Response to the report from the House of Representatives Special Investigative Committee
First of all, I feel sorry for the lady involved, her family and the first lady. None of them deserved or wanted any of this.
That being said, I wholeheartedly support the efforts of House leadership as well as the report issued by the House Special Investigative Committee and its policies and procedures used during its investigative process. I previously served alongside many members of House leadership as Speaker pro-tem, and I know each of them to be individuals of the highest integrity. I also have the utmost respect for each member of the committee, and I support their continued investigation. This is a serious matter, and it is anything but a political witch hunt.
While I’m still trying to wrap my mind around the disgusting content included in the report, at the end of the day, I want to be able to look my 11-year-old daughter in the eyes when she asks about the governor, tell her I love her and tell her this type of behavior is not okay for someone to do to her or anyone else. I will tell her not to let anyone bully her or touch her without her consent. I will reaffirm to her that she is a strong, smart young lady and she deserves better treatment than what was described in the report. Whomever she dates or marries one day, they should treat her with dignity and respect. She and all women deserve to be treated with nothing less.
With that being said, I now believe the House has sufficient information to pursue Articles of Impeachment. Missourians deserve a leader with strong moral character. The acts described in the report are appalling and bring up more questions about his ability to lead. I’m asking the House to evaluate all of the information they have received and pursue Articles of Impeachment.
Reviewing the Budget
This week, the Missouri Senate’s Appropriations Committee began working through the 13 appropriation bills making up the state’s operating budget for the 2019 fiscal year. The 13 appropriation bills make up the state’s $28 billion operating budget, which includes general revenue, state dedicated funds and any incoming federal funds. It is important we are able to review each department’s proposed budget request in order to make the most fiscally responsible decisions possible to support the needs of all taxpayers.
Throughout this budget process, there will be numerous discussions surrounding funding for elementary and secondary education. I believe we must do everything we can in order to meet the funding needs of students across the state. As we consider our funding options, it’s important to keep in mind thatK-12 education is the foundation for preparing our youth for success in their future endeavors. And because of this, I support fully-funding the education formula.
We know education is one of our state’s primary economic drivers, and I believe that further cuts to our higher education institutions, like the University of Central Missouri, would place a serious burden on the already limited resources available to our state’s public colleges and universities. As the budget process continues to unfold, I want to assure you that I am working diligently to promote the needs and interests of the 21st Senatorial District.
State lawmakers have until Friday, May 11, to truly agree and finally pass all 13 appropriation bills and send them to the governor’s desk for his consideration.
Missouri Gun Rights Rally
On Wednesday, April 11, the Missouri NRA-ILA Frontlines Team organized a gun rights rally in the rotunda of the Capitol. A large crowd of supporters attended the rally and constituents from Lexington, Higginsville, Tina and other locations around the district drove to Jefferson City to join the rally. Earlier this year, a senator from the St. Louis area offered an amendment forcing an individual who was desiring to gift a firearm, be required to go through a licensed firearm dealer to transfer the firearm gift. As a strong supporter of our Second Amendment rights, I was happy to vote against the amendment. I will continue to uphold our constitutional rights without having big government get involved in gifting a hunting rifle to their child or grandchild.
As always, I appreciate hearing your comments, opinions and concerns. Please feel free to contact me in Jefferson City at (573) 751-4302. You may also email me at denny.hoskins@senate.mo.gov.