I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Missouri Speaker of the House Dean Plocher for visiting Poplar Bluff and providing us with an opportunity to gather at the Butler County Courthouse. It was a privilege to share with our constituents the numerous accomplishments we’ve achieved this year.
What initially seemed like a challenging year turned out to be remarkably productive, thanks to Speaker Plocher’s exceptional leadership. I am deeply grateful to the friends and community leaders who attended and showed their support.
During his visit, Speaker Plocher expressed his appreciation for the leadership in Butler County, emphasizing the strength and dedication of our local leaders. It was an honor to be joined by Sen. Jason Bean and Freshman State Rep. Donnie Brown, who shared their experiences and the guidance they’ve received from senior legislators. Brown humorously described his first year as “like drinking from a firehose,” highlighting the steep learning curve and the invaluable mentorship provided by experienced lawmakers.
Despite initial doubts about what we could achieve, Plocher highlighted several key legislative successes. Among the notable accomplishments was the passing of SB 727, which raises teachers’ minimum salaries to $40,000. This significant step ensures our educators are better compensated for their vital work.
Additionally, we passed a balanced budget that is $1.2 billion less than last year’s, all while implementing tax cuts. This budget includes $60 million for the Highway 67/Interstate 57 project and $10 million for new dormitories at Three Rivers College, investments that will greatly benefit our community. We also prohibited any state dollars from going to Planned Parenthood.
Plocher also addressed the issue of border security, responding to Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s request by funding units of Missouri’s National Guard to assist in securing the border. Highlighting that “every state is a border state,” he detailed the substantial impact our efforts have had, including the detention of 400,000 individuals and the prevention of potential threats to national security.
Furthermore, we took decisive action within our legislature to ban sanctuary cities, prohibit non-citizens from voting and outlaw squatting. These measures are crucial in ensuring the safety and integrity of our communities.
I am proud of the collaborative efforts of lawmakers from Southeast Missouri, which Plocher credited as instrumental to our success this year. He even speculated that Bean could soon become the Senate Majority Floor Leader, recognizing the exceptional contributions from our region.
In reflecting on this year’s legislative session, I am confident in the positive changes we’ve enacted and excited about the possibilities for next year. Plocher has been a driving force in promoting job growth, eliminating burdensome regulations, and implementing tax policies that benefit individuals, families, and businesses alike. His dedication to ensuring quality education and economic prosperity has been evident throughout his tenure.
I am proud to serve as Majority Whip and hope my colleagues will re-elect me to this role next session. As we look ahead, I am optimistic about the future and committed to continuing our work to improve the lives of Missourians. Thank you for your ongoing support, and I look forward to what we can achieve together in the coming year.
May God bless and keep you and our great nation.
Hardy Billington represents District 152, which includes Butler County.