It was a busy week in the Missouri Senate. We accomplished much, and we began laying the groundwork for the issues that will likely dominate the rest of our time this session.

Earlier this week, I filed two bills in the upper chamber. Senate Bill 339 establishes the Missouri Works Training Program, which combines several existing programs to better provide job training assistance to qualified companies. The bill also expands which organizations qualify, adding technology centers created by community colleges and state-owned postsecondary technical colleges. 

Our economy is changing. We’re increasingly moving towards more innovative and high-tech industries. It’s important that we help Missourians secure these lucrative careers. Job creation is one of our top priorities, but it can’t be the only one. We have to make sure Missourians have the skills they need to seize these opportunities and sustain long term economic success.

I also filed Senate Bill 338 this week. The legislation modifies correctional treatment programs for offenders who are under the age of 18. Under currently law, the state must create separate housing for inmates under 17 years old. This bill changes that age to 18, and also requires the Department of Corrections to implement an ongoing evaluation process for juvenile offender programs. The legislation will help protect the youngest inmates in our correctional facilities, and it also puts us in line with current federal guidelines.

I’ve also been working with state law enforcement agencies on legislation I filed last week. Senate Bill 285 allows certain law enforcement agencies to access monitoring information for sexually violent predators who are electronically tracked while on conditional release. I recently met with Sheldon Lineback of the Missouri Police Chiefs Association regarding how this legislation would help make our communities safer. The bill was sent to the Judiciary and Civil and Criminal Jurisprudence Committee.

On Wednesday, legislation I filed to name a portion of Interstate 70 after Andy Gammon, a carpenter who tragically lost his life while constructing the new Mississippi River Bridge in St. Louis, was added as a provision to Senate Bill 176, which will also name the bridge after Stan “The Man” Musial. I’m glad that in the end, both men, who were heroes to our state in their own ways, will be honored. I know Andy’s family and community will be grateful to have Andy recognized.

Contact Me