Current Media - Senator Mike Bernskoetter
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Extra Session: Sen. Mike Bernskoetter's Legislative Column for June 6, 2025
Friday, June 6, 2025This week the governor has called the General Assembly back in for an extra session.
The End of Session: Sen. Mike Bernskoetter's Legislative Column for May 23, 2025
Friday, May 23, 2025Legislative session ended for the General Assembly last week. I was happy to see such a productive session and to have so much of the legislative agenda pass the General Assembly and head to the governor’s desk for his signature.
The Final Fight of Proposition A: Sen. Mike Bernskoetter's Legislative Column for May 16, 2025
Friday, May 16, 2025This week the legislative session ended, and the General Assembly completed their work for the year. In the coming weeks I will spend time telling you about all the bills we passed, but I wanted to spend this week talking about the passage of House Bill 567. This legislation repealed a majority of the 2024 ballot measure Proposition A.
Fighting Fentanyl: Sen. Mike Bernskoetter's Legislative Column for May 9, 2025
Friday, May 9, 2025With only one week left in session the Capitol has become a whirlwind of action. Amidst the chaos, I’d like to focus in on a single bill that I believe is so important in the fight against drugs – House Bill 49.
The Budget: Sen. Mike Bernskoetter's Legislative Column for May 2, 2025
Friday, May 2, 2025The state budget has been a priority this week as the Senate must work through the various budget bills so there is still time to work together with the House of Representatives to work out any changes before the May 9 deadline.
Reforming Proposition A: Sen. Mike Bernskoetter's Legislative Column for April 25, 2025
Friday, April 25, 2025This week the Missouri Senate continued its work on fixing provisions in Proposition A that were drafted and put in place without much thought to the practical effect the changes would have on the state. The problems Proposition A has presented is a microcosm of why the initiative petition process can be so detrimental.
Have a Happy Easter - Sen. Mike Bernskoetter's Legislative Column for April 17, 2025
Thursday, April 17, 2025I want to wish you a happy Easter!
Video: Sen. Mike Bernskoetter Presents Legislation to Repeal a Portion of Proposition A
Wednesday, April 16, 2025Senator Mike Bernskoetter, R-Jefferson City, handles House Bills 567, 546, 758 & 958, legislation that would modify provisions relating to employee compensation.
Eliminating the Tax on Diapers: Sen. Mike Bernskoetter's Legislative Column for April 11, 2025
Friday, April 11, 2025This week the Missouri Senate passed House Bill 594 and 508, making that legislative package one step closer to becoming law. This bill has a couple different provisions dealing with taxation, the most prominent is the elimination of the capital gains tax in Missouri. However, another very important provision that is included in this bill is the elimination of the sales tax on diapers.
Fixing Proposition A: Senator Mike Bernskoetter's Legislative Column for April 4, 2025
Friday, April 4, 2025The passage of Proposition A this past election created unforeseen burdens on our business owners which I believe will make it harder for the economy to grow. That is why I am supportive of efforts in the Missouri House of Representatives and Senate to amend this legislation and ensure it operates in a more equitable manner.
The Final Eight Weeks of Session: Senator Mike Bernskoetter's Legislative Column for March 28, 2025
Friday, March 28, 2025With Spring Break ending, the General Assembly is back in action doing the people’s work for the last half of session. With only eight weeks until adjournment in mid-May, there is still a lot of important work to get done, and I am excited to represent the people of the 6th Senatorial District.
Mid-Session Update: Senator Mike Bernskoetter's Legislative Column for March 21, 2025
Friday, March 21, 2025As we reach the halfway point of session for the General Assembly, I wanted to take a minute to quickly update you on the progress of several of my pieces of legislation. I look forward to returning to session to work for you, the people, next week when the Senate returns from its traditional legislative break
Mid-Session Report: Senator Mike Bernskoetter's Legislative Column for March 14, 2025
Friday, March 14, 2025As we reach the traditional halfway point of legislative session, I wanted to take a moment and summarize a few pieces of legislation the Missouri Senate has passed so far. This year has been very productive compared to the past couple, and I am very proud of the action we have taken to improve our state.
Making the SAFE Act Permanent: Senator Mike Bernskoetter's Legislative Column for Mar. 7, 2025
Friday, March 7, 2025As we approach the halfway point of session, I want to talk about one very important piece of legislation the Missouri Senate has passed - Senate Bill 10. This bill was Third Read and sent over to the House last week. This bill has many provisions in it, but one of the key provisions is the removal of the sunset on the Missouri Save Adolescents From Experimentation (SAFE) Act that protects kids from transgender procedures until they are adults.
Improving Missouri's Utility Infrastructure: Senator Mike Bernskoetter's Legislative Column for Feb. 28, 2025
Friday, February 28, 2025This week the Missouri Senate worked on the passage of Senate Bill 4. This legislation will positively impact Missouri’s economy and the future of our state by ensuring a reliable supply of electricity.
Senate Bill 104 Heard in Committee: Senator Mike Bernskoetter's Legislative Column for Feb. 21, 2025
Friday, February 21, 2025This week the Senate committee on Local Government, Elections and Pensions heard one of the bills I filed for this session, Senate Bill 104. This legislation would authorize the village of Sunrise Beach to put a sales tax increase of .5% on their ballot for public approval. If approved, the money would go towards funding public safety measures. I believe this legislation is an important piece of public policy for two primary reasons.
Legislation to Combat Crime: Senator Mike Bernskoetter's Legislative Column for Feb. 14, 2025
Friday, February 14, 2025Rising crime in Missouri, particularly in urban areas such as St. Louis, has created an urgent need for legislative intervention and action.
Pulling Out the Roots: Senator Mike Bernskoetter's Legislative Column for Feb. 7, 2025
Friday, February 7, 2025This week my Senate Bill 105, dealing with combating invasive plant species in Missouri, was heard in the Senate Agriculture, Food Production and Outdoor Resources Committee. This crucial piece of legislation is aimed at addressing the growth of invasive plant species across our state.
The Importance of Cutting Taxes for Missouri Economic Growth: Senator Mike Bernskoetter's Legislative Column for Jan. 31, 2025
Friday, January 31, 2025This week we heard from the governor during his first State of the State address. I was heartened to hear him talk so much about the importance of cutting taxes here in Missouri to help drive economic growth and bring prosperity to our state.
Martin Luther King and the Celebration of America: Senator Mike Bernskoetter's Legislative Column for Jan. 24, 2025
Friday, January 24, 2025This week the nation celebrated two very important days for our country. The holiday celebrating the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and the inauguration of a new president.
Beginning of Session: Senator Mike Bernskoetter's Legislative Column for Jan. 17, 2025
Friday, January 17, 2025As I start my final term representing you in the Missouri Senate, I am filled with a profound sense of duty and optimism for the 2025 legislative session. It continues to be the honor of a lifetime to serve you in this chamber. The beginning of this session was marked by the swearing-in of both re-elected and newly elected senators, a ceremony that underscores the democratic principles we uphold.
Returning to Session: Senator Mike Bernskoetter's Legislative Column for Jan. 10, 2025
Friday, January 10, 2025This week the Senate welcomed those re-elected or newly elected this past November as they were sworn in as State Senators. It was an honor to welcome them to the Senate as session began once more.