Recently, the Missouri House of Representatives passed its version of the state budget set to begin on July 1. Unfortunately, the Republican House majority passed a budget that falls far short of meeting the needs of our state.
For example, House Republicans cut more than $170 million in federal funding for services for the elderly and disabled. It makes zero sense to turn down federal money for our most vulnerable citizens. These dollars keep people safe while also supporting the jobs needed to provide this critical care. These types of cuts are bad for our economy and bad for vulnerable Missourians.
The budget now heads to the State Senate where lawmakers there can hopefully correct the errors made by House leadership. It is often said the Senate is the last line of defense in stopping our state from careening into a ditch. That’s because there are ten Democrats in the Senate who can work with eight reasonable Republicans to invest in Missouri’s future. Unfortunately, several of these eight Republicans are retiring. That is why it is so important we grow the Democratic coalition we have and not lose any seats this November. The future of our state depends on it.
Representative Robert E. Sauls, a Democrat, represents the eastern part of Independence in Jackson County (District 21) in the Missouri House of Representatives. He was elected to his first two-year term in November 2018.
Prior to his legislative duties, Sauls was a Jackson County Prosecuting Attorney and a public defender. He also served as an assistant staff judge advocate in the United States Air Force.
Sauls graduated from William Chrisman High School in 1998. He received a bachelor’s degree in International Business from William Jewell College in 2002 and a juris doctorate from Thomas M. Cooley Law School in 2008.
Born in Independence, Sauls is a fourth generation resident and currently resides there with his son, Jackson.
