JEFFERSON CITY — Legislation sponsored by State Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer, R-Parkville, to increase funding for the Kansas City Police Department has been signed into law
Author: Senate Communications
Sen. Holly Thompson Rehder’s Legislative Column for June 27, 2022
Powerful Medicine to Combat Addiction In the weeks following each legislative session, the governor reviews bills passed by the General Assembly and, with a stroke
Sen. Denny Hoskins Applauds U.S. Supreme Court’s Overturn of Roe v. Wade
JEFFERSON CITY — Senator Denny Hoskins, R-Warrensburg, expressed support for the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling overturning the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision that legalized abortion
Sen. Justin Brown Schedules First Meeting of Interim Immigration Committee
JEFFERSON CITY – State Sen. Justin Brown, R-Rolla, has announced the Missouri Senate Interim Committee on Illegal Immigration will conduct its first meeting on Wednesday,
Sen. Karla Eslinger’s Legislative Column for June 17, 2022
The Signature of Approval The Legislature has been out of session for more than a month, but the work of representing the 33rd Senatorial District
Senator Justin Brown Honored as Missouri Chamber ‘Business Champion’
JEFFERSON CITY — State Sen. Justin Brown, R-Rolla, has been named a “2022 Business Champion” by the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry. In announcing
Senator Tony Luetkemeyer Recognized as ‘Business Champion’ by Missouri Chamber
JEFFERSON CITY — State Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer, R-Parkville, has been recognized as a “2022 Business Champion” by the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry. In
Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer Honors Life and Service of Retired K-9 Officer Ajax
JEFFERSON CITY — State Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer, R-Parkville, has presented a certificate of appreciation to Platte County Sheriff Deputy Jessica Harrison in recognition of the
Sen. Holly Thompson Rehder’s Legislative Column for May 17, 2022
The Session Ends The 2022 legislative session has come to a close. It was a contentious four and half months but, in the end, we
Sen. Karla Eslinger’s Legislative Column for May 16, 2022
The End of Session The Second Regular Session of the 101st General Assembly has come to a close. The Senate ended legislative activity Thursday evening
Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer’s Legislative Column for May 16, 2022
KCPD Funding Bill Passes The 2022 legislative session ended on May 13. During the final hours, I was able to get one of my top
Sen. Denny Hoskins’ Capitol Report for Week of May 9, 2022
2022 Session Ends The Missouri Senate ended its participation in the 2022 legislative session nearly a day before the constitutional deadline after passing a hastily
Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer’s KCPD Funding Bill Sent to Governor
JEFFERSON CITY — In the final hours of the 2022 legislative session, the General Assembly passed a pair of measures sponsored by State Sen. Tony
Sen. Holly Thompson Rehder’s Legislative Column for May 9, 2022
An Eventful Week We had an incredibly eventful week this past week in the Missouri Senate as we finalized the operating budget for the 2023
Sen. Justin Brown’s Legislative Column for May 9, 2022
Bringing Federal Dollars Home Last week, the Missouri General Assembly met its constitutional obligation and passed a balanced budget for the coming fiscal year. Due
Sen. Karla Eslinger’s Legislative Column for May 6, 2022
Protecting Property Rights and Returning Taxes As we approach the end of the 2022 legislative session, the Missouri Senate took two major actions that will
Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer’s Legislative Column for May 6, 2022
Dollars for the District As I prepare this report, we are just a few hours away from the deadline for approving the 2023 fiscal year
Sen. Denny Hoskins’ Capitol Report for Week of May 2, 2022
Passing the Budget It is crunch time in the Missouri General Assembly. With a deadline for passage of the budget looming and the last day
Sen. Holly Thompson Rehder Proposes A More Compassionate Approach to Homelessness
If you’ve driven through Kansas City or St. Louis, more likely than not you have seen individuals sleeping on the sidewalk or experiencing episodes of
Sen. Holly Thompson Rehder’s Legislative Column for May 2, 2022
Budget Work Continues Last week, the full Senate took up and passed revisions to Missouri’s Fiscal Year 2023 budget recommended by the Senate Appropriations Committee.
Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer’s Legislative Column for April 29, 2022
Budget Moves Closer to Approval This week in the Missouri Senate, we passed 14 appropriations bills for the various departments of state government. Thirteen of
Sen. Karla Eslinger’s Legislative Column for April 28, 2022
Being True to My School As a member of the Missouri Senate, I’m expected to be in Jefferson City while the Legislature is in session.
Sen. Denny Hoskins’ Capitol Report for Week of April 25, 2022
Spending Uncle Sam’s Money One of my colleagues, a member of the minority party, described the $45 billion 2023 state budget voted out of the
Senator Tony Luetkemeyer Welcomes Students from St. Therese School to Capitol
JEFFERSON CITY — State Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer, R-Parkville, was pleased to welcome eighth grade students from St. Therese School of Platte County to the Missouri
Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer Congratulates Parkville Scholarship Recipient Sara Montalbano
JEFFERSON CITY — State Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer, R-Parkville, congratulates Sara Montalbano of Parkville for her selection as a 2022 Women Legislators of Missouri Scholarship recipient.
Sen. Karla Eslinger’s Legislative Column for April 22, 2022
An Opportunity to Address Needs In previous Capitol reports, I’ve mentioned the “markup” process, when the Senate Appropriations Committee proposes changes to budget bills sent
Sen. Denny Hoskins: Missouri Senate Committee Advances Sports Betting Legislation
“Key issues relating to funding for education and problem gambling treatment programs, and changes needed to address illegal gambling activity unresolved” JEFFERSON CITY — The
Sen. Holly Thompson Rehder’s Legislative Column for April 22, 2022
Three Weeks to Go We’re rapidly approaching the end of the 2022 legislative session. May 6 is the constitutional deadline for passing a balanced state
Sen. Denny Hoskins’ Capitol Report for Week of April 18, 2022
Focusing on the Budget We’ve reached the point in the session when the Legislature is occupied with the 2023 Fiscal Year budget. The Senate Appropriations
Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer’s Legislative Column for April 22, 2022
Taxpayer Protection Measures Advance This week, my Senate Joint Resolution 39 passed out of the senate and has been referred to a House committee for
Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer’s Property Tax Assessment Cap Resolution Moves to House
JEFFERSON CITY — Legislation sponsored by State Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer, R-Parkville, that will place authority to cap property assessment increases before voters has cleared the
Sen. Karla Eslinger’s Legislative Column for April 14, 2022
Legislation with Real Impact The Senate continued to move legislation forward this week. We passed several Senate bills and sent them onto the House of
Sen. Denny Hoskins’ Capitol Report for Week of April 11, 2022
A Productive Week in the Senate The Missouri Senate had another productive week, as we moved bills out of the upper chamber and onto the
Sen. Holly Thompson Rehder’s Legislative Column for April 14, 2022
Easter Reflections Easter is a time of renewal. As we turn our thoughts to the resurrection of Christ, we’re reminded that he is our example.
Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer Welcomes Northland Chamber Members to Capitol
JEFFERSON CITY — State Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer, R-Parkville, welcomed representatives of the Northland Regional Chamber of Commerce to the Missouri State Capitol. The group travels
Sen. Holly Thompson Rehder’s Legislative Column for April 11, 2022
When Things Don’t Make Sense When I first came to the Senate, I vowed to learn the ways of Missouri’s upper legislative chamber and figure
Sen. Denny Hoskins’ Capitol Report for Week of April 4, 2022
Supporting Agriculture This week, the Missouri Senate advanced legislation aimed at increasing opportunities for Missouri’s farmers and rural businesses. Included in House Bill 1720 are
Sen. Karla Eslinger’s Legislative Column for April 8, 2022
Planting Seeds for Growth in Agriculture With the May 13 end of session already looming on the horizon, the Senate put the theatrics of recent
Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer Congratulates Parkville Eagle Scouts
JEFFERSON CITY — State Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer, R-Parkville, congratulates three area teens for their accomplishment of becoming Eagle Scouts, the highest achievement in the Scouts
Sen. Denny Hoskins Recognized for Conservative Principles
JEFFERSON CITY — State Sen. Denny Hoskins, R-Warrensburg, has been recognized by two leading national conservative advocacy groups. Senator Hoskins has been named a member
Sen. Denny Hoskins’ Capitol Report for the Week of March 28, 2022
Moving Legislation, Defending the Map We’ve reached the point in the legislative session when bills have begun to clear one chamber and move to the
Sen. Karla Eslinger’s Legislative Column for April 1, 2022
Working Together While much of the news coming out of the Missouri Senate this week focused on the continuing struggle to pass a congressional redistricting
Sen. Justin Brown’s Legislative Column for April 1, 2022
Keeping Race Out of the Classroom There’s been a lot of discussion in recent months about what children are being exposed to in our public
Sen. Holly Thompson Rehder’s Legislative Column for April 1, 2022
Great News, Bad News I have some great things to report this week, and some not so great things. I am incredibly pleased my Senate
Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer Welcomes St. Joseph History and Government Students to Capitol
JEFFERSON CITY — State Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer, R-Parkville, was pleased to welcome members of Lafayette High School’s “Dead Patriots Society” to the Missouri State Capitol.
