Missouri’s new fiscal year started on July 1. After a year of uncertainty, thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, our state was able to bounce back
Category: Columns
Sen. Bill White’s Capitol Report for July 8, 2021
Senator Bill White’s Capitol Report for July 8, 2021 More Bills Signed into Law With the stroke of his pen, the governor has transformed several
“Highlights with Hegeman” for the Week of July 5: Extending Assistance to Missouri’s Most Vulnerable
On June 26, I believe Missouri senators made the ultimate pro-life decision by ensuring health care funding for pregnant women, poor children and the disabled
Sen. Elaine Gannon’s Capitol Report for July 1, 2021
Senator Elaine Gannon’s Capitol Report for July 1, 2021 FRA Has Passed! Last week, members of the Missouri Senate returned to Jefferson City to convene
Sen. Denny Hoskins’ Capitol Report for Week of June 28, 2021
In Defense of Innocent Lives This week, the General Assembly passed legislation to renew Missouri’s Federal Reimbursement Allowance program. The FRA is a critical component
Sen. Justin Brown’s Legislative Column for July 1, 2021
Negotiations in the Senate From where I stand, the Missouri Senate should not have needed to be in session last week, but we did, so
Sen. Caleb Rowden’s Legislative Column for the Week of June 28, 2021
Last week, the governor called the Legislature back to the State Capitol for an extraordinary legislative session to reauthorize Missouri’s Federal Reimbursement Allowance (FRA). Simply
Sen. Sandy Crawford’s Capitol Report for the Week of June 28
The Missouri Senate met during the extra session and sent Senate Bill 1 to the Missouri House of Representatives on June 26. This measure extends
Sen. Andrew Koenig’s Capitol Report for June 30, 2021
Wayfair Levels the Playing Field for Missouri Businesses On Wednesday, June 30, Governor Parson signed Senate Bill 153 into law. Commonly referred to as the
Sen. Holly Rehder’s Legislative Column for June 30, 2021
No Tax Dollars For Abortion The Federal Reimbursement Allowance (FRA) is a little-known, but incredibly important part of Missouri’ state budget. Last year, more than
Sen. Brian Williams’ Legislative Column for the Week of June 28, 2021
Last week, the governor called the Missouri General Assembly back to Jefferson City for an extraordinary legislative session to address the reauthorization of Missouri’s Federal
Sen. Mike Bernskoetter’s Legislative Column for June 29, 2021
Fourth of July Two-hundred and forty-five years ago, a group of men gathered together and signed their names to a piece of parchment that would
Sen. Mike Cierpiot’s Capitol Report for June 29, 2021
Keeping Missouri Pro-Life Let me apologize up front for the length of this post. This past week was important and a bit complicated, and if
Sen. Karla Eslinger’s Legislative Column for June 28, 2021
Missouri: Solidly Pro-Life The Missouri General Assembly is back in session. The governor called us back to the Capitol because the Senate failed to pass
“Highlights with Hegeman” for the Week of June 28: Celebrating Our Independence
On July 4, citizens throughout our great nation will join together in celebration of the United States of America’s 245th birthday. As we stand on
Sen. Justin Brown’s Legislative Column for June 25, 2021
A Cause for Celebration Independence Day has always been one of my favorite holidays. The family gatherings, picnics, parades and, of course, the fireworks displays
Flag Day Salute
Wave to our Flag Summer and patriotism sure seem to go hand and hand. During these three months, storefronts and businesses display beautiful patterns of
Sen. Bill White’s Capitol Report for June 24, 2021
Senator Bill White’s Capitol Report for June 24, 2021 Governor Calls Extra Session Following the Legislature’s impasse to renew the Federal Reimbursement Allowance (FRA) during
