Looking Toward 2020As the calendar continues its march toward 2020, my attentions have been focused on legislative priorities for the Second Regular Session of the 100th General Assembly, which begins January 8. While the start of session is still more than two months away, pre-filing of bills begins on Dec. 2. One of the issues sure to occupy our time next year is dealing with violent crime. Recently, I had several opportunities to discuss the topic with other elected officials, law enforcement and citizens alarmed by the rising tide of bloodshed in our metro areas. On Oct. 10, I met with Missouri’s attorney general, the Kansas City chief of police and other area leaders to discuss the importance of cracking down on violent crime. I also had the pleasure of introducing the mayor of Kansas City at the Missouri Senate Republican Caucus retreat, which was hosted in Kansas City last week. Proposals to combat violent crime were discussed at all of these meetings, and I look forward to working with my fellow lawmakers to find solutions during the 2020 legislative session to combat this violence. A recent USA Today analysis ranked three Missouri communities among the most violent cities in the nation. The City of St. Louis topped the list, and Kansas City came in No. 5. Springfield, Missouri was the 12th-most-violent city in America. In addition, St. Joseph saw the seventh-largest increase in violent crime of any city in the nation, and has one of the highest carjacking rates in Missouri. All of these statistics are unacceptable. I’m committed to focusing on violent crime during the next session as we begin to build safer communities. As chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, I’ll be looking at a variety of criminal law reforms. We need to reconsider probation policies in Missouri. Far too often, violent criminals are turned back on the streets only to commit more violent crimes. Another proposal we’ll consider is enhancements to the state’s armed criminal action statutes to more seriously punish those who would use deadly weapons to commit violence. DISTRICT HAPPENINGS Meanwhile, I continue to meet with constituents and community groups to hear their thoughts and stay informed. On Oct. 6, I had the great pleasure of attending the Hillcrest Platte County gala. This annual event raises funds to benefit working homeless families and help individuals who lack secure housing to become self-supporting. As the organization says, they “offer a hand up, not a handout.” I’m also thankful to the staff of Synergy Services for hosting me for a tour of their Child Advocacy Center and youth campus. This organization provides a range of care and services for individuals and families who need immediate respite from violent situations. I appreciate all they do to help with crisis intervention on behalf of children in my district. Also in October, I had the honor of presenting a Senate resolution during a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new Tiffany Springs Senior Living Community. This is a world-class facility that offers a continuum of care for seniors in Platte County. As the month drew to a close, I attended the Park Hill School District Education Foundation’s 2019 Community Breakfast. I appreciated hearing about all the great things happening in the schools and having the opportunity to thank the district’s dedicated educators. Finally, I enjoyed a truly exceptional treat this month as I accepted an invitation to the White House for a ceremony honoring the St. Louis Blues hockey team for winning the Stanley Cup. It was a thrill to stand in the Rose Garden, while the president offered his congratulations to Missouri’s only NHL team. The Blues do our state proud! It is my great honor to represent the citizens of Buchanan and Platte counties in the Missouri Senate. Please contact my office at 573-751-2183, or visit www.senate.mo.gov/luetkemeyer. |