Current Media - Senator Mike Bernskoetter
Return to the Senator's Page
Helping Our Sheriff's Retirement: Sen. Mike Bernskoetter's Legislative Column for Dec. 20, 2024
Friday, December 20, 2024This week I would like to talk to you about Senate Bill 188, another one of the bills I have pre-filed for this coming legislative session. This bill is another attempt to help sheriffs across Missouri. They are facing a major shortfall in their pension system and need help from the legislature to find a way to ensure its solvency to continue supporting retired sheriffs into the future.
Reforming the Unemployment System: Sen. Mike Bernskoetter's Legislative Column for Dec. 13, 2024
Friday, December 13, 2024This week I would like to talk to you about another one of the bills I have pre-filed for the legislative session in January. Senate Bill 8 modifies unemployment benefits based on the unemployment rate. This bill is a commonsense reform to the unemployment system I have been working on for years. I am hopeful that this year we can see it passed into law.
Emergency Medical Services Reform: Sen. Bernskoetter's Legislative Column for Dec. 6, 2024
Friday, December 6, 2024This week I would like to write to you about Senate Bill 7, an important piece of legislation that I have pre-filed for the upcoming session. This bill seeks to improve the way ambulance districts operate.
Counting our Blessings: Sen. Mike Bernskoetter's Legislative Column for Nov. 27, 2024
Wednesday, November 27, 2024Counting Our Blessings
Invasive Plants: Sen. Mike Bernskoetter's Legislative Column for Nov. 22, 2024
Friday, November 22, 2024I would like to write to you this week about an important issue that faces Missouri and how one of my pieces of legislation in 2025 will address the problem
Veterans Day: Sen. Mike Bernskoetter's Legislative Column for Nov. 15, 2024
Friday, November 15, 2024This week our nation celebrated Veterans Day. This is a time to honor and recognize the sacrifices made by the military veterans of our nation. It is a day dedicated to remembering the courage, dedication and selflessness of those who have answered the call to protect our nation.
Ballot Results: Sen. Mike Bernskoetter's Legislative Column for Nov. 8, 2024
Friday, November 8, 2024In the wake of the election I would like to break down the results of the various ballot measures Missouri voted on this week.
Participating in Elections: Sen. Mike Bernskoetter's Legislative Column for Nov. 1, 2024
Friday, November 1, 2024Election Day is next week, and this long campaign season is about to be over. It seems as if every cycle gets longer and longer. However, I do not want anyone to lose focus on the importance of getting out there and voting. Our great republic is built on the participation of citizens in the election process, where they can let their voices be heard. By voting you are taking part in the grand experiment of a nation founded on the principle of a government ruled by the people.
Illegal Immigration and Protecting the Border: Senator Mike Bernskoetter's Legislative Column for Oct. 25, 2024
Friday, October 25, 2024As we get closer to Election Day, a policy that keeps coming to the forefront of our political discourse is the need to protect the border and control the flow of illegal immigration into this country.
Amendment 7 - Protecting Fair and Free Elections: Senator Mike Bernskoetter's Legislative Column for Oct. 18, 2024
Friday, October 18, 2024This week I am writing to you to talk about Amendment 7, an amendment that will be on the statewide ballot in November.
Supporting the Passage of Amendment 6: Senator Bernskoetter's Legislative Column for Oct. 11, 2024
Friday, October 11, 2024This November election, Missouri voters will have the opportunity to vote on Amendment 6. An amendment to our Missouri Constitution I support, which will allow the administration of justice to levy additional fees to support the salaries and benefits of our sheriffs, prosecuting attorneys and circuit attorneys, who serve a crucial role in our justice system in Missouri.
The Importance of Farmers on the Public Service Commission: Senator Mike Bernskoetter's Legislative Column for Oct. 4, 2024
Friday, October 4, 2024With the season of Fall officially here, we are getting ever closer to the legislative session in January. This coming session, I plan on working on several pieces of legislation, one of which is my legislation requiring the Public Service Commission to have representatives of the agricultural industry on it.
Breaking Down Amendment 3: Senator Mike Bernskoetter's Legislative Column for Sept. 27, 2024
Friday, September 27, 2024This week, I would like to take a moment and discuss with you one of the major ballots measures up for consideration this November: Amendment 3. Amendment 3 is a constitutional amendment to the Missouri constitution that seeks to roll back the progress our state has made to make Missouri a pro-life state by legalizing abortion once more in the state.
The Importance of Voting: Sen. Mike Bernskoetter's Legislative Column for Sept. 20, 2024
Friday, September 20, 2024We are entering the home stretch of the election season. In the coming weeks, I will be covering the different ballot proposals and telling you my position on each of them. This week I would like to encourage all citizens to get involved in the election process.
Veto Session: Senator Mike Bernskoetter's Legislative Column for Sept. 13, 2024
Friday, September 13, 2024This last week the General Assembly again gathered in Jefferson City for our constitutionally mandated Veto Session. This session is held every year on the Wednesday following the second Monday in September.
Remembering 9/11: Senator Mike Bernskoetter's Legislative Column for Sept. 6, 2024
Friday, September 6, 2024Next week marks 23 years since the tragedy of Sept. 11, 2001. That day was a stark and devastating blow to the nation, leading to the loss of nearly 3,000 lives and causing us, as a nation, to lose our sense of security in the world.
Celebrating Labor Day: Sen. Bernskoetter's Legislative Column for Aug. 30th, 2024
Friday, August 30, 2024As we approach Labor Day, I want to take a moment to recognize and honor the vital contributions of all hardworking Missourians.
Returning to School: Senator Mike Bernskoetter's Legislative Column for Aug. 23, 2024
Friday, August 23, 2024Across the state, children are heading back to school as summer break comes to an end. I have watched my own grandchildren start the process of adjusting from their summer routine to getting up early and ready for school again.
