Committee Assignments Announced

We have just completed the second week of the 2023 legislative session. Lawmakers returned to Jefferson City last week, but our first few days were filled with routine tasks and ceremonial activities as new members were sworn in and everyone got settled in their offices. Hopefully, we set the tone for the upcoming session at the annual Governor’s Prayer Breakfast, and I had the honor of reading one of the scriptures during the program. It was also fun to get dressed up and celebrate the launch of the 102nd General Assembly with the traditional Legislative Ball. I appreciate all the pomp and circumstance, but I’m ready to roll up my sleeves and get to work.

Early this week, we received our committee assignments and chairmanships. I’m proud to report I have been chosen to help lead two committees and serve on three others. For the next two years, I will chair the newly formed Senate Committee on Government Accountability. This committee assumes responsibilities from two committees from the previous General Assembly: the former Committee on Professional Registration and the old Committee on Government Accountability and Fiscal Oversight.

According to Senate Rules, the Government Accountability Committee will review “all matters referred to it relating to the application, administration, execution, and effectiveness of all state laws and programs.” It’s an honor to be asked to assume greater responsibility, and I appreciate the confidence Senate leadership has shown in me. I’m proud to chair this committee and hope to bring some of our commonsense Ozark values to make government work better for you.

I’m also looking forward to my role as vice-chair of the newly formed Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tax Policy. This committee combines the 101st General Assembly’s Committee on Economic Development and the former Committee on Ways and Means. This committee is charged with examining tax legislation and various proposals to help keep Missouri competitive in today’s ever-changing marketplace. We’re going to have to think outside the box if we want to keep pace with our eight neighboring states and the rest of the nation, so I’m excited to see all the ideas that come before the committee.

Rounding out my committee workload for the coming session, I’ve been reappointed to the Senate Appropriations Committee, the Committee on Gubernatorial Appointments and the Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection, Energy, and the Environment. I served on each of these committees during the 101st General Assembly and look forward to continuing to deliver results for Missourians — passing a balanced budget, keeping your utility bills low and making sure the Ozarks are well represented on various Missouri boards and commissions.

Now that committees are set, I expect we’ll quickly begin consideration of the more than 500 Senate bills already filed this year. It’s my hope we can start taking up bills in committee as early as next week. It will take several months to get through Senate bills before we can turn our attention to even more legislation coming over from the House of Representatives. My promise to you is that I will always keep the interests of the 33rd Senatorial District as my top priority.

It is my honor to serve the residents of Douglas, Howell, Ozark, Shannon, Stone, Taney and Texas counties in the Missouri Senate, and it’s always a pleasure to hear from friends and family back home. If I can help you in any way, please call my Capitol Office at 573-751-1882.  You can also visit my webpage at www.senate.mo.gov/mem33, on Facebook: @SenatorKarlaEslinger, or follow me on Twitter: @seneslingermo.