The Declaration of Independence stands as one of the founding documents of our nation, expressing with the written word certain principles essential to our character as a nation. In an online exhibit maintained by the National Archives, it is described as one of our "charters of freedom." The Declaration, and it composition, was part of a heritage with roots deep in our past, a chain of events which continues to unfold in the present. 

An earlier link in that same chain was the Virginia Declaration of Rights, adopted on June 12, 1776, which influenced the content of both the Declaration of Independence and the federal Bill of Rights. In fact, on the same day it initiated the Declaration of Rights, the Virginia Convention unanimously issued an instruction to its delegates to the Continental Congress. Acting on that instruction, Virginia delegate Richard Henry Lee introduced a resolution at the Congress that the united colonies dissolve their allegiance to the British crown and declare their independence. As a result, a committee of five was appointed to draft the document: our Declaration of Independence.   

In the Declaration of Rights, the principal author, George Mason, expressed certain thoughts about government, rights, and liberty. In section 15, he made one statement I think particularly relevant on the Fourth of July: "That no free government, or the blessings of liberty, can be preserved to any people, but by a firm adherence to justice, moderation, temperance, frugality, and virtue, and by frequent recurrence to fundamental principles." What better time than the Fourth of July to reflect on our common heritage and reaffirm our commitment to those "fundamental principles"?   

The preservation of liberty and freedom has always depended on the willingness of each generation to "undergo the fatigue of supporting it," as Thomas Paine put it. As we pause to enjoy the blessings of liberty, let us also give thanks and always remember those who — to borrow Jefferson's words — may have sacrificed not merely their honor or their fortunes, but their very lives in its defense.   

May you and your families have a safe and happy Fourth of July.     

Sincerely,

Governor's Action on Legislation (Updated)

HB 1 - Appropriates money to the Board of Fund Commissioners

June 28, 2013 - Signed by Governor

HB 2 - Appropriates money for the expenses, grants, refunds, and distributions of the State Board of Education and Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

June 28, 2013 - Signed by Governor

HB 3 - Appropriates money for the expenses, grants, refunds, and distributions of the Department of Higher Education

June 28, 2013 - Signed by Governor

HB 4 - Appropriates money for the expenses, grants, refunds, and distributions of the Department of Revenue and Department of Transportation

June 28, 2013 - Signed by Governor

HB 5 - Appropriates money for the expenses, grants, refunds, and distributions of the Office of Administration, Department of Transportation, and Department of Public Safety

June 28, 2013 - Signed by Governor

HB 6 - Appropriates money for the expenses, grants, refunds, and distributions of the Department of Agriculture, Department of Natural Resources, and Department of Conservation

June 28, 2013 - Signed by Governor

HB 8 - Appropriates money for the expenses, grants, refunds, and distributions of the Department of Public Safety

June 28, 2013 - Signed by Governor

HB 9 - Appropriates money for the expenses, grants, refunds, and distributions of the Department of Corrections

June 28, 2013 - Signed by Governor

HB 11 - Appropriates money for the expenses, grants, and distributions of the Department of Social Services

June 28, 2013 - Signed by Governor

HB 12 - Appropriates money for the expenses, grants, refunds, and distributions of statewide elected officials, the Judiciary, Office of the State Public Defender, and General Assembly

June 28, 2013 - Signed by Governor

HB 13 - Appropriates money for real property leases and related services

June 28, 2013 - Signed by Governor

HB 17 - Appropriates money for capital improvement and other purposes as provided in Article IV, Section 28

June 28, 2013 - Signed by Governor

HB 18 - Appropriates money for capital improvement projects involving the maintenance, repair, replacement, and improvement of state buildings and facilities

June 28, 2013 - Signed by Governor

HB 7 - Appropriates money for the expenses and distributions of the departments of Economic Development; Insurance, Financial Institutions and Professional Registration; and Labor and Industrial Relations

June 28, 2013 - Signed by Governor vetoed in part by the Governor view veto letter

HB 10 - Appropriates money for the expenses, grants, refunds, and distributions of the Department of Mental Health, Board of Public Buildings, and Department of Health and Senior Services

June 28, 2013 - Signed by Governor vetoed in part by the Governor view veto letter

HB 19 - Appropriates money for capital improvement projects

June 28, 2013 - Signed by Governor vetoed in part by the Governor view veto letter

HB 478 - Changes the laws regarding shares in credit unions

June 28, 2013 - Signed by Governor

SB 35 - Creates an income tax return check-off program to provide funds for CureSearch for Children's Cancer

June 28, 2013 - Signed by Governor

SB 216 - Prohibits political activity restrictions on first responders and modifies current political activity restrictions on the Kansas City Police Department

June 28, 2013 - Signed by Governor

SB 58 - Allows the city of Farmington to put ordinances to a vote of the people before they are finally passed

June 28, 2013 - Signed by Governor

SB 357 - Modifies the law relating to mechanics' liens for rental machinery and equipment

June 28, 2013 - Signed by Governor

SB 126 - Prohibits any requirement that pharmacies carry a specific drug or device and modifies the scope of practice of physician assistants

June 27, 2013 - Signed by Governor

HB 316 - Extends the expiration date of the Division of Tourism Supplemental Revenue Fund from the year 2015 to 2020

June 27, 2013 - Signed by Governor

HB 418 - Modifies the Kansas City police retirement systems

June 27, 2013 - Signed by Governor

HB 451 - Authorizes a county to amend its budget twice during a fiscal year when there are certain specified circumstances

June 27, 2013 - Signed by Governor

SB 282 - Modifies various provisions relating to the regulation of motor vehicles

June 27, 2013 - Signed by Governor

HB 336 - Specifies that no political subdivision must prohibit any first responder from engaging in any political activity while off duty and not in uniform unless otherwise prohibited by state or federal law

June 27, 2013 - Signed by Governor

HB 349 - Allows the owner of a property-carrying commercial motor vehicle to request and be issued two license plates

June 27, 2013 - Signed by Governor

HB 404 - Recognizes psychological stress as an occupational disease for paid police officers of a paid police department certified under Chapter 590 if a direct causal relationship is established

June 27, 2013 - Signed by Governor

HB 722 - Changes the laws regarding the Police Retirement System of St. Louis

June 27, 2013 - Signed by Governor