With an almost unanimous vote, 147 to 1, Democrats and Republicans, agreed to allow patients to have direct access to Physical Therapist.  

Under this legislation, a qualified physical therapist would no longer need a prescription or referral from a doctor in order to initiate or evaluate treatment on a patient. This new legislation would allow individuals to make their own decisions about their own health care. Studies have shown overall cost for treatment is lower. 47 states already allow some form of direct access to therapists.

In a 109-35 vote we passed Public Safety Legislation in a good faith effort to provide assistance to areas of the state such as St. Louis where violent crime has run rampant. Based on per capita comparisons, I was surprised to learn the violent crime rates in St. Louis were higher than Chicago.

It really is unacceptable.

We’ve made a good attempt to do better. The key provision of this legislation is the ability of the Governor to appoint a special prosecutor in areas of the state with an excessive homicide rate.

With a vote of 148-2, legislators in the House voted to increase wages for state workers. This does NOT include members of the legislature or any statewide elected officials. Small amounts of funding in this appropriation bill included funding for State Emergency Management, Department of Agriculture, and Schools.

 Maybe the highlight was the midweek State of the Judiciary Address by Supreme Court Justice Paul C. Wilson.  The address focused on the importance of preserving the public trust in the judicial branch, the essential role technology plays in making the courts open and accessible, the success of treatment courts, and impact of the growing mental health crisis.

Conversation continued concerning the nearly impossible task the court clerks will have expunging the records of drug offenders imposed by the passage of Amendment 3.

 The leadership of Speaker of the House Dean Plocher and Floor Leader Jon Patterson continue to bring greater civility and success to the House of Representatives.

 Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us and share your thoughts. Jill Ryals, the legislative assistant, does a great job responding to your calls and emails.  Please use our email address Bruce.Sassmann@House.MO.Gov.   It works 24 hours a day and 7 days a week.