Defending the Will of Voters

Senator Brian Williams’ Legislative Column for April 25, 2025

I hope everyone enjoyed the Easter weekend, despite the torrential downpours that fell during most of the waking hours. Now that my son is two, he has mastered the sport of egg hunting and is completely motivated by candy. He already knows how to make his daddy proud!

Defending the Will of Voters

On the evening before we recessed for Easter break, the minority party stood in solidarity for hours to force negotiations on a measure attempting to overturn the will of voters who overwhelmingly passed Proposition A during November’s General Election. We had to unite again this past Wednesday night when House Bill 567 was brought back up for debate. If this passes, the voter-approved minimum wage increase and requirement for employers to provide earned sick leave to their workers will be undone. It is extremely frustrating and unbelievable that we have to defend the will of voters from the Missouri Legislature, seemingly after every election cycle. I trust Missourians and their ability to choose what’s right. While I wish we could concentrate on passing productive proposals that would benefit the state instead of spending valuable time in a filibuster, I was elected to stand for the constituents of the 14th District who, along with the majority of the entire state, made a decision at the polls.

Standing for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

The argument over pulling funding for diversity, equity and inclusion resurfaced on the Senate floor April 23. Again, the minority party had to stand up against House Bill 742 to protect these important programs within state departments. I believe many of the proponents of this type of legislation are either not aware of, or misled by, what DEI efforts encompass, like helping the elderly, the disabled and rural areas of the state. I also suspect those in favor have never experienced the types of situations that warranted these policies in the first place. I explained some of my thoughts on the floor:

                                                                                                          

Thanks for Attending the Annual Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Forum!

On April 17, I hosted the annual Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Forum on the campus of University of Missouri-St. Louis. I want to personally thank the partners, the National Council of Jewish Women and the expert panelists who helped make the event a huge success.

DNR Photo Contest is Underway

From April 1 – Sept. 1, 2025, the Department of Natural Resources will host its annual photo contest for amateur photographers of all ages. The categories are natural resources, unique places and people enjoying Missouri’s outdoors. Visit dnr.mo.gov/photo-contest to see past winners and find more information.

Welcoming Guests

April 23 was the annual Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated event at the Capitol, a day when some of the most passionate and powerful African American women converge in Jefferson City to meet with lawmakers and advocate for minority populations. It is always great to welcome these trailblazers to the Missouri Capitol and learn about their latest initiatives!

                                                                                                                 

It is an honor representing each of you in the Missouri Senate. If you have any ideas to improve our district or questions about legislation, please contact my office at 573-751-4106 or visit my Senate website at senate.mo.gov/Williams.