JEFFERSON CITY — Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft opened the House of Representatives of the 102nd Regular Session of the Missouri General Assembly Wednesday by thanking legislators for their efforts and outlining legislative priorities. Ashcroft called for expanding parental choice in education, reforming the criminal justice system and creating transparency in government.
“We gather today to open a new House, because the work of public service is an ongoing task,” said Ashcroft. “We gather as a state to address the unique character and opportunities of Missouri—its capabilities and its challenges. We know that federal government’s ‘one size fits all solutions’ are not the best answers. They are frequently both wasteful and costly, failing to meet the needs of our communities and families.”
“It’s clear you don’t do it for the pay.” Ashcroft told the legislature. “Instead, every member of this chamber, regardless of political affiliation, is here with a genuine desire to improve the lives of Missourians. As citizen legislators from various backgrounds, you come together to do the valuable work of drafting our state’s laws and shaping an environment of opportunity.”
Ashcroft reinforced how effort and determination is moving Missouri forward. “No Missourian should be deprived of the opportunity to reap the reward of hard work, creativity, productivity, innovation, and achievement. Missouri must embrace a culture of reward for merit, which has made America the envied model for other cultures around the globe. With this in mind, I encourage you to build on our successes.”
Ashcroft previously addressed the general assembly in 2019 and 2021. “I consider it one of the highest honors of my office,” added Ashcroft.