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While Republicans have supermajorities in both chambers in Jefferson City this year, State Rep. David Tyson Smith (D-Columbia) is hopeful about the 2024 session. Representative Tyson Smith tells 939 the Eagle that people are tired of division.
“And it’s time for hope and it’s time for change. And I think, it doesn’t matter what party people are in: I believe we can work together and get things done that benefit everybody. We need to put down rancor and division and move forward and come together as a people,” Representative Tyson Smith says.
There are several issues where there is bipartisan support in both chambers. They include University of Missouri funding, transportation improvements, child care and state employee pay. Representative Smith plans to file a bipartisan bill this year aimed at preventing the stealing of vehicle catalytic converters. He says the issue impacts the entire state: rural, urban and suburban.
“It’s an epidemic in Missouri and around the country,” says Representative Tyson Smith.
He’s worked with State Rep. Don Mayhew (R-Crocker) for a few years on this issue. The Missouri House approved their bipartisan bill last year, but it died in the Senate due to a filibuster on unrelated issues.
Most of Missouri’s 196 state lawmakers will also be attending the Governor’s prayer breakfast tomorrow morning. It’s from 7:30 to 9:30 am at Jefferson City’s Capitol Plaza Hotel.
