SPEAKER PRO TEM CHAD PERKINS WITH JUDGE MIKE CARTER ON POWER, RELATIONSHIPS, RESULTS IN JEFF CITY скачать в хорошем качестве

SPEAKER PRO TEM CHAD PERKINS WITH JUDGE MIKE CARTER ON POWER, RELATIONSHIPS, RESULTS IN JEFF CITY

In this episode of Justice and Journalism, Judge Mike Carter sits down with Missouri House Speaker Pro Tem Chad Perkins for a wide-ranging, plain-spoken discussion about how state government really functions—beyond the slogans, headlines, and Schoolhouse Rock explanations. Representative Perkins breaks down what the Speaker Pro Tem role actually is (and is not), explaining how the position operates less through formal authority and more through relationships, trust, and institutional knowledge. He discusses his close working relationship with the Speaker of the House, how leadership coverage works when the Speaker is unavailable, and why the Pro Tem role often becomes the place where members bring frustrations, stalled bills, and political reality checks. The conversation also traces Perkins’ path into public service—from becoming mayor of Bowling Green in his 20s, to working in law enforcement and radio, to winning a five-way primary for the Missouri House. He explains how executive experience at the local level shapes his legislative decision-making, particularly when it comes to taxing authority, municipal concerns, and the unintended consequences of state mandates on cities and counties. Judge Carter and Perkins dive into: • How bills really move (or stall) in the Missouri General Assembly • Why relationship-building often matters more than titles or seniority • The day-to-day grind of legislative life during session • How rural districts compete for funding and services • The realities of budget negotiations, so-called “pork,” and gubernatorial veto power • The cultural and structural differences between the House and Senate • Whether Missouri’s legislature is becoming more centralized—and what that means for minority voices • Why communication skills from policing and broadcasting translate directly into political effectiveness Perkins also addresses common public cynicism about “swamp politics,” offering a candid assessment of who actually serves in Jefferson City, what motivates them, and whether one representative can still make a meaningful difference. If you want a clear, insider explanation of how Missouri’s legislative process works—and how personality, patience, and persistence shape outcomes—this episode delivers an unusually candid look behind the curtain. Watch the full conversation now.