(LISTEN): Missouri House Speaker Dr. Jonathan Patterson (R-Lee's Summit) appears on "Wake Up Missouri"

Missouri’s House Speaker is the first medical doctor to serve as speaker in 140 years, and he’s the first Speaker from Jackson County in 157 years. House Speaker Dr. Jonathan Patterson (R-Lee's Summit) joined us live on 939 the Eagle's "Wake Up Missouri." He tells listeners that foster children remains a top priority for him. He told House colleagues during his January opening day address that a bipartisan bill that would have mandated the state apply for the benefits of foster children with deceased parents died in 2024 due to inaction and politics. Speaker Patterson reiterated his call today for that to be the first Missouri House bill sent to the Senate for their consideration. He tells "Wake Up" that he expects the bill to be voted out of committee today and predicts it will be approved by the House on Thursday, saying Wednesday will be the Chiefs Super Bowl victory parade. Speaker Patterson predicts Kansas City will beat the Eagles in Sunday's Super Bowl. He also says House Republicans want to see Missouri be a zero income tax state someday, adding it must be done responsibly. Child care is another priority for Speaker Patterson, who says the lack of affordable and accessible childcare causes billions of dollars of losses and about $5,500 per working parent each year. Republicans have a 110-52 supermajority in the Missouri House: