Committee Appointments & Henry S. Geyer Award

This week, I was honored to receive the Henry S. Geyer Award from the Mizzou Legislative Network. The award honors one legislator and one public citizen who have had a significant impact on higher education in the state of Missouri. The award is named after Rep. Henry S. Geyer, who, in 1839, sponsored the “Geyer Act,” which established the University of Missouri and public education in the state of Missouri.

Ten years ago, when I first came to the State Capitol, I really wasn’t in tune with the education needs of our state. I mostly focused on issues relating to agriculture and government waste. I have had a chance to see the state institutions across Missouri and understand the important role they play in educating our children and grandchildren so they will be able to meet the future demands of our workforce.  

During the second week of the 2015 legislative session Senate Leader Tom Dempsey announced the 15 Senate committees that will be tasked with holding public hearings and vetting legislation to be debated on the Senate floor. I am honored to be chosen as the Chairman of the Senate Small Business, Insurance and Industry Committee for another term. This committee is responsible for examining bills relating to ownership and operation of small businesses; different forms of insurance; labor management, fair employment standards, workers’ compensation, and employment security within the Show-Me-State; and industrial development.  

Senate leaders also chose me to serve on the Senate Appropriations Committee, which will create the state’s spending plan for Fiscal Year 2016; and the Senate Agriculture, Food Production and Outdoor Resources Committees, which helps guide much of our state’s policy on agriculture, farming and ranching. As session continues, lawmakers will be spending much of our time in our respective committees. 

The Senate Gubernatorial Appointment Committee held its first hearing of the year this week. The committee is charged with considering and reporting on individuals referred from the governor’s office to fill various vacancies and appointments to state boards and commissions. I was honored to sponsor former Sen. Delbert Scott as a member of the Missouri Charter Public School Commission. Scott’s appointment was later confirmed by the full Senate before we adjourned for the week. If you would like to read about any of my bills or committee assignments this year, you can visit www.senate.mo.gov/parson.