An animal class and a 2-and-a-half year old … what could possibly go wrong?

Education is vital to the continued success of our great state. As your state senator, I was fortunate this session to be involved in helping draft legislation that will allow Missouri youth to achieve their full potential.

Is there any more iconic image of small-town 20th century Americana than the town band performing in a bandstand in the park on a warm summer night? I grew up near Marceline which takes pride in being Walt Disney’s boyhood hometown. The railroad still plays an important role, and next to the downtown depot is a charming park featuring the bandstand. Disney created a glamorized version of Marceline’s downtown now known to millions as “Main Street U.S.A.” in all Disney theme parks.

It’s good to know our economic development struggles aren’t just that of recent tradition.

At the close of this legislative week, there will only be three weeks left in the First Regular Session of the 97th General Assembly. Bills are moving rapidly between chambers, and debate is lively. However, my colleagues and I have also been busy with the progression of the state operating budget for FY 2014.

I don’t know what Jared Marcum did in the cafeteria, what kind of language he used or if he was threatening at all to the local police.

Are you tired of arguing about the same thing over and over again? Arguments go in circles. Forgetting what started the argument. Instead, focusing on how you are talking to each other, once sparks start popping.

The anti-news crowd was out en force this past week.

As a current member of the Missouri National Guard and vice chair of the Missouri Military Preparedness and Enhancement Commission, I know firsthand the benefits of making Missouri more military and veteran friendly. Over my time in the Legislature, I have sponsored several military bills that became law, including the exemption of military pensions from taxation. In the nine years I have been in Jefferson City, I have never seen more quality military legislation move through the system than is moving this year.

If Lee’s Summit City Hall is the kingdom – in this scenario, just play along with me – than the chairmanship of the Budget Committee certainly is the next best thing to the throne.

Presenting obvious characteristics indicating that one is from another culture always brings curiosity from the host community. This is often translated in the many questions the newcomer is asked such as, “What brought you to this community?” For those who never remember, I am often asked, “Where did you say you are from … again?”

Last December, we all grappled with the unthinkable slaughter at Sandy Hook Elementary School.

One of our most famous and recognizable Missouri residents, Mark Twain, said, “Always tell the truth. That way, you don’t have to remember what you said.” I think Twain knew a thing or two about branding. Our branding mantra revolves around consistency and relevance. Not one time will you come in contact with the Lee’s Summit brand, that we don’t remind you what the city stands for. Having a limited budget, we can’t afford to be inconsistent, much less talk about something that isn’t relevant and therefore will not resonate with our target audience.

I am always a little in awe when I go to Jefferson City.

As an intern for the 8th District and a Communications major, Kelsey Sullivan took the opportunity to spend a day shadowing Sen. Kraus and sharing with our office her observations of the work of a legislator.