The paper toss is a symbolic gesture noting the end of the legislative session. I think it was also a gesture of my frustration.

The session ended too soon and there was still a lot of good work to do. Unfortunately, our Missouri bicameral system of government causes the House and the Senate to be dependent on each other. When one chamber functions poorly, it reflects on the work of the other.

In the last weeks of session, the political parties in the Senate competed with each other to set new records for the longest filibuster. The Freedom caucus of the Republican party in the Senate tried to make a point by holding the legislative process hostage for 41 hours. A few days later, the Democratic party in the Senate wanted to prove a point and stood their ground for over 50 hours of filibustering. From my perspective there had to be a better way.

I heard some of the locals say the legislative body in Jefferson City is acting like the folks in Washington. It feels like it to me too. I hope folks are paying attention. We have some great folks representing us but a few bad apples can spoil the barrel. The election cycle is just ahead of us and the complexion of state government can change with just a stroke of the pen at the ballot box.

The paper toss is the symbolic ending of a session but for some of us it is the hope of a fresh start. Many of us have already begun trying to iron out the wrinkles of legislation that didn’t cut the mustard. We can make our legislation better, avoid the obstacles, and with the experience time gives us, be in a better position to serve.

Please continue to reach out to me. There are many services we can continue to provide to you between now and the start of the next session in January 2025. I’m ready to go again.

Please contact the office with any questions or concerns. You can email me bruce.sassmann@house.mo.gov or call Jill Ryals @ 573-751-6668.