Accomplishing Great Things for Missourians
Famous groundhog forecaster, Punxsutawney Phil, woke up Feb. 2, saw his shadow and predicted six more weeks of winter. Regardless of what a cute, prognosticating rodent saw, spring is on the way, and I am predicting a very productive 2025 legislative session. I’m also forecasting the Chiefs will win their third straight Super Bowl! My Senate colleagues and I are working hard and accomplishing great things for the people of our state. We began debating legislation on the floor, with discussions stretching into the evening hours. I have high hopes legislation that Missourians have needed and wanted for a long time will finally move forward. I am pleased to report that my benevolent tax credit bill, Senate Bill 67, was vetted in the Economic and Workforce Development Committee, voted “do pass,” and could soon be considered on the Senate floor. Speaking of action from the Senate chamber, we perfected Senate Bill 59, which authorizes an income tax deduction for certain survivor benefits. Several other bills received final approval and now head to the Missouri House of Representatives for their consideration. - Senate Bill 1 modifies provisions relating to county officials.
- Senate Bill 2 modifies provisions relating to financial statements of certain local governments.
- Senate Bill 7 modifies provisions relating to emergency medical services.
- Senate Bill 28 modifies provisions relating to cotton trailers.
- Senate Bill 50 modifies provisions relating to jails.
I am honored to serve on the Senate Appropriations Committee. Each legislative session, the Missouri General Assembly must draft and pass a balanced state operating budget for the upcoming fiscal year. This week, budget discussions have been in full swing, primarily consisting of discussions with the heads of state agencies, giving us more insight as we vet and learn even more about how taxpayer dollars are utilized and dispersed. Prioritizing Public Safety Our new governor’s primary focus is on public safety. After being sworn into office, he wasted no time signing multiple executive orders and launching his comprehensive Safer Missouri Initiative. I am looking forward to supporting his efforts to make Missouri a place where it is easier to be a cop than a criminal. Senate Bill 52, a comprehensive public safety bill, has been placed on the informal calendar for future consideration. The bill includes several statewide public safety measures aimed at protecting communities across Missouri, including: - Cracking down on rioting and looting. Senate Bill 52 strengthens penalties for rioting, looting and mob violence to ensure those who engage in destructive and violent behavior are held accountable.
- Tougher penalties for resisting arrest. Senate Bill 52 increases penalties for resisting arrest, providing law enforcement with stronger tools to deter individuals from obstructing officers during lawful duties.
- Creation of a Committee on School Safety. Senate Bill 52 establishes a Committee on School Safety within the Missouri Department of Public Safety. The committee will be tasked with evaluating current safety policies and practices in schools and recommending strategies to improve safety protocols in Missouri schools, ensuring that students and staff are protected.
Capital Visitors  
Black History Month February is Black History Month, and this year’s theme is “African Americans and Labor.” This month, we celebrate the many achievements of African Americans, honor their culture and appreciate their significant role in our country’s history. 
Contact Senator Henderson It is a privilege and honor to represent you in Jefferson City. Please feel free to contact my office at 573-751-4088. For more information about my committee assignments or sponsored legislation, please visit my official Missouri Senate webpage at Senate.mo.gov/Henderson. | 