With all of the challenges everyone is having in dealing with COVID-19, I want to assure you your challenges and hardships are important to myself and the Legislature, and we are working to address them.
At the present moment, other than COVID-19 matters, the Legislature is only dealing with matters it is constitutionally required to deal with. We have various committees taking whatever steps we can to address the COVID-19 outbreak. COVID-19 is the top priority among the Legislature and its members. We are working hard to address all of the hardships caused by the virus, especially the economic hardships such as loss of jobs, school closings and day care, business closings, closing of parts of the government, and everyone's unique problems.
Gov. Mike Parson is taking a leading role in this situation while maintaining constant contact with the Legislature. In addition to working closely with his staff and our state agencies, he is working closely with the federal government to address all of the hardships facing our citizens.
A supplemental appropriations bill was discussed and passed in the House this week to enable the governor and our state agencies to take necessary action to reduce the impact of COVID-19.
The House adjourned for spring recess, however, we have been advised we may be called in to deal with certain COVID-19 issues on 48 hours of notice. There is no firm determination when the Capitol will fully reopen. However, it is not because we are more important than the rest of our citizens but because there are individuals from every county in the state at the Capitol. If COVID-19 were to spread through the Capitol, it would very likely lead to a statewide outbreak. While I believe the work the Legislature does is important, it is not so important to run the risk of spreading the infection throughout the whole state, and most of the work can still be completed once we make a determination statewide as to how the virus is going to be addressed.
Because of the interruption, I do not see a lot of the bills we hoped to get through Legislature being passed, but they can be taken up when this session resumes, in the next session or a special session.
While everyone's situation due to COVID-19 has presented unique hardships to them, if there is anything I can do to help, please feel free to call or email me. The House staff is on leave now, but your phone calls and emails will still be received. My prayers are with you. I understand your fear, but our country and our state will persevere.
Thank you for your patience.
State Rep. Rudy Veit, R-Jefferson City, represents the 59th District, and shares his perspective on statehouse issues twice a month.
.