Senator Barbara Anne Washington’s Legislative Column for Feb. 20, 2025

The Big Chill

When the forecaster explained the big chill that would cover Missouri this week with record low temperatures and a blizzard-like snow storm in the southern half of the state, it reminded me of the obscure rom-com from the 1980s. While many aren’t of the age to remember the characters and plot of the nostalgic “The Big Chill,” its well-known soundtrack and classic hits remain cultural icons. One of these songs, “You Can’t Always Get What you Want,” reminds me of being a member of the minority party in the Missouri Senate. We may not get what we want, but we always band together to make sure Missouri gets what it needs.

One way we band together is co-sponsoring legislation. An example of this is the “circuit breaker” legislation in Senate Bill 64 and Senate Bill 101. These bills will raise the maximum allowable credit for property taxes and increase the income threshold to qualify for the benefit. This is an effort to fix an outdated tax credit mechanism for senior citizens and disabled individuals. The circuit breaker tax, which helps them afford to stay in their homes, has not kept up with inflation and the ever increasing cost of living. Since no one opposed this legislation during the hearing, I’m hoping this is the year we finally get this passed! Another good example is the liaison between the sponsors of Senate Bill 166 and Senate Bill 155, bipartisan proposals that will require cardiac emergency plans in Missouri schools and ultimately, save lives.

Another method is to thoroughly vet legislation in committee and on the floor. This week, the Senate Economic and Workforce Development Committee combined and passed a package of bills and Senate joint resolutions to eliminate the state income tax and scale back the sales tax rate. You can read the full descriptions of the consolidated Senate Bill 51 and Senate Joint Resolutions 31, 20, 24, 42, 32 & 48 or contact my office for more information. Don’t get me wrong, I am all for reducing taxes and letting people keep the money they’ve earned. However, income tax accounts for more than half of Missouri’s general revenue. Until we have a guaranteed alternative in place to fund what communities need, like emergency personnel, law enforcement and school districts, I will continue to have concerns.

Other times, we work with colleagues behind the scenes to tighten a bill’s language and ensure it aligns with current statutes and the constitution. Senate Bill 167 , which will dissuade participation in hazing and establish safeguards for those who report injuries sustained from these acts, was perfected on Feb. 19. As an attorney and proud alumna of the University of Missouri, I was proud to help with some of the legal technicalities included SB 167. This bill is also referred to as “Danny’s Law,” named for a former student at MU who suffered life altering injuries as a result of his fraternity’s hazing and unwillingness to seek medical help due to fear of punishment.

Legislation to be Heard Next Week

Next Tuesday, Feb. 25, I will have the honor of presenting three of my proposals to my colleagues on the Senate Progress and Development Committee. Senate Bill 303 designates every Feb. 20 as John Donaldson Day to memorialize this pitcher and mega star from Negro Leagues Baseball. Senate Bill 304 will establish Amyloidosis Awareness Day in Missouri on May 8 to spotlight this rare and deadly disease. The third is Senate Bill 433, which will acknowledge Nov. 9 as Links, Incorporated Day to honor this pioneering group of African American women and volunteer service organization.

The next day on Feb. 26, I’ll present Senate Bill 434 to the Senate Judiciary and Civil and Criminal Jurisprudence Committee and explain the DWI diversion plan it proposes for first time offenders and other defendants. If you are interested in testifying on any of these bills or other proposals, click on the Hearings tab at Senate.mo.gov or contact my team.

News for the 9^th

MU Life Sciences Quest Accepting Applications

Attention High School-Aged Students! The University of Missouri-Columbia is now accepting applications for its Life Sciences Quest program, a free, week-long summer academy for students interested in agriculture and its impact in our daily lives. Visit MU Life Sciences Quest for more information or to apply. 

1890 National Scholars Program Accepting Applications through March 1

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is now accepting applications for the USDA 1890 Scholars Program, which aims to encourage students at 1890 land-grant universities to pursue career paths in food, agriculture, natural resource sciences or related academic disciplines. The application deadline is March 1, 2025. The program is available to eligible high school seniors entering their freshman year of college as well as rising college sophomores and juniors.

Women Legislators of Missouri Scholarship Deadline Approaching

The deadline to apply for these scholarships is March 12. Please share the info below with the college bound young women in your life.

Senator Washington’s Sponsored Legislation for 2025

It is an honor representing the great people of Jackson County’s 9th Senatorial District. If you need assistance navigating state government or understanding the legislative process, please contact me by calling 573-751-3158 or emailing Barbara.Washington@senate.mo.gov. My team is here for you!