More than one month has passed by since the end of the legislative session, and more than 50 bills await the signature of Gov. Mike Parson.

To date, the governor has acted on nine of the 62 bills passed by the Missouri General Assembly.

More than 50 bills still await action from the governor at this time, ranging from a variety of issues such as our state budget, tax relief for senior citizens, tax credits to attract the entertainment industry, extending post-partum coverage, empowering Missourians living with disabilities by preventing the loss of government benefits, removing financial barriers in the adoption process, combatting the opioid epidemic, simplifying our vehicle sales tax, increasing cybersecurity to protect Missourians from stalking, and ensuring Missourians are  covered for life-saving exams, while also not being subjected to unauthorized medical exams.

The governor has until July 15, 2023, to sign bills.

Drought conditions ongoing, emergency hat, water relief

The ongoing drought conditions continue to worsen in the Show-Me State, which has led Parson to act on recommendations from the Missouri Drought Assessment Committee, announcing the availability and process for Missouri family farms to obtain emergency hay and water:

• Boat ramps at 25 Missouri state parks will be open for farmers to collect water with almost 700 acres available for haying at 17 state parks.

• Boat ramps at 36 Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) areas are also now open for water collection.

• The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) is offering special over-width hauling permits at no charge to help farmers and ranchers move hay.

“As drought conditions continue to deteriorate across Missouri, we want to do all we can to help our family farms mitigate the devastating effects of severe drought,” Parson said. “With the current water deficit, we know it will take a lot of rain for our state and its agricultural community to recover from the drought. While our prayers for rain continue, state government will do its part to assist wherever and whenever it can.”

In an effort to address these drought conditions and how they are affecting farmers, farmers are able to access water from state parks and Missouri Department of Conservation boat launches and access points in order to make sure their livestock gets the water needed. Farmers seeking to use this allowance must use their own pumping and hauling equipment, and should contact the Department of Conservation managers in their area prior to collecting water.

To address the need for hay, Missouri state parks will allow licenses to cut hay at no cost. To take part in this, contact the park superintendents. Missouri State Parks will allow haying on or after June 25, and hay must be removed before Sept. 25.

In addition to the contracts already in place on some conservation areas across Missouri, other opportunities to cut hay on conservation areas might be available to assist farmers in need of hay to harvest. Anyone wanting to inquire about cutting hay on conservation areas should contact their local MDC regional office. Details for each of these regional offices can be found on MDC’s website at mdc.mo.gov/contact-engage/regional-mdc-offices.

“These drought relief opportunities for Missouri landowners are proactive measures to help our state prepare for and respond to the effects of drought,” Dru Buntin, director of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources said. “We will continue to monitor environmental impacts to public water supplies and plan for various drought scenarios to ensure we are prepared as conditions change.”

Celebrating independence

With the 4th of July just around the corner, many Missourians are gearing to celebrate our nations Day of Independence in grand fashion. The work for the Salute to America celebration in our capital is already underway, with our beloved flag hanging proudly above the steps to the gem of our state, the Missouri State Capitol.

As you all prepare for celebrations of fireworks, barbecue, fun on the water, or however you choose to commemorate this day, I ask that you remember a few things: please practice safety with fireworks, especially as many of our counties are facing a severe drought; be sure to check for wind conditions and take precautions if in a dry area.

Most importantly, take this time to be with your friends and family, and to enjoy the liberty and freedom that so many have sacrificed for. Remember all that have given so much that we may spend this time together, and live your lives to the fullest in honor of their memories.

President Harry S. Truman said that “America was not built on fear. America was built on courage, on imagination and an unbeatable determination to do the job at hand.”

Let that serve as a reminder and a pledge for all of us: to be courageous, to dream big, and to find the drive to make the American Dream come true. I wish you all a happy Independence Day, and may God bless us all and these United States.

(Bruce Sassmann is a Republican from Bland. You may contact him with any questions or concerns via email to bruce.sassmann@house.mo.gov or his office phone number is 573-751-6668).