Commentary

Dear Friend, For almost five decades, the Islamic Republic of Iran and its leaders have chanted “death to America.” As the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism, the regime has killed or maimed thousands of American citizens and servicemembers. During recent protests, they also killed tens of thousands of their own people. It was past…

The Senate Appropriations Committee continued its work on the state budget this week. We held hearings for the Missouri Department of Public Safety, the state auditor’s office, the attorney general’s office and the Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance. These agencies presented their funding requests and priorities for Fiscal Year 2027, and committee members asked…

Dear Friend, Across north Missouri, businesses are always on the hunt for dependable, skilled workers who have received specialized training. Whether it’s welders, machinists, mechanics, IT professionals, health care workers, chefs or any other skilled jobs, businesses need trained workers to fill them. Thankfully, career and technical education is becoming more available in our high…

Dear Friend, Last year in Tennessee, an illegal immigrant who didn’t speak English was able to get a commercial driver’s license illegally in New York. He then got behind the wheel of a semi and caused a crash, killing one person. In another case, an illegal immigrant from India got a CDL in California and…

Hello from Jefferson City. This week was particularly busy, with visitors and committee hearings filling our schedule. In the Senate Local Government, Elections and Pensions Committee, my legislation, Senate Bill 975, received a “do pass” vote and was reported out of committee. The bill, which reforms provisions governing ambulance districts, is now on the Senate…

The Missouri House completed its sixth week of the legislative session, passing more than a dozen bills. Among the most significant measures was omnibus child protection legislation which strengthens laws against child exploitation and human trafficking. The bill replaces “child pornography” with “child sexual abuse material,” reestablishes an anti-trafficking council, expands training requirements for law…

Legislative Column for the Week of Feb. 2, 2026 The Missouri Senate continues its work this week, advancing key steps and confirmations. In my role on the Senate Appropriations Committee, we reviewed budgets for departments across a wide range of services, such as funding priorities for agencies like the Missouri Department of Natural Resources and…

Dear Friend, “Your website is out of compliance. Give me $10,000, or I’m going to sue you, destroy the business you’ve built, and ruin your life.” That’s not something any small business owner wants to read in a demand letter. While that’s not the exact wording, it’s the gist of letters they have been receiving.…

Committee work remained busy this week. The Senate Appropriations Committee held two hearings this week, during which members reviewed and discussed a range of budget items, including funding related to the judiciary. Gubernatorial appointment hearings continued this week. I introduced James Bagley of Maryville in committee with his nomination to serve on the Health Facilities…

Dear Friend, Federal agencies should do what’s best for you, not what’s best for the bureaucracy. Seems straightforward, but I think we all know it often doesn’t work that way. In fact, I find it’s the opposite a lot of the time. That’s why I’m always happy to step in and lend a hand. As…