Session 2013 – Capitol Report VIII

"Freedom is the last, best hope of earth."
-Abraham Lincoln  

  The heavy hand of Old Man Winter returned with a powerful reminder this week that we remain under his mighty reign as the Heartland was continually pelted with blowing ice and snow. Until spring finds a way to relinquish winter’s frosty hand, we appear to have more chill days ahead. We forged our path back to the Capitol, and with a brazen spirit, we took to the people’s business. There was a peaceful calm at times under the dome this week, as some meetings were postponed or canceled, leaving hearing rooms in lonely solitude. The retreat was welcome, and provided me a few precious moments to reflect on the work we have accomplished to date as well as the many remaining projects that are still before us.

In this week’s Capitol Report, I discuss three key pieces of legislation that we have been working on and have sent on to the Senate for further consideration. Our caucus stood united in the fight for education, veterans, and our friends, family, and loved ones in Joplin who have come so far since the May 22, 2011 tornado. As always, your comments and input in the debates of the day are welcomed. Please contact our office, anytime.

Protecting Rural Missourians

The Missouri House passed legislation this week sending a strong message about our support of your right to farm here in Missouri. Click here to read more.

House Republicans Stand With Veterans

In the face of last year’s revenue shortfalls, House Republicans were able to ink a deal in HB 1731 to provide a secure funding stream for the Veterans Commission Capital Improvements Trust Fund – avoiding potential closures of Veterans Homes. This year we are continuing with the tradition of support for our veterans in the passage of HJR 8. Click here to read more.

Rep. Flanigan's Legislation to Help Joplin Moving Forward

The House took a great step forward in helping Joplin’s local economy recover from the devastating May 22, 2011 tornado that cut through a large swath of the Southwest Missouri town. Click here to read more.

This Week’s Vlog NEW!!

Education is a chief priority for your House Republicans each and every year. We have consistently fought for parents and students by holding the line against the Governor’s continued attacks at funding public education. In her first year, Rep. Kathy Swan (R-Cape Girardeau) has a simple, yet brilliant idea to help parents learn as much as possible about the performance of their local schools. Click
here to hear more.