Last week marked the start of the annual legislative session at the State Capitol in Jefferson City. For the next five months, the Missouri Senate and House will debate the important issues of our state and craft a state budget that will see us through the next fiscal year. We live in a world of political polarization, where it seems every issue takes on not just practical and political implications, but personal and cultural ones as well. Through it all, we must remember why we are here and who we serve. My colleagues in the Legislature and statewide elected officials must stay focused on their responsibilities and roles as trusted representatives of the people of this great state. The people we represent should be the first and only consideration on every issue and every vote. Serving my neighbors and fellow Missourians is an honor and privilege, and I was elected to do a job and I will do that job with sincerity, focus and the work ethic expected and required of me by the people of the 29th District.
Those of you who have read my reports in the past and follow the business of the Missouri Legislature know where I stand on the issues and what types of bills I work on. First and foremost, I am pro-life and will continue to fight for the rights of unborn children. This year, I’ve filed legislation that would prohibit abortions based solely on a diagnosis of Down Syndrome. These children are loving and productive members of society who deserve life the same as you and I. Studies show that up to 90 percent are being aborted based on prenatal diagnoses. This is unacceptable and we must do something about it.
I am also focused on reforming Missouri’s welfare system. We know from common sense, experience and data that the most effective anti-poverty tool is a job. Too often welfare programs disincentivize employment and trap people in cycles of government dependency and intergenerational poverty. The answer is obvious, we need to tie welfare benefits to work or trying to find work. To this end, I’ve filed a bill that will strengthen Missouri’s work requirements for food stamps and encourage more work for the welfare benefits the taxpayers are providing. Many of you know the old adage, “you give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day, but if you teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime.” Compassion and fairness doesn’t always mean a hand out. It means equipping people to work and experience the dignity and success that comes with employment and providing for yourself and your family.
Again, I am privileged to serve as Chairman of the Seniors, Families, and Children Committee. This committee is tasked with reviewing bills that affect some of the most vulnerable and important members of our communities, including seniors and children. While I am firm believer in personal accountability and responsibility, some Missourians — like our seniors — worked hard their entire lives and were good citizens who paid their taxes. These folks may have reached their golden years and found it hard to make ends meet. There are also many children who face daily challenges due to circumstances beyond their control. These Missourians deserve our compassion and we should pull together as a community to make sure they live with dignity and know they are valued. I will also continue my work on the Senate Appropriations Committee, where our state budget is crafted. Missourians have a pretty simple requirement for how their money is spent: spend as little as necessary and make sure what you do spend is worth it. This is as good of a rule as I can think of when considering how to spend the hard-earned money of the taxpayers. Let’s push every state agency to spend less money and run their departments smarter and more efficiently. That will be my focus on Appropriations. I will also serve on the Local Government, Health and Pensions, and the Fiscal Oversight committees.
This should not come as a surprise, but lawmakers do not have all the answers. We need to hear from you. I want to encourage you to engage in the legislative process. Offer your opinions or views on any issue that may interest you. I might not always agree and may not always be able to fix the problem, but I will listen and I will try to solve problems that should be solved. You can travel to the State Capitol and testify before a committee on any bill. For those of you that can’t make it to the Capitol, you can follow bills or listen to live debate of the Senate or the House at senate.mo.gov or house.mo.gov.
Additionally, I always welcome your ideas, questions and concerns. You may contact me at the State Capitol as follows: (573) 751-1480, david.sater@senate.mo.gov or by writing to Sen. David Sater, Missouri State Capitol, Room 416, Jefferson City, MO 65101.
God bless and thank you for the opportunity to work for you in the Missouri Senate.