Israel Trade Office Goes to Governor's Desk

    This week the House of Representatives gave final approval to my bill establishing a trade office in Israel.  The bill now goes to Governor Nixon’s desk for his signature.  This bill was one of my priorities this session because it not only will benefit Missouri businesses and their employees, but it also provides a tangible opportunity to show support for the nation of Israel. 

  The Senate passed its version of the State Budget this week.  The differences between the House and Senate are minimal, so I am hopeful the work of the Conference Committees will go smoothly.  By Constitution, this year the budget is due on the governor’s desk by 6:00 pm on Friday, May 9th.  The Constitution also requires the budget to balance each year.  It appears as though we are going to meet both requirements again this year.

     The Senate also approved a bill putting captive domesticated deer under the authority of the Department of Agriculture rather than the Department of Conservation.  Even though the breeding and raising of captive deer is a growing industry, the Department of Conservation has made no secret they would like to put those producers out of business.  With guided hunts on private reserves becoming a growing segment of the tourism industry, Missouri could become a leader in this field.  Venison is also showing up on more restaurant menus, but because of our laws, any deer meat sold in Missouri markets and restaurants must be imported from other states. 

    Captive elk are already classified as livestock in Missouri.  It only makes sense to do the same for deer and let the industry continue to create jobs and markets for another superior Missouri agricultural product.  The Department of Agriculture has an excellent track record of working to benefit Missouri’s livestock producers.  This is a natural fit and a rare opportunity to benefit immediately from a rapidly growing market.

‘Nothing is Politically Right Which is Morally Wrong’