The First Regular Session of the 99th Missouri General Assembly is officially underway. On Wednesday, I was honored to be sworn in for my second and final term as state senator for the 3rd Senate District. I was blessed to have my staff and my wonderful wife, Kathy, with me in the Senate Chamber as my friend and colleague, Senate President Pro Tem Ron Richard, R-Joplin, escorted me to the dais. A short time later, the Honorable Judge Patricia Breckenridge, Chief Justice of the Missouri Supreme Court, administered the oath of office to myself, 11 re-elected senators and five newly elected senators.
On Thursday, I received my new committee assignments for this session, and I was honored to be named the Chairman of the Education Committee. My goal as chairman is to prepare our kids and grandkids for the jobs of the future. A prepared workforce is the best economic tool we have as a state, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to move our education policy forward. I was also named the Vice Chairman of the Transportation, Infrastructure & Public Safety Committee and was appointed to the Local Government & Elections, Commerce, and the Seniors Families & Children Committees.
I am eager to get down to business but first there are a few important and exciting events that need to take place. On Monday, Missouri’s next governor and other statewide elected officials will be sworn in on the south steps of the Capitol. Later that evening, the Governor’s Ball will be held in the Capitol Rotunda.
We have two new legislative interns joining us this year. Duane Price III, of Independence, Missouri, is a senior at Truman State University. He is majoring in political science and minoring in psychology. He plans to work in the political arena upon graduation. Connor Staponski, of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, is a junior at the University of Central Missouri. She is majoring in secondary social studies education and plans to become a teacher after graduating. Both Connor and Duane will be helping us with policy and constituent services, and we are happy to have them with us.
I also am pleased to tell you both of my Senate staff, Dan Hutton and Karen Jacquin, have returned for the 2017 session. Quite simply, their dedicated support is what allows me to serve to the best of my ability. It continues to be an honor serving the citizens of Missouri’s 3rd Senatorial District. As we progress through session, please know I value your input, and I invite you to visit my Capitol office if you are ever in Jefferson City.
Contact Me
I always appreciate hearing your comments, opinions and concerns. Please feel free to contact me in Jefferson City at (573) 751-4008. You may write me at Gary Romine, Missouri Senate, State Capitol, Jefferson City, MO 65101; or email me at gary.romine@senate.mo.gov; or www.senate.mo.gov/romine.