Missouri Legislative Session Comes to an End
Last week marked the end of my last Session as your state senator, and the culmination of a 14-year career as a member of the Missouri General Assembly. Moving into this next phase of my life is both...
View ArticleThe President Abuses Federal Power
A recent directive handed down from the Obama administration exhibits an overreach of federal authority and threatens to disrupt the sovereignty of individual state and local governments. The...
View ArticleImproving higher education in the 21st District
Improving Missouri's support and commitment toward higher education has been a top priority for me throughout my career as a legislator -- especially when the universities and colleges of the 21st...
View ArticleHonoring American Liberty
It's that time of year again where we join our families, friends and fellow Americans to honor the anniversary of our country's independence. Many of us will gather for backyard barbeques, watch...
View Article2016 Session Bill Update
At the end of the Second Regular Session of the 98th General Assembly on May 13, the Senate and the House had agreed and finally passed 149 pieces of legislation. Sixty-three were from the Senate, and...
View ArticleThe 114th Missouri State Fair
It's that time of the year again where thousands of residents from all across the state will start heading to Sedalia for the Missouri State Fair. Since 1901, the state fair has allowed farmers,...
View ArticleBuilding a brighter future for Missouri's military
Year after year, improving Missouri's support system for active-duty, reserve and veteran members of our armed forces is one of the General Assembly's primary goals. We must ensure our bravest citizens...
View ArticleRecycling: good for our environment, good for our economy
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, Americans' collective recycling and composting efforts kept over 87 million tons of material out of landfills in 2013, preventing the release of...
View ArticleProtecting Missouri's Newborn
The Missouri General Assembly first passed newborn screening legislation more than 50 years ago in 1965. Ever since then, we have been steadily adding to the list of conditions for which we test,...
View Article2016 Legislation to Take Effect
According to the Missouri Constitution, no law passed by the General Assembly can take effect until 90 days after the adjournment of the session at which it was enacted, unless the act contains an...
View ArticleRock Island Trail Opening Soon
As residents of the 21st Senatorial District, we are blessed to live in one of the most beautiful areas of Missouri. Our region offers numerous options for outdoor recreation, such as biking the...
View ArticleMissouri Lawmakers to Host Annual Veto Session
The Missouri Constitution requires the General Assembly to meet annually in September for the sole purpose of considering bills that received the governor's veto. This year's veto session will commence...
View ArticlePassenger Rail Conference Coming Down the Tracks
Although the passenger rail industry may not be as well-known or as well-utilized as other modes of transportation, Americans continue to enjoy the comfort, ease and enjoyable ride that trains provide....
View ArticleOctober is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and that means we will soon be seeing vibrant shades of pink pop up around our neighborhoods, grocery stores and even on the uniforms of our favorite football...
View ArticleRead for the Record Returns
Since 2006, national early education organization Jumpstart has been hosting its annual Read for the Record campaign to address the importance of reading. Thanks to Read for the Record, millions of...
View Article2016 General Election Ballot Issues
Whether you are voting for a local county office or the next president, every election is an opportunity to make your voice heard. On Tuesday, Nov. 8, millions of Missourians will once again head to...
View ArticlePaying Tribute to America's Bravest
Although the 2016 presidential election has dominated the airwaves and headlines, it is not the only significant event in our nation's immediate future. On Friday, Nov. 11, America will observe...
View ArticleWishing You a Blessed Holiday Season
With Thanksgiving behind us, the holiday season is officially in full swing. To say this time of year can be hectic is an understatement. Between decking the halls, moving from one Christmas party to...
View ArticleEating Disorder Legislation to Take Effect Jan. 1
During my 14 years in the General Assembly, I have worked to pass legislation that promotes and protects our state resources and, most importantly, the well-being of the men, women and children who...
View ArticleThank you and farewell
It is hard to believe eight years have passed since I wrote my first Capitol Report, appropriately titled "'Hello' from Your New State Senator." In what seems like the blink of an eye, I have gone from...
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