Perspective: Legislature wraps up productive session

The 2018 regular legislative concluded Friday at 6 p.m. Much was accomplished since the session began in January. Many good bills were passed by both Houses, and just as importantly, many bad bills were kept from passing.

Through a lens that I have endeavored not to shade with bias or nostalgia, this session was the most productive of any I have been a part of. It was not always easy, and it certainly was not without contention. But it was marked by bipartisan cooperation between the House and Senate.

Instead of the traditional role, for the last several months the state has been led on the path to economic growth and opportunity by Speaker Todd Richardson and Sen. Ron Richard. Truly, these men are in the right place at the right time for Missouri, and I am grateful to both of them.

As of 6 p.m. Friday, the Legislature's accomplishments include: important labor and tax reform, including cuts to both the corporate and individual rates, and reformed historic preservation tax credits allowing our state to preserve its rich history in a financially responsible way.

Knowing that infrastructure is critical to moving Missouri forward, we passed legislation to increase investment in utility infrastructure and put a solution for increasing funding for roads and bridges on the ballot so Missourians can decide if this is an appropriate way to fund transportation.

Additionally, this session addressed: workforce development, tort reform, STEM training, rural broadband access, improving agriculture, criminal justice reform, protecting veterans, seniors and children, and fighting the opioid crisis. This list is not exclusive, but highlights the efforts of the last five months. In the coming weeks, I will provide additional, more detailed information on legislation.

The sense of accomplishment and high spirits that rightfully accompany the end of the regular session were quickly tempered by the beginning of a special session to consider findings of the House investigative committee. While I would have preferred the governor not to have put the Legislature in this position, the Senate is prepared to act in accordance with the Constitution, should it be necessary, based upon the House's actions.

This was my eighth and final legislative session. It has been my honor to represent the 6th Senate District and facilitate statewide goals and priorities as majority floor leader. I am thankful for your thoughts and prayers, as well as for your candid insights.

Finally, I would like to thank Carolyn Loethen and Adam Gresham for their help and friendship over these last eight sessions. I could not have done this without Carolyn keeping me straight, and I wish her the best as she winds down a distinguished and dedicated career in state government.

State Sen. Mike Kehoe, R-Jefferson City, represents the 6th Senate District. He shares his perspective each Monday during the session and occasionally during the interim.