Committee Assignments for 2023

The second week of the 2023 legislative session is behind us, and this week senators learned their committee assignments for the 102nd General Assembly. I am happy to report I will resume the chairmanship of the Senate Economic Development Committee, a position I have held since 2021. This year, the committee’s responsibilities have grown, with the newly formed and renamed Committee on Economic Development and Tax Policy assuming oversight of bills relating to revenue and the public debt of the state. Previously, those bills would have been referred to the Ways and Means Committee, which has been eliminated this term.

The Economic Development Committee considers legislation related to the creation and retention of jobs, community and business development and tourism. Growing our state’s economy is one of my highest priorities as a legislator, so I appreciate the opportunity to help steer legislation related to economic development. As a certified public accountant, I look forward to the committee’s expanded role in shaping tax policy in the coming term. I’ve sponsored a number of legislative proposals to spur economic development in Missouri, and I’m eager to see those measures advance.

In addition to leading the Economic Development Committee, I have also been reappointed to serve on the Senate Appropriations Committee and the Insurance and Banking Committee. I served on both of these committees in previous years, and both tie in closely with my legislative interests and priorities. Serving on the Appropriations Committee provides the opportunity to participate in drafting the Senate’s version of the state operating budget. This is a role I take extremely seriously, and I always look for ways to limit the size and cost of state government and to protect taxpayers’ hard-earned money.

New for me this year will be service on the Education and Workforce Development Committee. This is another committee with an expanded mission during the 102nd General Assembly. Instead of focusing just on traditional classroom education, the revised Education Committee has an increased emphasis on legislation relating to job training and career development programs. This change is consistent with the creation of a state Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development in the governor’s executive cabinet and reflects the fact that education doesn’t end with a diploma. The committee’s expanded scope ties in nicely with my work with the Economic Development Committee, so I’m grateful for the opportunity to participate at a higher level.

With committees formed, bills can now be referred and hearings can proceed. That process may begin as early as next week. We have a lot of work ahead of us. There are currently nearly 500 separate pieces of legislation before the Senate, and many more bills waiting over in the House of Representatives. It’s a big job to get through all these bills, so the sooner we get started the better.

As always, I appreciate hearing your comments, opinions and concerns. Please feel free to contact me in Jefferson City at (573) 751-4302. You may also email me at denny.hoskins@senate.mo.gov.