Session 2013 – Capitol Report XIII: "The free press is a pillar on which our society rests"

"Our liberty depends on the freedom of the press, and that cannot be limited without being lost."
   - Thomas Jefferson

Session 2013 – Capitol Report XIII

A news story recently came to my attention that gave me pause. The basic premise of the article was that a reporter was being asked by a judge to disclose her sources under a caveat in the Colorado law that exempts journalists from being compelled to do so. Though I am not familiar with all the facts and have yet to cast my own final opinion, my inclination, as it always is, is to support the journalist’s freedom to obtain information and bring it to the public’s table for consideration. 

Despite my attempts to keep you abreast of the issues of the day, a job which I take incredibly seriously (great effort is put into this weekly publication and into many others that are produced by my office and by other members, both
Democrat and Republican), the free press is a pillar on which our society rests.  Citizens not so fortunate to live within borders that allow such personal freedom are envious of the ability for everyday citizens to both praise and criticize their government leaders. It is with this sense of deep respect for journalism that I continue to offer my readers insight into the inner workings of their legislature this past week and will continue to do so. I hope you find this information useful and engaging. Read on to learn more. 

The Missouri Solution: Market-Based Medicaid Transformation

No doubt you have heard in the news that Governor Nixon met with Republicans this week to promote his ideas for Medicaid and to intimate that he supports our
efforts of true, positive, Medicaid transformation in Missouri. Click here to read more.

House Supports Military Veterans with HB 168

When veterans return home from service, they often make the decision to advance their education in support of their careers and families. Unfortunately, our public school system has residency requirements that sometimes force our returning veterans to pay out-of-state tuition rates. Representative Charlie Davis took note of this and proposed House Bill 168. Click here to read more.

Consent Bills Move to the Senate

This week, the Missouri House moved through our consent bill calendar. Consent bills must be considered non-controversial, cost nothing to implement, and may not reduce revenue. While these bills may not bring overarching reform, they represent Missouri’s basic goals, values, and commitments. The following list is a small sampling of consent bills that have passed the House this session. Click here to read more. 

This Week’s Vlog

At the beginning and conclusion of each legislative week, I meet with the media and the press to discuss the issues of the day.  This is yet another way that my office encourages access for every Missouri citizen to the state’s governing bodies. I hope you find it insightful and informative. Click here to hear more.