State lawmakers returned to Jefferson City last week for the start of the First Regular Session of the 99th General Assembly. On Wednesday, Jan. 4, Missouri Supreme Court Chief Justice Patricia Breckenridge administered the oath of office to 12 re-elected senators and five newly elected senators. The next day, the Senate president pro tem announced committee assignments.
I am honored to be returning as chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food Production and Outdoor Resources. I have also been appointed to serve as a member on the Government Reform, Gubernatorial Appointments, Small Business and Industry, and Transportation, Infrastructure and Public Safety committees.
On a separate yet related note, my office has receive a number of questions about changes to this session’s schedule. This session, visitors to the Capitol will notice a later start time on some legislative days. This change was implemented by a vote of the Senate body in order to allow committees more time to conduct their work.
The first pieces of legislation have been heard in committee and will be making their way to the Senate floor for debate within the coming days. Over the next four months, my Senate colleagues and I are going to pass legislation that will promote economic development and job creation in the Show-Me State. As part of this effort, I have once again filed legislation to create programs for beginning farmers and encourage investment in Missouri’s manufacturing industry.
Finally, I am pleased to have back for the 2017 session my legislative staff, Pat Thomas, Bonnie Linhardt and Amber Watson. Our office is also happy to welcome three new legislative interns this year: Kirsten Cloyd, Adam Kirby and Sarah Kwast.
Kirsten Cloyd, daughter of Ron and Diana Cloyd, is a native of Taylorville, Illinois. She was raised on a small farm in rural Christian County with row-crops and livestock operations. Cloyd is entering her junior year at Mizzou, working towards an Animal Science degree with a minor in Agricultural Leadership. She currently serves as the public relations chair for the Mizzou Collegiate CattleWomen and volunteers at various beef advocacy events across Missouri. Cloyd hopes to pursue a career in public policy in the animal agricultural industry.
Adam Kirby grew up in rural northern Missouri, where he attended Trenton High school. He previously served as the Missouri FFA state president from 2015-2016. Adam is currently a student at the University of Missouri-Columbia, where he is majoring in Agricultural Business Management and also seeking minors in Business and International Agriculture. Kirby has previously worked for Missouri Soybean as a communications intern.
Sarah Kwast, daughter of Lyle and Harriet Kwast, comes to us from Missouri State University, where she studies Agriculture Business with an emphasis on Finance and Management. Sarah is a member of the Alpha Xi chapter of Sigma Alpha professional agriculture sorority. Kwast is also a member of Collegiate FFA. Sullivan is where Sarah calls home. When she is at home, she helps her father run their food truck and catering business, Ring of Fire Barbecue LLC. The company specializes in smoked meats, including brisket, pulled pork, chicken and ribs. In her spare time, Kwast likes riding her horse, Willie.
It continues to be an honor serving the residents of Missouri’s 18th Senate District. The 2017 legislative session runs from now until Friday, May 12. As always, please do not hesitate to contact my Senate office if you have any questions or concerns regarding state government. My Capitol office number is (573) 751-7985.