Senate President Pro Tem O’Laughlin Announces Formation of New Select Committees

Missouri Senate President Pro Tem Cindy O’Laughlin, R-Shelbina, announced Tuesday the formation of three new select committees tasked with examining key issues related to government accountability, property tax reform and state-funded diversity initiatives.
 “These committees reflect the Senate’s continued commitment to protecting taxpayers, improving government efficiency and ensuring equal treatment under the law,” said Sen. O’Laughlin. “I’ve appointed strong leaders to chair each committee who I know will take their responsibilities seriously and deliver results for the people of Missouri.”

 The newly formed committees and their leadership are as follows:
Select Committee on Government Modernization and Transformation
Senator Brad Hudson, R-Cape Fair, Chair
Senator Cindy O’Laughlin, Vice Chair
Senator Jamie Burger, R-Benton
Senator Tracy McCreery, D-St. Louis County
Senator Steven Roberts, D-St. Louis
This committee will examine the efficiency of Missouri’s administration of government, including the management of state properties and contracting processes.

 “I’m thankful to Pro Tem O’Laughlin for choosing me to lead this important effort,” said Sen. Hudson. “In my opinion, there is no question that state government is too large. I look forward to working with my colleagues to identify ways to rein in wasteful government spending and save taxpayer dollars.”

Select Committee on Property Taxes and the State Tax Commission
Senator Sandy Crawford, R-Buffalo, Chair
Senator Brad Hudson, Vice Chair
Senator Joe Nicola, R-Grain Valley
Senator Rick Brattin, R-Harrisonville
Senator Maggie Nurrenbern, D-Kansas City
Senator Stephen Webber, D-Columbia

The committee will study the current climate of real and personal property taxation and evaluate the performance of the State Tax Commission.

 “Families and farmers across our state are feeling the squeeze of rising property taxes,” said Sen. Crawford. “It is also important that we understand how adjusting property taxes effects not only our citizens, but the various entities they fund. I look forward to working with the committee as we find solutions that ease the burden on our taxpayers, while still funding necessary services.”

Select Committee on Equal Protection and DEI
Senator Mike Moon, R-Ash Grove, Chair
Senator Rick Brattin, Vice Chair
Senator Joe Nicola
Senator Karla May, D-St. Louis
Senator Barbara Anne Washington, D-Kansas City

 This committee will review state funding of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs as defined in Executive Order 25-18 and examine whether current practices align with the principles of equal protection under the law.
 “Missourians want their government focused on fairness, not ideology,” said Sen. Moon. “Our committee will ensure state dollars are spent in a way that treats everyone equally and upholds the Constitution.”
 Each committee is charged with producing a detailed report that includes policy recommendations, an evaluation of current practices and suggestions for legislative changes. Reports will be issued in alignment with Missouri’s conservative vision of limited, effective government.