By Bryant Wolfin, state representative
JEFFERSON CITY – First, I would like to apologize for a delay in getting something like this out! I was hopeful for a weekly update. However, that has not come to fruition. Sorry about that!
With that said, here is a January update:
Settling In:
My family and I got settled in quickly! We decorated the office, of course, in patriotic colors, with the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights proudly displayed. Adding a touch of Ste. Genevieve, I have a small diorama of the Louis Bolduc House, gifted/loaned by Alderman Joe Steiger(THANK YOU JOE!!). My office is Room #111, and I’d love to have visitors!
Week 1: Speaker of the House Election
The first major event was the Speaker of the House race between Representative Justin Sparks, who advocated for decentralizing power within the House, and Representative John Patterson, last year’s Floor Leader. The Democrat Nominee declined the nomination.
I was honored to nominate Justin Sparks, and Mazzie Christensen gave a second. Representative Phillip Amato nominated John Patterson, seconded by Wendy Hausman.
Final Vote:
John Patterson – 152 votes
Justin Sparks – 10 votes
With that, Representative Patterson was elected Speaker of the House.
Week 2: Governor’s Inauguration & Ball
On January 13th, Governor Kehoe and other statewide elected officials were sworn in, followed by the Governor’s Inaugural Address.
The Governor’s Ball was a fantastic evening! My family and I hosted a small reception in the office, featuring goodies from home—Oberle Meats and Stonies!
We were honored to have many friends stop by, including:
Presiding Commissioner Randy Ruzicka & his wife Linda
District 2 Commissioner Mark Marberry & his wife Norma
Ste. Genevieve Alderman Joe Steiger & his wife Zenna
Ste. Genevieve Tourism Director Aaron Smith
Josh Wright (Ste. Genevieve Genco)
Perry County’s Keith Carroll & his wife Melissa
Brian & Dianna Koenig (Farm Bureau, Perryville)
Former State Representative Pat Naeger
Thank you all for taking the time to stop by—it truly meant a lot!
Rules Debate: The Fight for Structural Reform
As many know, I have long advocated for structural changes in Jefferson City. This was my opportunity to push for reforms. I proposed four rule changes to leadership, but three were immediately dismissed. So, I prioritized one key proposal that sparked some discussion:
Proposed Rule Change: Any bill with a sufficient number of co-sponsors would automatically receive a public hearing, allowing the House to bypass the Speaker’s gatekeeping if priorities differed. This rule would be a precursor to a Discharge Petition.
Unfortunately, this was rejected in our Republican Caucus. I was told further conversation will ensue!
Final Decision on Rules: Because leadership was unwilling to decentralize power, I voted against the Rules package.
Week 3: Committee Assignments
I am honored to serve on the following committees:
Standing Committee on Government Efficiency (MO DOGE)
Standing Committee on Veterans and Armed Forces
Standing Committee on Local Government
Special Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs
Week 4: Committee Work Begins
We have started hearing various bills in each of my committees, and I look forward to voting on key legislation this week!
Final Thoughts: The Fight Ahead
I am incredibly honored to serve in this building and to champion our Founding Principles. Sadly, I believe those principles have been largely forgotten in Jefferson City.
I’ll be honest—after the first two weeks, I was incredibly discouraged by the state of politics here. It’s worse than I imagined. But over the last two weeks, I have regrouped and reignited my fire. I am ready to fight on the House floor and in Committee for the constitutional values and limited government principles that I have always stood for.
Thank you all for your support!
For Liberty,
Bryant
Office Information:
Room #111
Email: Bryant.Wolfin@house.mo.gov
Office Phone: 573-751-5912
Legislative Assistant: Racheal Cunningham
Racheal’s Email: Racheal.Cunningham@house.mo.gov