Jefferson City ?"I am proud that we worked through the democratic process to try to return local control to the City of St. Louis. I was satisfied that the language in the final version of House Bill 71 would protect the rank and file officers of the SLPD, which was my main concern throughout this session. The provisions that I fought for would give widows and dependent children the opportunity to buy health insurance at the same cost a fallen officer had paid at the time of death. My provisions further included penalties to prevent interference from elected officials, whistle-blower protections and limits on the political activities of the police chief. Another priority that I fought for - on behalf of the rank and file - is the reconfiguration of the pension board to give active and retired members a fair chance at protecting and growing their pension fund. The inclusion of all of these provisions was well worth the fight. I am thankful that Mayor Slay agreed to protect the livelihood of rank and file police officers.
Unfortunately, House Bill 71 bill got ensnared in Republican politics in the House. Speaker Tilley ?who stated local control was a top priority for him in January ?held up the bill on the final day of session because of his issues with tax credit reform and the Aerotropolis proposal that would benefit Lambert St. Louis International Airport. This project would have brought thousands of jobs to the 14th senate district.
With all of the progress we made this year, I am very optimistic we can get the local control bill through the legislature in a special session or next year." |
