My mother always told me to be careful what I wish for because I might just get it. The wisdom of this advice was again proven as I wished for colder weather during the warm fall. We certainly got it, maybe a little too much. Despite the cold, the 2018 legislative session began Wednesday. As has been the case with every session, I am optimistic the Legislature will continue to advance policies that facilitate job opportunities for Missourians, enable small business growth and economic development, reflect responsible spending of your tax dollars, and limit the role of state government in your lives.
The number of bills filed at this point in session really means very little - there are always hundreds of bills at the start of each session. In fact, the number of bills passed and signed by the governor means nothing, just as the author/sponsor of a bill is really only important to a few inside the building. What matters is the content of the legislation passed and its impact on Missourians. As I enter my last legislative session serving you, the 6th Senate District, I am grateful for the leadership of Ron Richard in the senate and Todd Richardson in the house, as both of these men understand results are what matters. You should look for and expect substantive results from this legislative session, just as you can look for updates on the progress toward these results in this column over the course the 2018 session.
The work of the senate is an extensive and lengthy process. Sometimes it is frustrating nearly to the point of madness, but the process is a protection in and of itself. I encourage you to visit our new blog: mosenatesidebar.wordpress.com/. Here you will be able to find more information about the bills in progress as well as watch videos and read some news.
State Sen. Mike Kehoe, R-Jefferson City, represents the 6th Senate District. He shares his perspective each Monday during the session and occasionally during the interim.