Lawmakers have made their way back to Jefferson City, and the First Regular Session of the 98th General Assembly has begun. This marks my second term in the Missouri Senate, and will be my final four years in this body. It has been an honor to serve my district, and I will continue to work hard this session.

Following a busy session in 2014, some issues will be brought up again this year. On the top of my list is Senate Bill 12, which affects agriculture practices. I proposed many of the provisions in this bill during the last session, but met opposition on the issue of the Missouri Department of Conservation classifying deer as livestock. My new proposal keeps deer reclassification out of the mix, and focuses on other necessary aspects of reform. However, the issue of captive cervid classification is still something I hope to accomplish this session with new language in Senate Bill 178. Reclassification as livestock would allow the processing and sale of venison in Missouri, a value-added agriculture product.

The median age of the family farmer continues to get older, mainly because too many of our children and grandchildren leave the farm for different opportunities. In order to keep Missouri’s No. 1 industry growing, action needs to be taken to make joining the industry more feasible for new farmers. I have proposed legislation that aims to make starting a farming operation in Missouri less difficult for these young people with Senate Bill 177. If we lose the family farm, we lose Missouri, and this is something that simply cannot happen.

Education, as always, is another priority of mine. As I have pointed out before, Senate Bill 13 would make changes to areas of education that are especially important to the people of northeast Missouri. My plan modifies the appointment process of Career and Technical Education Advisory Council members and provides an opportunity for legislators to be directly involved with the council. We need to work to improve all aspects of education, and that is exactly what I plan to do this year.

Finally, I want to thank everyone who has taken time to submit a legislative suggestion. I take what I hear from my constituents very seriously and appreciate the time and effort you put into your suggestions.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact my office. Thank you.