JEFFERSON CITY — Lawmakers recently returned to Jefferson City to kick off the 2015 legislative session. While each year presents its own set of challenges and opportunities, this session might prove to be particularly challenging, as we deal with the fallout from rioting and lawlessness in Ferguson and a governor entering the final two years of his term.

As new Senators were being sworn in on the opening day of session, a group of protestors interrupted the proceedings, shouting chants and displaying signs related to the recent events in Ferguson. The crowd became so unruly that our lieutenant governor was forced to clear the Senate gallery and lock the doors, so the Senate could get back to business. I respect the First Amendment and the right to free speech but it’s difficult to understand how a group of protestors believe disregarding the law and acting in a disrespectful and unruly manner is going to bring about the change they seek.  In our area, we believe in respecting the laws and rules of society. We also believe that if you respect law enforcement, they will respect you. Our law enforcement continues to be an asset to our communities and I think they should know that we support them. If you have an opportunity, please make a point of thanking a local police officer or deputy for their hard work and dedication to keeping us safe and upholding our laws.

The first bill both chambers will consider this year is one that rejects a pay increase for Missouri lawmakers. Here in Missouri, pay raises for elected officials are recommended by the Citizens' Commission on Compensation for Elected Officials and automatically go into effect unless two-thirds of the Legislature rejects them. This past November, the Commission recommended a $4,000 pay raise for lawmakers and an eight-percent pay raise for the governor and other statewide officials. To put it bluntly, an eight-percent pay raise for elected officials is outrageous. To increase the salaries of our elected officials when so many Missourians are still struggling to overcome the effects of the recession is an insult to taxpayers and to anyone who believes we have citizen legislators. We shouldn’t have career legislators and we shouldn’t pay them like it’s a career.

I strongly oppose any pay increase for myself or any other lawmaker or state official. When I chose to run for office, it wasn’t for a salary. It was for the opportunity to make southwest Missouri a better place to live, work and raise a family. I always intended to be a citizen legislator, serve my time in the Legislature and then go home. Since I was first elected, I have voted down every salary increase for myself and other elected officials and I will do so again this year.   

Another issue that will be discussed at length this session is ethics reform. Several bills have already been filed on this issue, including Senate Bill 11, which would bar members of the General Assembly and candidates to act as paid political consultants for other candidates and would impose a two-year cooling off period before lawmakers can become lobbyists. We can’t have a revolving door of legislators and lobbyists. Missourians must be able to trust that their lawmakers work for them and no one else, and this is an immediate step we can take to rebuild trust in government. We should always be doing what’s best for the state of Missouri, not special interests or politics coming from Washington, D.C.

I will update you on my legislation and other bills considered by the Legislature in future Capitol Reports. My legislative agenda and voting record will continue to reflect two things – the values and morals of the people of the 29th District and my oath to uphold and defend the U.S. and Missouri Constitutions. Again, I want to thank the people of the 29th District for allowing me to work for you in the Senate. It is an honor to serve.