Columnists

Members of the Missouri House this week approved a proposed change to the constitution that would allow voters to decide if the state should raise the threshold to modify the constitution in the future. The key component of this bill would change the threshold required to approve changes to the state constitution. Currently, changes to…

Black History Month is observed every February as a time to reflect upon the collective experiences of Black people who have contributed to the history and culture of our country. Throughout the month, we attempt to share and celebrate the many accomplishments of Black people, while focusing on the social inequities that continue to impede…

A couple of weeks ago, I wrote to you about the Biden Administration’s disastrous new rule to redefine waters of the United States (WOTUS) and explained why this extreme overreach would be a disaster for farmers, ranchers, and families all over the country. This week, I filed legislation to overturn the Biden EPA’s new WOTUS…

It is my privilege to serve the people of the 12th District in the Missouri State Senate and keep you informed on the latest developments in our state government. In this edition, I would like to share some of the important work that has been happening at the Missouri State Capitol. More bills have made…

When is it confidence, and when is it just shameful pride? You spend a lifetime working to get better at things. You learn the good techniques and the bad ones. You fail a dozen times – sometimes dozens of dozens of times – in the hopes of hitting a big success. You learn from mistakes.…

This Valentine’s Day, take time to remind your loved ones that Social Security helps people in all stages of life. We provide easy and convenient ways to learn about and apply for benefits. Using our online services, you can assist friends and family members to: 1. Apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Check if the…

“Life is a journey, and the road we travel has twists and turns which sometimes lead us to unexpected places and unexpected people. But in turn it always leads us to our destination.” — Igwe Daniel Kelechi I knew it was our last night with our son Jackson until April and my mama heart was…

President Biden has drained America’s Strategic Petroleum Reserves to the lowest level since 1984. And what do we have to show for it? Gas prices are still sky high—over $1 a gallon higher than they were when President Biden took office. American families, small businesses, and farmers have all had to shell out thousands of…

There exists a phrase that I hear teachers commonly repeat in its appropriate context: You get what you get, and you don’t get upset. (Another common variation: You get what you get, and you don’t throw a fit.) It’s a group of words used to remind seven-year-olds that life will not always reward them with…

As January comes to an end, the Legislature is in full swing and every committee I serve on has had at least one hearing. The Missouri Senate Appropriations Committee heard testimony from the governor’s office regarding his priorities for Fiscal Year 2024 and the Department of Corrections. One message that was consistent during these hearings…