Last week was a busy and productive week for me here in the Missouri State Senate. I participated in numerous meetings, committee hearings, and even had my first experience debating bills on the Senate floor. While there was a lot of sickness circulating in the Senate, including myself, we pushed through and accomplished the business of the people. Here’s an update on my activities from last week.
Committee Work
Committee hearings are a big part of our schedule each week including the Families, Seniors & Health Committee, the Local Government, Elections & Pensions Committee, the Veterans & Military Affairs Committee and the Progress & Development Committee. These committees play a critical role in shaping legislation that directly impacts the lives of Missourians, and I’m proud to have contributed to the work being done.
Families, Seniors & Health Committee
On February 3rd, our Families, Seniors & Health Committee heard public testimony on two important bills: one focused on food labeling and the other on telehealth. These bills aim to improve transparency for consumers and ensure that healthcare services continue to meet the needs of all Missourians.
Additionally, the committee voted on a bill that would prohibit marriage under the age of 18. This bill is crucial for protecting young people in Missouri. Although I support parents and families rights to make decisions, marriage among minors contributes to trafficking and abuse. Missouri laws currently do not adequately protect children who marry as they are not allowed to file for divorce or sign any other contracts until they are an adult at age 18. I supported this bill to protect children.
Local Government Committee
In the Local Government Committee, we had a busy week as well. We heard testimony on a bill related to voter registration and passed four other bills (SB 10, SB 22, SB 50 & SB 84) concerning local government and elections. These measures will help ensure that the voting process remains fair and transparent, while also empowering local governments to better serve their communities.
SB 10, sponsored by Sen. Lincoln Hough - Yes
Repealed the sunset dates on the authority for political subdivisions to construction manager-at-risk and design-build methods for certain construction projects.
SB 22 - Yes, sponsored by Sen. Rick Brattin
Changes provisions for ballot summaries in order to provide more clarity for voters and also to restrict courts from rewriting the summaries when they are struck down and instead returning them to be written by the legislature or Secretary of State.
SB 50 - Yes, sponsored by Sen. Rusty Black
Amended and expanded provisions for regional jails.
veterans & military affairs
In the Veterans committee last week, we heard testimony from the MAVO Chair and the President of Veterans Guardian. These are both organizations that work to assist veterans in accessing their benefits. It was a great learning experience. Even as a veteran myself, I was unaware of some of the things available to me. I'm thankful that our committee chair, Senator Mike Moon, has organized a couple of these very informative hearings. We also voted to pass SB 163, sponsored by Senator Adam Schnelting. This bill modifies income tax deductions for certain National Guard duties.
As always, I am committed to making sure the voices of Missourians are heard and that our democratic processes remain strong. It’s been an honor to participate in these discussions in the committee process.
My First Senate Floor Debates
Last week was also a significant milestone for me as I participated in my very first debates on the Senate floor. Debating bills is an important part of the legislative process, and I take this responsibility seriously. It was an opportunity for me to speak directly to my colleagues about the bills we’re working on and make my case on behalf of the people I represent.
For those of you who may not be familiar with the legislative process, when a bill comes up for debate that is called "perfecting" the bill. It is during this perfection process that amendments can be added or substitutes made. Once a bill has been debated or perfected and a perfection vote taken, the bill cannot be changed.
Generally, the perfection vote is a voice vote unless a roll call is requested and approved. During a voice vote, the senators say "Aye" or "No" to vote and the President calls the winning side.
My Voting Record
Throughout the week, I cast several votes, ranging from committee hearings to amendments, perfection votes, and third-read and pass (TRAP) votes on the floor. I’m committed to being as transparent as possible with my voting record, and I want to ensure that you, my constituents, understand the reasoning behind my decisions.
Below, you’ll find a detailed spreadsheet that outlines each vote I've taken. I encourage you to take a look at the document so you can see exactly how I voted and why. My staff will be updating the votes regularly so please check back and reach out if you have any questions. Every bill has its own story and often times that story cannot be told in a simple listing or chart.
Looking Ahead
While the first week of February has been a busy one, there’s much more work to be done. I remain dedicated to advancing the priorities of my district and working with my colleagues to pass legislation that will have a positive impact on Missouri families. I will continue to be a strong voice for my constituents and to push for policies that promote fairness, transparency, and the well-being of all Missourians.
I Welcome Your Feedback
As always, I value your input. I encourage you to reach out with any questions, comments, or concerns you may have regarding my work in the Senate. Transparency and open communication are very important to me, and I am always here to listen to what matters most to you.
Please take a moment to review the detailed voting record in the attached spreadsheet, and feel free to contact my office if you’d like to discuss any of the bills or issues I’m working on.
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