JEFFERSON CITY — As the 2013 legislative session is now underway, committees started the work of reviewing, fine-tuning and voting on proposed legislation.  Some of the most important legislative work is performed in Senate committees. This is where every member of the public has an opportunity to comment on legislation and where bills are refined before proceeding to the Senate floor for consideration by the full body. On Jan. 10, Senate Leader Tom Dempsey, R-St. Charles, announced his appointments to Senate committees. I was honored to be named to four of those committees.

First, I have the privilege of serving as the Vice Chairman of the Seniors, Families and Pensions Committee. On this committee, I will have the opportunity to hear testimony and discuss bills important to Missouri’s seniors, as well as various services and state programs that affect our aging population. The committee will also consider legislation concerning families and children and bills related to retirement and pension plans. Serving on this committee will allow me to continue to defend and promote the strong family values important to so many of us in southwest Missouri and to be a voice for some our most vulnerable citizens, including Missouri seniors.

I was also named to the Financial and Governmental Organizations and Elections Committee which will address legislation related to banks and financial institutions, internal operations of state agencies, and election law. The financial sector has always been an extremely important part of Missouri’s economy. In a time when Missourians are facing a stagnant economic recovery and experiencing difficulty in borrowing the finances they need to grow their businesses or build their homes, it is an honor to serve on this committee and work toward improving our economic prospects. This committee will also address bills related to elections. This issue has been particularly important the past few years as we have tried to implement photo identification requirements for voting. My interest is protecting the integrity of elections, as well as promoting the transparent and efficient operation of elections.  

As a small business owner and advocate of job creation and low taxation, I look forward to serving on the Jobs, Economic Development and Local Government Committee. This committee will work on measures related to the creation and retention of jobs, local and state business development, and the operation of local and community government. One of the most important topics we will address in this committee is tourism. Tourism is consistently among the top industries in Missouri and one of the few state government programs that generates more revenue than it costs. I am deeply concerned about disproportionate cuts to the Division of Tourism and hope my colleagues in the Legislature will see the tremendous benefit tourism brings to our state.

Finally, I am excited to serve on the Veterans’ Affairs and Health Committee this session. It is important that we honor the sacrifices of our hard-working men and women in the Armed Forces and that we continue to properly recognize and respect their service. It is because of these heroes that our nation remains free and a beacon of hope for others around the world.

I feel it is important to address the action taken this week by the president regarding our Second Amendment rights. Nothing the president has proposed would have prevented the terrible tragedy in Connecticut and is, instead, an attack on the Second Amendment that would give the federal government sweeping new controls on firearms. The right to keep and bear arms is one of the most important fundamental freedoms guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution, because it guarantees that people have the right to protect themselves, their property and their families. For this reason, I have co-sponsored legislation that would make any federal law banning semi-automatic firearms or limiting the size of gun magazines unenforceable within the state’s boundaries. Furthermore, the bill would make it unlawful for Missouri authorities or firearms dealers to enforce any federal law relating to a personal firearm, firearm accessory or ammunition. I look forwarding to working with my colleagues to advance this bill to protect this basic constitutional right of the people of the 29th District.