Senator Dave Schatz’s Legislative Column for Jan. 17:
Today marks the end of the first full week of the legislative session. I’m humbled by the confidence my colleagues have placed in me and I’m ready to work towards our shared priorities of great schools, better roads and bridges and safe communities. You can view my opening day address to the Senate here.
Among my first acts this session was assigning members to committees and appointing committee chairs. These assignments are vital to the work that we do because the members on each committee will shape the legislation that is later voted on by the entire Senate. I am personally excited to serve as the chairman of the Gubernatorial Appointments Committee, the committee which is responsible for vetting the governor’s appointees prior to Senate confirmation.
This week also included a joint session of the General Assembly to receive the governor’s State of the State address. In his speech, the governor highlighted his administration’s ongoing work to eliminate unnecessary regulations and find cost savings among state agencies. I agree with the governor’s assessment that “It’s time to have an honest conversation about the challenges we face and the solutions we need.” We must work together to make government more efficient and more responsive to the citizens of Missouri.
I was especially encouraged to hear the governor stress his continued commitment to improving our crumbling infrastructure and finding a long-term solution that will be palatable to Missourians. He rightfully pointed out that though Missouri has one of the largest highway systems in the country, we rank nearly dead last in transportation funding. As I’ve said many times, if we don’t make the necessary investments to repair our roads and bridges now, then it will cost Missouri taxpayers more down the road. We have a responsibility to make tough choices—no more kicking the can down the road.
This legislative session will, no doubt, be exceptionally busy—we have a lot of work to do to keep our promises to the citizens of Missouri. I appreciate that you’ve taken the time to read my weekly column—hopefully these will be a useful tool to keep you informed of the work happening in Jefferson City. As always, it’s an honor to serve you in the Missouri Senate. Please contact my office anytime at (573) 751-3678 or at dave.schatz@senate.mo.gov if you have any questions, comments or concerns.
Thank you for reading this weekly column. Please contact my office at (573) 751-3678 if you have any questions.