Dear 151st District Constituents,
 
If any of you follow the news of Jefferson City, you can guess what kind of week this week has been.  Very different than what I expected for the last week of session and very out of the ordinary.  We have been able to, even with all the unusual events of this session, accomplish quite a bit of good for Missouri.
 
I will post at the end of this report a tentative schedule for the remainder of this month.  If you would like to schedule a meeting with me in district or would like to have me speak to a group, please feel free to call my office (573/751-1494) or you may text my cell (573/820-6052).
 
Beginning next week, I will begin composing a few posts on lessons that I have learned during this first term of session as well as updating you on the work that I am doing the interim.
 
Until next week,
Tila
 
Capitol News:

Statement Regarding Speaker Diehl's Resignation:
Following revelations that he engaged in an inappropriate relationship with a Capitol intern, Rep. John Diehl Jr. (R-Town and County) announced today that he would resign his position as Speaker of the House and as the State Representative for the 89th district.
 
Diehl’s decision to step down reflects his commitment to the Republican Caucus, saying, “I’m not going to further jeopardize what we have accomplished this year and what can be accomplished in the future.” Diehl went on to say [his actions were] “wrong and [he] is truly sorry… as a leader, I am responsible for my actions and I am willing to face the consequences."
 
The Republican Caucus and I fully support John Diehl’s decision to leave office immediately to focus on repairing his relationship with his wife and children; and to allow the Missouri House to return to its critical legislative obligations.
 
New Speaker Elected:

Representative Todd Richardson, R-Poplar Bluff, was elected to be the new Speaker of the House today.  I am very proud for Speaker Richardson and I am confident that he will lead the House in a manner that will be worthy of the task given to us by the people of Missouri.  Speaker Richardson was elected with bipartisan support in the House being the only nomination for Speaker.  His first day at the helm, we passed 31 pieces of legislation to the Governor and worked until 6pm which is when we are constitutionally required to close business.