Senator Elaine Gannon’s Capitol Report for April 6, 2023

Spring in my Step

The daffodils, hyacinth and tulips are in full bloom around the Capitol and in our community, signaling the start of April and warmer temperatures. The beauty of spring and the quickly approaching deadline of adjournment definitely put a spring in my step this week as I presented bills in both chambers and sponsored a deserving constituent for a gubernatorial appointment.

I enjoyed visiting with my former colleagues in the House on April 4 and presenting my proposal to extend MO HealthNet coverage for postpartum women to the General Laws Committee. I hope the House approves this important bipartisan legislation and sends it to the governor for his signature. Helping new moms and decreasing our state’s alarming maternal mortality rates will certainly up my stride!

On April 5, I explained the merits of Senate Bills 419 and 420 to members of the Senate Health and Welfare Committee. The first proposal mirrors legislation I carried last year and addresses the ongoing issue of boarding foster children and mental health patients in our hospitals while they await permanent placement. This act requires the Departments of Mental Health and Social Services to collaborate on this issue and design a plan to implement, oversee, assess and make recommendations about the continued hospitalization and post discharge placement options for these vulnerable patients. My other bill simply modifies the definition of “hospital” to include rural emergency hospitals.

Congratulations to Chelley Odle for being confirmed by the Senate for a gubernatorial appointment to the Amber Alert System Oversight Committee. This resident of Desloge and owner of Odle Media Group will be a great asset to this committee.

Senator Gannon sponsors Chelley Odle for a gubernatorial appointment.

De Soto School District Earns Purple Star Designation

Congratulations to my hometown school and former employer, De Soto Public School District #73, for being named a 2023 Missouri Purple Star School District. Each year, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) selects districts that demonstrate a commitment to our military service members and their families. To kickoff April as the “Month of the Military Child in Missouri,” DESE hosted an event in the Capitol Rotunda and awarded seven deserving districts with its Purple Star designation.

Go Blue Day is April 7

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, a time for communities to don blue “pinwheels for prevention,” raise awareness and ensure the healthy development of our children. On April 7, the Missouri Children’s Trust Fund invites residents to “go blue” by wearing blue clothing and supporting resilient children and families.