Look for Senator Nasheed’s full-page 2017 Legislative Session Preview in the St. Louis American next week.
The beginning of the 2017 Missouri General Assembly Legislative Session began Monday, Jan. 4.
As I reflect upon my many years of legislative service, as both your previous representative and current Senator, my honor to serve the people of St. Louis has remained unwavering. I have committed to fighting for my constituents, as well as the great State of Missouri. My continuous effort to act as the voice for the voiceless has enabled me to become the first senator since Senator J.B. “Jet” Banks to be elected to represent District 5 for a second term. As we end this week on Jan. 13 for the 2017 Missouri General Assembly Legislative Session, I am enthusiastic about moving forward with the work of the Senate.
On Monday, Jan. 4, the Senate’s first day of session began with the swearing-in ceremony of newly elected senators, including Senator Nasheed. Eleven Republicans and 6 Democrats were sworn in.
On Monday, Jan. 9, we welcomed Missouri’s 56th Governor, Eric Greitens, into office in an inaugural ceremony on the south lawn of the Capitol. Prior to the swearing-in ceremony, we began with an interfaith worship service, then honored our Missouri Heroes, and finally witnessed the Governor’s review of the troops. Following the inauguration, the Governor’s Salute to Service Inaugural Ball was held within the Capitol Building.
On Tuesday, Jan. 10, the State Board of Education unanimously granted St. Louis Public Schools full accreditation, an upgrade from its previous provisional accreditation. While there is still progress to be made, this accomplishment is indicative of the steadfast road to progress that we are on.
On the Floor
On Monday, Jan. 4, the Missouri Senate honored long serving member, former Lt. Governor Peter Kinder. Senator Mike Kehoe acknowledged Peter Kinder for his 12 years as Lieutenant Governor.
Bills & Committee
On Wednesday, Jan. 4, Senator Nasheed introduced 8 bills to the Senate to begin the 2017 Missouri General Assembly Legislative Session.
Senate Bill 52 – Would require public institutions of higher education to develop and implement policies that advise students and staff through suicide-prevention programs available on and off campus. These policies would also inform students and staff about ways to identify and address the needs of students exhibiting suicidal behavior. Senate Bill 52 has been referred to the Committee on Education.
Mental health is an issue that impacts our state. Forty percent of Missouri college students have considered suicide in their lifetime, with 1 out of 5 considering it in the past year. The introduction of SB 52 is to connect college students and staff to the resources essential in addressing the issue of suicide.
Senate Bill 53 – Would require institutions of higher education to inform students and staff about the Affirmative Consent standard through annual awareness programming. Senate Bill 53 has been referred to the Committee on Education.
The prevalence of sexual assault on the campuses of our higher education institutions has warranted the introduction of Senate Bill 53 to focus on the concept of consent.
Senate Bill 54 – Would create the Missouri Family and Medical Leave Program to permit employees to receive paid family and medical leave if they meet certain criteria. Senate Bill 54 has been referred to the Committee on Small Business and Industry.
Because of the growing demands placed upon employees, the push for paid maternity and medical leave has swept the nation. The introduction of SB 54 seeks to benefit both employees and employers.
Senate Bill 180 – Would create the Pregnant Offender Transportation, Evaluation, and Correctional Treatment Act, or the ProTECT act. It prohibits the use of restraints on offenders during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy and for 48 hours after delivery. Senate Bill 180 has been referred to the Committee on Transportation, Infrastructure and Public Safety.
“The use of shackles for pregnant women is a matter of human dignity and civil rights. I am extremely proud to say that my language was added to this bill,” Sen. Nasheed said.
Senate Bill 181 – Would require a firearm owner to report the loss or theft of the firearm within 72 hours of discovering the loss or theft to the local law enforcement agency in the municipality or county in which the loss or theft occurred. Senate Bill 181 has been referred to the Committee on Transportation, Infrastructure and Public Safety.
“Preventing homicides is another priority for me this session. I am introducing a reporting bill that will promote public safety by monitoring lost and stolen weapons,” Sen. Nasheed stated.
Senate Bill 217 – Would allow soup-kitchen donations to be included in eligibility requirements for the tax credit concerning food pantries. Senate Bill 217 has been referred to the Committee on Economic Development.
Senate Bill 218 – Would design the Missouri Emergency Solutions Grants Program (ESGP) under the Department of Social Services. The ESGP’s purpose would be to address the problem of homelessness in Missouri. The ESPG would do this through (1) engagement; (2) operation; (3) housing placement; and (4) prevention. Senate Bill 218 has been referred to the Committee on Seniors, Families and Children.
Senate Bill 219 – Would create the Missouri Care Counts Program under the Education Department. The program would provide funding to St. Louis’s school district and public charter schools for purchase of washing machines and dryers. Senate Bill 219 has been referred to the Committee on Education.
Other News
The highly contested “Right to Work” issue has been a concern for the majority of Missourians.
On Tuesday, Jan. 10, the Missouri House held a Right-to-Work hearing, followed by a hearing held in the Senate on Wednesday, Jan. 11.
Senator Nasheed remains firm in her stance that Right to Work is wrong for the state of Missouri.
“This country was built on organized labor, by organized labor,” Senator Jamilah Nasheed said. “This is about turning back the clock and dismantling unions as we know it.”
Look for Senator Nasheed’s full-page 2017 Legislative Session Preview in the St. Louis American next week.
Upcoming Events
“Sex trafficking is an attack on our children, on our neighborhoods, and the fight does not stop here,” said Nasheed. “Awareness is only the beginning.”
On Wednesday, Jan. 25, Senator Nasheed will be hosting Missouri Sex Trafficking Awareness Day in the Capitol.
The event will take place in the 3rd Floor Rotunda from 8 a.m. -12 p.m.