The 2019 Legislative Session Begins
The First Regular Session of the 100th General Assembly began at noon on Jan. 9. This marked more than just the return of lawmakers to Jefferson City, but also nearly 200 years of state government. This historic session began with the swearing in of newly-elected senators. As I begin my first term in the Missouri Senate, I am deeply honored to serve the Capitol City and the rest of the 6th Senatorial District during this important point in our state’s history.
While this is my first term in the Missouri Senate, my experience in the Missouri House of Representatives has prepared me for the work to be done in the coming weeks and months. While the two chambers are different and operate in their own unique ways, the process in which legislation is passed is quite similar. Bills are introduced on the Senate floor and then referred to a committee. These committees conduct hearings, take testimony and analyze the bills they hear. Bills must be approved by the committee in order to return to the Senate floor or make their way to the Missouri House.
As you can see, these committees play an important role in the legislative process. With that in mind, I am pleased to announce that I will serve as the chair of the Senate’s Agriculture, Food Production and Outdoor Resource Committee. Since agriculture is our state’s largest industry, having an economic impact of over $88 billion in 2016 alone, I understand the responsibility this committee has in making sure our state continues to prosper. As chair, I will ensure that legislation heard in committee will be carefully considered and that we will approve legislation that keeps our state’s agricultural community strong and viable for future generations to come. Aside from my responsibilities on the Agriculture committee, I will also be serving on several other committees: Economic Development; Rules, Joint Rules, Resolutions and Ethics; Small Business and Industry; and Veterans and Military Affairs.
The legislative process has just begun, and I am excited to serve the 6th Senatorial District in the Missouri Senate. If at any time my office can help answer your questions about state government, please do not hesitate to contact us. Thank you for the support, and I look forward to reporting back to you in our next column.
Please feel free to contact my office at (573)751-2076. For information about my committee assignments or sponsored legislation, please visit my official Missouri Senate website at senate.mo.gov/Bernskoetter.