Last week, I was humbled and privileged to be sworn in for my third term as your state representative. I appreciate the trust that has been placed in me and I look forward to continue working for you and our communities.
This year, I have the additional honor of serving as the House Majority Whip. In this role, my team and I will keep track of the votes of our GOP members. I will also be a member of leadership, which will increase my influence over legislation.
I recently had the privilege of meeting with the other newly-elected House leaders and Governor Parson in his office. We touched on numerous topics, discussing his priorities and our priorities for this session. One of the issues I made sure to discuss was the importance of funding to finish converting Highway 67 to a four-lane highway. This project only has a few more miles until completion, and I am hopeful the governor will recognize its importance to our community and to the state.
After being elected to serve as Speaker of the House, state Representative Dean Plocher spoke to the House about his legislative priorities for the session.
Plocher told his colleagues, “The American Dream is achieved through hard work, commitment to freedom, education, as well as individual and fiscal responsibility. I will work toward an agenda that promotes each of these values because they empower Missourians.”
He also praised the work the legislature has done in recent years to pass the largest tax cut in Missouri history, to strengthen Missouri’s agriculture industry, and to ensure every hospital patient has the right to have an advocate by their side. He also lauded efforts to preserve the integrity of Missouri elections, and to craft a fiscally responsible budget that invested in education at record levels.
Plocher also called on members to address violent crime. He said, “We cannot be bystanders as unchecked crime causes the systematic destruction of our proud state. It must be a priority of this body to provide the resources and enact common sense reforms to protect every Missouri community.”
Plocher also told members the key to opportunity starts with access to education. He said, “Missourians should have opportunities to choose where they send their children for a high-quality education, and parents should have a stronger voice as it relates to the substance of what is taught to their kids each day.” Staying on the topic of education, Plocher also called on legislators to address the out-of-date pay scale for teachers.
On the topic of the state budget, the new Speaker noted the state has the largest budget surplus in state history. He advocated for responsible infrastructure spending but also said the legislature can build on the tax cuts approved during last year’s Special Session. Plocher told his colleagues, “Reducing our tax burden will make Missouri even more competitive to recruit a talented workforce, to build prosperous communities, grow small businesses, and create more opportunities for all.”
Plocher reminded members that their job as public servants “is not simply to find solutions to the problems as they arise, but also to craft and share our vision that will guide our state into the next 100 years, and ensure our future is one filled with success and prosperity.”
He added, “Together, we can continue to improve our great state, educate our children, grow our economy, keep our streets safe, preserve the American Dream, and build a more prosperous Missouri with opportunities for all Missourians and the generations to come”
May God bless and keep you and our great nation.
Hardy Billington represents District 152, which includes parts of Butler and Dunklin counties.