This past week, I listened in the House Committee on Conservation and Natural Resources as Representative Hardwick presented House Bill 2447.

HB 2447 promotes the development of new recycling technologies in Missouri — specifically, the recycling of asphalt shingles. Currently, most asphalt shingles are dumped in a landfill. Under Representative Hardwick’s proposed legislation, these asphalt shingles could be recycled, processed, and repurposed pursuant to rules established by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. 

Although the Committee voted to approve this legislation, I was surprised to see that my colleagues on the other side of the aisle all voted no. Unfortunately, this partisan response is more common than I’d like. Good legislation is often complicated by politics.

One of the highlights of the last week was the passage of the No Patient Left Alone act. Over the past two years, we’ve watched through the windows of hospitals and nursing homes as our family members have suffered. Healthcare facilities became prisons for our loved ones. Every patient deserves to have an advocate by their side. I’m proud to support this important bill, and I hope the Senate acts quickly on this important issue.

This past Thursday, the legislature started our annual spring break. We’ll be back in the Capitol on Monday, March 21, for the last big push to close out the 101st General Assembly. In the meantime, please don’t hesitate to contact me. We’ll continue to work on your behalf.

(State Rep. Bruce Sassmann, a Republican from Bland, may be reached at 573-751-1344, or via email to bruce.sassmann@house.mo.gov).