Like any position in life, the journey of a legislator is often defined by the passage of time. After being elected in 2018, I was a “freshman” in the state legislature. Starting out, I was learning everything, from where to file a bill, how to cast my vote, and proper conduct in debate. After that first year, you can begin to accomplish some things. In my case, even though I didn’t know a lot of folks in leadership, I managed to get good legislation passed. In my second term, I got even more done, such as my bill addressing copper theft.
I so appreciate the people in Butler County having voted me into office for a third term. As a “junior” and now the Majority Whip I am blessed to have an opportunity to get even more things done. In order to join leadership, I had to accomplish one of the important tasks of a state legislator — establishing good relationships with colleagues.
I am already looking forward to next year when I will file to run for my fourth and final term. Historically, the fourth term of a representative is the most productive, and mine will be no exception. Despite the successes I have had, I continue to add items to the agenda to benefit our district and state.
My priorities this session include protecting women’s sports from unfair competition when men compete as women. Similarly, I will work to protect kids from life-altering gender reassignment surgeries until they are at least 18. I will also continue fighting to protect the unborn and for gun rights, family values, and lower taxes. I have talked to the Governor and will talk with the budget committee and MODOT to ensure we finish expanding Highway 67 to four lanes. Completing these remaining seven miles will be extremely beneficial and promote business and industrial growth. Many folks have worked on this project over the past many years and I am happy to be part of a great team to finish the job.Two House committees met this week to discuss ways to reduce suicide in Missouri, particularly among its veterans.
The House Veterans Committee took testimony on HB 132, which would task the Missouri Veterans Commission with expanding its efforts to prevent veteran suicide. The House Health and Mental Health Policy Committee received a report issued by the Interim Committee on Veterans’ Mental Health and Suicide and discussed suicide prevention methods with a focus on the importance of the 988 hotline.
The sponsor of HB 132, who also chairs the House Veterans Committee and chaired the interim committee, spoke to both committees about the importance of his bill, which would give guidance to the Missouri Veterans Commission about how to use the data it collects on veteran suicides. The bill would also require the commission to report annually to the legislature on that data and what it’s doing to reduce the number of those incidents.
He told the House Committee on Health and Mental Health Policy, “Where we rank in this in the entire country is not good.” He added that Missouri is around fourth or fifth among the states with the most veteran suicides.
He also added that even though his bill hasn’t been passed into law, the commission is already doing much of what it would require.
He said, “Their heart is in the right place and I can tell you that they get it and they’re dealing with it.”
May God bless and keep you and our great nation.
Hardy Billington represents District 152, which includes parts of Butler and Dunklin counties.