Editor’s note: This is the first in a twice-monthly column by Rudy Veit, R-Jefferson City, the new 59th District representative in the Missouri House.
Life at the Capitol is a great, exciting, challenging time and a learning experience.
I have met some really dedicated individuals and found a few of them who actually agree with me.
Over the years in Jefferson City, I have heard many comments about state workers, but I have found in dealing with them that many are very dedicated and hard-working individuals.
I can honestly say that when I first arrived in the Capitol after having worked in an office where I felt like a large fish in a small pond that I had been turned into a very small fish in an ocean. However, as freshman legislators, we have been greatly welcomed and involved early on in the trials of the legislature. Now the feeling here is kind of like raising children. You love them most of the time, and sometimes you just want to…
There is however a wide variety of individuals here all with different talents and time to contribute. I’ve been very fortunate with my legal background and how it has enabled me here in accomplishing things that otherwise would not have been possible. While I try to read every bill before I go into a hearing or every bill that is coming up on the floor, I’ve also found that there are other individuals here that are also willing to have me review their bills and comment on them not so much on their substantive issues but on legal issues, and not at my private pay rate.
I have been honored by being placed on several committees which I will describe in more detail in the future, including what they consist of and some of the bills involved. These committees are the Committee on Economic Development, Committee on Consent and House Procedures, Committee on Government Oversight, Committee on Judiciary and the Committee on Aging. I am also working with the majority whip in trying to gauge the temperature or the mood of our party and its position on bills. While we don’t tell anyone how to vote or try to pressure a vote, we certainly want to make sure if they have questions about issues that are pending that they get those answered and point them toward someone who will provide them any additional information needed.
In closing, I assume everyone is aware, that a very strong abortion bill passed in the house. It turned into a very lengthy and hot debate that resulted with us passing a very strong pro-life bill. This is one of the issues that it is very hard to find any common ground on. On some things, there just isn’t common ground and it’s something I don’t believe you should compromise on.
Even though I probably didn’t get a passing grade in my sensitivity class and I certainly haven’t mastered the art of thinking before I speak all the time, I think that I am making a difference here and I thank each and every one of you for your support. I ask that you continue to share with me your beliefs, your needs and what ways the law or legislature can improve your life and the state as a whole.
Your grateful representative and employee.
State Rep. Rudy Veit, R-Jefferson City, represents the 59th District, and shares his perspective on statehouse issues twice a month.