My First Full Week in Office

Wow, what a week! My first full week as Missouri State Senator has been an incredible whirlwind of new experiences, valuable lessons, and, most importantly, opportunities to meet so many wonderful people. As I reflect on this journey so far, I’m filled with gratitude and excitement for what lies ahead.

The week kicked off with the inauguration of Missouri’s Governor and executive officers, which took place on the south lawn of our Capitol. Despite the chilly weather, the ceremony was full of hope and energy, marking the beginning of a new chapter for our state. The entire day was packed with meetings, receptions, and ceremonies, all culminating in the inaugural ball.

My wife, Renee, and I had the pleasure of attending the ball with many of our supporters, family, and friends. It was a wonderful evening of celebration, where I could truly feel the spirit of unity and enthusiasm that will guide us through this legislative session.

 

As the week progressed, we got into the real work of the Senate. Our new Lt. Governor, David Wasinger, took on the responsibility of presiding over the Senate, and like him, I’m still getting acclimated to the role. There’s so much to learn, but I’m confident we’ll both be up to speed in no time.

Throughout the week, I spent a lot of time meeting new people, organizations, and diving into various policy issues. Each conversation has been an eye-opening experience, and I’m eager to continue building relationships that will help us better serve our communities.

One thing that stands out to me about this week is how welcoming and supportive the senate staff and the Senate Republican Caucus staff have been. 

From setting up our technology, helping us acquire and get furniture moved in, supplies ordered & delivered, coathooks hung to sharing information about security, the office budget, getting our bills written and filed and so much more - the senate staff is remarkable.  They have been kind, helpful and nothing short of answered prayers for us.

The education opportunities provided to us by the republican caucus staff have been invaluable as well. From mock sessions to committee training, it’s clear that we’re in good hands as we continue to navigate the legislative process. They have been have been a true blessing in these early days. Their hard work, experience, and knowledge have been an enormous help, and I look forward to working alongside them throughout this journey.

Of course, none of this would be possible without the incredible team supporting me. My office is coming together beautifully, and I couldn’t be more thankful for the hard work and dedication of my staff.

Jodi Widhalm, my Chief of Staff, has already been an indispensable asset, helping with everything from legislative research to policy development and creating processes for our office to run efficiently. Her attention to detail and commitment to our district make me feel confident in our ability to serve you well.

Marcie Michel, my Legislative Assistant, is already a critical piece of our team. From helping to set up our physical office space to handling constituent matters, she’s been working tirelessly to ensure everything runs smoothly. If you reach out to my office, it’s likely that Marcie will be the first person you talk to, and I can assure you that you’re going to love her just as much as I do. She’ll also be taking care of scheduling and managing our events and appointments.

Together, Jodi and Marcie have laid the foundation for a successful start to this session, and I’m incredibly grateful for their dedication.

As we head into week two, I’m excited to dive deeper into the legislative process. We’ll be attending our first committee hearings, which include:

This is where the real work begins, and I’m looking forward to learning, contributing, and collaborating with my colleagues on these important issues.

We’ve got 7 bills in committee this week and the reading list will grow quickly! 

If you’re interested in learning more about how legislation is crafted and the legislative process itself, I encourage you to visit Jodi’s blog at www.jodigrace.com. She’ll be breaking down how to read legislation and providing insights into the process, which will help you stay informed and engaged with the work we’re doing here in Jefferson City.

One of my goals for this year is to bring a new level of transparency and education to Missouri voters who want to know more. With the help of my staff, we’ll be sharing updates on the bills we’re working on, our positions, and our votes. I believe it’s important for you, the people I represent, to understand not just what’s happening in the Capitol but also how it impacts you and your community.

With week one behind me, I am humbled by the opportunity to serve District 11 and the state of Missouri. There is so much more to come, and I am truly excited to continue this journey. Thank you for your support and trust—I’m ready to get to work for you!

With gratitude,
Senator Joe Nicola