Steady leadership in unsettled times is reassuring

In these unsettled times, it is reassuring to have steady leadership at all levels of government. At the federal level, I am thankful for our president. He has proven he can handle that “3 a.m. phone call.” During the recent crises, and throughout his presidency, he has demonstrated an ability to fulfill the rigorous demands of the position.

At the state level we are similarly blessed. Gov. Parson has brought his lifetime of experience to bear as he ably managed various challenges, especially in the last six months. He has shown that whatever the time of day or night, he is capable of responding to any emergency that might arise.

As evidence of his commitment to protecting Missourians from COVID-19, for instance, Gov. Parson recently traveled here to Poplar Bluff. He visited Gamma Health Care to discuss their ramped-up testing operations, and talked to leaders at Three Rivers College about how they’re protecting staff and students from the virus.

More than ever, our leaders need to be strong and capable of handling intense pressure. I am grateful that President Trump and Gov. Parson are at the right place at the right time.

The Missouri General Assembly continues its work in a special session called by the governor to address violent crime. The Senate approved two House bills, and sent three more back to the House of Representatives with changes. The two bills truly agreed by the Senate are now on their way to Gov. Parson to be signed into law.

House Bill 66 protects witnesses so they can provide key testimony that will put violent criminals behind bars. It creates the Pretrial Witness Protection Services Fund, allowing the Department of Public Safety to disburse money to law enforcement agencies to provide for the security of witnesses, potential witnesses, and their immediate families in criminal proceedings or investigations.

House Bill 46 helps the City of St. Louis fill the more than 140 open positions on its police force. The bill eliminates the residency requirement for St. Louis law enforcement and also prohibits requiring any public safety employee for the city of St. Louis to be a resident of the City.

As part of College Savings Month, Missouri State Treasurer Scott Fitzpatrick is working with the Missouri Office of Administration to encourage saving for education. Together they are sharing opportunities to learn about Missouri’s 529 Education Plan (MOST 529).

Fitzpatrick said, “Data demonstrates that having an education savings account makes it more likely a child will attend a higher education institution. Data also shows that education influences socioeconomic mobility. This is why I have worked to lower the price of the plan and to make it as versatile as possible. While COVID-19 has likely impacted the ability for many Missourians to save for future education right now, providing access to savings options remains important as we recover and move forward.”

The Treasurer’s Office and MOST 529 staff are working with employers to provide webinars about program benefits to their employees. Missourians who wish to learn about saving for education — and using a MOST 529 to save money on K-12 tuition — can attend webinars on Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout September.

Missouri’s 529 Education Plan is a tax-advantaged savings plan for education expenses. Money in MOST accounts can be used to pay for K-12 tuition and trade, college, and graduate school tuition and expenses. Contributions are eligible for state tax deductions, and assets in MOST 529 accounts grow tax-free. More information about MOST 529 is available at the following link: https://www.missourimost.org/.

May God bless and keep you and our great nation.

Billington represents District 152, which includes parts of Butler and Dunklin counties.