Sen. Schupp’s Bill of Rights for Survivors of Sexual Assault Passed by Senate
Legislation Provides Clarity and Additional Protections for Survivors JEFFERSON CITY — Legislation affirming rights for survivors of sexual assaults is one step closer to becoming
Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer Recognized for Conservative Voting Record
JEFFERSON CITY — State Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer, R-Parkville, announces he has received a Conservative Achievement award from the American Conservative Union Foundation (ACUF). The foundation,
Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer’s KCPD Funding Bill Heard in House Committee
JEFFERSON CITY — Legislation sponsored by State Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer, R-Parkville, to increase funding for the Kansas City Police Department moved one step closer to
Sen. Karla Eslinger’s Legislative Column for March 28, 2022
Moving Bills Through Committee The Missouri Senate returned from its one-week mid-session recess with a renewed focus on moving legislation forward. We had a busy
Sen. Denny Hoskins’ Capitol Report for Week of March 21, 2022
Putting Maps Behind Us At mid-week, I was prepared to update you on a flurry of committee activity in the Missouri Senate. As the clock
Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer’s Legislative Column for March 25, 2022
Picking Up the Pace Coming back from the legislative spring recess, the Missouri Senate had one of its most productive weeks of the 2022 session.
Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer Congratulates Kathy Nelson on Women’s Achievement Award
JEFFERSON CITY — State Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer, R-Parkville, congratulates Kathy Nelson for her recognition as a recipient of a 2022 Lieutenant Governor’s Women of Achievement
Sen. Karla Eslinger’s Legislative Column for March 17, 2022
Friends Old and New Every 10 years, following the U.S. Census, legislative district maps are redrawn to reflect shifting populations. A lot of attention has
Senator Tony Luetkemeyer’s Legislative Column for March 11, 2022
Moving Priorities Forward I began the 2022 legislative session with a number of priorities in mind. Among my top goals, I vowed to increase support
Sen. Karla Eslinger’s Legislative Column for March 11, 2022
Working Toward Perfection We’ve reached the halfway point in the 2022 legislative session. The last day to file additional bills was March 1, and next
Sen. Holly Thompson Rehder’s Legislative Column for March 11, 2022
It’s Time to Do the Work After enduring weeks of what I have charitably referred to as “shenanigans” in the Missouri Senate, I finally reached
Sen. Denny Hoskins’ Capitol Report for Week of March 7, 2022
The Rest of the Story If you read news reports this past week, you might have the impression that I and a few of my
Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer’s KCPD Funding Bill Passes Senate
JEFFERSON CITY — Legislation sponsored by State Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer, R-Parkville, to increase funding for the Kansas City Police Department was approved by the Missouri
Sen. Karla Eslinger’s Legislative Column for March 3, 2022
Last Day to File Bills We reached a milestone in the 2022 legislative session this week. March 1 was the last day senators could file
Sen. Denny Hoskins’ Capitol Report for Week of Feb. 28, 2022
Taking Time for Constituents We just concluded another busy week at the Missouri State Capitol. In fact, this was the first week in recent memory
Sen. Holly Thompson Rehder’s Legislative Column for March 3, 2022
Standing with Parents It’s hard to imagine anything good coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic, but if there’s one positive, it may be that a
Sen. Justin Brown’s Legislation Expands Castle Doctrine Protections
JEFFERSON CITY – State Sen. Justin Brown, R-Rolla, has filed legislation to provide additional protection to Missourians who defend themselves or others from death or
Senator Tony Luetkemeyer’s Election Integrity Bill Heard in Committee
JEFFERSON CITY — Legislation sponsored by State Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer, R-Parkville, to increase election integrity in Missouri was heard by the Senate Local Government and
Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer’s Legislative Column for Feb. 25, 2022
First Bill of 2022 Passes The first bill passed during the 2022 session was signed by the governor. This week, the Senate approved House Bill
Sen. Karla Eslinger’s Legislative Column for Feb. 25, 2022
Supplemental Budget Approved This past week, the first bill to cross the legislative finish line during the 2022 session reached the governor’s desk. House Bill
Sen. Holly Thompson Rehder’s Legislative Column for Feb. 25, 2022
Breaking the Logjam The past week in the Missouri Senate has brought significant accomplishment and incredible frustration. First, the good news. We finally broke through
Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer Proposes Tax Exemption for Law Enforcement Officers
JEFFERSON CITY — Law enforcement officers would owe no Missouri state income tax on their salaries once legislation sponsored by Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer, R-Parkville, is
Sen. Denny Hoskins’ Capitol Report for Week of Feb. 21, 2022
Holding the Line The Senate has now perfected the first bill of the 2022 session, a renewal of the workforce incentive program, passed a resolution
Sen. Karla Eslinger’s Legislative Column for Feb. 18, 2022
Getting Back to Workforce Development The Senate returned to some level of normalcy this week as we refocused our efforts on moving legislation forward. The
Sen. Karla Eslinger’s Legislative Column for Feb. 15, 2022
The Redistricting Blues If someone had told me a week ago that I would be in Jefferson City listening to Senate floor debate on a
Sen. Denny Hoskins’ Capitol Report for the Week of Feb. 7, 2022
Fighting for Representation Regular readers of my Capitol Report may have noticed we didn’t send out a column last week. The storm that dumped eight
Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer Welcomes Career and Tech Students to State Capitol
JEFFERSON CITY — State Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer, R-Parkville, was pleased to welcome two groups of career and technical education students from the 34th Senatorial District
Sen. Holly Thompson Rehder’s Legislative Column for Feb. 4, 2022
An Avalanche of Opposition It was a short but remarkable week at the Capitol. The Senate adjourned early due to our incoming snowstorm. Cutting this
Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer’s Legislative Column for Jan. 28, 2022
Protecting Our Streets and Homeowners This week, I focused on moving my legislative priorities forward. I presented my bills to committees this week. In Monday’s
Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer Presents Property Assessment Cap to Senate Committee
JEFFERSON CITY — State Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer, R-Parkville, presented legislation to protect homeowners from runaway property tax assessments to the Missouri Senate Ways and Means
Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer Proposes Tax Exemption for Disabled Veterans
JEFFERSON CITY — Fully disabled military veterans would owe no Missouri property tax on their home if legislation sponsored by Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer, R-Parkville, is
Sen. Holly Thompson Rehder’s Legislative Column for Jan. 28, 2022
Looking Past Redistricting This was supposed to be redistricting week in the Missouri Senate, but things didn’t turn out quite as planned. Last week, the
Sen. Karla Eslinger’s Legislative Column for Jan. 28, 2022
A Busy Capitol Week It was an eventful week in the Missouri Senate, with committees taking testimony on proposed legislation, spirited discussions about congressional redistricting
Sen. Denny Hoskins’ Capitol Report for Week of Jan. 24, 2022
Drawing Battle Lines All eyes at the Capitol this week were on the Senate Select Committee on Redistricting, the group of senators charged with vetting
New Children’s Book Recalls the Lives of Missouri’s 36 Female State Senators
Project Aimed at Encouraging Literacy and Inspiring Young Readers JEFFERSON CITY — Throughout the entire history of Missouri, more than 1,150 individuals have served in
Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer’s Legislative Column for Jan. 21, 2022
Investing in Infrastructure The governor delivered his State of the State address to the General Assembly this week. His speech provides a preview of the
