Senator Elaine Gannon’s Capitol Report for March 23, 2023

March Madness

If I were to describe this week at the Capitol, I would simply call it “March madness!” We’ve seen rallies in the Rotunda and endured an all-night filibuster over the Save Adolescents from Experimentation (SAFE) Act. Students from all across the state filled the halls with laughter and music while the American Cancer Society exhibited a 40’ inflatable colon in one of the alcoves to remind Missourians about the importance of regular screenings. Thankfully, several successes were borne from this madness.

On March 20, we perfected the SAFE Act, which bans performing gender transition procedures and treatments on minors. The Senate also gave a preliminary round of approval to the Save Women’s Sports Act to help level the playing field for our high school and college-level female athletes during sports competitions. On March 21, we perfected a proposal to deduct certain retirement and social security benefits from an individual’s adjusted gross income. Following a final roll call vote, these bills will move to the House for its consideration.

Honoring Jessica

Please keep the family of Jessica Pabst in your thoughts and prayers this week. This beloved daughter of my executive assistant, Janet, and loving mother of two young boys passed away suddenly from complications stemming from pneumonia. My team is bereft over Janet’s tremendous loss and extends our sincerest condolences to Brandon, Lincoln and Paxton as they celebrate Jessica’s life and reminisce over fond memories.

Senate Student Arts Exhibit Winners Announced

The Missouri Alliance for Arts Education, in conjunction with the Missouri Art Education Association, has announced the winners of the 2023 Senate Student Arts Exhibit contest. Congratulations to Hillsboro High School’s Avery Vaughn, whose artwork was selected to represent the 3rd Senatorial District in the exhibit. I was honored to meet her family and present a resolution to Avery for this impressive achievement.

The family of Avery Vaughn attended the Senate Student Arts Exhibit awards ceremony in the Capitol.