A New Beginning for the Show-Me State
On Monday, June 11, Missouri’s 57th governor delivered his first major address to members of the Missouri General Assembly. During his speech, the governor called for each of us to come together in order to move our state forward. The past several months have been difficult for our state; however, despite the allegations and rumors surrounding the State Capitol, the 2018 legislative session was one of the most successful sessions in recent memory. My colleagues and I approved two major tax reform proposals intended to keep more of your hard-earned income where it belongs — your back pocket. Through common-sense legislation, we made government smaller, more efficient and more effective for all Missourians. In addition, we passed numerous proposals intended to attract businesses and job creators to our state. We did all of this and more, despite the headlines surrounding our former governor. My colleagues and I faced difficult truths during the past year; however, the Missouri General Assembly persevered because each of us were committed to making our state a better place for all who call Missouri home. I am proud of the work my colleagues and I accomplished during the 2018 legislative session, and I am excited to see the great things we can achieve with the support of our new governor.
I served with our new governor during my time in the Missouri House of Representatives and also while he was a member of the Senate. He is an honorable man who embodies conservative, common-sense leadership. I look forward to working with our new governor, and I believe the General Assembly will have a partner in the governor’s office who will work with lawmakers, on both sides of the aisle, to move our state forward and create a stronger, more robust Missouri.
At the end of his address, the governor quoted a passage from Philippians 2:3-4, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the best interests of the others.” The governor’s speech marked the start of a new chapter in our state’s grand history. It marked a new beginning, an opportunity to elevate the political discourse and recommit ourselves to the ideals and values that make our state a great place to live, work and raise a family.
As always, it is an honor and privilege to be your State Senator and my door is always open to your concerns, questions or comments. Please feel free to contact me at (573) 751-2757 or visit my web page at www.senate.mo.gov/riddle.