Moving Forward During Women’s History Month Woman represent 10 of the 34 Missouri Senate seats — under the leadership of our state’s first female president pro tem — which is truly inspiring. I feel incredibly grateful for the opportunity to serve Missouri’s 24th Senatorial District. I’d like to express my thanks and appreciation to my fellow female Senate colleagues and wish all women a happy Women’s History Month. The theme this year is “Moving Forward Together! Women Educating and Inspiring Generations.” This message honors the tremendous achievements and contributions of all women in American history. We have a long way to go, but I hope we all have the courage and confidence to pursue our dreams and make this world a better place. I am happy to report that this month, we took a big step forward in protecting Missouri children — young girls in particular — from sexual predators. Senate Bill 66, which raises Missouri’s minimum age to marry to 18, passed the Senate with bipartisan support and was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. If a 20-year-old man were to have sex with a 16-year-old girl, it would be considered second degree statutory rape. Under existing Missouri law, that man could marry the minor to avoid being charged with rape. I believe this is wrong, puts young girls at risk, creates an ideal environment for trafficking and needs to be stopped. Raising the marriage age to 18 for all parties involved is imperative to the health and welfare of all children. Other bills that moved forward since my last legislative update include: - In fall of 2000, tragedy struck when a plane carrying then-Governor Mel Carnahan, his son Randy Carnahan, and advisor Chris Sifford, crashed in bad weather. Senate Bill 156, which passed the Senate, would designate Aug. 6, Chris’ birthday, as Chris Sifford Day in Missouri. Chris Sifford was a son, brother, preacher, journalist, chief of staff and friend of mine. I sponsored this bill in hopes that each year on Aug. 6, Missourians would reflect on the lives and legacies of these three men and recognize and appreciate the hardworking public servants of this state.
- Senate Bill 82 preserves Missouri’s water resources and passed the Senate. I supported this bill because I think we need to have some rules in place to protect Missouri’s rich water resources for future generations. I believe this legislation is a step in the right direction.
- Senate Bill 105 is an invasive species bill that requires all nurseries in Missouri to sign an affidavit annually that they will not sell or distribute any viable plants or seeds of the following invasive species: climbing euonymus, Japanese honeysuckle, Sericea lespedeza, Burning bush or Callery pear. Every year, I work with Weed Warriors to eradicate honeysuckle in our district, and numerous constituents have told me they support this ban. Senate Bill 105 would help make sure no one is selling or distributing these invasive plants in our state.
Protecting Missouri’s Foster Children House Bill 737, an omnibus child protection bill, was discussed on the Senate floor this week. This legislation strengthens protections for foster children by enabling them to keep survivor benefits they’ve earned. Many of these children have been subjected to trauma and abuse much of their young lives, and these funds can help them transition into adulthood and independence. Currently, the state Children’s Division takes survivor benefits to cover the costs of caring for these children. The Senate passed HB 737 Thursday, and it now goes back to the House for their consideration on the Senate’s changes. Thank You for Your Service & Sacrifice  I would like to take a moment to thank our brave service members and veterans. I was honored to meet with Colonel Reginald L. Bassa, retired Tuskegee Airman and Deputy Wing Commander, and his son, Lt. Commander Reginald L. Bassa Jr., who is retired from the United States Navy. The Tuskegee Airmen, also known as “Red Tails,” volunteered during World War II to become the first Black military airmen in the armed forces. Tuskegee Airmen often escorted white United States bomber pilots across enemy lines during combat. These courageous and dedicated young men often faced discrimination, racism and segregation within the military and in society when they returned home from the war.
Together Foundation Community Scholarship The Together Foundation is offering up to five $1,500 scholarships to Missouri residents who live or work in St. Louis City, St. Louis County, St. Charles County or Jefferson County, Missouri. Residents of Madison County or St. Clair County, Illinois, are also eligible to apply. Other eligibility requirements include: - Must be between the ages of 15 and 23 and planning to enroll in a university or college, two-year college, business or technical/trade school for the fall 2025 semester.
- Must provide a copy of your official high school transcript.
- Must upload a copy of your letter of acceptance by an accredited college or university, business or technical school.
- Must upload a letter of recommendation from your employer, teacher, mentor or volunteer organization.
- Must write and upload an essay or create and submit a YouTube video essay.
- Applications must be submitted no later than March 31, 2025. Winning applicants will be notified by May 15, 2025.
If you have any questions about the Together Foundation Community Scholarship, you can contact Mike Crossno at mcrossno@togethercu.org or Tracy Dickey at tdickey@togethercu.org. REAL ID Just another reminder that effective May 7, 2025, you will be required to present a REAL ID-compliant driver license or nondriver ID card, or another form of identification accepted by the Transportation Security Administration, to board domestic flights. You can apply for a REAL ID-compliant driver license or nondriver ID card at one of Missouri’s more than 170 license office locations. Visit dor.mo.gov for a list of acceptable documents for REAL ID-Compliant document processing. Contact Us If there is anything I or my amazing staff, Hannah Dolan and Emily O’ Laughlin, can do to assist you, please call 573-751-9762, email tracy.mccreery@senate.mo.gov or visit us in State Capitol Room 427. |
