Elite Eight
Much like the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, where the competition has been narrowed down to eight teams, the General Assembly is down to the last 8 weeks of the legislative session. I suspect there will be some madness mixed into these final weeks of negotiations as legislators vie to get their proposals to the final round and signed into law.
The measure I handled in the Senate, House Bill 737, which permits foster children to keep the survivors benefits they’ve earned, is close to being sent to the governor. Similar to my Senate Bill 170, I am thrilled this bill will give children who have overcome major hardships a financial safety net to help transition into adulthood.
On March 25, I introduced Senate Bill 594 to members of the Senate Education Committee. If the legislation passes, every public and charter school will be required to display the Ten Commandments in its classrooms, with signage covered by local donations. I firmly believe when prayer and religion went out of our schools, violence and guns came in. This is one simple step that could help restore faith and remind children about what is right and wrong.
My post-consumer paint recycling program proposal, Senate Bill 239, was passed by the Commerce, Consumer Protection, Energy and the Environment Committee on March 25. The legislation permits paint producers to join a representative organization that will develop a plan to collect and dispose of unwanted paint, a fee structure to cover the costs and a mechanism for reporting and monitoring compliance. I’m hopeful Missouri will join the 10 other states that have a recycling program in place to help consumers and contractors safely discard of unneeded paint.
My legislation relating to real estate planning, electronic wills and statutes of limitation for actions against trustees advanced another round this week. Senate Bill 289 was passed by the Senate General Laws Committee and now may be brought up for floor discussion. I’m also pleased to report my water preservation bill, Senate Bill 82, has been referred to the House Conservation and Natural Resources Committee. I look forward to returning to the lower chamber to present the legislation to this committee soon.
Missouri Right to Life Advocacy Day
Advocates from Missouri Right to Life rallied in the Rotunda on March 26, mobilizing to undo Amendment 3 and restore protections for the unborn in the Show-Me State. I will always stand for the sanctity of life in the Legislature with my votes and my voice.
Welcoming Folks from Back Home to the Dome
As always, the highlight of my week is welcoming members of our community to the State Capitol. Below are some of the folks who took the time to stop by and say hi!
A sea of green filled the halls of the Capitol on March 26 as more than 900 members of Missouri 4-H held their annual advocacy day and met with lawmakers. I enjoy the energy of these young leaders and appreciate the sponsors who help facilitate these enrichment programs.
Members of the Perry County 4-H gather on the grand staircase with Sen. Burger.
Senator Burger welcomes members of the Missouri Corn Growers Association, Brian Lehman, Sarah Kliethermes, Abby Stevens and Addie Yoder.