Freshman Legislator of the Year: High Ridge Rep. John McCaherty

To honor and recognize the efforts of Rep. John C. McCaherty R- High Ridge, for his work this year on small business and workers’ rights issues, Speaker of the Missouri House of Representatives Steven Tilley, awarded him the Freshman Legislator of the Year Award for “Workers’ Rights Issues.”  

 “I firmly believe actions speak louder than words and as an elected official, those actions are crucial to the well-being of our constituents.  I commend Rep. McCaherty on his actions regarding worker’s rights showing firsthand that his actions demonstrate leadership for the people of his district,” said Speaker Tilley in a news release from McCaherty's office.

Through his role as the vice-chairman of the House Committee on International Trade and Job Creation, McCaherty helped promote legislation that helps move Missouri forward in the international marketplace. McCaherty has also worked  to find a solution to workers’ rights issues such as worker’s compensation. McCaherty worked with labor organizations and business interest to insure that workers’ rights were protected while changes which are needed were accomplished.  

Rep. McCaherty, who represents the High Ridge, Fenton and Murphy areas, also sponsored House Bill 1484 to change the state’s law to require the Department of Revenue to create a means by which businesses and individuals would be able to complete all of their tax related commerce online. This simple change would save millions of dollars for the State, as well as time and money for Missouri businesses.

McCaherty, who also is pastor of the ,  served on Tax Reform, General Laws, and Downsizing State Government Committees. While working with Downsizing State Government, McCaherty worked on a bi-partisan effort with Rep. Linda Black, D-St. François County, on a bill that would reduce the size of the state legislature. While the bill did not make it through the process this year, it is being discussed and will likely be presented again.

“When people from both sides of the isle are willing to work together and come to reasonable solutions, much can be accomplished that will move Missouri forward,” said McCaherty and “I look forward to next year’s legislative session.”