Volume 1, Issue 11 – The Week of April 8, 2019
Recognizing New State Symbols
This week, the Missouri Senate perfected one of my legislative priorities, creating two new state symbols. Senate Bill 210 designates the pawpaw tree as Missouri’s state fruit tree. The pawpaw is native to Missouri and produces the largest edible fruit found naturally in North America. The fruit of the pawpaw tree is often likened to a banana, but has hints of mango, vanilla and citrus flavors. It can be used in custards, pies and even ice cream. Two years ago, the legislation was initially proposed by fourth grade students from New City School in St. Louis. I have loved working with these students, now in the sixth grade. I think it is incredibly important for children to see that government works for them and that they can be involved and make a difference.
Also included in SB 210 is a provision naming the hellbender salamander as the official endangered species of Missouri. Also known as the snot otter or lasagna lizard, the hellbender salamander lives in spring-fed rivers in the eastern and central portions of the United States. There are two types of hellbenders, and Missouri is the only place on the planet where both exist, making our state the perfect place to raise awareness for this endangered species. Currently, the St. Louis Zoo is working with a range of partners across the state to breed the hellbender. Other efforts are underway to recreate the hellbender’s habitat and repopulate them. I believe SB 210 offers another exciting opportunity for citizens to get involved, this time with science.
Senate Bill 210 has been perfected, meaning it has received an initial round of approval from the Missouri Senate. It will take one more round of approval for it to be sent to the Missouri House of Representatives for further consideration.
Several other important bills were discussed this week in the Missouri Senate. The Senate’s Judiciary and Civil and Criminal Jurisprudence Committee voted out House Bill 192, which works to end debtor’s prisons in Missouri. Current law allows individuals to be put in jail to help pay off fines. This can have serious consequences for that individual, like causing them to lose their jobs or be kept from their families. Under HB 192, cities and counties can use civil means of collecting debts, but could not imprison individuals to help pay off a debt. I believe this bill is a good step toward improving our criminal justice system. Also aiming to improve the criminal justice system is my Senate Bill 8 & 74. I expect this bill to come up for debate on the Senate floor soon.
On the Senate floor, we debated the merits of a bonding proposal for our state’s transportation system. Senate Concurrent Resolution 14 proposes around $301 million in bonds to build and repair 215 bridges across the state. I believe SCR 14 will help free up money for the Department of Transportation and address critical infrastructure projects that need to be repaired sooner rather than later. Missouri is ranked 48th nationally when it comes to transportation funding, despite us having the seventh largest road system in the country. I believe SCR 14 is a step in the right direction to rectify this issue.
Thank you for your interest in the legislative process. I look forward to hearing from you on the issues that are important to you this legislative session. If there is anything my office can do for you, please do not hesitate to contact my office at (573) 751-3599.