A farewell to 2015
Rep. Allen Andrews
In what seems like the blink of an eye, 2015 came and went.
Along the way carried with it both dramatic highs and devastating lows.
The year started with a legislative session with an ambitious agenda that the General Assembly worked hard to complete. Major successes included medical malpractice reforms to keep the costs of health care in check; reforms to the state’s system of welfare to give Missourians in need an incentive to get back to work; and a fix to the state’s unemployment system meant to ensure benefits are available to the jobless while also protecting business owners from excessive taxes and fees.
The Legislature also came together to pass landmark municipal court reform legislation meant to crack down on the predatory practices some municipalities have used to raise revenue through excessive traffic tickets.
Sadly, the accomplishments of the General Assembly were overshadowed by several tragic events that sent shockwaves not just through the Capitol, but through the state and nation as well.
It was in late February when legislators were devastated by the news that State Auditor Tom Schweich had taken his own life.
Members immediately gathered for a prayer service in the House Chamber as they tried to cope and support one another during such an emotionally trying time.
The anguish was amplified just a few weeks later when one of Schweich’s key staffers made the decision to take his own life as well. Again, members were reminded that all life is precious but fragile, and that the political pressure cooker can sometimes drive individuals to make decisions with tragic consequences.
Outside the state of Missouri, the year produced several difficult moments that left Americans and many around the globe in tears.
Terrorist attacks in Paris — both at the beginning of the year and again in November — resulted in an enormous loss of life, and reminded the world that the forces of terror remain a significant threat.
Within the borders of the United States, mass shootings in Charleston, South Carolina; Roseburg, Oregon; Chattanooga, Tennessee; Colorado Springs, Colorado; and San Bernardino, California shook the nation to its core as far too many innocent lives were taken.
Missouri and the rest of the nation also dealt with the fallout from global events as the White House initiated a plan to allow 10,000 Syrian refugees into the country. Missouri and many other states continue to fight efforts to relocate refugees within their borders until the federal government can ensure none of the immigrants pose a security risk.
The year 2015 also produced unexpected changes in leadership in both the Missouri House and Senate.
On the House side, Floor Leader Todd Richardson took over as House Speaker after the former Speaker resigned due to an inappropriate relationship with an intern. On the Senate side, Floor Leader Ron Richard ascended to the top position after President Pro Tem Tom Dempsey vacated his seat to seek employment outside the building.
As the 2016 legislative session is set to begin, members from both chambers have rallied to support their new leaders and are set to work together to advance an aggressive legislative agenda that will move Missouri toward a brighter tomorrow.
