Orientation & Freshman Bus Tour
As we get closer to the beginning of session things have been in motion. Soon after the November 5th Election we went down to Jefferson City to caucus and elect new Democratic leadership: Minority Floor Leader Rep. Ashley Aune, Asst. Minority Floor Leader Rep. Marlon Anderson, Minority Caucus Whip Rep. Aaron Crossley, Minority Caucus Chair Rep. Emily Weber, Minority Caucus Vice-Chair Rep. Kimberly-Ann Collins, Minority Caucus Secretary Rep. Eric Woods, Minority Caucus Policy Chair Rep. Bridget Walsh Moore.
Black Caucus also elected leadership as well. Rep. Michael Johnson as Chair, Rep. Yolonda Fountain Henderson as Vice-Chair, Rep. Yolanda Young as Secretary, and Rep. Mark Sharp as Treasurer.
During the Freshmen Bus tour we spent two weeks traveling across the state with 51 members from both parties. We toured biofuel processing plants, rock quarries, river ports, universities, military bases, nuclear plants, and so much more. The most productive meeting was held with Super-intendent Dr. Slagle of the Raymore-Peculiar School district, Rep. Bill Irwin, and Rep.Sherri Gallick. In an effort to create a pipeline for SLPS students to the apprenticeships programs; we all met to discuss the creation of the LEAD Center in the Raymore-Peculiar School district.I’m looking to follow their model and bring a LEAD center to the 78th.
Legislation
Pre-filing has opened in the capitol and hundreds of bills have been filed. The biggest fights we are likely to see are the local control of our police department, attempted reversal of amendment 3, and tax modification. There has been alot of discussion regarding City/County Merger due to Rep. Ian Mackey’s Bill. The word cloud below shows the top topics that have been filed.
I have several bills that are being filed; many focusing on gun violence, economic empowerment, and strengthening our democracy. You can find the complete list here:
| Sponsored Bill Number | Title/Notes | Status |
|---|---|---|
| HB 692 (1742H.01I) | Modifies interest rates of consumer installment loans | Pre-Filed |
| HB 693 (1658H.01I) | Adds improperly transporting or storing a firearm in a motor vehicle to the offense of unlawful use of a weapon | Pre-Filed |
| HB 694 – (1812H.01I) | Creates provisions for obtaining electronic signatures on initiative petitions | Pre-Filed |
| HB 695 – (1901H.01I) | Creates the offense of unlawful possession of a firearm by a minor | Pre-Filed |
| 1696H.01 | Authorizes municipalities and counties to pass ordinances requiring a concealed carry permit to carry a concealed weapon within the municipality or county | Drafted |
| (1653H.01I) | Designates the month of September as “Sickle Cell Awareness Month” in Missouri. | Drafted |
| (1649H.01I) | Designates final full week of April as as Infertility Awareness Week. | Drafted |
| (1753H.01) | Modifies section relating to red light violations, with penalty provisions. | Drafted |
| Establishes the Revitalizing Missouri Downtowns and Main Streets Act | Drafted | |
| Modifies provisions relating to persons convicted of a crime | Drafted | |
| Allows persons confined in jails to vote by absentee ballot. | Researching | |
| Modifies provisions relating to good time credit for offenders committed to the department of corrections. | Researching |
Introducing 78D Staff
I will be in Jefferson City from January through May. In order to maintain a connection with the community I will be adding several people to the team:
| Name | Title | |
|---|---|---|
| Jaime Walz | Legislative Assistant | Jaime.Walz@House.Mo.Gov |
| Cydney Johnson | Community Outreach Specialist | Cydney@MartyJoeMurray.com |
| Christopher Brown | Communications Manager | Comms@MartyJoeMurray.com |
The Legislator Assistant is responsible for assisting a House member with administrative functions as needed; receives telephone calls, emails, and visits from the member’s constituents and the general public and provides an appropriate response in a timely manner; creates and maintains databases, files and other organizational systems; researches and tracks legislation, bills, and other related issues; coordinates and develops the district newsletter; and coordinates field trips to the Capitol, conferences and special events.
The Community Outreach Specialist is responsible for assisting a House member with administrative functions as needed; receives telephone calls, emails, and visits from the member’s constituents and the general public and provides an appropriate response in a timely manner; creates and maintains databases, files and other organizational systems; researches and tracks legislation, bills, and other related issues; coordinates and develops the Capitol Corner. Composes a variety of materials and correspondence with accuracy. Coordination of district events: Senior Ice Cream Socials, Townhalls, Office Hours, Etc.
The Communication Manager develops and executes strategies to effectively convey the Representative’s legislative goals, policies, and accomplishments to constituents, stakeholders, and the media.
Swearing-In Ceremony
It has been an absolute honor to serve the 78th District. Please join me for the swearing-in. If you plan to join please RSVP to MJM@MartyJoeMurray.com.
Marty Joe Murray, Jr 