05/18/2026
A few minutes before the mandated 6pm deadline last Friday, May 15, the Missouri House of Representatives tossed their legislative paperwork into the air to celebrate the conclusion of the 2026 session after advancing a broad range of priorities shaped by the needs of Missourians across the state. A total of 100 bills were passed and ready to be sent to the Governor’s desk for his signature—a number that hadn’t been reached since the 2018 legislative session. Throughout the session, lawmakers focused on practical governing—addressing issues raised by constituents, local officials, employers, educators, law enforcement, and community stakeholders while updating laws and systems that affect Missourians’ everyday lives.
The result was a session centered on core government responsibilities: passing a balanced budget, advancing long-term tax reform, strengthening public safety tools, modernizing state operations, and improving economic competitiveness across Missouri.
One of the 100 bills that was truly agreed to and finally passed during the 71 days that the House convened was HB 2576. As a result, once the Governor signs the bill, the first full week of September will be observed every year throughout Missouri as “June’s Week”.
I created “June’s Week” to inspire Missourians to participate in appropriate events and activities that will raise public awareness of rare pediatric diseases, encourage early recognition of symptoms, and honor our state’s children and families affected by these diseases.
As many of you know, my six-year-old granddaughter June was diagnosed with ATRT-B (atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumor) last May. The large growth was carefully removed from her brain, followed by months of intense medical treatments, including four rounds of chemotherapy. During this time, our family met and bonded with several families who were facing the same crises as us. As the weeks passed, I became more convinced that it was my responsibility to be a voice at the Capitol for these families, including my own.
My family and I were overwhelmed with the total support that both the House and the Senate offered to make “June’s Week” a reality.
