Senator Elaine Gannon’s Capitol Report for Feb. 16, 2023

The Art of Perfection

We have had a productive week in Jefferson City, and I’m happy to report another proposal of mine was perfected on Feb. 14. During the perfection process, a bill that has been reported out of committee is debated on the floor by the entire body. Senators may share their opinions and offer amendments during this stage, but once a bill is perfected, no additional changes can be made. Perfected bills have to clear one more vote in the Senate before they are “third read and passed” and sent to the House for its consideration.

The goal of my perfected Senate Bill 47 is to remove barriers and help homeless children and unaccompanied youth. This measure exempts homeless children from having to pay fees to obtain a driver’s or non-driver license and simplifies the process for them to be classified as “homeless.” In addition, the bill adds homeless and unaccompanied children to the definition of emancipated minor. Homeless children have enough to navigate in their lives without the added burden of paying fees or verifying their status. I hope we can get this bill enacted and assist this vulnerable population.

The Senate also perfected several other bills this week, including Senate Bill 24. The “Missouri First Responder Mental Health Initiative Act” establishes peer support counseling programs and a critical illness benefits pool to help our brave first responders who develop mental health issues or physical ailments in the line of duty.

My colleagues in the field of education should be relieved to hear the Senate also perfected Senate Bill 75. If enacted, this measure will allow retired educators to teach in public schools without losing their benefits. Teacher shortages are a major concern in our state, so the goal of this bill is to help mitigate this crisis and allow quality teachers to return to the classroom.

Recharging the Senatorial Battery

Nothing recharges my senatorial battery like welcoming folks from our community to the State Capitol, especially our future leaders. After meeting with several advocacy groups and introducing a team of state champions in the chamber, I can proudly say I am “fully charged!”

Senator Gannon welcomes members of the Bismarck Future Business Leaders of America to her office.

Students from the UniTec Center in Bonne Terre speak with Sen. Gannon.

The University of Missouri-St. Louis Alumni Association presents a 2022 Higher Education Award to Sen. Gannon.

Senator Gannon introduces state volleyball champions, the Jefferson R-7 Lady Bluejays, in the chamber.

Students who are pursuing physical therapy degrees visit with Sen. Gannon.