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Missouri’s House took an unusual step this year in an effort to bring more order to the legislative process. The House adopted a rule that limits a member next year from sponsoring more than 20 bills in a session, with a few exceptions such as the House Budget chair who sponsors all the governor’s budget…

After a week-long break in the legislative session, the Missouri Senate gaveled into session at 4 p.m. on Monday, March 20, and wouldn’t adjourn until approximately 8 a.m. the next day. During that overnight session, the Missouri Senate was able to perfect Senate Bills 49, 236 & 164 and Senate Bill 39. Senate Bill 39…

I have recently been blessed to continue my education, completing my Education Specialist’s degree through my two-time (now three-time) alma mater, Northwest Missouri State University. Now, degrees are fine, and I’m glad I finished this one. But in my experience, the degree earns a person at best the right to compete for a job, or…

Members of the Missouri House gave bipartisan support to a legislative proposal that would legalize sports wagering in the state. By a vote of 118-35, lawmakers approved HBs 556 & 581 to allow Missouri to join the more than 30 other states that have already approved a legalized framework for sports betting. One of the…

My dad turned 83 a few days ago. We have a great relationship today. But I remember years ago, when my relationship with dad was hard. I was angry because he was too busy to spend time with me. But as the years passed, I learned to extend grace and forgiveness to him, learned to…

As we have reached the halfway point in the Missouri legislative session, there is still a lot of work to be done. As you may have heard, Senate Bill 49, which would ban a physician or health care provider from providing gender transition procedures to any minor or refer any minor to another health care…

‘We can put a man on the moon, but we can’t…’ I’ve heard it. I’ve said it. We all know the expression, right? We use the example of our having successfully conducted a moon landing – it’s been 54 years since the first of what he chooses. Then we follow it with a seemingly much…

It is important that you stay safe online. When we collect your personal information, we are committed to protecting your privacy. Please review these data privacy resources: 1. A great online resource is www.ssa.gov/myaccount. You can visit this page to open a secure my Social Security account, keep track of your earnings record, and identify…

You’re allowed to make mistakes. Everyone holds the same privilege. You’re not, however, going to gain a lot of general respect when you treat your mistakes like successes, or when you blame all your mistakes on others. We might be getting close to a breaking point here in our society, maybe in our world. For…

When I began writing this column about inclusive insights, I wondered about the impact, if any, these articles had on people. I also wondered if people even read them. That was changed this month when I attended the MIAA basketball tournament in Kansas City. While I was there, I met a couple who lives in…