Senator Ben Brown’s Capitol Report for May 13, 2024

Protect and Serve

The brave men and women who have answered the call to protect and serve our country will greatly benefit from the General Assembly’s passage of my veterans care package. Now awaiting the governor’s signature, Senate Bill 912 is the biggest veteran’s assistance package the Legislature has passed in years. This legislation started by streamlining the process for veterans to apply for disabled license plates and placards. I was motivated to file this legislation after I met a veteran who served in Iraq and Afghanistan while out knocking on doors. He shared with me the difficulty he experienced in obtaining a disabled placard when he relocated to Missouri. I promised him if I were elected, I’d find a solution. Almost two years later, we now have a solution.  In addition to streamlining the verification process to apply for disabled license plates and placards, SB 912 strengthens suicide prevention efforts and allows veterans easier access to assistance and their benefits. The bill also includes educational assistance for members of the Missouri National Guard, designation of the “POW/MIA Paul Hasenbeck Memorial Highway” in Osage County and the creation of a new medallion program for those who served in Afghanistan, among other provisions. I want to thank the disabled veteran I met when I was running for office who shared his frustrations about Missouri’s licensing law and inspired me to sponsor this meaningful legislation. I also want to salute the family of Paul Hasenbeck for their tireless efforts to memorialize his service in the Army during the Vietnam War.

The governor signed House Bill 2634 into law last week. This legislation bans all state funding from going to abortion providers or their affiliates, like Planned Parenthood. I feel this law will go a long way in protecting the sanctity of life in our state.

Over the first weekend of May, state leaders, law enforcement officers and surviving family members gathered at the Capitol to honor Missouri’s fallen officers and enshrine their names in the Law Enforcement Memorial’s Wall of Honor. During the annual observance, the Capitol dome and memorial on the north side of the Capitol are lit blue to pay tribute to the officers who made the ultimate sacrifice while answering the call to protect and serve. One of the honorees was Police Chief Mason Griffith, a treasured hero who was murdered while responding to a disturbance in Hermann in 2023. I am thankful Missourians will be aware of Chief Griffith’s service, and I deeply appreciate the sacrifices his family has made while he tirelessly defended, served and, ultimately, perished for our community.

                                                                                                        The Capitol dome is lit blue to honor fallen law enforcement officers and their service to Missouri.

Assistance for Storm and Flood Damage

I am so impressed by the resiliency and unity of the residents in our community who were impacted by flooding, storms and the tornadoes that touched down in Sullivan. If you need assistance with storm recovery, visit mo.gov/safety, call the Franklin County Emergency Management department at 636-583-1679 or email fcema@franklinmo.gov. Know that you have my support, and if my team can help you with anything, please reach out.

As always, it’s a tremendous honor to serve 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.