Steve Butz

Civil Rights

I believe that discrimination against anyone at any time, regardless of one's sexual orientation or gender identity, is unacceptable and has no place in our society. I look forward to MONA passing the Legislature during my tenure in the House. Learn more

Criminal Justice / Public Safety

I believe we need to support our officers and all first responders. RATES OF PAY MUST BE INCREASED TO RECRUIT AND RETAIN OUR OFFICERS. Open communication between all our officers and the public served is important. Learn more

We need to make sure our officers have the proper equipment needed to safely and effectively serve our city. Outdated equipment, uniforms, patrol cars, and bikes make an already difficult job more difficult. Learn more

We must fix our 911 response system! I have personally experienced these delays and I know many of my fellow citizens have as well! Learn more

I support cooperation between police and community groups to aid in recruitment of additional officers, especially minority officers. Learn more

I support a comprehensive community based approach to policing and a greater emphasis on foot and bike patrols. Learn more

I support increased training for police in areas like de-escalation training. Learn more

Drug Policy

I supported the legalization of medical marijuana. Learn more

I support providing money for drug treatment centers and rehabilitation services for drug addicts. I support more rehabilitative options towards drug addiction. Learn more

Education

I support charter schools, in conjunction with strong accountability standards set by the state. Was thrilled that I was able to play a part in increasing funding to both our Charters and SLPS……truly a win-win for our children! Learn more

I supported higher pay for teachers and fewer diversions of school revenue to economic development projects. We were able to get our minimum public school teacher pay increased from 25,000 to 38,000….still too low but a major step in the right direction. Learn more

I support a statewide approach to curriculum that prepares most students for successful careers, including investing in community college and vocational training. Learn more

I support school funding at a level to ensure that every district has enough resources to provide an excellent education and a clean, safe learning environment for student, no matter where they live. Learn more

I support greater resources for UMSL and Harris Stowe University to develop them into the region's universities of choice for students and for employers. Learn more

I support age appropriate sexual education that makes sure our students know how to safely avoid pregnancies. Learn more

Environment / Energy

I support protecting the environment, the lack of doing so affects health more than almost any other factor. Learn more

Guns

I support an expansion of real-time, universal background checks. Learn more

I support a minimum age of 21 for all gun purchases. I support a ban on bump stock devices that alter semi automatic weapons and a ban of extended high capacity magazines. Learn more

I support a state ban on the civilian purchase of assault and assault-style weapons. I support a state law allowing St. Louis and St. Louis County to set their own restrictions on the sale of such military-style weapons. Learn more

Healthcare

I supported Medicaid expansion, and fought against Republican attempts to not fund the expansion. Finding ways to make these programs more efficient and effective. Now we must expand postpartum care beyond the current 60 days to one full year. Learn more

Social Services

I support keeping the state's unemployment benefits at 20 weeks, and do not support the current effort to reduce benefits to 8 weeks. Learn more

Taxes / Budget

I support increased funding for transparent audits, making every effort to ensure our tax dollars are well used. Learn more

I support higher statewide taxes on tobacco and sponsored the bill to do so. Learn more

Wages / Job Benefits

I oppose the legislative effort to impose a so-called “right to work” in Missouri. Even though the people have spoken via the initiative petition we continually need to reinforce the people’s will for those who want to weaken Union Membership. Learn more

I supported an increase to the state's minimum wage of 7.85. We need to raise the minimum wage incrementally every year. Again we have had to defend this position every year I have been in the Legislature. Learn more

I support paid family leave of 12 weeks for families of all types, including those who are part of the LGBTQIA community. Learn more