Senator Ben Brown’s Capitol Report for Jan. 30, 2023

Legislative Momentum Builds

The legislative momentum continued to build this week with a full schedule of committee hearings and the passage of several proposals out of committee. I’m happy to report my legislation to establish a parent accountability portal and bill of rights was combined with similar bills and passed by the Senate Education and Workforce Development Committee. Senate Bills 4, 42 & 89 now head to the entire Senate body for consideration.

The Senate Commerce, Consumer Protection, Energy and the Environment Committee I serve on held another educational hearing on Jan. 24. Last week, representatives from all of Missouri’s electric companies explained their organizations and service areas. This week, we learned about the Public Service Commission, the utility watchdog for the state that oversees and regulates utility providers. The members of the committee learned about rate cases and were able to ask questions to PSC staff. I’m glad to have a foundation of knowledge on this topic before we start hearing complex utility legislation.

On Jan. 25, I was honored to sponsor Robert Dobsch during his Senate confirmation hearing. He was appointed by the governor in October and approved by the Senate this week to serve on the Health and Educational Facilities Authority of the State of Missouri. Mr. Dobsch is a fellow resident of Washington and has a lengthy professional background in the banking industry. He has served our community through his membership in the Washington 353 Redevelopment Commission, Washington Civil Industrial Board and the Washington Tax Increment Financing Committee.

Senator Brown sponsors Robert Dobsch for a gubernatorial appointment.

One of my favorite things about being your senator so far is getting to meet with people from our community, especially our future leaders. This week, I was honored to present a resolution to the Fatima Lady Comets, the 2022 state Class 3 softball champions. Congratulations to these fine athletes and their coaches for bringing home their fifth state championship trophy!

 Senator Brown honors the Fatima Lady Comets for their state championship title.

I have some good news for the folks who live in Warren County. The Department of Economic Development has awarded $261 million through the Broadband Infrastructure Grant Program to 60 recipients around the state. Some residents in Warren County may soon have expanded and improved internet access.   

It is an honor serving those who call the 26th Senatorial District home. If you need assistance with navigating state government or the legislative process, please reach out by calling 573-751-3678 or emailing Ben.Brown@senate.mo.gov.