The First Regular Session of the 98th Missouri General Assembly convened on Wednesday, Jan. 7. Senate President Pro Tem Tom Dempsey, R-St. Charles, appointed members and chairmen of the Senate to various legislative committees, which will hold hearings on legislation that has been filed.

I am honored to again be named Chairmen of the Senate Education Committee.  The committee is responsible for conducting hearings on all bills relating to elementary, secondary and higher education, including the student transfer issue.  I also have the pleasure to again serve on the Agriculture, Food Production, and Outdoor Resources Committee.  I believe these committee assignments are important to the citizens of the 21st District, and I look forward to starting hearings on proposed legislation.

Senate Leader Dempsey said the chairmen of each committee will act as leaders to find solutions to move Missouri forward in a prudent, positive manner.

“I’m happy to put my support behind Sen. Pearce to continue his role as Chairman of the Education Committee,” Sen. Dempsey said on Monday. “Sen. Pearce has proven to be a significant leader in education policy. He was instrumental in passing last year’s student transfer bill, and I expect him to remain dedicated to protecting Missouri’s children once again this session. The work done in committees is no small undertaking and carries many responsibilities. With new challenges this year, I have no doubt we will have a successful legislative session.”

I will also continue to serve on the Senate Appropriations Committee, which is responsible for crafting the state budget.  After the governor’s State of the State Address, he will deliver the House and Senate a proposed budget for the next fiscal year. Together, the House Budget Committee and the Senate Appropriations Committee work diligently to allocate funding to different state departments. This is one of the most important jobs of the Legislature and one in which I am proud to participate in. I will keep you informed as the budget moves forward through the legislative process while we work to establish a fiscally responsible state spending plan. Our budget deadline this year is May 8. 

In addition to my legislative committee assignments, I will serve as Vice-Chairman of the Midwestern Higher Education Compact (MHEC); MHEC is a regional organization that works with member states to advance and expand postsecondary opportunities and potential successes for those who seek knowledge, skills and training. 

I have also been appointed as a Commissioner on the Midwest Interstate Passenger Rail Commission.  MIPRC currently consists of members from Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio and Wisconsin. The CSG allows for a nonpartisan, regional collaboration in order to share information and create an interstate idea exchange on many topics among local lawmakers. 

As the legislative session continues, I am excited for the opportunities the next few months will bring. As always, my staff and I will work vigorously to present solutions that mirror what is best for the constituents of the 21st District.

As always, please feel free to contact me or my staff with any questions or concerns at any time. We look forward to hearing your comments and suggestions and trying to answer any questions you may have. You can reach us by phone at 866-277-0882 (toll-free) or (573) 751-2272, or by fax at (573) 526-7381.