JEFFERSON CITY — It is hard to believe I am starting my third year as your state senator and that a new session is here. Your 8th District office did a lot of preparation over the last few weeks to get ready.  The biggest task was physically moving offices. We are now in Room 418 and would love to have you stop by when you come down.

The Legislature prefiled bills prior to session beginning. My legislation addresses such topics as photo ID for voting, tax reduction, several transportation-related bills, and some excellent legislation to make Missouri more military-friendly, including making it easier for servicemen and women to vote while deployed. More than 125 bills have been filed since the General Assembly convened on Jan. 9.

On Wednesday, Jan. 9, the 17 senators elected in November were sworn in to office and we got down to work by formally electing the highest leadership position in the Missouri Senate. I look forward to working with Senate President Pro Tem Tom Dempsey and Majority Floor Leader Ron Richard, as well as the rest of the leadership team, over the next two years.

On Monday, Jan. 14, the State Capitol will be packed as we swear in the newly elected statewide officials. The day begins with a prayer breakfast, a parade, the swearing in ceremony, and then later, a formal presentation of all elected officials. The night ends with the governor’s Inaugural Ball.  I hope to see some of you there.

I am pleased to be named the chairman of the Senate Ways and Means Committee. One of my priorities this session, and a priority for leadership, is a review of tax policy. I look forward to working with the members of the committee to find a comprehensive tax policy solution the entire Senate can support. In addition to the chairmanship of Ways and Means, I have been appointed to the following committees: Commerce, Consumer Protection, Energy & the Environment; Financial & Governmental Organizations & Elections; Jobs Economic Development & Local Government; and Seniors, Families & Pensions.

Interns

We are very pleased to have two interns this year. Kelsey Sullivan is a Communication Major at the University of Missouri and a graduate of Lee’s Summit West High School. Rick Skubinna is a close friend who wants to get some experience working in the Capitol.  Both will help navigate the office through some pretty busy weeks ahead.

Visitors

The Hulen family of Kansas City was in the Capitol this week, and my staff was happy to give them a tour to the top of the dome and take them to the Senate floor. We love having visitors and, if you let us know you are coming in advance, we can set up tours for the Governor’s Mansion, Supreme Court and Capitol. 

We also had a great visit from Alexis Ditzler and her children. The family’s great-grandfather, Martin T. Ditzler was a State Senator in 1915 and they were looking for his senate class portrait. Unfortunately the framed portraits stop at 1917, but we are working to track it down for her. I’d love to hear stories about relatives you have that have served in the Missouri Senate.