The legislative spring break is behind us and we have entered the home stretch of the legislative session, with several important issues to address and a state budget to finalize.

The chamber got a little dusty Thursday morning as I brought Senate Bill 1453, my legislation to commemorate my father’s legacy by designating a portion of Route 63 in Rolla as the “Dr. Dan Brown Memorial Highway.” I spoke at length about this bill and the legacy my father left behind in my column last week, but it was extremely touching to hear from many of my colleagues as they shared their memories of serving alongside my dad and being reminded, once again, of the love he had for this state.

I was proud to present multiple pieces of legislation to various Senate committees. The Commerce, Consumer Protection, Energy and the Environment Committee heard Senate Bill 1018, a bill I filed to make sure broadband and video service providers are not taking a financial hit when required by any government entity to relocate necessary infrastructure.

That same committee heard my effort to create the “Missouri Defense and Energy Independence Act.”

Senate Bill 1360 would allow tax credits for companies who are helping Missouri become self-reliant in regard to natural materials — moving toward eliminating the need to import those materials from other countries. These bills are now ready to be taken up by the Senate as a whole.

Closer to home, I want to encourage everyone who lives in the St. Robert area to get involved in the infrastructure improvement process by participating in a public meeting and comment period regarding the rehabilitation of the 63-year-old Route 28 bridge over Interstate 44.

The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) says the bridge is in need of a more thorough rehab that will require the bridge’s closure for approximately 68 days. While there is no concrete date for this project to take place, MoDOT is seeking public input on the plan for this project ahead of its implementation. The public comment period will run from April 9-23, with an in-person public forum on Tuesday, April 9, from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at St. Robert’s City Hall. More information is available and comments can be submitted on the project web page at Missouri Route 28 Bridge Rehabilitation over Interstate 44 in Pulaski | Missouri Department of Transportation (modot.org).

(It’s my honor to serve as your senator for the 16th District. If you have questions or need any assistance, please call my office at 573-751-5713 or log onto my webpage at senate.mo.gov/brown for more information).