State Representative Brandon Phelps

06/15/2026

I am saddened to learn of the passing of Johnson County Western District Commissioner Charlie Kavanaugh.

Over the last ten years, Charlie has been a dedicated public servant who faithfully and selflessly served the people of western Johnson County, ensuring they had a voice in their county government. Our community is better today because of Charlie’s commitment to service.

Please join me in sending his family and friends our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

It is with profound sadness that the Johnson County Commission announces the passing of Western Commissioner Charlie Kavanaugh.

Charlie was a dedicated public servant to the residents of Johnson County, serving as Western Commissioner since January 1, 2017. During his time as commissioner, Charlie was an integral part of improving the county’s financial and economic standing, paying off the lease purchase of the Johnson County Justice Center earlier than expected, reducing the county property tax levies and improving the safety of the county roads and bridges while maintaining a balanced budget.

On behalf of the elected officials and employees of Johnson County, Commissioners Matthews and Sproat would like to extend heartfelt condolences to Charlie’s wife, Sharon Kavanaugh and his extended family and friends. Charlie will be greatly missed.

06/11/2026

On this week’s edition of “Under Two from the Capitol.” Please enjoy an update on some of our own legislation that we were able to get across the finish line this session.

06/04/2026

I have had some members of our community reach out to me regarding video lottery terminal (VLT) machines. This week, please enjoy the return of “Slightly Over Two from the Capitol.” As we discuss VLTs across the district.

I also want to note that I will be attending the Warrensburg Chamber of Commerce’s Legislative Update event tomorrow, and I hope to see you there.

05/29/2026

For those of you who are interested in what a legislator does during the legislative interim, please enjoy this week’s “Under Two from the Capitol.“

05/25/2026

On this Memorial Day, we pause to remember those who lost their lives in service to our country and the freedoms that we hold dear.

Please take a moment today to remember our fallen who sacrificed everything in service to our country.

05/22/2026

On this edition of “Under Two from the Capitol,” as we wrap up the first week of the interim, I thought it would be a great time to introduce our intern for this past session, Ethan Schwirtz.

Ethan is a junior at the University of Central Missouri (UCM), who was a valuable part of our team. He helped Dakota and me with legislative research, preparation for committee hearings, constituent outreach, and so much more.

I know Ethan has a bright future ahead of him, and I want to thank him for helping me serve the people of District 54.

Please enjoy the first interim edition of “Under Two from the Capitol.”

05/15/2026

Please enjoy this week’s brief edition of “Under Two from the Capitol.”

05/10/2026

Happy Mother’s Day to the incredible moms of our district.

Today we pause to recognize and thank you for your love, sacrifice, strength, and the countless ways you shape our families and future. Today we celebrate you and all that you do.

05/07/2026

This week, I am proud to report the return of “Under Two from the Capitol.”

04/30/2026

I want to start by apologizing once again to the people of our district for the additional thirteen seconds. In an effort to return to "Under Two from the Capitol," we are actively seeking a new stopwatch, as ours is obviously not working. If anyone has any recommendations on a good stopwatch, please let us know.

In the meantime, please enjoy the return of
"Slightly Over Two from the Capitol."