“Highlights with Hegeman” for the Week of June 21: Protecting Our Small Business Owners
Part of getting through, and moving past, a pandemic includes making sure small businesses are not adversely affected. Unfortunately, we lost too many great businesses
Sen. Mike Bernskoetter’s Legislative Column for June 17, 2021
Celebrating Father’s Day This weekend, we set aside time to honor the men who have played important roles in our lives. Whether he is a
Sen. Barbara Anne Washington’s Legislative Column for the Week of June 14, 2021
Week of June 14, 2021 This week, the governor signed into law House Bill 271, a local government omnibus bill. Among the bill’s numerous provisions
“Highlights with Hegeman” for the Week of June 14: Protecting Our Law Enforcement Officers
During this year’s regular legislative session, a great deal of time was spent on public safety issues facing our state. The Legislature was able to
Sen. Denny Hoskins’ Capitol Report for Week of June 7, 2021
Committed to Agriculture In the weeks following the adjournment of the General Assembly in May, I’ve had an opportunity to travel around the 21st Senatorial
Sen. Bill White’s Capitol Report for June 10, 2021
Senator Bill White’s Capitol Report for June 10, 2021 Truly Agreed To and Finally Passed During the 2021 legislative session, the Legislature passed nearly 70
Sen. Mike Bernskoetter’s Legislative Column for June 8, 2021
Helping Our No. 1 Industry As chairman of the Senate’s Agriculture committee, I understand the important role agriculture plays in our state. After all, it’s
“Highlights with Hegeman” for the Week of June 7: Making Changes to Residency Rules
The Missouri General Assembly spent a great deal of time, over the past two years, working on changes to some of our state’s crime laws.
Sen. Barbara Anne Washington’s Legislative Column for the Week of May 31, 2021
Week of May 31, 2021 The First Regular Session of the 101st General Assembly has formally wrapped up, but the lawmaking process continues to play
Sen. Rick Brattin’s Capitol Report for the Week of May 31: Critical Race Theory, the 1619 Project and the Indoctrination of America’s Children
The last few years has seen the introduction of one deceptive and destructive cultural idea after another. First it was “wokeness,” or extreme political correctness,
Sen. Bill White’s Capitol Report for May 27, 2021
Senator Bill White’s Capitol Report for May 27, 2021 Here Comes the Sun For outdoorsmen, children and members of the General Assembly, these words about
Sen. Mike Bernskoetter’s Legislative Column for May 26, 2021
Honoring Our Fallen Heroes It seems the warm weather is finally here and so is the unofficial start of summer. For many, schools are letting
Sen. Sandy Crawford’s Capitol Report for the Week of May 24
Lawmakers passed several measures during the 2021 legislative session that, I believe, are of benefit to the residents of the 28th Senatorial District: Senate Bill
High Five to our Fifth Month
High Five to our Fifth Month As I sat down to write this month’s column, I faced a unique and interesting challenge. With so many
“Highlights with Hegeman” for the Week of May 24: Remembering Those Who Wore the Uniform
May 31 is Memorial Day, our nation’s most solemn holiday. It is a day when Americans across the country and overseas pause to remember, honor
Sen. Jeanie Riddle’s Capitol Report for the Week of May 17, 2021
Reflecting on the 2021 Legislative Session On Friday, May 14, lawmakers wrapped up the 2021 legislative session. Like every year, the final week served as
Sen. Karla May’s May Report for the Week of May 10, 2021
On the Floor On May 14, the 2021 legislative session came to a close. The week was incredibly busy with a flurry of legislative activity.
