Bill Pre-Filing Begins for the Missouri House on December 3
The 100th General Assembly is gearing up for the 2019 legislative session that begins January 9. In advance of the upcoming legislative session, members are able to pre-file bills starting in December.

While the typical pre-filing start date is December 1, the House begins its pre-filing period on Monday, December 3. Bills will continue to be pre-filed by House members up until the start of the 2019 session.

The pre-filing period typically moves at a hectic pace as lawmakers file hundreds of bills. Leading up to the 2018 session, House members filed nearly 300 bills in the first five days of the pre-filing period. When it was all said and done, House members pre-filed 638 pieces of legislation leading up to the 2018 regular session. This figure eclipsed the previous record that was set leading up to the 2016 session when House members pre-filed 623 bills.

The pre-filing period for the 2019 session is sure to see a similar level of activity as both returning and new members seek to address pressing issues in the state and in their districts by filing legislation.

To check on the bills as they are pre-filed, please visit the official website of the Missouri House of Representatives at www.house.mo.gov and click on the “Bill List” link.

Governor Proclaims December 3-9 as Computer Science Education Week
During both the 2018 regular session and an extraordinary session called by the governor, lawmakers made it a priority to help prepare Missouri’s young people for the thousands of unfilled computer science jobs in the state. Now, the governor has proclaimed the week of December 3-9 to be Computer Science Education Week in Missouri. The week is part of a national event that will focus on the importance of computer science education and giving students the skills to meet growing workforce demands.

“In 2017, Missouri had approximately 10,000 computer science jobs left unfilled. Recognizing Computer Science Education Week is a further step Missouri is taking to encourage and promote these fields and secure more of these jobs as we continue to improve our economy and provide Missouri students with the skills needed to secure high-paying jobs,” said Governor Parson.
During the 2018 extraordinary session, lawmakers approved HB 3 to institute a STEM Career Awareness Program for 6th-8th graders designed to promote careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. The legislation also requires the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to develop a high school graduation policy that allows a student to fulfill one unit of academic credit with a district-approved computer science course for any math, science, or practical arts unit required for high school graduation. The legislation is meant to better prepare tomorrow’s workforce for the many unfilled computer science positions in the technology industry.

“Missouri legislators recently took a bold step to support K-12 computer science education by becoming the first state to pass legislation during a special session expanding course opportunities,” said Governor Parson. “As we continue to focus our efforts on increasing awareness in computer science education, our students will be better prepared and equipped with the skills to succeed and meet tomorrow’s workforce demands.”

I do appreciate your input on matters of importance to you, your family, and community. If, at any time, you have questions, concerns or ideas to improve our state government and the quality of life for Missouri citizens, please feel free to contact me at 573-751-1459 or e-mail me at gary.cross@house.mo.gov. Thank you for taking an active role by voicing your opinions on our state and national government issues. Thank you for the honor to serve the 35th District.