Week of April 15, 2024

Protecting the Border

Greetings! I hope you had a wonderful weekend and had the chance to enjoy the bit of summer weather. With longer nights at the Senate, I have enjoyed the few chances I have to get some fresh air. My attention now turns toward the budget and how I can help ensure Missouri taxpayer’s money is appropriately used, and saved, when possible.

As the Senate moves their discussion to the budget, I hope to make sure the continually growing budget takes a step in the other direction and cuts costs for Missourians rather than leaving them with the bill. The state has a multi-billion dollar surplus which shows just how much the budget could be reduced, all without reducing funding. I believe the General Assembly has a responsibility to fight to keep Missourians hard-earned money in their pocket as much as possible.

Unfortunately, if you ask me, not everyone in the Senate agrees with this priority or methodology. Whether I stand alone or others stand with me, I promise I will continue to keep the priorities of Missourians as my main focus as I work here in the Senate.

Speaking of priorities, I was also happy to support House Bill 2016. This bill supplies funding to those Highway patrolmen who volunteered to go to Texas to help secure our border. I believe Missouri should help with the border crisis and protect our own communities. That is why I have also pushed to have my Senate Bill 1520 moved through committee. This bill gives Missouri the ability to penalize illegal immigrants in our state and will help protect the interests of Missourians. I don’t blame anyone for wanting to come to our state, but doing so illegally can cause massive problems for our communities. We need to do all we can to prevent this.

In addition, after working so hard and sacrificing so much to ensure Senate Joint Resolution 74 passed through the Senate early in session, I have been disappointed SJR 74 has not been taken up in the Missouri House of Representatives yet. If approved by voters, this bill would reform our initiative petition, and require that initiative petition be approved by five of the eight congressional districts in addition to the majority of statewide voters. I believe this bill will protect the voices of rural voters and help combat out-of-state interests. 

If you find yourself in Jefferson City, please don’t hesitate to come by. Receiving visits from my constituents is always a highlight of my week.

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.