Sen. Barbara Anne Washington’s Legislative Column for the Week of May 17, 2021
Week of May 17, 2021 After four and a half months of policy discussions and debates, the 2021 legislative session came to a close on
Sen. Mike Bernskoetter’s Legislative Column for May 17, 2021
Wrapping Up the 2021 Legislative Session After months of hard work and late nights, the 2021 legislative session is now over. Coming to a close
Sen. Karla Eslinger’s Legislative Column for May 17, 2021
The Last Gavel Falls The General Assembly adjourned its 2021 regular session on Friday, May 14, and it has been my distinct honor to represent
Sen. Sandy Crawford’s Capitol Report for May 17
The Missouri General Assembly concluded the 2021 legislative session by achieving several of the goals it laid out at the beginning of the year. I
“Highlights with Hegeman” for the Week of May 17: Session Comes to a Close
The 2021 legislative session is now in the history books. The 19 weeks that make up the regular session each year seem to fly by
Sen. Rick Brattin’s Capitol Report for the Week of May 17: The Wrong Plan at the Wrong Time
What a difference a year makes, huh? At this time last year, there was peace in the Middle East, our southern border was more secure
Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer’s Legislative Column for May 17, 2021
Working Together For Public Safety With a fall of a gavel, the First Regular Session of the 101st General Assembly came to a close last
Sen. Justin Brown’s Legislative Column for May 14, 2021
The Session Ends The First Regular Session of the 101st General Assembly has come to an end. Consistent with Missouri’s Constitution, we concluded our work
Sen. Holly Rehder’s Legislative Column for May 14, 2021
A Labor of Love The 2021 legislative session has come to a close and the General Assembly has adjourned. It’s been an amazing four-and-half months.
Sen. Denny Hoskins’ Capitol Report for May 14, 2021
Down to the Wire It’s the final week of the 2021 legislative session and we’re coming down to the wire. There’s a mad rush to
Sen. Bill White’s Capitol Report for May 13, 2021
Senator Bill White’s Capitol Report for May 13, 2021 Does Any Other Senator Desire to Be Heard? These eight words, asked periodically by the presiding
Sen. Hegeman’s Column for the Week of May 10: Budget Awaits Executive Action
As is said so often, the Missouri General Assembly has one constitutionally mandated job: create a balanced budget each year. This year, like most, presented
Sen. Karla May’s May Report for the Week of May 3, 2021
On the Floor This week, the Missouri General Assembly passed a more than $35 billion state operating budget for the upcoming fiscal year. This funding
Sen. Holly Rehder’s Legislative Column for May 10, 2021
Protection Orders Bill Passes It was a crazy busy week in the Missouri Senate this week. With the deadline for finishing the budget looming and
Sen. Sandy Crawford’s Capitol Report for the Week of May 3
I am proud to say House Bill 685 is on its way to the governor. This measure seeks to change the requirements to run for
Sen. Andrew Koenig’s Capitol Report for May 7, 2021
Legislature Passes Huge Win for Missouri Students On Thursday, May 6, the Missouri Senate passed House Bill 349 that will allow Missouri families to receive
Sen. Denny Hoskins’ Capitol Report for Week of May 3, 2021
Bringing Your Tax Dollars Home The General Assembly’s attention was focused on the budget this week as we worked toward a 6 p.m. Friday deadline
Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer’s Legislative Column for May 7, 2021
Approving the Budget With a constitutional deadline looming, the General Assembly today finalized Missouri’s $34 billion operating budget for Fiscal Year 2022. As a member
Senator Justin Brown’s Legislative Column for May 7, 2021
Passing the Budget There are two critical dates that loom over every legislative session. One is the final day, which happens this year on May
Sen. Mike Bernskoetter’s Legislative Column for May 7, 2021
The Final Countdown The end of the 2021 legislative session is fast approaching. With only one week of session left, lawmakers are busy trying to
Sen. Karla Eslinger’s Legislative Column for May 7, 2021
Digging into the Budget As I prepare this report, the Missouri General Assembly will soon vote on a Fiscal Year 2022 operating budget that totals
Sen. Bill White’s Capitol Report for May 6, 2021