Sen. Karla Eslinger’s Legislative Column for Jan. 21, 2022
Investing in Infrastructure One of the most anticipated events of the legislative session is the governor’s State of the State address. This week, the General
Sen. Justin Brown’s Legislative Column for Jan. 20, 2022
The State of the State The governor delivered his annual State of the State address to the Legislature this week. Traditionally, governors use this speech
Sen. Denny Hoskins’ Capitol Report for the Week of Jan. 17, 2022
The State of the State It was a short, but full week at the State Capitol. We got a late start due to the Martin
Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer Presents Max’s Law to Increase Penalty for Killing K-9 Officers
JEFFERSON CITY — Causing injury or death to a police dog would be an enhanced felony offense under legislation presented to the Senate Judiciary Committee
Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer’s Bill to Increase KCPD Funding Advances Out of Committee
JEFFERSON CITY — Efforts by the City of Kansas City to defund the Kansas City Police Department received a blow this week as legislation increasing
Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer’s Legislative Column for Jan. 18, 2022
Defending the Police During the second week of the 2022 legislative session, my colleagues and I in the Missouri Senate began presenting bills in committee
Sen. Holly Thompson Rehder’s Legislative Column for Jan. 13, 2022
A Great Start to Session It’s January, and the Legislature is back at work in Jefferson City. It’s only the second week of session and
Sen. Karla Eslinger’s Legislative Column for Jan. 13, 2022
Committee Work Begins Legislative activity is well underway as the Missouri General Assembly completes the second week of our 18-week session. More than 450 separate
Sen. Denny Hoskins’ Capitol Report for Week of Jan. 10, 2022
The Legislative Process Begins It’s the second week of Missouri’s 2022 legislative session. Senate bills are being referred to committees and we’ve begun taking testimony
Sen. Justin Brown’s Legislative Column for Jan. 13, 2022
The 2022 Session Begins The 2022 legislative session is underway. Lawmakers returned to the Capitol on Jan. 5, and we’ve begun taking testimony on proposed
Senate Committee Hears Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer’s Bills to Prevent KCPD Defunding
JEFFERSON CITY — Legislation to increase funding for the Kansas City Police Department was among the first bills considered during the 2022 legislative session by
New Book by Missouri’s Female Senators Declares “You Can, Too!”
From the founding of our state 200 years ago, ordinary citizens from all walks of life have stepped forward to serve in Missouri’s General Assembly.
Sen. Karla Eslinger’s Legislative Column for Jan. 6, 2022
The 2022 Session Begins This past week I returned to Jefferson City for the start of the 2022 legislative session. It was great to get
Sen. Denny Hoskins’ Capitol Report for Week of Jan. 3, 2022
The Legislative Session Begins The Second Regular Session of Missouri’s 101st General Assembly got underway this week. Each Missouri “General Assembly” – the combined Legislature,
Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer’s Legislative Column for Jan. 3, 2022
Legislative Resolutions for the New Year It’s a tradition this time of year to reflect on the past 12 months and consider things we’d like
Sen. Denny Hoskins’ Capitol Report for Week of Dec. 27, 2021
Looking Toward Session The Second Regular Session of Missouri’s 101st General Assembly convenes on Jan. 5 and will continue through May 13. In just a
Sen. Holly Thompson Rehder’s Legislative Column for Dec. 16, 2021
The Greatest Gift Christmas is upon us, and there are so many things to do. Between decorating, baking, shopping for gifts (not to mention wrapping
Sen. Karla Eslinger’s Legislative Column for Dec. 16, 2021
Looking to the Year Ahead With Missouri’s 2022 legislative session just around the corner, you can expect to see more frequent communications from my office
Sen. Denny Hoskins’ Capitol Report for Week of Dec. 13, 2021
The Greatest Gift at Christmas There’s an old Christmas song with a classic line: “Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow, will find it hard