Senator Bill White’s Capitol Report for Jan. 13, 2022

Let the Policy Making Process Begin

Now that the opening formalities are over and a multitude of bills have been referred to committee, it’s time to tackle legislation and start scheduling public hearings. The Senate committee I chair, Seniors, Families, Veterans and Military Affairs, has had 10 proposals referred so far, and our first hearing is scheduled next week on Jan. 19.

One of my priority pieces of legislation this session, Senate Bill 669, was heard by the Governmental Accountability and Fiscal Oversight Committee on Jan. 13. The bill makes needed changes to our current tort laws to ensure fairness in the allocation of fault among multiple defendants, as well as protection for the original designer or manufacturer of a product from liability from injury caused by a product produced by a third party that is similar, or is a non-authorized copy of the original product.

You Can, Too!

On the opening day of session, the women of the Missouri Senate debuted a new children’s book titled, “You Can, Too!” The goals of this collaborative effort are to increase literacy, inspire girls to serve and highlight the record-breaking number of 11 women senators serving in the 101st General Assembly. The book follows the unique path each of our state’s 36 female senators have taken on their journey to the Missouri Senate. Contact my office to purchase a book.

Important Phone Numbers to Help You Stay Safe

The office of Missouri’s attorney general offers several important services to protect consumers and combat fraud. If you need to file a complaint, want to join the no-call list or suspect Medicaid fraud, here are the numbers to call:

Consumer Protection: 800-392-8222

No-Call Team: 866-662-2551

Medicaid Fraud: 800-286-3932

Red, White and Blue Heart Award Honors First Responders

To applaud and honor first responders who sustain serious, long-term injuries in the line of duty, Missouri will now present these heroes with a new Red, White and Blue Heart Award. If you know of a peace officer, firefighter, paramedic, EMT or emergency responder who was severely injured, or even killed, while trying to help others, nominate him or her for an award.

K9s on the Front Line in the Senate Chamber

I had the honor of meeting some loyal K9s with their handlers and introducing them on the floor during their visit to the State Capitol on Jan. 11. The nonprofit “K9s on the Front Line” provides free, fully trained PTSD service dogs to combat veterans in need.

Senators Bill White and Mike Bernskoetter gather with members of K9s on the Front Line during their visit to the Capitol.

Election Integrity Expert Visits Capitol

On Jan. 6, I was honored to introduce Dr. Douglas Frank on the floor of the chamber following a rally in the Rotunda and a meet and greet in the office of Rep. Ann Kelley. Doctor Frank is a physicist, inventor, professor and Nobel Peace Prize nominee who has been analyzing the 2020 election and election vulnerabilities.

Doctor Frank and Sen. White discuss election security on Jan. 6.

Confirming Gubernatorial Appointments

One of the roles of the Senate is to conduct hearings to confirm those seeking an appointment by the governor to serve on a state board or commission. More than a dozen confirmations were made on Jan. 12, including Jeanee’ Kennedy of Seneca, who has been appointed to the State Board of Nursing.

Jeanee’ Kennedy and Sen. White visit after her confirmation hearing on Jan. 12.

Welcoming Advocates from Our Community

I truly enjoy welcoming members of our community to the Capitol and hearing their perspectives on various issues. Below are a few highlights from the past week.

Senator White meets with members of the Missouri Optometric Foundation following their advocacy day on Jan. 10. He poses with Jeremy Fast, Mike Roberts and Carthage resident Shelby Baugh Bruner in his Senate office.

Chris Yaudas, Sen. White and Cathy Jo Loy discuss educational choice in his Senate office while the Children’s Education Alliance of Missouri held its annual rally at the Capitol.

Senator White and Jasper County Circuit Clerk Melissa Holcomb discuss salaries and other issues related to county employees.

Members of the Missouri Forest Products Association held their annual legislative breakfast on Jan. 12. Pictured here are Anthony Gruver, Sen. White, Joe and Christen Conway and Rep. Deaton.