Love note from Jeff City

Greetings, My Fellow Missourians

Doing as much ranch work as possible, I am preparing for the start of session on January 9th. Fortunately, the temperature has warmed up this week, and I have been able to get a lot accomplished. This year’s session will mark the beginning of the 100th General Assembly for the State of Missouri. Legislators will be sworn in at 12 – noon on Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2019. This will be followed by a reception in the Third Floor Rotunda to celebrate the 100th Anniversary. At 6:30 p.m., the Legislative Ball will commence with the state’s executive leaders, senators and representatives all gathering to fellowship. The public is invited to attend the day’s events all taking place at the Capitol in Jefferson City.

Other upcoming events include the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association 51st Cattle Industry Convention and Trade Show to be held in Columbia, Missouri, on Jan. 4-6, 2019. Registration is required and the agenda is available at https://www.mocattle.org/Media/MOCattle/Docs/19-convention-registration-form.pdf or you may call the MCA office at 573-499-9162.

The following week, Jan. 10-11, the 48th Annual Governor’s Conference on Agriculture will take place at Tan-Tar-A in Osage Beach. The conference will include a lot of panel discussion and strategic vision as well as Governor Parson’s workforce development and rural infrastructure plan and how it relates to agriculture including technology, transportation and broadband for the agriculture industry. Event proceeds will go to the Missouri 4-H, Missouri FFA and Agricultural Leadership of Tomorrow programs. This conference is open to everyone; to register, please visit: http://www.cvent.com/events/2019-governor-s-conference-on-agriculture/event-summary-32ada7922fae4106b227e0d1acf7d353.aspx?dvce=1.

Civics education requirements:

This past week, a constituent inquired about requirements regarding civics education in the State of Missouri. There have been some recent updates to the existing laws, and I would like to share those with everyone: Missouri public schools and institutions of higher education have been required to offer a minimum semester long course in US History, US Constitution, and Missouri Constitution education since at least 1990-1991. MO Statute 170.011 states that courses include instruction in the institutions, branches and functions of the government of the state of Missouri, including local governments, the government of the United States, and the electoral process.

In 2016, the passage of SB638 created the “MO Civics Education Initiative” that enacted MO Statute 170.345 which requires the subject of American Civics to be included in the exam required for graduation from any public or private school, other than proprietary schools (private postsecondary educational institutions operated for profit). Any student entering 9th grade after July 1, 2017, who is attending a public, charter, or private school, except for private trade schools, shall pass an examination on the provisions and principles of American Civics. The test shall consist of 100 questions similar to the 100 questions used by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

In 2018, passage of SB577 and SB807 created MO Statute 170.013 that requires students in public institutions of higher education, starting in July, 2019, are required to pass an examination on the provisions and principles of American Civics with a score of 70% or greater. The test must be at least 50 questions and may be up to 100, similar to those used by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services.

Merry Christmas to everyone

Whether you are hosting the family Christmas, or traveling across the country to be with loved ones, I hope you enjoy the company of those closest to you. While we never want to overlook the true meaning and significance of Christmas, it’s the time of the year when we reconnect with our loved ones; enjoy watching the excitement in our children’s eyes as they open presents; and simply relax for a few moments as we put our worries aside and appreciate the many blessings we have been given. Christmas is a time to thank God for all that he has given us.

At the same time as we prepare for this greatest of holidays, I also ask us to remember there are many who are not as fortunate. They may not have the luxury of the companionship of family and friends or even a simple meal. I ask you to keep them in your thoughts and prayers during the Christmas season.

Thank you for allowing me to the honor to serve District 125, and may you all have a Merry Christmas. After Christmas, my Capitol Reports will shift their focus to the upcoming session and some of the key issues we will address. I plan to send out the next Capitol Report after session starts on January 9th. As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact my office.