I was honored to be sworn in to my second term as state representative on Jan. 6. I appreciate the confidence the people of the 152nd district have shown in me, and it is a great privilege to continue to have the opportunity to serve our community.
Events of recent days have greatly troubled me, as I see our first amendment rights increasingly curtailed by corporate America. However, I am extremely grateful to our local newspaper that allows differing points of view to be expressed. Our democracy only works when all opinions are heard, so I will continue to support our local news sources.
On Jan. 11, I had the opportunity to witness the swearing-in of Missouri’s governor and other statewide officials. I am encouraged by the spirit of teamwork and commonsense that exists in both the executive and legislative branches of our state. We are certainly more unified than the folks in DC and I am hopeful this sense of cooperation will lead to the best outcomes for our citizens. I look forward to this legislative session, which is already quite busy.
To those of you who are in despair about the state of our country, I can promise you are not alone. I share your frustrations. My colleagues and I are working tirelessly to preserve our values and way of life.
As the week began, the legislature convened for a joint session on the steps of the Missouri State Capitol building to attend the inauguration of Missouri’s governor and other statewide officials. Lawmakers were present as Governor Mike Parson was sworn in to a full term as the 57th governor of the state.
Following the swearing in ceremony, Parson delivered a brief address thanking Missourians for putting their trust in him.
“As the leader of this state, it is my job to make life better for every Missourian. This state is more than my house. It is my home. I will care for the unborn to the elderly, the rich to the poor, regardless of the color of your skin. I see each of you. I want the best for all of you,” he said.
Also sworn into office were Lieutenant Governor Mike Kehoe, State Treasurer Scott Fitzpatrick, Secretary of State John R. Ashcroft, and Attorney General Eric Schmitt. The ceremony included music performed by the 135th National Guard Band and Missouri State University Chorale. Additionally, the Missouri National Guard performed a 19-gun salute, and a B-2 Bomber performed a fly-over.
The House Committee on Children and Families met Tuesday afternoon to discuss and approve two pieces of legislation that would reduce the financial burden for foster parents and families interested in adopting. The two bills are priorities for House Speaker Rob Vescovo, who called for the policy changes in his opening day address.
“I was blessed to have loving parents who adopted me out of the foster care system and gave me a stable, nurturing home. I want to see every child in Missouri have similar opportunities,” said Vescovo. “These pieces of legislation represent common sense reforms that will allow more families to provide love and support to young people in need.”
HB 429 would authorize an income tax deduction for the expenses related to providing care as a foster parent. The bill would authorize a deduction of $2,500 for an individual and $5,000 for a married couple if foster care is provided for at least six months. HB 430 would expand the state’s existing $10,000 tax credit to any adoption.
May God bless and keep you and our great nation.
Hardy Billington Billington represents District 152, which includes parts of Butler and Dunklin counties.