MISSOURI — Rep. Perkins is looking forward to working with colleagues this session and tackling many issues that will bring benefits to all Missourians. Among the issues that Rep. Perkins will focus on are; workforce development, initiative petition reform, and tackling crime in St. Louis. Regarding workforce development, Rep. Perkins said, “The need for a more skilled workforce has become painfully obvious over the past few years. Not only do we need to train more workers for these jobs, we need to invest in the trade and vocational schools that will carry out this mission. Additionally, state and local governments developing partnerships with private business will help facilitate this important task.” He continued, “Workforce development is a top priority for me and though it is difficult to get legislation across the finish line, I believe this issue has bipartisan support and will be a great benefit to not only the 40th District, but the whole state.”

The 102^nd General Assembly Begins

The day began at noon as the House was called to order by Secretary of State John Ashcroft, who temporarily presided over the proceedings. Ashcroft delivered a short address where he told members the calling of public servants is to “maximize liberty and opportunity for all Missourians while striving to increase the effectiveness of governmental operations.” Ashcroft also praised lawmakers for the work they’ve done to develop “parent-empowering educational reform designed to enhance student achievement” and to ensure Missouri has “safe, secure, and accessible elections.”

After Ashcroft’s address, members were administered the oath of office by the Honorable W. Brent Powell, Judge of the Supreme Court of Missouri. House members then elected State Representative Chris Dinkins to serve as the temporary Speaker to oversee House proceedings. Dinkins delivered a brief address in which she described the pride she felt in being the first woman to represent her district and one of the only Lakota Sioux to serve in the Missouri legislature. Dinkins also urged her colleagues from both parties to find the “common ground where we can do what is best and what is right for Missouri.”

With Dinkins presiding, the House then elected State Representative Dean Plocher to serve as Speaker of the House for the next two years. Plocher previously served as Majority Floor Leader for the House during the 101^st General Assembly. Plocher delivered an address in which he told members they are here “to leave the next generation of Missourians with more opportunities, to create a tomorrow that is better than today, and to give all of those that follow us the freedom and opportunity to achieve their own American Dream.” Plocher also outlined his priorities for the legislative session including improving public safety, increasing educational opportunities for students, and providing additional tax relief to Missouri taxpayers.

Members now await their committee assignments so they can begin work on the legislation that will be considered during the 2023 session. The next order of business for the House is to discuss and adopt the official House Rules that will govern the proceedings of the House.

Rep. Perkins Being Sworn In in the House Chamber Speaker Plocher Outlines Legislative Priorities for 2023 Session

After being elected to serve as Speaker of the House for the 102^nd General Assembly, state Representative Dean Plocher spoke to his House colleagues about his legislative priorities for the 2023 session.

Plocher told his colleagues that “The American Dream is achieved through hard work, commitment to freedom, education, as well as individual and fiscal responsibility. I will work toward an agenda that promotes each of these values because they empower Missourians.”

He also praised the work the legislature has done in recent years to pass the largest tax cut in Missouri history, to strengthen Missouri’s agriculture industry, and to ensure every patient has the right to have an advocate by their side in a hospital. He also lauded efforts to preserve the integrity of Missouri elections, and to craft a fiscally responsible budget that invested in education at record levels.

Looking forward, Plocher called on members to address the devastating effects of violent crime. He said, “We cannot be bystanders as unchecked crime causes the systematic destruction of our proud state. It must be a priority of this body to provide the resources and enact common sense reforms to protect every Missouri community.”

Plocher also told members the key to opportunity starts with access to education. He said, “Missourians should have opportunities to choose where they send their children for a high-quality education, and parents should have a stronger voice as it relates to the substance of what is taught to their kids each day.” Staying on the topic of education, Plocher also called on legislators to address the out-of-date pay scale for teachers.

Plocher concluded his address by reminding members that their job as public servants “is not simply to find solutions to the problems as they arise, but also to craft and share our vision that will guide our state into the next 100 years, and ensure our future is one filled with success and prosperity.”

Working on your behalf,