Though it was a short week, the Senate returned to the business of the state following an unconventional end to the previous week. Sen. Ron Richard has sent every pre-filed bill, totaling nearly 300, to committee for committee chairs to act upon as they see fit. Most committees have already met at least once, and a handful of bills have been voted out of committee and will be up for debate on the floor, by the Senate as a whole, next week.
Among the bills already heard in committee are those relating to modernizing and improving Missouri's infrastructure and tax reform. Clearly each of these bills has the remainder of the legislative process to complete, but beginning discussions on these important topics early in session increases the amount of debate and the likelihood of finding solutions.
Additionally, the House has already sent three bills to the Senate and these have been referred to committee for consideration this is the fastest I have ever seen House bills make it to a Senate committee in my time in the Capitol. I am grateful to Speaker of the House Todd Richardson and Sen. Richard for wasting no time, and not being distracted, in moving the state's business forward.
The Senate has the constitutional responsibility and the privilege of providing "advice and consent" to the governor's cabinet appointees and members of many boards and commissions. While a handful of boards and appointees have drawn media attention, they represent only a very small percentage of those whom the Senate considers. I am always impressed by the caliber of Missourians selected, by governors of both parties, to serve the state in these important roles. Already this session, the Senate has given advice and consent to nearly 50 appointees, including three department directors and many whose presence now allows a board or commission to have a quorum to meet.
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.