Leadership positions

Over the years, Southeast Missouri has increasingly become a power player in state government when it comes to elected officials in leadership. The trend continues this year as several local officials have been elected or appointed to key positions.

A new speaker, Steve Tilley, R-Perryville, is leading the Missouri House. Rob Mayer, R-Dexter, was elected by his colleagues to the Senate President Pro Tem position.

Both Tilley and Mayer have made recent committee appointments, and several Southeast Missouri lawmakers have been chosen.

Sen. Jason Crowell, R-Cape Girardeau, will now serve as chairman of the veterans affairs, emerging issues, pensions and urban affairs committee. He'll also serve on committees dealing with gubernatorial appointments as well as small business, insurance and industry. Crowell holds another position of importance as a member of the special committee for redistricting -- an especially important task as Missouri prepares to lose a congressional seat.

Rep. Wayne Wallingford, R-Cape Girardeau, has been appointed to four committees: higher education, health care policy, appropriations for public safety and corrections and economic development. Wallingford will serve as vice chairman of the higher education committee.

Donna Lichtenegger, R-Jackson, was appointed to committees on health insurance, higher education, professional registration and licensing and appropriations for health, mental health and social services.

Rep. Billy Pat Wright, R-Dexter, serves as the chairman of the committee on emerging issues in animal agriculture. Other committee assignments for Wright include those of veterans issues, agriculture policy and general administration appropriations.

Rep. Steve Hodges, D-East Prairie, serves on the agribusiness, education appropriations, health care policy and rural community development committees.

Rep. Ellen Brandom, R-Sikeston, serves on the economic development, financial institutions, professional registration and licensing and corrections committees.

While strong representation in the state Capitol is an honor for Southeast Missouri, these legislators have their work cut out for them. An estimated $500 million to $700 million revenue shortfall is expected as legislators look to pass a budget for the next fiscal year. These will be difficult decisions that will affect many individuals not only in Southeast Missouri but also across the state.