Madam President, ((Assuming that is proper))
I applaud my colleague from (insert state equivalent but credit to @TexAgRepublican) for introducing this legislation. I have consistently supported increased police funding and support during my time in the Missouri General Assembly. I continue to feel strongly on this subject; crime is a terrible affliction our country suffers. Millions every year are harmed directly or indirectly; even those who aren’t murdered, robbed, raped, abducted, assaulted, or threatened nonetheless suffer due to the decisions and lack of opportunities they face because of the possibility that they will be. At the same time, we have pulled back on law enforcement. Police are lacking resources, facing hiring shortages, and struggling to keep their communities safe.
Therefore, I call on every member of the General Assembly to enthusiastically support this bill. The safety of our people from brutal thugs and gang bosses is of paramount importance. As a Missourian, the crime situation out of our great cities, especially St. Louis, is a national embarrassment. It doesn’t just affect our own people, nor just the people of St. Louis. Just recently, we had the heartbreaking case of a young girl who traveled to St. Louis for a sports competition, and an out of control, criminal driver, who I believe was under the influence, had a past history, and should’ve been in prison, destroyed her life. It goes beyond St. Louis and its immediate communities. The crime problem exists all over our state, including in my hometown of Springfield. We must do more to combat it, and this is the first step.
I yield.