Both new and returning lawmakers made their way to Jefferson City this week to begin their service in the Missouri House of Representatives. On Wednesday, Jan. 4, the 163 members of the House gathered in the House Chamber to take the oath of office and officially begin the 102nd General Assembly.
The House then elected State Representative Dean Plocher to serve as Speaker of the House for the next two years. Plocher previously served as Majority Floor Leader for the House during the 101st General Assembly. Plocher delivered an address in which he told members they are here “to leave the next generation of Missourians with more opportunities, to create a tomorrow that is better than today, and to give all of those that follow us the freedom and opportunity to achieve their own American Dream.”
The House wrapped up session by reading the United States Bill of Rights and then adopting various resolutions that will allow the body to function during the 102nd General Assembly.
Committee assignments were made this week. I will serve as Vice Chairman of Insurance, Utilities, Veterans, and Subcommittee on Appropriations-General Administration. Committees should start to meet next week. The 2023 legislative priorities will be education, our state budget (which has the largest surplus in state history), how to have responsible infrastructure spending and also look at reducing the tax burden on Missourians, and address the devastating effects of violent crime. There will be many other individual bills considered. There have been 790 bills filed.
It is an honor to serve the 153rd district. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate contact me by email at darrell.atchison@house.mo.gov or 573-751-1066.
Atchison represents District 153, which includes Carter and Ripley counties and parts of Wayne and Butler counties.