Columnists

After so many decades covering the legislative process, I’ve gained an appreciation about Senate filibusters. So many times, I’ve seen benefits from the power of a senator or two to speak for as long as possible to delay hasty action. Filibusters can be effective tools to forge compromises that sometimes involve other issues before the…

As we wind down the spring semester at Northwest Missouri State University, we are updating goals and actions focused on people excellence, our academic plan, digital excellence, well-being and our inclusive excellence work. Our strategic plan, “Adventure 2030,” is set in three-year increments and tweaked annually. Strategy drives budget decisions, actions and all we do.…

Financial Literacy Month is focused on educating people about the importance of planning for a secure financial future. Every April, we like to remind you that Social Security is a vital part of any financial plan. We have online tools to help you understand your potential Social Security benefits and how they fit into your…

I traveled down to Kearney this week to break ground on the new I-35 and 19th Street Interchange. To say this project has been a long time coming would be a huge understatement. My involvement started back in 2005 when I worked with the late Rep. Don Young, who was Chair of the Transportation Committee…

Members of House Leadership and the chairman of the House Budget Committee want to help working Missourians afford the ever-increasing cost of living. The Budget Committee chairman filed legislation this week that would create a one-time economic recovery tax credit for Missouri residents who paid personal income tax in the state for 2021. The plan…

The other day, I asked one of my classes how many of the students considered themselves to be introverts. Of the 13 students in the room, five or so raised their hands. My question had a purpose. It seems strange to say, but I consider myself to be a bit introverted: my life and careers…

I believe one of state government’s biggest roles is to assist those who need a hand up, and not a handout. This is why this past week, I voted for a measure that is designed to cut some of the red tape and speed up the care and consideration needed for our children. Senate Bill…

“It’s not our fault!” Now there’s a common refrain. People seek cover from truth and criticism through denial, redirection or disregard, but bad results are a product of a person’s actions far more the negligence of someone else. In politics ownership of failure or wrongdoing is as rare as platinum. Fault free is Joe Biden…

This week’s paper includes a four-month long investigation by Forum staff members regarding the Maryville R-II School District and the silence with which it tends to operate. The entire project was a tough line for me to walk as an advocate for my own business, as a journalist and as a patron of the school…

Gas prices are out of control. Right now, Americans are paying more for gas than we ever have. I could go on, but you’ve all heard it before. I’ve been hollering about this for what seems like ages now—and you’ve been paying the price at the pump. What you might not have realized though, is…