I’ve been looking forward to the Governor’s State of the State address. After listening to his priorities for the 2023 legislative session, I’m concerned the spending the Governor requested is not sustainable. I was disappointed there were some budget items absent in the Governor’s address. But, I’m learning to trust the system. We will work it out.

Parson used his annual State of the State Address to convey a theme of “We are not done yet” as he called on legislators to make key investments in infrastructure improvements, public safety, workforce development and education, and health and mental health care.

Parson began the speech by thanking the legislature for the work they’ve done together to enact the state’s largest income tax cut and provide support for agriculture. His speech also focused on the progress state government has made in infrastructure, workforce and education, mental health and health, government reform, and public safety. 

“Together, we’ve moved billions of dollars in investments across this state. Whether you live in Kansas City or St. Louis, call Kennett or Rockport home, grow corn or cotton, vote left, right, or center, we’ve left no community behind,” said Parson. “Missouri is stronger today, and we’re going to continue what we’ve started because this Governor isn’t done yet. WE ARE NOT DONE YET.”

The governor’s speech in its entirety is available online at: https://governor.mo.gov/

Republican leaders in the House voiced their support for many of the top legislative priorities outlined by Gov. Mike Parson during his annual State of the State Address.

House Speaker Dean Plocher, Majority Floor Leader Jon Patterson, and Speaker Pro Tem Mike Henderson said the House stands ready to work with the governor to advance policy measures and support funding to improve public safety and support law enforcement, invest in the state’s infrastructure, train the state’s workforce, increase educational opportunities for young people, and expand child care opportunities.

In a joint statement, Plocher, Henderson, and Patterson said, “Governor Parson provided a clear vision for the areas we need to address and invest in to ensure a bright, prosperous future for our state. We are committed to working with the governor to find commonsense, fiscally responsible solutions that create safer communities, give our children the educational opportunities they need to become successful, productive adults, and invest in critical infrastructure improvements that will position our state for sustained growth.”

As the governor said, ‘we are not done yet.’ Over the next several months we will work closely together to fully vet these proposals with the goal of creating good public policy that will benefit Missourians from all walks of life and all parts of the state.”

There are plenty of ways to follow those issues important to you. Please reach out to us and we’ll try to help you connect to the pathway to follow important legislation. Our email is a better way to communicate information. Bruce.Sassmann@house.mo.gov

If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to call or email the office.

Our new District number is 61 and our new phone number is 573-751-6668.