This week marked the second full week of the 2014 legislative session, which allowed the first opportunity for Senate committees to meet.

My first committee meeting of the week was on Wednesday, when the Senate Gubernatorial Appointments Committee met to consider candidates the governor appointed to various state boards and commissions. Though the governor has the full authority to appoint individuals to the vacant positions, those individuals must then be approved by the full Senate body. The committee voted just after the meeting to approve the confirmations that were presented this week. From there, the full Senate body has an opportunity to discuss and debate the Senate appointments on the floor before they are officially confirmed. That step actually occurred on Thursday of this week so that all appointments heard this week were given final confirmation.

Thursday morning, I had an opportunity to hear legislation referred to the Senate Ways & Means Committee regarding tax policy in Missouri. The bills presented included a proposal to modify the individual income tax rate in Missouri by gradually reducing the rate from 6 percent, where it is currently set, to 4 percent. Another piece of legislation would create an individual income tax deduction for businesses. The legislation would phase the deduction in over a period of five years. A third bill presented to the committee combined both ideas but used different rates and periods of implementation.

Aside from committee work, I had the chance to meet with constituents from the district. On Wednesday, REALTORS from across the state were in Jefferson City for their annual lobby day. I enjoyed the opportunity to discuss issues of importance to their industry.

I also had the opportunity to welcome two interns to the Capitol this week to start their legislative internship for the 2014 session.  Both are students at the Washington University School of Social Work.  This week we are showcasing Carey Kebodeaux, who is originally from Columbus, Ohio.  She attended Centre College in Danville, Kentucky, where she majored in neuroscience.  She is now working on her masters in Public Health with a focus in policy and health literacy. Carey will focus on legislation assigned to the Senate Veterans' Affairs & Health Committee, as well as the Senate Seniors, Families and Pensions Committee this session. We look forward to having her expertise in the office to help guide our policy decisions this session.  

Next week will be a short yet busy one. The Senate will not be in session on Monday, Jan. 20, 2014, as the state will observe the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday. On Tuesday, senators will return for several committee hearings before heading to the Senate floor for session. That evening, the governor will issue his State of the State address in the House chamber, beginning at 7:00 p.m. The following morning the Chief Justice of the Missouri Supreme Court will present the annual State of the Judiciary address in the House chamber.

I wish you and your families a wonderful holiday weekend and look forward to recapping major highlights with you next week.