Northwest Missouri lawmakers talk legislative wins and local priorities at Chamber breakfast

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- Key lawmakers representing Northwest Missouri gathered early Thursday morning for the Chamber of Commerce’s Public Affairs Coffee to brief local leaders and residents on the 2025 Missouri legislative session.  

Among those in attendance were State Representatives Bill Falkner, R-District 10, Brenda Shields, R-District 11, Dean Van Schoiack, R-District 9 and Sean Pouche, R-District 13, along with State Senator and Senate Majority Floor Leader Tony Luetkemeyer, R-Parkville

One of the session’s major measures, House Bill 199, drew detailed commentary.

Originally, just four pages focused on Chapter 100 bonds, the bill evolved after Rep. Shields encouraged it to be sent to the committee.

After multiple revisions, including additions supported in Kansas City and St. Louis and a nuisance amendment by a Senate colleague, the bill aims to support smaller counties’ economic development efforts. 

Senator Luetkemeyer, who served as Majority Floor Leader, reflected on his role in building cooperation in a notoriously divided chamber.

"It was important to build member relationships within the Senate," Sen. Luetkemeyer said.  

Rep. Shields also spoke about school safety legislation, including measures requiring emergency operation plans, anti-intruder door locks and the Stop the Bleed Act. Senate Bill 68, she added, focuses on behavioral and homicidal risk assessments in schools to improve prevention. 

“It’s really important for our students to feel safe in the classroom. All of our schools have to develop safety plans for their school to be able to know what's going to happen in an emergency," Rep. Shields said.

Rep. Shields added that schools should be equipped with CPR training and behavioral risk assessments to identify students who may be experiencing homicidal thoughts or other serious mental health challenges. While such information should remain confidential, it must be accessible to trusted adults or counselors responsible for the student's safety and well-being.

Rep. Pouche addressed infrastructure and asked whether former Gov. Parson’s vision of expanding Interstate 70 might still be realized in the future and Rep. Van Schoiack raised the importance of investing in electric power infrastructure, including the long-term possibility of new nuclear plants in Missouri. 

When asked what Missourians should be paying more attention to, each lawmaker gave a unique perspective: 

• Sen. Luetkemeyer: Underfunded rural roads 
• Rep. Faulkner: Local governments needing more direct funding 
• Rep. Shields: The impact of state decisions on local tourism 
• Rep. Pouche: Encouraging young people to vote locally and limiting state interference in local governance.
• Rep. Van Schoiack: Property tax reform and day-to-day challenges to property rights 

To learn more about Missouri legislators and their initiatives, visit house.mo.gov