The People Have Spoken
Last night, the people of Missouri spoke with unmistakable clarity. Amendment 5 was overwhelmingly rejected by Missouri voters:
NO: 1,165,085 votes (83.316%)
YES: 233,309 votes (16.664%)
That isn't just defeat. It is one of the clearest messages voters have sent in recent memory.
I was the only Republican in the Missouri Senate speaking out against Amendment 5.
I welcomed the criticism and the attacks. I was told I was on the wrong side of history and that I was repeating socialist talking points. I was even called a Marxist for refusing to go along.
I never wavered from the moment I stood on the Senate floor in the early morning hours. I voiced my opposition as we were required to take a vote on a final draft I hadn't been given time to fully read and digest.
Why I Took My Stand
I stood because I wasn't elected to protect political agendas. I was elected to protect Missouri taxpayers and defend our Constitution.
Last night, Missouri voters proved that standing on principle is never the wrong decision. I'd rather stand alone with the people than stand with the power and money against them.
Politics Needs to Change
I also hope last night brings an end to a style of campaigning that has no place in Missouri politics.
Too many Missourians who questioned Amendment 5 were mocked, bullied, or told they simply didn't understand the issue. Some campaign messages crossed the line. Voters were bullied by giving them the impression that their individual votes were being tracked. Our elections should be about informing voters - not intimidating them or pressuring them into supporting a particular outcome.
We can disagree on policy without attacking the character or motives of those who disagree. The people deserve honest debate, mutual respect, and campaigns built on facts instead of fear.
Thank You, Missouri
Thank you to every Missourian who took the time to study the issue and make your voice heard. Your vote sent a clear message that government must earn the people's trust - not assume it.
Congratulations
Finally, congratulations to every Senate and House primary winner in yesterday's election.
I will continue fighting for transparency, accountability, lower taxes, and the constitutional protections that keep government in its proper place.
Working for Missouri. Fighting for you.
Days 1 & 2 Were Quiet - And That's Normal
The 2nd regular session of the 103rd General Assembly has gotten underway.
Getting a session started in the legislature is a lot like the first few days of school. Slow. It often looks unproductive to the public. But laying the foundation and getting the necessary rules and paperwork in place is necessary and required.
Each session begins new. This is the 103rd General Assembly and each assembly consists of two regular sessions over a two year period.
At the beginning of each session there are actions that have to be taken in order for the senate to conduct business. Among those actions are:
- Reading the senator's names & district numbers
- Offering resolutions that adopt rules and open the senate for business
- Accepting messages from the Governor for appointments
- Listening to an opening address made by the President Pro Tem
- Accepting concurrent resolutions made by senators
- First reading of all pre-filed bills on Day 1, of which there were over 600
- Second reading & referring bills to committee on Day 2, of which there were around 200
- Setting committee schedules
There was no debate on the senate floor, just necessary procedural motions which is normal. And that's exactly what these couple of days have been - a normal start to a legislative session.
If you'd like to read what happened, check out the daily journals. They are posted each day and are the minutes recorded for each session. The journals are where you'll find the official voting records as well.
If you'd like to learn more about the rules of the senate and procedures that we follow, you can read them on the Missouri Senate website.
What's Next
Next week, beginning January 12, committee hearings will begin and the pace and activity will pick up. But, we will be interrupted by the Governor's State of the State Address.
If you'd like to listen to committee hearings, the audio is streamed live. You can find all the committee related information on the senate website.
There still won't be any bills out on the floor for debate, so if you are listening in or watching from the gallery and there seems to be very little happening rest assured senators are hard at work prepping for committees, presentations, meeting with people, having conversations, reading bills and doing all the work required to be prepared for the important floor action when the time comes.
While things are moving more slowly on the floor, the necessary meetings, decisions about policy details and required administrative work is the focus.
By week three, things should be running at a little quicker pace although it will be a short week due to the holiday.
That's what we've been focused on the first couple of days of session and we will continue until bills are voted out of committee and are ready for debate on the floor.