Senator Bill White’s Capitol Report for May 6, 2021 So Close and Yet So Far With the end of session looming around the corner, senators
Sen. Mike Cierpiot’s Capitol Report for May 5, 2021
Explaining My Vote on Medicaid Expansion Recently, I voted to increase Medicaid funding to reflect the expansion approved by voters last August. I was in
Sen. Steven Roberts Opposes Legislation Impacting Missourians’ First Amendment Rights and the Initiative Petition Process
JEFFERSON CITY — State Sen. Steven Roberts, D-St. Louis, opposes two pieces of legislation moving through the Missouri Legislature, calling the bills attacks on Missourians’
Sen. Hegeman’s Column for the Week of May 3: Giving Local Governments Flexibility
I am passionate about many things in my role as a state senator, especially when it comes to aiding the many local government entities in
Sen. Holly Rehder’s Legislative Column for April 30, 2021
Four Things, Two Weeks With only two weeks left in the 2021 session, I believe what looked like a log jam of legislation between the
Sen. Barbara Anne Washington’s Legislative Column for the Week of April 26, 2021
Week of April 26, 2021 This week, over a dozen appropriations bills were voted on by the Missouri Senate as it finalized its version of
Sen. Jeanie Riddle’s Capitol Report for the Week of April 26, 2021
Passing a Budget that Reflects Our Values Members of the Missouri General Assembly have only one constitutional obligation during each legislative session. Our state constitution
Sen. Caleb Rowden’s Legislative Column for the Week of April 26, 2021
This week, our attention turned to passing the budget bills that make up the state’s operating budget for the upcoming fiscal year. The Senate Appropriations
Sen. Karla Eslinger’s Legislative Column for April 30, 2021
Now Two Weeks Remaining It was a busy week in the Missouri Senate. With less than three weeks remaining in the session, each day was
Sen. Karla May’s May Report for the Week of April 26, 2021
On the Floor The debate over funding Medicaid expansion took center stage this week as the Senate passed its version of the state’s operating budget
Sen. Denny Hoskins’ Capitol Report for Week of April 26, 2021
Fighting the Fight This week one of the most anticipated bills of the 2021 legislative session came up for debate in the Senate chamber. The
Sen. Sandy Crawford’s Capitol Report for the Week of April 26
I am happy to report my bill, Senate Bill 106, has been truly agreed to and finally passed. The measure now heads to the governor
Sen. Bill White’s Capitol Report for April 29, 2021
Senator Bill White’s Capitol Report for April 29, 2021 Moving the Legislative Needle To start the week, I spent some time in the House hearing
Sen. Mike Bernskoetter’s Legislative Column for April 29, 2021
Passing Priorities This week, the Missouri Senate approved its version of the state’s operating budget for Fiscal Year 2022. Composed of 13 appropriations bills, the
Sen. Andrew Koenig’s Capitol Report for April 27, 2021
Governor Signs House Bill 429 and House Bill 430 Into Law On Thursday, April 22, the governor signed House Bill 429 and House Bill 430
Sen. Jason Bean’s Legislative Column for April 26, 2021
Protecting the Property Rights of Missourians With only a few weeks left in the legislative session, my fellow senators and I have been busy discussing
Sen. Barbara Anne Washington’s Legislative Column for the Week of April 19, 2021
Week of April 19, 2021 This week, the Senate’s Appropriations Committee completed its work on the state’s operating budget for the upcoming fiscal year. This
Sen. Hegeman’s Column for the Week of April 26: Working to Keep Missouri Moving
On April 22, the Missouri Senate Appropriations Committee passed its version of the 13 bills that comprise the state operating budget for the 2022 fiscal
Sen. Angela Mosley’s Legislative Column for the Week of April 19
We are nearing the end of this year’s legislative session, and it is hard to believe my first session is almost over. These last few
Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer’s Legislative Column for April 23, 2021
Crafting the State’s Budget All eyes were on the budget this week as the Senate Appropriations Committee reviewed state spending for Fiscal Year 2022. During
Sen. Rick Brattin’s Capitol Report for the Week of April 19
Back in 1983, a U.S. senator referred to FDR’s court-packing plan as a “bonehead idea” and said “it was a terrible, terrible mistake to make.”
