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Health & Fitness

2013 Missouri Legislative Session - Capitol Report I

Updates about issues the House of Representatives will face this session, including education, energy and economic development.

“A wise and frugal Government, which shall restrain men from
injuring one another, which shall leave them otherwise free to regulate their
own pursuits of industry and improvement, and shall not take from the mouth of
labor the bread it has earned. This is the sum of good government, and this is
necessary to close the circle of our felicities.”
Thomas Jefferson

This past week, as Old Man Winter’s icy grasp relented somewhat, public officials
journeyed from the four corners of the State and everywhere in between to convene in Jefferson City.

As I stood in the House Chamber on Wednesday, amidst the history and grandeur of the House Floor, I raised my right hand and swore to uphold the Constitutions of the United States and the State of Missouri. I was overcome with a feeling of obligation and duty to you, my constituents, and the people of our great state. I want you to know I am truly humbled and honored to have the opportunity to serve in the People’s House as your Speaker, and as your State Representative.

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You will notice that the format of my Capitol Report will change as we develop ways to deliver more information to you in a more efficient manner. It is my hope that this will make the ties between you and your government that much closer. After all, government is best when it is closest to the people.

This Week’s Video Log NEW!

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Each week I hope to give you an up-close look at the legislative process and the dynamics that shape the policies we support or oppose. In this week’s video log (VLOG) (click the link below), you’ll see a glimpse of just one of the many logical, practical, and fiscally-responsible reasons why House Republicans will continue to stand against not only Washington’s failed social agenda, but also Governor Nixon’s blind support of it. Visit my blog at http://speakertimjones.blogspot.com/2013/01/test-video-post.html to watch more.

Education

As we enter into the First Regular Session of the 97th General Assembly, some of the most important issues facing us are how we will continue to provide appropriate levels of funding for our schools, properly evaluate teacher performance, place more emphasis on local control, and encourage parental involvement to ensure our children are receiving the best possible education. 

Economic Development

There is one thing many in Jefferson City can agree on and that is that better jobs mean better quality of life for all Missourians. This interim, I visited with countless constituents and other legislators to learn their thoughts on how to improve Missouri’s economic position because it is time our unemployment rate was the lowest in the nation and not just average. 

Energy

Energy policy is often debated in legislatures nationwide and ours is no different.
Though we typically identify its impact as determining how much it costs us to flip on the light switch at home, energy policy means much more than that. Energy costs also affect the companies that grow, manufacture, deliver, and sell necessary goods to the public. Poor energy policy won’t just make your electric bill go up, it will make the price of your milk, eggs, diapers, cars – you name it – increase. 

Personal News and Notes

A very, very special thanks to my dear family, my incredibly hard working and patient wife, Suzanne, and to our beautiful and very energetic girls, Katie and Abby, for all of their incredible support over these many years of public service. They are my rocks and my foundation, and it is because of their love and their care that I am able to serve to the best of my ability. A very special thanks as well to my parents, Dr. Bill and JoAnn Jones, for making me the man I am today.

Last, but not least, a special thank you to all of my family, my friends and supporters across the State as well as my colleagues and staff at my law firm and in the Capitol Office. Thank you all for all you do every day!

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