January 20, 2012 Update

It is now really official, I am the State Representative of the 71st Missouri House District. I now have a lapel pin, stationary and business cards with the official seal.

Our first week on the job was only two days on the job. Day 1 we were sworn in and elected the speaker. Day 2 was my first committee meeting. The Appropriations Committee for Health, Mental Health and Social Services met to introduce the committee members to the directors and lobbyists for the various groups funded through this committee. This committee appropriates over 45% of the state budget.

The Inauguration was on the first day of our 2nd week which was a really fun party and drew quite a large number of people from across the state. See the pictures section of this site for photos.

Rep. Kim Gardner (D - St. Louis) proposed a rule change to ban smoking in the House sections of the Capitol Building, as it is the only state building allowing limited smoking. Health issues were discussed and those who wanted to maintain the status quo were asked if they thought they were better than everyone else. Personally I strongly dislike the idea of those who make the rules exempting themselves from the rules. The rule change was voted down along party lines.

The great divide between the parties we all have been hearing about is sadly true. The Freshman class as a whole has expressed a dislike for that attitude and together both the D & R freshmen are hoping to be able to work to change some of that ugly attitude.

The dynamics are very interesting to observe.

I do have all of my committee assignments now and will be serving on 3 committees (click the links for more information):

• Appropriations - Health, Mental Health, and Social Services
• Children, Families, and Persons with Disabilities
• Emerging Issues in Agriculture

Thank you so much for your support.

January 3, 2012

Since the election in August I have been very busy meeting with representatives from various interest groups and lobbyists learning about the issues facing the state. Due to the fact that I was unopposed in the General Election in November I was invited to attend the summer Democratic Caucus. By November sufficient contributions were received to enable us to pay off our campaign loan. Therefore we are debt free and look forward to the next election with a little seed in our account.

On Thursday following the election in November I attended the veto session and began working on getting to know people in the Legislature. The Freshman class (first year legislators) went of a tour of the southern part of the state learning about our state visiting schools (universities, junior colleges and a charter school in St Louis city), hospitals, various Chambers of Commerce, the Calloway Plant and a variety of other business concerns and a number of hospital and medical clinics. We all learned a lot and most importantly, spent time getting to know each other, regardless of party affiliation.

We will be sworn in and be official at noon on January 9, 2013. Sometime after that we will get our committee assignments. I do have one committee assignment thus far. I have been appointed to the Appropriations Committee for Health, Mental Health and Social Services.

Keep in touch and if you will send me your email we will keep you updated as to what is happening in your capitol. And, of course, you are welcome to stop in the office and visit. We will be in session Monday through Thursday from January 9th until May 17th.