February is behind us, but several of my priority proposals have moved forward during these first two months of session.

Last week started and ended with a great win for homeschooled children. Senate Bill 63, the Homeschool Sports Act, which permits students educated at home to participate in their school district’s extra-curricular activities, was perfected on Feb. 24 and passed on Feb. 27.

No child should be deprived of the enrichment and life skills participation in sports provides, especially when their parents’ tax dollars fund these programs.

Senate Local Government, Elections and Pensions Committee approved Senate Bill 152 on Feb. 24, an act to close the loopholes that allow foreign nationals to influence Missouri’s electoral process. Foreign actors interfering with the initiative petition process could pose a threat to our national and state sovereignty, as well as Missouri’s right to self-determination. The reports I’ve seen indicate that hundreds of millions of dollars have poured in from foreign nationals to influence the electoral process in states around the country and that Missouri ranks number three in terms of most foreign money spent on ballot initiatives aimed at changing our state Constitution.

Enabling foreign billionaires to finance and purchase constitutional amendments should alarm everyone in the Show-Me State, so I’m hopeful we can put an end to this with SB 152.

Proposals on Senate calendar

Two more of my priority proposals have been placed on the Senate calendar for perfection, meaning they may be discussed on the floor by the entire body. Senate Bill 61 will help alleviate the state’s ongoing labor shortage by permitting professionals with three years of work experience in a state that doesn’t require a license to apply that real world experience toward obtaining a temporary, two-year license. This would enable the employee to get paid and support their families while they work to fulfill the educational credits and other requirements to obtain permanent licensure. I believe this temporary status will strike the right balance between attracting talented, competent people to the workforce and protecting the health and safety of residents.

My legislation requiring documentary proof of citizenship when a person first registers to vote will also be up for debate. Senate Bill 62 strengthens the provisions that were put into effect by the passage of Amendment 7 last November. This constitutional amendment banned ranked choice voting and enshrined in our Constitution that only U.S. citizens can vote in all elections. The voters overwhelmingly approved this measure which is why it’s essential that we ensure the will of the voters is upheld.

Removing red tape — ensuring access to health care

On Feb. 18, I addressed members of the Senate Insurance and Banking Committee and explained how Senate Bill 230 will reform the burdensome and often inefficient prior authorization process within Missouri’s health care system. What was initially intended as a cost control measure to prevent unnecessary procedures and reduce waste has morphed into a significant administrative obstacle, delaying medical treatments, overburdening physicians, harming patient outcomes and driving up costs.

My legislation is a response to an interim committee report, physician input and national surveys, with data showing prior authorizations directly interfere with health outcomes in our state. With broad support from doctors, hospitals, and those in the medical field, I’m hopeful SB 230 will help to drive down the cost of healthcare and placing the emphasis back on patient care rather navigating administrative red tape.

Standing firm against blanket immunity, foreign influence

Over the last couple of weeks, some of my colleagues and I have been targeted by misleading mailers, alleging we back outsourcing food to China. These claims are 100% false and have nothing to do with the legislation they are trying to bully through the General Assembly.

They are also claiming falsely, at least as far as I know, they have the

president’s support. We held a press conference on Feb. 25 to oppose Senate Bill 14 and explain our reasoning. Speaking for myself, I firmly oppose granting blanket immunity to glyphosate producers, as I believe it threatens Seventh Amendment rights, transparency in labeling and the health of all Missourians.

This goes against what I stand for, what our state stands for and what the current administration in Washington, D.C., is trying to do in making America healthy again. It’s time we demand accountability and informed consumer choices, not foreign-financed corporate immunity. If you receive any mailers or see any ads that attack me, please ask yourself if it fits with what you’ve heard me say in the past or the work you have seen me do as your elected representative.

It does not.

I won’t be bullied into supporting legislation I know to be wrong for our community. As far as I’m concerned, this bill has zero chance of passing.

State of the Judiciary

On Feb. 26, the 103rd General Assembly convened for a joint session in the Missouri House of Representatives Chamber to hear the 51st State of the Judiciary address. I was honored to serve on the escort committee for Chief Justice Mary Russell’s procession into the chamber and enjoyed hearing about the success of Missouri’s courts.

Welcoming constituents to the Capitol

I want to thank everyone who stopped by office to advocate for our community. Below are a few of the constituents I welcomed to the Capitol.

The Missouri Restaurant Association held their annual advocacy day on Feb. 25. As a former restauranteur, I always enjoy meeting with these hardworking owners and hearing about their challenges.

The annual Disability Rights Legislative Day was Feb. 26. Nearly 500 advocates attended the rally and visited with legislators. These included constituents and caregivers from Emmaus House, Starling, UCP Heartland, Helping People with Disabilities Flourish and ABiLITY Development Services of Franklin County. I enjoyed visiting with these passionate advocates and learning more about their programs.

It’s an honor representing District 26 in the Missouri Senate. If you need assistance with navigating state government or the legislative process, please reach out by calling 573-751-3678 or emailing Ben.Brown@senate.mo.gov.