Longer Days Yield Lengthy Discussions

The tenth week of the 2024 legislative session is now in the books, and as we approach the halfway point and enjoy longer days, the discussions have become a bit more lengthy and lively in the chamber. 

This was the case as the Senate took up and perfected Senate Bill 756 on March 4 to enhance and remedy a property tax credit for seniors that was signed into law in 2023. The current law grants a property tax credit for recipients of Social Security retirement benefits, inadvertently excluding seniors in similar situations, but who do not receive this type of pension. The amended version of SB 756 extends this credit to qualified taxpayers over the age of 62 who reside in counties which have adopted the ordinance. The Senate approved and sent this measure to the House of Representatives for consideration on March 7.

I suspect we will also have a lengthy discussion on the floor soon regarding my Senate Joint Resolution 78. Voted do pass by the Senate Local Government and Elections Committee on March 4, SJR 78 addresses many of the election concerns I share with voters from our community, including restricting non-U.S. citizens from voting in elections and prohibiting ranked choice voting in Missouri.

My bill to permit homeschool students to participate in their local school district’s sports and extracurricular activities was discussed at length during the Select Committee on Empowering Missouri Parents and Students hearing on March 5. As a former athlete whose life was positively impacted by participation in sports, I want to ensure all Missouri kids have access to these enrichment programs, which are subsidized by their parents’ taxes. 

Another piece of legislation I filed this year, Senate Bill 818, was debated on the floor last week.  During the COVID-19 pandemic, orders issued by local officials resulted in the devastation of far too many businesses, prevented families from attending church and even interfered with parents’ freedom to make personal health decisions for their children. This legislation will ensure our rights are protected during a public health emergency. Unelected bureaucrats should not be allowed to operate outside of our government’s system of checks and balances without oversight and accountability.

Welcoming Community Visitors

The highlight of my week is welcoming visitors from our community. I was excited to visit with students and staff from Owensville Elementary School during their field trip to the State Capitol on March 5, including Principal Tricia Ridder and her son, pictured with me below.

The Missouri Restaurant Association hosted their annual Legislative Day in the Capitol on March 6. As a restaurant owner and member of this distinguished advocacy group pictured below, I was honored to see old friends, meet other restauranteurs and update them on my legislative priorities.

MODOT to Begin Road Work in Gasconade and Osage Counties

This week, MODOT will begin resurfacing several roadways in our community. These projects include improvements to 51 miles in three counties along Route 133 from March 11 to May 2 and 8.2 miles along Route A in Osage County from April 22 through May 16. Click here or visit modot.org for more details.

Nominate a Deserving Senior for a Service Award

Do you know a person over 60 who has greatly contributed to our community? Consider nominating him or her for a Lieutenant Governor Senior Service Award before the April 1 deadline. Click the image below, visit lt.gov.mo.gov/seniors or call 573-751-4727 to learn more or nominate a volunteer.

It is an honor serving those who call the 26th Senatorial District home. If you need assistance with navigating state government or the legislative process, please reach out by calling 573-751-3678 or emailing Ben.Brown@senate.mo.gov.