State Sen. Travis Fitzwater (R-Holts Summit) is a vocal supporter of Missouri Governor Mike Parson’s (R) call for an immediate 8.7 percent pay raise for state employees. Senator Fitzwater tells 939 the Eagle’s “Wake Up Mid-Missouri” that the governor’s plan would help employees at two major facilities in his district: Fulton State Hospital and the Fulton Reception and Diagnostic Center (FRDC). Senator Fitzwater also backs the governor’s call for $4-million in funding to allow the state Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) to implement a new maternal mortality plan. Senator Fitzwater also wants to see no-competes banned, saying they’re bad for the economy:
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).