Representative Seitz wraps up productive term and looks ahead to next year

Brian Seitz, State Representative in Missouri's District 156, has just completed another successful term in office. Seitz, who was first elected to the position of State Representative in November 2020 and took office in January 2021, has served three two-year terms, representing the Branson area in Jefferson City. Seitz feels that this past term, which ended on May 15, was very productive.

"I had some major legislation pass this session that has statewide ramifications," said Seitz. "Having completed my third term, the ability to navigate an at times complex system, and having made the relationships necessary to be an effective legislator works in my favor. In many areas I have become one of the major spokesmen of the House of Representatives. Mine is often the face seen on the news or the voice on statewide radio. As Republicans, we sometimes have difficulty getting our message out and I help with that. Previously owning a local newspaper and having pastored a church makes me comfortable as a communicator and advocate. Working with Senator Hudson has been a joy. We teamed up, sometimes beginning in the House and sometimes the Senate, on numerous pieces of legislation that passed both chambers. Together we passed the major pro-life legislation, the number one House priority, what became Senate Bill 999, the Born Alive Protection Act. We also passed legislation to protect businesses in the state with the Act Against Abusive Website Legislation or Web Content Access Litigation. On the last day of session, I passed, as an amendment on a Senate bill, requiring background checks for those working with children in camps that involve overnight stays."

This past term saw Seitz continuing to serve as the Chairman of the Special Committee on Tourism and on the Board of the Statewide Tourism Commission, where he worked to keep funding for tourism in place.

Said Seitz, "Budget cuts are necessary in state government, but once again, Senator Hudson and I teamed up, along with fellow representatives, to keep tourism fully funded. To that end, we also passed the Tourism Supplemental Revenue Fund, to ensure that the monies collected via tourism are earmarked to continue to promote the state."

Seitz also shared that his six years in office have allowed him to put Branson, Hollister and the Lakes region in the spotlight. This past year involved a specific request from the City of Hollister.

"Hollister had asked for a line item in the budget for a water tower, and with Senator Hudson taking the lead, that was accomplished to the tune of three million dollars, subject to governor's approval," Seitz explained.

Seitz plans to run for his fourth and final term as Missouri State Representative and is gearing up for a strong campaign season.

"My ability to accomplish tasks and advocate for the district is second to none at the State Capitol. I'm term limited, so after reelection I will have two years left as our State Representative. My son Daniel, Senator Hudson's Chief of Staff, also runs my campaign. Knowing that I have massive support in the 156th District will nonetheless see us running a strong campaign," said Seitz. "The official campaign kickoff will be June 27 at the Branson Hollister Lions Club. "Ours is a conservative Christian area of the state and I feel I exemplify those values. As a veteran I know how to fight for causes we believe in and how to win for the district. Protecting our Second Amendment rights and leading the charge for lower taxation, while maintaining necessary programs for the underprivileged and infrastructure needs is something I'm very aware of."

If reelected to the office of State Representative, Seitz has definite plans for his final term, including reintroducing legislation to increase the statute of limitations for adult victims of child sexual abuse. He will continue as a leader in pro-life legislation and advocate for our local schools.

When asked how he plans to enjoy his "off season" before the election kicks off, Seitz answered, "There really isn't any off-season. I am constantly in meetings, both with and without the district, attending events and listening to the needs of the people. I am in constant contact with my legislative assistant, Denise Leigh, either asking for constituent services to be done or communicating with fellow representatives and leadership. There are elected officials who show up to vote, and there are those of us that do the actual work to get things done. Relationships are key in any endeavor and never more so than in government. There is no down time if you're doing the job right."

Seitz is very appreciative of the support he continues to receive from those in the Branson and Hollister area.

"The support of those living in the 156th District has been phenomenal. We live in the best part of the state, a region where you still care about your neighbors and almost everyone is desirous of the others' good," Seiz noted. "I want to encourage people to vote and become active in their communities. Look to the needs of others. It's one thing to protest and complain, especially on social media, and totally another to become involved. As Republican caucus chaplain, it is my desire to represent Christ in what I say and do."