Branson resident Brian Seitz was recently elected to the position of State Representative for District 156 for the third consecutive term. As he headed back to the State Capitol, Seitz shared his thoughts with the Branson Globe.
"First and foremost, I'm thankful to the citizens of the 156th District for electing me to a third term," said Seitz. "The knowledge and experience I have gained over the first two terms are invaluable to getting good legislation passed. It takes 82 votes to pass a bill. The past four years have allowed me to build relationships with fellow legislators to get bills passed to the benefit of the district and our entire state. I've noticed a distinct difference in the ability to influence issues, and people, in the Capitol. Longevity is a leadership position, so to speak, as more representatives look to you for advice in crafting legislation, navigating the committee process and how to present their issues on the House floor."
Representative Seitz shared what he believes have been his greatest achievements in his previous two terms in office.
"Two of the major pieces of legislation of mine that the governor signed were the Small Business Protection Act and also getting $6.2 million for Branson's infrastructure needs. I also drafted and helped pass the Save Women's Sports Act," noted Seitz. "As the Chairman of the Special Committee on Tourism, I was pleased that in my committee, both Republican and Democrat Representatives, worked together to pass good legislation with zero no votes (up to the last day). That is almost unheard of, considering the divide between the parties."
Seitz has a lot on his plate, moving into his third term in office.
Said Seitz, "I will be taking the lead on chipping away at Amendment Three, which allows for abortion up to nine months, and takes away protections for women. Voters were deceived by the marketing of this amendment and the legislature needs to take action to protect both women and the unborn. House Bill 194 and a House Joint Resolution that I have filed will amend the definition of 'fetal viability' to include when a heartbeat is detected, protecting the child from abortion from that point on. While I believe that life begins at conception, we have to put something before the voters that will pass. I have filed legislation protecting life from conception as well, and will continue to champion that, both in this session and in the future."
Each new session presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities, and Seitz is prepared for what this term will hold.
"As Republicans, we have to work together within our super majority to get various pieces of legislation passed. Fractures within our own party will derail those efforts, giving the other side undeserved victories," Seitz explained. "My hope is that, as a legislature, we can work to pass strong, conservative legislation that will benefit our entire state. I will continue to fight for the needs of the 156th District. I'm often involved in the big fights that take place statewide, but want to use that bully pulpit to narrowly focus on Southwest Missouri area needs, and for us, that means tourism. In the next few weeks, you will hear some fantastic announcements to that end!"
As he has always done, Seitz allows his faith and beliefs to guide him in office as he shared, "As a Christian, every stance I take on an issue flows through a biblical worldview. As a former pastor and a teacher of the Bible for over 36 years, I think that I mirror the values of this area and the majority of my constituents. The admonition to 'Do unto others' serves me well in finding areas of commonality with fellow legislators, while adamantly opposing viewpoints contrary to my faith."
Brian gave a brief update on his life at home in Branson.
"My wife Valerie, who went through numerous trials over the past couple of years, specifically dealing with cancer, is doing well and continues to be blessed by God in her recovery," said Seitz. "Our grown children and young grandchildren are all doing well. The grandkids are a particular joy. We are blessed that our son Daniel and his family are back in Missouri."
Daniel Seitz, who recently moved back to Missouri from Oklahoma, is the new Chief of Staff for Senator Brad Hudson.
"The next two years will be pivotal for the state. With myself in the House of Representatives and Brad Hudson in the Senate, much can be accomplished for this area," Seitz noted. "In two years, God willing, I will run for this position a final time, so this is the halfway point in my legislative career. My voice as an advocate for the 156th District has been loud, something necessary in a state government dominated by big city representation. I look forward to continuing the fight, both now, and in the future."
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