Rupp: Several Committees Announced for the Missouri Senate

In the Missouri Senate, we recently finished our first full week of the First Regular Session of the 96^th General Assembly. It is absolutely wonderful being back at the Capitol, and I look forward to advancing my sponsored legislation and discussing measures that can make Missouri a better place to live, work, and raise a family.

This week, several Senate committees were announced by Senate Leader Robert. N. Mayer, and I am thrilled to have been elected to chair the Small Business, Insurance and Industry Committee. This particular committee discusses legislation that concerns the ownership and functionality of small businesses, as well as life, accident, indemnity, and other varieties of insurance. The committee also considers measures concerning labor management, fair employment standards, workers’ compensation, and employment security within the state of Missouri. In addition, the committee considers bills relating to industrial development.

Our state has experienced difficult times with the economy, and I look forward to working to pass legislation that will put Missourians back to work and make owning a business easier for employers. I have run a small business myself; my brother and I founded a college preparatory company, Educational Funding & Financial Aids Specialists. I also founded the investment firm Rupp & Associates. Therefore, I understand the challenges local businesses face, and so allowing them to be productive in our state and to retain quality employees is a top priority of mine.

In addition to serving as chair of the Small Business, Insurance and Industry Committee, I have been chosen to serve as vice-chair of the Appropriations Committee. This committee is responsible for considering all legislation regarding general appropriations and public funding. I am committed to passing a balanced budget without raising taxes while protecting taxpayers in the state. I will also be serving on the Senate’s Education Committee and General Laws Committee.

I am so thankful to have been appointed to these Missouri Senate Committees. I know I will have many opportunities to see legislation pass that could truly benefit our state.

As our session progresses, I will keep you up to date with all my legislative matters and happenings, and as always, if you have any questions regarding this matter or any other issues within state government, please visit my website at www.senate.mo.gov/rupp. You can also e-mail me or call my office toll-free at (866) 271-2844.