Welcome to The Senator's Digest

Hello, friends and neighbors of Jackson County!

It’s a true honor and privilege to be writing my very first post for The Senator’s Digest. As I reflect on the past few months, I’m filled with a deep sense of gratitude for the trust you’ve placed in me to represent you in the Missouri State Senate. The election on November 5th, 2024, was a milestone for me personally, but more importantly, it marked a new chapter for our community. I’m eager to get to work in Jefferson City, but I also want to make sure I stay deeply connected with all of you here in Jackson County. This blog is one of the many ways I plan to keep you informed, share insights from the legislative process, and keep the conversation going as we move forward.

As I prepare for the upcoming legislative session, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the busy, productive weeks since the election and give you a glimpse of what to expect in the months ahead. We are at a crucial time for Missouri’s future, and I’m eager to work on your behalf to make Jackson County and all of Missouri a better place for all its residents.

Since winning the election, I’ve been working hard to ensure that I’m fully prepared to serve you in the Missouri State Senate. There’s been a flurry of activity as I’ve been meeting with local officials, community leaders, and constituents to hear your thoughts and concerns. I’ve also been filing legislation that I hope will address some of the most pressing issues facing our district.

In particular, I’ve been focused on legislation that aims to provide tax relief for home and personal property owners.  Missourians should be able to enjoy the fruits of their labor without worrying about rising property taxes. That’s why I’ve pre-filed five pieces of legislation pertaining to property taxes.  

They are:

One of the highlights of my post-election activities was hosting a Senior Tax Freeze Forum at Habitat for Humanity here in Jackson County. We had a fantastic turnout, and it was heartwarming to see so many senior citizens take the time to attend, learn about the property tax credit program, and seek help with their applications.

The event was an excellent opportunity to connect with the senior community directly and to answer questions about the resources available to them.  I’m committed to ensuring that every eligible senior citizen in our district receives the benefits they deserve.

This forum is just one example of how I plan to keep engaging with our community. It’s crucial that your voices are heard and also that I’m able to offer resources, support, and guidance as we work together to improve our district.

 

With the legislative session starting in just a few days—Swearing-In is Wednesday, January 8th—I want to make sure you know what’s on the horizon for both our district and the state as a whole. The first few weeks of any legislative session are always busy, but this year, we’re entering with a sense of urgency. Missouri has a lot of work to do to build a stronger economic environment, reduce crime and provide protection for our God-given rights.

One area I’m particularly focused on is improving public safety and ensuring that our law enforcement officers have the tools they need to protect our communities. Crime and safety issues remain top concerns in many parts of the state, and I’ll be working hard to pass meaningful legislation that supports both law enforcement and the communities they serve.

But it’s not all about big-ticket issues. I want to make sure I’m paying attention to the small, everyday issues that impact you and your families. Whether it’s improving roads and infrastructure, putting protective safeguards around new technology such as artificial intelligence or finding innovative ways to support small businesses, I’m committed to working on your behalf to solve the problems that truly matter.

There are some exciting events coming up over the next few weeks that you’ll want to mark on your calendar. The Governor’s Inaugural Ball on Monday, January 13th is an important event for the state, and I look forward to joining my colleagues in celebrating the beginning of a new administration. It’s an important moment in Missouri’s history, and I’m optimistic about the opportunities that lie ahead.

Additionally, as we head into the legislative session, I’ll be working hard to ensure that we keep Jackson County’s interests at the forefront of all discussions. Whether it’s transportation, utilities, taxes, or education, I’ll be your advocate in Jefferson City, and I’ll make sure your voice is heard.

Now, back to The Senator’s Digest. This blog is more than just a space for me to share what’s happening in Jefferson City—it’s also a tool to help you stay informed. I’ll be posting regularly to update you on my legislative work, share important votes and decisions, and provide insights into the day-to-day realities of being a state senator. My goal is to be transparent, approachable, and available to all of you.

In addition to providing updates on legislative matters, I’ll also be highlighting the incredible work being done right here in Jackson County. From local organizations and businesses to schools and civic groups, there’s so much happening in our community, and I want to shine a light on that. If you have any suggestions for topics you’d like to see covered here, please don’t hesitate to reach out. 

In the coming weeks, I’ll also be introducing a series of posts on key legislative priorities. I encourage you to check back regularly and engage with me through the comments, email, or on social media. Your feedback is invaluable in helping me serve you better.

Please subscribe to stay updated.  We'll email you when we publish each new article.

As we approach the start of the 2025 legislative session, I want to express my deepest appreciation for the trust you’ve placed in me. Being your state senator is not just a job—it’s a calling, and it’s one I take very seriously. I’ll be working hard every day to represent you with integrity, transparency, and dedication.

Whether it’s in Jefferson City or right here at home in Jackson County, I’m committed to serving you. I’m looking forward to the work ahead and to keeping you updated through The Senator’s Digest. Together, we can make Jackson County and Missouri a stronger, better place for everyone.

Thank you for your continued support. I’m excited for the journey ahead, and I’m grateful to have you by my side.

With warm regards,
Senator Joe Nicola