The highlights this past week in the Missouri House of Representatives included a visit from Israeli Consul General, Maor Elbiz-Starinsky.

He spoke out from the dais against the horrific terrorist attacks of Oct. 7, and warned of a rise in anti-Semitic attacks across the nation. Missouri has long stood with the sovereign nation of Israel, and has a special relationship dating back to its modern inception with the acknowledgment of statehood by President Harry S. Truman in 1948.

Truman played an instrumental role in the formation of a free and independent Jewish nation — which has thrived in the Middle East as a tolerant, multi-cultural democratic state.

We were also called into a joint session to hear the State of the Judiciary Speech from Chief Justice Mary R. Russell. Her address in the House Chamber commented on the hard work of the court clerks and on processing over 245,000 case files identifying those matters eligible for expungement authorized by Amendment 3 for non-violent marijuana-related misdemeanor offenses.

It was a privilege for me to offer a personal introduction of the Missouri Supreme Court Justice to Osage County Circuit Clerk Beth Billington and Gasconade County Circuit Clerk Jenny Schneider. Our county circuit clerks were advocating for legislation on the same day as the Chief Justice speech. During the speech it was noted Governor Parson has appointed the first female majority of Supreme Court Justices in Missouri history.

The pace of activity continues to accelerate as we hear bills in committee and on the floor. As expected, the Child Care Tax Credit passed out of the House and will be sent to the Senate. We were also able to send to the Senate a House bill known as the Regulatory Sandbox Act. It is an initiative aimed at alleviating regulatory burdens for new business startups.

On a personal level, I am thankful Speaker Dean Plocher and the House leadership for allowing me to move the bills I have filed through the legislative process. The relationships I have built in the House is a benefit to all of the constituents in my district. It is work worth doing.

I look forward to hearing from you. Please email me with any questions or concerns to bruce.sassmann@house.mo.gov or call Jill Ryals in the office at 573-751-6668.