Senator Elaine Gannon’s Capitol Report for Jan. 11, 2023

2023 Legislative Session is Underway

On Jan. 4, eight newly elected senators and those who were re-elected in 2022 were sworn in to serve in the 102nd General Assembly. I am still taken aback when I think about the profound day I took the oath to serve as your state senator two years ago! The first week of session is quite formal with the swearing in ceremony, legislative ball, Governor’s Breakfast and designation of new Senate leadership. One of the traditions on opening day is for the newly elected president pro tem of the Senate to give an introductory speech. To my surprise and great honor, one of the first priorities the new president mentioned was passing my proposal to extend MO HealthNet coverage to postpartum women from 60 days to one year following the birth of her child. I sponsored this bill last year, but it didn’t cross the legislative finish line. With the support of Senate leadership, fellow senators and numerous stakeholders, I hope this is the year we can get this important measure enacted to reduce our state’s high maternal mortality rates and give new moms the tools and health care coverage they need to succeed.

One of the major changes for 2023 is the map for the 3rd Senatorial District. Our community now consists of Crawford, Washington, St. Francois, Ste. Genevieve and the southern portion of Jefferson County. I look forward to visiting my newest constituents in Crawford County in the near future.

This past week we learned our committee assignments, and I’m proud to report I have been assigned chair of the Senate Local Government and Elections Committee. I will also serve on the Senate’s Education and Workforce Development, Emerging Issues, Health and Welfare and Veterans, Military Affairs and Pensions committees for the duration of the 102nd General Assembly.

The first hearing of the 2023 legislative session was held on Jan. 11 by the Senate Gubernatorial Appointments Committee. I was happy to sponsor Mark Marberry, who was appointed by the governor to serve as the District 2 Commissioner for Ste. Genevieve County.

Senator Gannon sponsors Mark Marberry during his confirmation hearing on Jan. 11.

While we are still in the early stages of session, senators have a full docket of legislation to consider with nearly 500 proposals and multiple resolutions filed to date. The president pro tem will be referring bills to committees in the coming weeks, and I am looking forward to conducting hearings and listening to testimony from advocates and the general public as we work to improve the quality of life for Missourians.

If you travel to Jefferson City, please stop by my Capitol office in Room 426. I always enjoy visiting with the members of our community and learning about what matters to them. The more I understand your unique needs, the better I can represent you in the Missouri Senate.