Finally a Recovery Plan for Those Who Really Need it
Working to Help Missouri Families
January 2, 2009
The 2009 legislative session is just a few days away and there are many changes ahead for Missouri State Government. The biggest change will be when Jay Nixon is sworn in as our next Governor on January 12th. I wish the new Governor well as he takes office. We in the Missouri House want to work to ensure that Missouri remains a great place to work and live and I know...read more
Wishing Everyone a Merry Christmas
December 19, 2008
If you’ve read my last few From the House articles, you may have noticed that they have steered away from political issues and focused more on the holiday season and the things we can do to help one another. With my last article before the Christmas holiday, I want to stay with that theme rather than shifting to an issue-driven column. We’re only weeks away from the start...read more
Honoring and Remembering Those Who Have Served
December 7, 2008
This past Sunday our nation once again observed Pearl Harbor Day to honor and remember those brave Americans who endured that tragic event. For those who survived, and those who did not, it is our solemn duty to never forget the sacrifices they made for our nation. And while we have holidays like Veterans Day, Memorial Day and this one, it is also our responsibility to...read more
Trying to Communicate Better
November 29, 2008
One of the biggest challenges any elected official has is staying in touch with the people that elected them, especially when the elected position takes them away from home for long periods of time. As your State Representative, I spend most of my time in the months of January thru May in Jefferson City while in session, bringing the challenge of communicating and keeping in touch with you, the people I work for...read more
Something to be Thankful for - Selecting our Leaders
November 21, 2008
Here we are, once again with the Holiday Season on our doorstep. Thanksgiving is upon us bringing the images of food, family, and football. It is also a time to count the many things we have to be grateful for.
Thanksgiving always reminds me of the old hymn chorus that goes something like: “Count your Blessings, Name them one by one, Count your Blessings, See what God has done. The point...read more
Possible Changes in Hunting & Fishing Permits
November 12, 2008
The Missouri Conservation Department is making news just days before the start of the 2008 Firearms Deer season.
Over this past summer, the Missouri Conservation Commission approved some significant changes during a September 26 meeting that would go into effect on July 1, 2009. I want to share with you the proposed changes. Some of these changes are good. But in my opinion, a few of the changes are off the mark...read more
Supporting Higher Education in Missouri
Oct. 22, 2008
Higher average salaries, access to a network of diverse and challenging peers and professors, and opportunities
to advance career goals are just a few of the countless benefits of receiving a college degree. But it seems that for
every bonus, there is also a challenge to overcome – the high cost of tuition, books and living expenses as well as the lure and often pressure to make...read more
Continuing Education as a Top Priority
Oct. 16, 2008
In 1839, the foundation for education in Missouri was established. During this year, the University of Missouri was founded as the first public university west of the Mississippi and the legislature approved the Geyer Act, which laid the groundwork of Missouri’s public school system. While no year will ever top these landmark achievements, I will say during the past ...read more
Illegal Immigration Reform in Missouri is Working
Oct. 12, 2008
The economy, health care and national security have been the major topics of discussion among the presidential candidates recently. Vital issues of course, but one issue that is missing from the conversation is illegal immigration. While the federal government has failed us in terms of protecting our borders, here in Missouri, we are making every effort to reduce illegal immigration in...read more