SB245 introduced for counties

Dan Hegeman

Now that all the pomp and circumstance is behind us, it is time for the legislative process to get into gear.

While bills are still being introduced and legislative ideas are being kicked around, most of the work we do during the beginning of session is in committee hearings, where sponsors present bills, testimony is heard and committee members work to refine legislation.

After the adoption of Senate rules at the beginning of the week, the Senate President Pro Tem handed down the remaining committee assignments. I am honored to have been appointed to four committees.

I am particularly excited to serve on the committees that will consider proposals to promote economic development, streamline government and promote the needs of our agriculture industry.

Early in the week, several legislators met to talk about the needs of our agriculture industry and the pressing issues concerning Missouri’s aging farming population. With roughly 30 percent of our farming population over 65, it’s imperative that we take steps to ensure younger generations are ready to take over agriculture-related jobs.

I filed legislation this week seeking to address a challenges facing many northwest Missouri counties.

Senate Bill 245 allows counties in which townships have been abolished to continue collecting property tax for road and bridge purposes for a specified time. I filed this bill to assist counties that decide to transition from township governance.

I am excited to be getting back into the swing of things. I take the responsibility of public service, and being your state senator, very seriously.

As we begin committee work and continue through the legislative process, I promise to maintain my commitments to serve you to the best of my ability and work towards reasonable and responsible solutions to the challenges we face.