The General Assembly passed House Bills 17, 18, and 19 and sent them to the governor for his signature. The bills secured resources for capital improvements such as maintenance and repair projects on state facilities and new construction on various public universities. New construction within Columbia includes $38.5 million for the University of Missouri Lafferre Hall renovations, $10 million for an Applied Learning Center on the MU campus, and $35 million for a new state historical society building.

Senate Concurrent Resolution 22, which encourages the Attorney General to join the pending legal efforts against President Barack Obama’s “Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents” program, was reviewed and passed by the House of Representatives Civil and Criminal Proceedings Committee. The bill was then referred to the House Select Committee on Judiciary.

Jacqueline Jean Hickam from Boonville, Missouri, was one of the 25 winners of the 2015 Lt. Governor's Senior Service Award. She commits herself to make her community of a better place by being active and serving as Chairperson for the Boonville’s Extension Council and Master Gardeners. We are honored to have Ms. Hickam as a recipient of the 2015 Senior Service Award.

The Harrisburg Elementary School Fourth Graders visited the Missouri State Capitol to learn more about the Capitol’s history and state government operations.

Thank you for your interest in the issues that affect the citizens of Boone and Cooper counties.  If you have any questions or concerns throughout this session, or plan on coming by the Capitol, please contact my office at (573) 751-3931.

Did you know...?

The American Bald Eagle was adopted as the national bird symbol of the United States of America in 1782. It was chosen to represent America because of its beauty, strength, and native home of North America. A full-grown American Bald Eagle can develop a wingspan up to seven feet, fly up to 30 miles per hour, and dive up to 100 miles per hour. The Bald Eagle Protection Act of 1940 provides protection of the Bald Eagle and set in place consequences for the harm of our national emblem. The American Bald Eagle was taken off the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened on June 28, 2007. Over time, the American Bald Eagle has developed a reputation not only the national bird, but a symbol of stoicism, tranquility, and, most importantly, freedom.