Greetings from Jefferson City. I sincerely hope everyone had a blessed Easter weekend. The Senate returned to action on Tuesday for a very emotional occasion as we held our Senate Memorial Ceremony, honoring those previous senators who have recently passed away. This year, the ceremony included honoring my father, Dr. Dan Brown.

It was truly my honor to respond to the final roll call when the lieutenant governor read my father’s name, and place the rose representing his life of service. Our times of service didn’t overlap, but several of my colleagues were in the Senate at the same time as him. It was great to remember and laugh along with them as they shared their memories and, more importantly, how much respect they had for him.

I have added another of my bills to the Senate “Bills for Perfection” calendar. Senate Bill 1018 was passed by the Senate Commerce, Consumer Protection, Energy and the Environment Committee on April 3. The original bill was aimed at ensuring broadband and video service providers are protected from financial setbacks due to government entities requiring the moving or removal of infrastructure. While in committee, the bill was refocused to provide the same protection for all nonrate regulated utility providers who have to move their facilities or property due to road maintenance or construction. I understand that we need to update and maintain our transportation system, but we also need to protect the businesses that provide essential services in the 21st Century that are impacted by that effort.

Senate Bill 1018 is now ready for discussion by the entire Senate and I look forward to working with my colleagues to get it perfected, passed and on to the Missouri House of Representatives.

The next five weeks will be fast-paced and pivotal in the legislative session as the Senate has now received the 2025 operating budget from the House. We have a constitutional mandate to have the budget completed and to the governor’s desk by May 10. There is no shortage of opinions and needs concerning this year’s budget, so I know it will take a lot of work to get it done in this short turnaround. My promise to you is that I will fight for the needs of the 16th Senatorial District and make sure that we pass a fiscally responsible and conservative budget.

It’s my honor to serve as your senator for the 16th District. If you have questions or need any assistance, please call my office at 573-751-5713 or log onto my webpage at senate.mo.gov/brown for more information.

It’s my honor to serve as your senator for the 16th District. If you have questions or need any assistance, please call my office at 573-751-5713 or log onto my webpage at senate.mo.gov/brown for more information.