2017 Legislative Session Recap
The First Regular Session of the 99th General Assembly adjourned Friday. Like every session, my colleagues and I all came away with our fair share of legislative wins and losses. Rather than get discouraged about those measures that didn’t make it across the finish line, I simply look ahead to next year, knowing there’ll be another opportunity to take a run at them. Many lawmakers will tell you it can take several years, or longer, to get a bill to the governor’s desk, especially if it’s a new idea.
The 2017 legislative session began with the passage of Right to Work, which the governor signed off on in early February. In the weeks and months that followed, we continued to focus on legislation that will transform the way Missouri does business and restore fairness and balance to our judicial system. I am pleased to say we passed a number of common-sense labor reform and tort reform measures that are now awaiting the governor’s signature. And just this week, lawmakers approved language implementing REAL ID in Missouri. If signed into law, House Bill 151 will allow the DOR to issue REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses and IDs; however, rather than forcing Missourians to get a compliant ID, this legislation will give citizens the option of choosing if they want a compliant ID.
Of course, our biggest accomplishment of this session was passing a balanced and on-time operating budget for Fiscal Year 2018. In doing so, we fulfilled our only constitutionally mandated duty. As I’ve mentioned in past columns, deciding how to responsibly appropriate Missouri taxpayer dollars is the primary function of the legislative branch.
Whether it was a local-issue bill or a broad, sweeping piece of legislation, we’ve been able to pass numerous measures that will help improve the quality of life for Missouri citizens, instill confidence in the business community and grow our local and state economies.
As always, it has been a joy to serve the citizens of the 12th Senate District. It is humbling to know my constituents trust me to be their voice in Jefferson City and advocate for their best interests.
Please feel free to call, email, or write with your ideas or concerns. My Capitol office number is (573) 751-1415, my email is dan.hegeman@senate.mo.gov and my mailing address is Room 332, State Capitol Building, Jefferson City, MO 65101.