The Hermitage Class 1 State Champion Boys Cross Country Team travelled to Jefferson City this week and received a resolution honoring their achievements. |
This week, my colleagues and I approved an important measure that now moves to the House of Representatives. Senate Concurrent Resolution 7 was approved Monday night by overwhelming support with a 32-0 vote. The legislation urges Missouri’s Congressional Delegation and the United States Department of Defense to protect, promote, and leverage Missouri’s military bases and agencies in the face of proposed budget cuts to our country’s military budget and personnel.
Having served in the United States Army, I understand the importance of the security of our nation and how our service men and women help our local and state economies. Missouri has a strong military presence with Whiteman AFB, Fort Leonard Wood, and the National Guard’s Ike Skelton Training Center, among others. These military bases and agencies account for almost $11.6 billion in household earnings for Missourians and about 275,000 jobs in our state. Hopefully, Washington D.C. will listen to our suggestions. Any cuts to our military budget and personnel would be devastating to our state, and I strongly support this measure.
The Missouri Senate also gave its initial approval to legislation that aims to take a look at our state’s antiquated tax code. Senate Bill 15 would create a commission to study tax policy in our state. The idea is to take a look at our current tax system, identify strengths and weaknesses, and provide any recommendations for improvement. Missouri’s tax code has not undergone a significant review since 1968, and it’s time we take a closer look at some of our state’s tax policies. The measure was given the Senate’s first-round approval on Wednesday. The bill needs another affirming vote before it can move to the House.
Despite a busy week of action, the Senate Small Business, Insurance and Industry Committee held its first hearing of the year to hear testimony on several bills. This includes measure relating to employers considering criminal records; employment contracts for physicians; health coverage for eating disorders; and bills relating to financial risks for insurance companies. We had a packed house and the hearing lasted about three hours. As committee chairman, it is my job to make sure that every bill has a fair public hearing before a vote in committee sends the legislation to the floor for debate.
I was also pleased to welcome a group of state champions to the Capitol this week. The Hermitage High School Class 1 Boys Cross Country State Champions travelled to Jefferson City and received a resolution to honor their achievements. It’s always a pleasure to meet with my constituents, and I am proud of these boys and their school. Also this week, The American Heart Association held their annual “Go Red For Women Day.” This gives legislators, staff and interns the chance to wear red in support of living longer, healthier lives. As always, if you have any questions or concerns, or if you would like to find out what’s going on in your State Capitol, feel free to contact my office. |