Sen. Karla May’s May Report for the Week of April 19, 2021
On the Floor The Senate has lined up several bills this week to be sent over to the Missouri House of Representatives in the near
Sen. Caleb Rowden’s Legislative Column for the Week of April 19, 2021
With three weeks remaining in the 2021 legislative session, the General Assembly is hard at work as lawmakers try to accomplish their goals before the
Sen. Bill White’s Capitol Report for April 22, 2021
Senator Bill White’s Capitol Report for April 22, 2021 The Great Balancing Act This week, members of the Senate Appropriations Committee began the arduous task
Sen. Karla Eslinger’s Legislative Column for April 22, 2021
Progress in the District From January through the middle of May, I travel each week to the State Capitol in Jefferson City for the legislative
Sen. Holly Rehder’s Legislative Column for April 22, 2021
Scrambling Toward the End It’s hard to believe, but the 2021 legislative session is nearing the end. We only have three weeks left before we
Sen. Sandy Crawford’s Capitol Report for the Week of April 19
According to the Missouri Constitution, the Missouri General Assembly has only one job, which is to craft the state’s operating budget each year. The budget
Sen. Dave Schatz’s Legislative Column for April 22, 2021
Protecting the Integrity of Our Elections The ability to cast one’s vote on Election Day is a fundamental part of our representative republic. An individual’s
Sen. Mike Bernskoetter’s Legislative Column for April 22, 2021
Preserving History This week, the Missouri Senate gave an initial round of approval to one of my priorities for the 2021 legislative session. Senate Bill
Sen. Denny Hoskins’ Capitol Report for Week of April 19, 2021
Focusing on the Budget There is only one thing the Missouri Constitution requires of the State Legislature: We must pass a balanced budget. As a
Sen. Justin Brown’s Legislative Column for April 22, 2021
Dollars for the District There are barely three weeks remaining in the 2021 legislative session, and less than two weeks before work on the state
Sen. Hegeman’s Column for the Week of April 19: Improving Missouri’s Business Climate
As long as I have been in the Missouri Legislature, it has been my consistent goal to improve our state’s business climate. Fortunately, over the
Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer’s Legislative Column for April 16, 2021
House Takes Up Luetkemeyer’s Senate Bills As we approach the end of the 2021 session, each legislative chamber will spend more time working on bills
Sen. Karla Eslinger’s Legislative Column for April 16, 2021
Focusing on the District It’s been another busy week in the Missouri Legislature, with several late nights spent trying to reach compromises on pending legislation.
Sen. Holly Rehder’s Legislative Column for April 16, 2021
Honoring Rush We had another busy week at the Missouri State Capitol, with a couple of late night sessions. One day’s session lasted well past
Sen. Dave Schatz’s Legislative Column for April 16, 2021
Reigning in the Powers of Unelected Bureaucrats The coronavirus pandemic has affected each of us in ways too numerous to count. No one could have
Sen. Karla May’s May Report for the Week of April 12, 2021
On the Floor Late nights are becoming more common in the Senate. On Monday, April 12, the upper chamber debated Senate Bill 11, which creates
Sen. Jason Bean’s Legislative Column for the Week of April 12, 2021
Providing Utility Relief to Communities Affected by February Ice Storm For the past couple of weeks, I have been working with fellow Senators Karla Eslinger,
Senator Justin Brown’s Legislative Column for April 15, 2021
Moving Legislation Another busy week has passed in the Missouri Senate, with a number of bills advancing through the legislative process and a few making
Senator Bill White’s Capitol Report for April 15, 2021
Senator Bill White’s Capitol Report for April 15, 2021 State Capitol Purples Up for Military Children One of April’s national observances is the Month of
Sen. Sandy Crawford’s Capitol Report for the Week of April 12
As the Missouri Senate continues to discuss and debate legislation, this week saw three measures move to the governor’s desk. Senate Bill 2 would modify
Sen. Mike Bernskoetter’s Legislative Column for April 15, 2021
Securing Our Farms Missouri is blessed with fertile farmland and hardworking people who know how to put it to good use. According to the Missouri
Sen. Barbara Anne Washington’s Legislative Column for the Week of April 5, 2021
Week of April 5, 2021 This week, the General Assembly moved one step closer to creating a statewide prescription drug monitoring program, with the Senate
Sen. Hegeman’s Column for the Week of April 12: How Missouri Balances a Budget
We are coming down to the final weeks of the 2021 legislative session, and some of the most important work is still to come. By