Busy With Committees
Our Senate committees have been full and busy. I sit on five committees and each one is hearing 3-5 bills weekly now. Every week, we are hearing new bills along with testimonies and also voting on bills we heard previously. You can see all my votes by clicking "My Votes" in the menu at the top of the page.
In addition, I presented five of my own bills in different committees this week. You can see those presentations below.
Slow on the Floor
While things were moving through committee, the movement on the senate floor was slow. The Senate is a slow and deliberate body, so I appreciate a slow pace with thoughtful questions and debate. We need to take our time and do all we can to protect our liberty.
We did pass a few bills this week and I'm looking forward to doing the work and pushing forward next week as well.
Artificial Intelligence - SB 1012
SB 1012 puts guardrails on Artificial Intelligence. Ai is an incredible tool but it's important to remember that Ai is NOT human and it can cause real harm to people if it's not handled correctly. This bill works to make progress in that area.
Independence School District School Board Terms - SB 1351
This bill would require the Independence School Board terms to be 3 years instead of 6.
Sage's Law - SB 1085
I believe parents have a right to know what is happening with their children at school. Sage's Law protects parents and families by requiring school officials to report to the parents any request made by the child to socially transition. SB 1085 defines social transitioning as "encouraging or participating with a minor student in changing his or her presentation or expression, including, but not limited to details such as his or her name, appearance or behavior, with the goal of such minor student being perceived and treated as a gender different from the student's biological sex."
Property Tax Payments: Payments Accepted - SB 1211
SB 1211 would require ALL counties, including Township Counties, to offer a payment plan for those who are unable to pay their real property taxes in one lump sum.
Prohibiting Taxes on Unrealized Gains - SJR 96
SJR 96 would bring another ballot measure to the people for approval to make a change to the Missouri Constitution, prohibiting any taxation on unrealized gains of any type.
This Week in Photos
Speaking on the chamber floor
Jamie Reed's testimony to support Sage's Law
Doing an interview on Artificial Intelligence with a D.C. reporter
Greeting guests from Fort Osage School District in our office
Madison & Evie stopped by the office to promote
their bill to protect children from grooming & trafficking
It was a full, busy week in the senate! I presented three of my bills in committee and heard several in committees I sit on. It's great to have several pieces of legislation moving this early in session.
We also took our first votes this week. You can always find my votes here on the website by clicking "My Votes" in the menu at the top of the page.
On the floor, we started to hear bills for debate, but the democrats filibustered everything this week. They stopped momentarily to let the Governor's appointments pass after striking a deal.
In exchange for allowing the Governor's appointments to pass, the Republicans agreed to increase the number of signatures required to make a PQ (Previous Question) motion during a filibuster. The PQ motion is the first step to stopping a filibuster. Previously, 10 signatures were required. The Republicans agreed to increase that requirement to 18 signatures, making it more difficult to stop a filibuster.
By the end of the week, the appointments had passed as well as a bill that gave the Governor authority to convey certain pieces of state property. Every other bill that came up on the floor was laid over.
Next week will certainly bring more bills being heard in committee and we'll see what happens on the floor.
Remember to reach out to our office if you have any questions or concerns. We're here to serve you.
Week 5 Photos
The Families, Seniors and Health Committee
Several people gathered in the hallway waiting for
the General Laws Committee hearing.
Working in the office
The Senate Lounge prior to the General Laws hearing,
where I presented my bill on ADA website compliance.
As session moves forward we are shifting from conversations to more action. Although we got off to a slow start due to the winter storm, the momentum is growing. Committees met, hearings were conducted and votes were taken, moving legislation from committee to the formal calendar. Next week, floor debates should begin.
This Week in Pictures
Reviewing legislation in preparation for committee.
Waiting to present my bill in the Transportation committee
Hearing testimony in Families, Seniors & Health Committee.
Speaking on the senate floor
Week 3 at the Capitol was productive and focused. My priorities remain clear: real property tax relief for everyone, defending and preserving the Constitution, and protecting families. Watch the video to hear about our progress this week.
This Week in Photos
The photos below highlight a busy week both inside and outside the Capitol. We welcomed several visitors and made it a priority to meet people in the district, listening to their concerns and sharing updates on the work done on their behalf.
Nurse anesthetist students stopped by to discuss licensing concerns.
Advocates from Starling Missouri
Interviewing Kamal Saleem
Requesting committee hearings
Visiting with workers concerned about Artificial Intelligence
Sponsoring Dr. Lee Harris, an appointee to the State Committee of Professional Counselors
Advocates from Freedom Principle
In the district, I visited Oak Grove School District and met
the new FFA teacher & President of their club. This is the first
year Oak Grove has had FFA and they are doing a wonderful job!
While I was at Oak Grove High School, I was honored to
speak to the AP Government class.
At my desk on the chamber floor
Chairing the Families, Seniors & Health committee
It was a full and productive week in the Senate.
State of the State Address
Tuesday, Governor Kehoe shared his priorities for Missouri in the State of the State Address. During his speech, he announced his legislative and budget priorities which included;
- Eliminating state income tax
- Sentencing reform, which is being sponsored by me
- Juvenile crime reduction
- Supporting nuclear power sources
- Open enrollment
- School accountability grade card
First Committee Hearings
Committee hearings began this week. I sit on four standing committees:
- Families, Seniors & Health; Vice-Chair
- Local Government, Elections & Pensions
- Veterans and Military Affairs
- Progress & Development
We heard two bills in Families, Seniors & Health as well as three in Veterans & Military Affairs and two in Progress & Development. Local Government did not have a hearing but that will begin this upcoming week.
I also sit on the Select Committee on Property Tax and the State Tax Commission. This committee will hear all property tax related bills and I'm looking forward to working for the people of Missouri by reducing their real property tax burden.
My property tax bill is SB 919, which places a 5% cap on increases in real property tax liability every 2 years or the Consumer Price Index, whichever is less.
Presenting the No Sharia Act
Wednesday I had the opportunity to present my first bill of this session, the No Sharia Act, in the Judiciary Committee. This bill supports and protects Missouri from being required to follow the rules or dictates of international organizations such as; World Economic Forum, The United Nations and the World Health Organization. It also prohibits our courts from adjudicating cases based on Sharia Law.
During the hearing, I was able to read the testimony of Kamal Saleem, a friend of mine who is an ex-Muslim terrorist. He was raised in the country of Lebanon in a Muslim home and lived under Sharia. His story is eye-opening and his first hand experiences with radical Islam's infiltration of the United States should be a wake up call to us all.
Prayer & Fellowship
One Thursday each month our office hosts prayer & fellowship and that started this week as well. It's always an encouragement to gather with believers, focus on the Lord and take time to fellowship and have meaningful discussions. I was honored to speak with the group. It was the perfect way to end a busy week.