Moving Forward: Senator Mike Bernskoetter's Legislative Column for Aug. 16, 2024
Friday, August 16, 2024The primary election for the state of Missouri was held last week, and while not all the candidates and issues you supported may have prevailed, each of our elections is marvelous to me. Elections always remind me of the strength of our nation and our democracy.
The Importance of Agriculture: Senator Bernskoetter's Legislative Column for Aug. 12
Monday, August 12, 2024There is no greater industry in our state than agriculture. Farmers and ranchers are connected to the land of Missouri, and we know how to celebrate the bounty this great state gives us.
Sen. Bernskoetter's Legislative Column for Aug. 1: Breaking Down Amendment 4
Thursday, August 1, 2024Following up on last week, I would like to talk about the other amendment to our state constitution that will be on the August Primary ballot – Amendment 4.
Sen. Bernskoetter's Legislative Column for July 26: Breaking Down Amendment 1
Friday, July 26, 2024With the August primary election approaching, I want to take the next couple of columns to go through the different constitutional amendments that have been put on the August ballot. While voters may only vote for nominees on the party ballot they requested, all Missourians, regardless of party, are afforded the ability to vote on any and all proposed amendments to our state constitution.
Senator Bernskoetter's Legislative Column for June 7, 2024
Friday, June 7, 2024Memorial Day is a time when we as a people join together to remember and celebrate the sacrifice of those who have paid the ultimate price to protect our freedoms and allow this nation to flourish. This has led me to dwell on those currently serving and those who have served in the past and all they have done to allow us to live as we do in America.
Senator Mike Bernskoetter's Legislative Column for May 17, 2024
Friday, May 17, 2024The end of session is upon us. At this time of session, it becomes an absolute priority the budget is completed. Otherwise, it can cost taxpayers substantially for us to come back for an extraordinary session that would need to be called by the governor.
Senator Mike Bernskoetter's Legislative Column for May 3, 2024
Friday, May 3, 2024As we approach the last few weeks of session, it is more important than ever to assess our priorities as a Senate and the priorities of Missourians.
Senator Mike Bernskoetter's Legislative Column for April 19, 2024
Friday, April 19, 2024I hope you enjoyed the warmer temperatures this past weekend and took advantage of this little taste of summer. I love looking over the rolling green hills here in central Missouri and it reminds me of how important it is to protect this beautiful land we call home.
Senator Mike Bernskoetter's Legislative Column for April 12, 2024
Friday, April 12, 2024I hope you all had the chance to see the eclipse this past week. What an extraordinary event that Missouri has been blessed with, not just once but twice in the last seven years.
Senator Mike Bernskoetter's Legislative Column for April 5, 2024
Friday, April 5, 2024I hope you all had a beautiful Easter weekend. Easter is such a wonderful time of year. The world turns greener and brighter and birdsong returns in force, but the most important part is the celebration of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ – his death, sacrifice and resurrection.
Senator Mike Bernskoetter's Legislative Column for March 28, 2024
Thursday, March 28, 2024Legislative spring break is over and the Senate has reconvened. I am happy to be in the Capitol and back to work for Missourians.
Senator Mike Bernskoetter's Legislative Column for March 15, 2024
Friday, March 15, 2024I hope you are enjoying this beautiful start to spring. It is wonderful to see Missouri wildlife waking up after winter. Here in the Capitol, I’m preparing for the midpoint of Missouri’s legislative session. So far this session, the Senate has accomplished quite a few priorities.
Senator Mike Bernskoetter's Legislative Column for March 8, 2024
Friday, March 8, 2024Another beautiful week with some thunderstorms rolling through the state. It’s feeling more like spring every day. Here in the Senate, discussions have focused on perfecting bills through amendments and compromise. While the process can be tedious, I am working tirelessly to ensure you are properly represented.
Senator Mike Bernskoetter's Legislative Column for March 1, 2024
Friday, March 1, 2024I hope you enjoyed the string of warm weather this past week. It makes me think of all the beautiful land that will soon bloom across Missouri. In the meantime, I’ve worked here in the Capitol to get legislation important to you through the Senate.
Senator Mike Bernskoetter's Legislative Column for Feb. 23, 2024
Friday, February 23, 2024I hope you enjoyed the holiday this week and that your families are well. The Senate made progress these past few days on my legislation as well as initiative petition (IP) reform.
Senator Mike Bernskoetter's Legislative Column for Feb. 16, 2024
Friday, February 16, 2024I hope you have had a good week, celebrating the holiday as well as the Chief’s Super Bowl win.
Senator Mike Bernskoetter's Legislative Column for Feb. 9, 2024
Friday, February 9, 2024We can accomplish great things when we work together. This week reminded me of that fact as I heard from our friends overseas and worked alongside my colleagues in the Senate.
Senator Mike Bernskoetter's Legislative Column for Feb. 1, 2024
Thursday, February 1, 2024Through negotiation and compromise the Senate was able to make substantial progress on legislation this week and approve the gubernatorial appointments.
Senator Mike Bernskoetter's Legislative Column for Jan. 26, 2024
Friday, January 26, 2024Despite the disagreements occurring in the Senate Chamber, the work continues as bills continue to be heard and voted out of committee.
Senator Mike Bernskoetter's Legislative Column for Jan. 19, 2024
Friday, January 19, 2024This week brought about more progress on my legislative priorities as bills worked their way through committees.
Senator Mike Bernskoetter's Legislative Column for Jan. 12, 2024
Friday, January 12, 2024Committees and Appointments
Senator Mike Bernskoetter's Legislative Column for Jan. 5, 2024
Friday, January 5, 2024General Assembly Gaveled into Session for 2024