Last week we lost the groundbreaking radio host, unmatched opinion maker, and proud native son of Missouri, Rush Limbaugh.
For decades, Rush has been a daily companion to many of us, providing insightful commentary on current events. Just as impactful were his generous contributions to worthwhile causes. He donated millions of dollars to charities including the Marine Corps Law Enforcement Foundation, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, and the Boys and Girls Clubs, just to name a few.
His humanitarian and professional achievements were recognized when he received a bust in the Hall of Famous Missourians, and was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
I was honored to propose legislation recognizing Rush Limbaugh with HB 1200, which designates his birthday, Jan. 12, as “Rush Limbaugh Day.” This will be an official day of recognition, not a paid state holiday. Nearly 30 of my colleagues have co-sponsored the legislation, which was expected to be referred to committee this week.
I would like to thank everyone for the many kind words of support for this memorial. Sen. Holly Rehder has introduced identical legislation in the senate. Additionally, I have co-sponsored bills designating a portion of I-55 in Cape Girardeau as “Rush Limbaugh Memorial Highway.”
We’ve lost a legend, but we will work together to ensure his legacy is remembered.
With an anti-gun president and Congress in place, the need to protect our precious 2nd Amendment is more important than ever. Luckily, in Missouri we have a solid majority in the House who support our constitutional freedoms and we recently passed the Second Amendment Preservation Act. Also known as House Bill 85, the bill is now awaiting referral to a committee in the senate.
Recently I had the opportunity to meet two Missourians made famous for exercising their 2nd Amendment rights - Mark and Patricia McCloskey. As you might remember, this couple stood armed in front of their home in St. Louis last summer after protesters trespassed into their neighborhood. I was honored to visit with the couple this week, and am disheartened to see that prosecutors continue to target them. I applaud Gov. Parson for promising to pardon them if they are convicted of any charges related to the incident.
Our district includes many incredible schools, two of which were recently honored. I was proud to join Rep. Darrell Atchison in signing resolutions for the Eugene Field and Lake Road elementary schools, both of whom received the ESEA (Elementary and Secondary School Education Act) Distinguished school awards. The honor recognizes schools who have successfully used ESEA funds to improve education for all students. This was the first year that both Missouri recipients are from the same school district. We applaud your continued commitment to excellence in education.
This week the House passed HB 334, a bill addressing voter ID laws. The legislation requires persons voting in person by absentee ballot to establish their identity, and allows voters without personal identification at a polling place to vote a provisional ballot. The bill clarifies photo identification practices to comply with recent court rulings about affidavit language. This bill had many prominent supporters, including Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft and the Missouri Farm Bureau. The senate will now consider the bill.
May God bless and keep you and our great nation.
Hardy Billington represents District 152, which includes parts of Butler and Dunklin counties.