The Difference in A Year

Missouri, United States of America – While it may only seem like 365 days to some, for me it seems like a lifetime.  Last year, during this time, I was at home literally laying on my living room floor bleeding as I recovered from being wounded in Iraq.  But this year, I’m trick or treating with my family and enjoying the change of the seasons, although it seems a littler colder than normal to me.  As I stood on the floor of the House of Representatives when the gavel fell this past September as veto and special sessions ended, it was vastly different than those still hot days in Baghdad completing missions with my team.  Looking up I noticed the sunshine through the stained glass bordering the ceiling seemed brighter than I remember.  The murals that adorn the walls of the chamber are now sharper in image, and the spectacle of another session being completed more contrasting than ever before.  While I feel myself in familiar surroundings and circumstances and the view may be the same, I assure you the perspective has changed.  Returning from Iraq and then back to complete the legislative session in Jefferson City, it’s only now at home for a few months that I’ve had time to reflect.  With the holiday season fast approaching and there being no sand under my feet, my thoughts aren’t about tomorrow’s mission, but instead I’m focusing on being a fulltime husband and father again.  Our summer at the Brown household was filled with a season of soccer, T-ball, a much needed camping vacation, a new puppy, and work on a long list my wife kept for me to complete once I returned home.    But as always, Jefferson City has that habit of causing me to remember what Mark Twain once said, “No citizen is safe when the legislature is in session.”  Sometimes in our zeal to pass laws and do good, I believe that some Representatives and even Senators can lose track of why we’ve been sent to govern in the first place.  With the passage of a new bill or even with changing simple words like “may” to “shall,” the opportunity can exist to do more harm than good.  At the end of each session as we scan with great scrutiny the numerous pages of text that accompany the omnibus bills, laws like remote ticketing always jump out at me.  As citizens I believe that none of us should give the authority to our government for issuing remote tickets to the owner of a vehicle proving guilt simply through a picture sent via the mail.  Protecting the rights of citizens from our government is an important part of being a legislator.  The unjust and overtaxation of citizens by our government is another area that demands constant attention.  The taxpayer should beware of and watch closely governing bodies that talk about surpluses and rolling back levies.  What this usually means is that individual citizens were overtaxed from the beginning.  Government isn’t supposed to be operating to make money, but instead only to break even and provide the necessary services.  Two pieces of legislation that I was happy to support were House Bill 444 (HB 444) and House Joint Resolution 7 (HJR 7).  HB 444 was the Social Security tax cut that caused our state to finally join 35 other states that don’t tax Social Security benefits.  Over the phase-in period, this old and unjust double taxation will be no more.  This bill also provided tax relief for teachers, firefighters, police officers, military personnel, federal employees and railroad workers.  Another piece of legislation that received a lot of coverage for being so decisive and partisan was HJR 7.  This proposed constitutional amendment with voter approval will make English the official language of Missouri.  Why is this so important?  I believe and agree that a common language is the cornerstone of a cohesive and united country, and by clarifying that English should be that language here in America, and also in the state of Missouri, just makes common sense to me.  What I don’t understand is why so many of my colleagues in both the House and the Senate were opposed to this measure and were upset by having to vote on the issue to place the amendment before the citizens of this state.  The ebb and flow of political ideology will continue in the capitol complex, but I hope the rights of citizens and the common sense our Creator gave us will prevail.So I do find myself back home after a year that was filled with challenges and experiences, working in the Capitol and at home in the district.  I remember during the past year while deployed in Iraq how nice it would have been to see my family.  I have been extremely blessed with that ability now.  Regardless of what we want, we should all strive to do our best under the circumstances we find ourselves in.  I try to always remember that no matter how bad we may have it, there is always someone else that has it worse.  While there were times when I honestly didn’t know if I would be returning to Jefferson City or even home for that matter, I can honestly say I feel blessed more now than ever before.  There is nothing quite like home and being with your family.  Big or small we all have problems and challenges to face, but we live here in America and that alone gives us a head start.  It’s what we do with our opportunity that I believe matters the most.  As I have heard in the district and even been asked by family and constituents concerning my future, I’ll tell you the truth here and now.  If I’ve learned nothing else over the past year, I’ve learned this:  I don’t think anybody knows absolutely what the future holds, but I’m extremely thankful for all the support that my family and I have received.  I’m your state representative, I’m home, and I will continue to work for a better Platte County and a better state government.  Through my experiences, my belief in God, Country, and Family are stronger than ever before.  I look forward to seeing everyone at home and in the district.  During this holiday season as we celebrate and give thanks, I hope and pray for all those who continue to stand in defense of our country and especially for those who have given the ultimate sacrifice so that we as a nation can enjoy our lives and our liberties.  Until next time, be safe and God Bless.         

STATE REPRESENTATIVE
JASON BROWN, DISTRICT 30 
State Capitol, Room 313-3
201 West Capitol Avenue
Jefferson City, MO 65101
Phone: (573) 751-6593
Fax: (573) 522-9278

Email: jason.brown@house.mo.gov