Arts Education category.

I was glad to meet with a few managers of Missouri’s Electric Cooperatives. From left to right Michael Newman, West Central, Amber Overfelt, Howard County, and Brent Schlotzhauer, West Central.

I enjoyed meeting the youth of Warrensburg CLIMB High.