2014 session began January 8

With 2013 now behind us, it is time to turn our attention to the 2014 legislative session that began just a few days ago. While last year produced a large number of legislative successes it also brought with it a few setbacks. Among those were vetoes of a bill to reduce the tax burden for working Missourians and businesses, as well as legislation to protect the rights of all gun owners in our state. Both of these ideas are certain to come forward again as part of the legislative agenda for the House and Senate in 2014.

Both ideas are part of the legislative agenda put forth by House Speaker Tim Jones. The Speaker referred to his agenda as the 4Gs in the address he delivered on Opening Day. They include growth and opportunity, guaranteeing access to a great education, guarding and protecting Missouri values, and generating affordable and abundant energy. The agenda is based on pro-growth policies that will help our state thrive both now and in the years to come.

Our goal with the 4Gs and all of our legislative priorities this session is to build on the successes of the 2013 session by advancing policy items that will help us create even more good-paying family-supporting jobs, make a world class education more readily available to all Missouri young people, and protect our rights and freedoms from an ever-encroaching federal government.

In future reports I will provide you with more details on each of the “G”s along with the specific policies they contain to help move Missouri in a more positive direction.

I would like to thank all of you for giving me the opportunity to represent you in the Missouri House of Representatives.  It is an honor and a privilege, and I am grateful to you for giving me this opportunity and will return in January to Jefferson City for the new session.