Representative John Black Talks to the Marshfield Mail

Mid-term voting will be here soon! Tuesday, November 8 is voting day. Some may see this as an annoyance; others, a reason for celebration.

When it comes to government, a mere classroom version of its organization may seem simple to comprehend, even treasured, for its organizational design. But in real life, the government can seem to be a huge, daunting, bureaucratic mess, even a disaster. Also, if we listen to some news sources about what really happens, alarm bells should start to go off inside our heads. Every single government official may have extremely sinister side agendas, if we are to believe some of these “informants.”

With a desire to figure out more, the Marshfield Mail turns to Mr. John Black for firsthand information on what actually goes on in our state’s government. He is a legislative representative for most of Webster County, serving us since 2018 in the Missouri General Assembly lower chamber, the House of Representatives.

What is Representative Black’s typical day on the job? He shares, “Committee hearing of bills usually starts at 8 am. Following committee, there may or may not be a break before a caucus for a few minutes to discuss what will be brought to the floor that day or in the next few days. Floor discussion and debate follows, sometimes done by afternoon, and sometimes continuing into the evening.”

In Missouri, almost 2000 bills are considered during each session. A few hundred will end up getting passed. But, many times, bills get combined, so a bill that seems as though it didn’t get passed may be included on another one.

When asked what would make him sponsor a bill, he responds that it’s “based on experience and/or interest. Budget proposals are included in one of the annual budget bills. On that basis I have sponsored language or budget proposals that have been passed in the areas of education, mental health, law enforcement, veterans, economic development, utilities and substance abuse. Often legislators with similar interests work together to see proposals passed.”

Typically, bills get referred to a committee first. “In committee, bills can be amended and improved, and then referred to the floor for additional review.” Why go through this extra step? Because, “when the committee process is skipped, and a bill attempted to be added directly by amendment on the floor, mistakes are more likely.” Black explains.

The committees are not random. Black informs, “A representative is assigned to committees by the Speaker of the House, usually at the request of the representative, based on experience and interest.”

One concern Black sees is a population too dependent on its government. “Don’t expect government to solve all your problems. Some people truly need state assistance, but our society is dealing with problems to the degree never encountered before. Crime, child abuse, irresponsible parents (how many grandparents are raising grandchildren?), drugs, unwed births- in general, in my opinion, a falling away of the religious and moral foundation of our country, which puts government, including schools, in places they were never intended to be.”

Black continues that “Despite significantly increased state spending (due to increased federal pass through money, and a good state economy, generating more revenue), as examples, state spending for mental health is up 21% this year, Health and Senior Services up 22 per cent, Social Services up 14 per cent (Medicaid alone to over 16 Billion dollars total, the largest single budget item), Elementary and Secondary Education at over ten billion dollars (still less than Medicaid), the problems increase. Government can only do so much.”

Although our legislators have to deal with these harsh realities of society, Black has had good experiences while serving our county, ensuring us that “There are a lot of good people elected to the House and Senate. I have made many wonderful friends who are only there to represent their constituents to the best of their ability.”

When asked what he’s planning on when his terms are up, he shares that he will, “Act like a retiree. Spend more time with family, volunteer at church or charity, travel, more good bird hunting and bad golf, if health remains and Good Lord willing.”

So, what is his advice on how the public can stay involved? “Just do your part as a responsible citizen. Go to work if you can, and respect those families that choose for a parent to stay home to raise the kids; take your kids to church; help out with school and community organizations when you can; pay your taxes; VOTE; try, like I am, to be more like our good friend Johnny Brooks, that the glass is half full rather than half empty, and be ready to help. If we all do our part based on the God given liberty we enjoy, we will be ok.”