Submitted by the Office of Rodger Reedy
Upon returning from the legislative spring break House members hit the ground running this week. Close to 30 House Bills were Third Read and sent to the Senate for their consideration. Committees continue to work diligently to hear and vet bills. My Committee, the House Committee on Rural Community Development has voted on and approved 4 bills and continues public hearings as we have bills assigned to us. The Senate filibuster broke on Tuesday and we are hoping that they will begin hearing some of the House Bills that have been sent to them. This week I presented one of my own bills, HB. 603, to the House Government Efficiency & Downsizing Committee. HB. 603 is my Drivers Education Bill that I have previously filed, I was well received in committee. When we return next week our attention will turn to passing the state budget, this process always starts in the House and we are eager to get started.
Here are a few highlights from the week.
Lawmakers Approve Historic Tax Relief Package (HBs 816 & 660)
The Missouri House has voted to provide more than $1 billion of tax relief to Missouri families, retirees, and businesses. By a vote of 111-48, House members approved HBs 816 & 660 to cut both the personal income tax and corporate income tax, and exempt social security benefits from state tax.
House Passes Bill to Help Prevent Veteran Suicides (HB 132)
House members this week approved legislation aimed at improving the state’s efforts to prevent suicide among its veteran population. Representatives voted 156-0 for HB 132, which directs the Missouri Veterans Commission to work with the Department of Mental Health to come up with recommendations on how Missouri can prevent veteran suicide.
House Gives Stamp of Approval to Legislation to Protect Property Owners (HB 909)
Lawmakers took action this week to prevent a potential landfill from being located near a residential area on the border of Jackson and Cass counties. With strong bipartisan support, the House approved HB 909 to create a one-mile buffer between landfills and neighboring municipalities. The House approved the bill by a vote of 139-16.
House Members Support Legislation to Legalize Sports Betting (HBs 556 & 581)
Members of the Missouri House gave bipartisan support to a legislative proposal that would legalize sports wagering in the state. By a vote of 118-35, lawmakers approved HBs 556 & 581 to allow Missouri to join the more than 30 other states that have already approved a legalized framework for sports betting.
These bills will all now move to the Senate for consideration.
Progress continues on an updated District 57 Directory, we are in the final stages of the process and hope to have it completed soon.
As usual, my legislative assistant Blake is available Monday through Thursdays from 8:00 – 5:00 and from 8:00 – Noon on Fridays. You can contact my office by calling 573-751-3971 or emailing Rodger.Reedy@house.mo.gov. If you would like a courtesy resolution from the House of Representatives please contact my office. As always, it is an honor and privilege to serve the citizens of District 57.
