Missouri Lineworker Appreciation Day
If you visited the Capitol on April 13, you noticed a huge American flag suspended between two utility trucks near the south entrance. Each year, the Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives hosts Missouri Lineworker Appreciation Day to highlight the contributions these hardworking, fearless men make in Missouri, especially during major storms that threaten to disrupt power. The group below made the trip to Jefferson City for the day and shared their successes with me.
Missouri Works Tax Credits for Capital Investments
On Tax Day, April 15, I explained the merits of Senate Bill 1443 to the Senate Economic and Workforce Development Committee. The current Missouri Works program provides incentives for the creation and retention of new and existing jobs. My SB 1443 builds on this and authorizes the Department of Economic Development to issue tax credits to qualified companies that expend at least $50 million in new capital investments for a project within two years of submitting a notice of intent. My bill is supported by the department and will make Missouri more competitive with neighboring states, especially here in southeast Missouri. Growing Missouri’s economy is a top priority for the General Assembly, and I believe this bill will help to accomplish this goal.
Respiratory Care Therapists Bill Heads to House
On April 16, my Senate Bill 1083 was passed in the Senate chamber and will now be considered by the Missouri House or Representatives. Under current law, respiratory care practitioners are required to submit written evidence of credentials from the testing organization authorized by the Missouri Board for Respiratory Care. Instead of this Missouri-specific rule, SB 1083 permits applicants to submit an active credential as a registered therapist through the National Board for Respiratory Care, or their current licensure or registration from another jurisdiction that meets or exceeds Missouri’s standards. My goal with this legislation is to streamline the process and have all therapists follow the same standards and licensing guidelines.
Purple Alert System
The legislation to establish a Purple Alert System in Missouri inched closer to the governor’s desk with proposals advancing in both chambers. My Senate Bill 1409 authorizes the Department of Public Safety to create a Purple Alert System by 2027 to aid in the identification and location of missing persons with developmental or intellectual disabilities whose disappearance poses a credible threat of immediate danger or serious bodily harm to themselves. The version in the Missouri House of Representatives, House Bill 1840, is referred to as RJ’s law and passed the Senate Transportation, Infrastructure and Public Safety Committee on April 13. Both pieces of legislation outline the mechanism to develop an interdepartmental training program and alert system and establish policies and procedures for appropriately responding to a disabled missing person. Studies have shown that 50% of people with disabilities, such as autism, will wander from their homes, exacerbating the importance of this system. A Purple Alert System will help fill the gaps between the current Amber and Silver alerts.
Raising the Speed Limit Passes House Committee
My proposal to raise the speed limit to 75 on rural interstates and freeways was passed by the House Transportation Committee on April 15. I’m hopeful Senate Bill 1408 makes it to the governor to keep southeast Missouri in pace with the maximum speed allowed in some neighboring states.
Focus on Missouri Agriculture Photo Contest is Underway
The Department of Agriculture is hosting the annual Focus on Missouri Photo Contest from April 6 through June 5. All are invited to attend and submit entries in the following categories: Beauty of the Farm, Faces of the Farmer, Around the Barnyard, Everyday Life and Kids Corner. For more information, visit agriculture.mo.gov/focus/.
Welcoming Guests from the 27th
As always, the highlight of my week is visiting with folks from back home. Thanks for taking the time to share your legislative goals.
Missouri Highlands Healthcare
John Cundiff, junior and high school principal from Chaffee R-II School District
Scott County 911