Senator Ben Brown’s Capitol Report for March 22, 2024

A Break in the Action

The legislative spring break is underway now through March 24, and I am enjoying spending this time with my family and in our community. Here is what we were working on in the Legislature before we adjourned on March 14 for break.

I have some great news to share with veterans, especially the veteran I met on the campaign trail who explained the red tape he had to get through to receive a disabled placard for his vehicle. This is why I filed Senate Bill 912 to streamline this process for our veterans. During the perfection of SB 912, several amendments were adopted to give the legislation more teeth and further benefit our service men and women. These include my proposal designating the POW/MIA SSG Paul Hasenbeck Memorial Highway in Osage County, making it easier for veterans to access their benefits, waiving the $15 fee to apply for veteran personalized license plates and enhancing veteran suicide prevention efforts across the state. This legislation is the least we can do to help our service members who have fought so bravely for our country. I am hopeful the Senate will third read and pass this measure when we return from break.

One of the first measures the Senate passed this session, Senate Joint Resolution 74, was heard by the House Elections and Elected Officials Committee on March 12, inching the bill one step closer to passing in the General Assembly and appearing on the ballot for voter approval. This SJR will make some needed updates to our state’s century-old IP process, raising the threshold to pass an amendment to the constitution to a majority of votes cast in five out of eight congressional districts, as well as a majority of votes cast statewide. I believe if this resolution passes, it will give all Missouri voters an equal voice and representation when it comes to permanently altering the constitution.

Lieutenant Governor Awards Women of Achievement

Congratulations to Jan Haviland, the president and chief executive officer of Haviland Corporation in Linn, Missouri, who was honored with a 2024 Lieutenant Governor’s Women of Achievement Award in the Rotunda on March 14. I was honored to meet Jan and present her with a resolution celebrating her vast contributions to our community.

Lieutenant Gov. Kehoe and Sen. Brown congratulate Jan Haviland.

Extending a Warm Welcome

I thoroughly enjoy extending a warm welcome to visitors and listening to the concerns of advocates from our community. Below are a few photos and highlights from the week.

On March 12, hundreds of passionate Missourians traveled to Jefferson City for the Missouri Right to Life’s “Keep Missouri Pro-Life!” action day and rally. As a strong pro-life legislator, I appreciate all the hard work of my constituents who showed up to stand for the unborn and protect the sanctity of life.

Members of the Missouri Right to Life met with Sen. Brown during their action day on March 12.

Later that day, I welcomed several professionals from Compass Health who met with legislators and provided updates about our community.

Senator Brown joins Brittany Davis and Deborah Frost.

On March 13, I was proud to sponsor Becky Whithaus during her confirmation hearing for appointment to the Missouri Higher Education Loan Authority. The current registrar for State Technical College of Missouri and former president of the Gasconade County R-1 School Board, Ms. Whithaus will be a great asset to this commission.

Senator Brown sponsors Becky Whithaus during her confirmation hearing.

I also enjoyed welcoming a group of advocates from Franklin County, pictured below, who attended the 2024 Disability Rights Legislative Day at the Capitol on March 13. I appreciate the work of Sherry Schnieder and her dedicated team.

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.