Missouri House Veterans Committee chairman Rep. Dave Griffith (R-Jefferson City) has filed legislation tasking the Missouri Veterans Commission with expanding its efforts to prevent veteran suicide. The bill was heard in committee this week. Chairman Griffith tells 939 the Eagle’s “Wake Up Mid-Missouri” that the bill is needed to address Missouri’s high veteran suicide numbers. Chairman Griffith, an ally of GOP Governor Mike Parson, says he’s disappointed the governor’s proposed budget didn’t include $27-million in extra funding for the 988 number. The 988 number is the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Griffith also praises Missouri House Speaker Dean Plocher (R-Des Peres) for the pace of the session this year. Griffith says things are moving quicker than in past years:
Columbia’s Rowden elected as Missouri Senate President; Plank and Steinhoff sworn-in
Missouri’s 2023 legislative session is underway in Jefferson City. Both chambers gaveled-in at noon on Wednesday, per the state Constitution.
Republicans have supermajorities in both chambers: 111-52 in the Missouri House and 24-10 in the Senate. State senators have unanimously elected State Sen. Caleb Rowden (R-Columbia) as Senate President Pro Tem. State Rep. Dean Plocher (R-Des Peres) has been elected as the new Missouri House Speaker.
Rowden had been serving as Senate Majority Leader. The Pro Tem chairs the powerful Senate Gubernatorial Appointments Committee, and selects committee chairs. One of Rowden’s priorities is initiative petition reform.
Freshmen State Reps. Adrian Plank and Kathy Steinhoff (D-Columbia) were sworn-in on Wednesday, as was newly-elected State Sen. Travis Fitzwater (R-Holts Summit).
Ashcroft to emphasize criminal justice reform and education in Missouri House address
Missouri lawmakers have returned to Jefferson City today for the start of the 2023 session. Both chambers gaveled-in at high noon.
Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft has opened the House, telling state representatives he’s waiting on the Senate. He’s opening the House, as all 163 state representatives will be sworn-in. Ashcroft will then take nominations for Speaker, and State Rep. Dean Plocher (R-Des Peres) is expected to be elected Speaker, since the GOP has a 111-52 supermajority.
Secretary Ashcroft tells 939 the Eagle he will then give a short speech of priorities he hopes the House will address this session.
“You know we’re doing to talk about criminal justice reform. We’re going to talk about making sure that parents are in charge of their kids’ education,” Ashcroft says.
He also plans to emphasize accountability and transparency in government. He views the start of session as an opportunity, saying Missourians shouldn’t expect much from Washington.
“We’re not going to see help from the federal government. They’re going to make it worse. I think there’s a real opportunity for the Legislature to let the people of this state know that help is on the way,” says Ashcroft.
The GOP will also have a 24-10 supermajority in the Missouri Senate. State Sen. Caleb Rowden (R-Columbia) is expected to be elected Senate President Pro Tem today.
Plocher elected as Missouri House Speaker-designee
A St. Louis County state lawmaker has been elected by his House GOP colleagues as the Speaker-designee for 2023. State Rep. Dean Plocher (R-Des Peres) is currently the House Majority Floor Leader, and will remain in that role until December 2022. Republicans currently control the House 113-49. The full House will take a formal vote …
