Senator Razer resigns, takes on new role with state

By John Sharp

Greg Razer, the Missouri state senator who represented the 7th senatorial district which covered much of the southwest portion of Jackson County has resigned his position to accept a 6-year appointment by Governor Mike Parson to the powerful but not well known 3-member State Tax Commission which oversees county assessors throughout the state.

The quasi-judicial Commission also is the highest governmental body taxpayers can appeal their property assessments to without going to court.

Razer’s appointment was confirmed by unanimous consent by the Missouri Senate on April 25 along with nine other non-controversial gubernatorial appointments.  The now vacant senate seat is not expected to be filled until this year’s primary and general elections, and Razer’s successor will take office in January 2025.

In an interview, Razer said as a member of the Commission he wants to protect taxpayers from being over-assessed on their residential, business and agricultural properties, but also wants to make sure they pay their fair share to support the taxing jurisdictions such as schools and public libraries that rely heavily on property taxes to fund their operations.

“Being a senator,” Razer said, “has been the greatest honor I ever had.  I’d like to thank the people from the 7th District for their trust.”

During his eight years of legislative service – four in the House and four in the Senate – Razer said he is proud of the work he has done to improve mental health services and to pass legislation prohibiting texting while driving which he said “has clearly saved lives”.

He said as the only openly gay man in the Missouri Senate and one of only a few members of the LGBTQ community to ever openly serve in the Missouri General Assembly, he was proud that as a result of a 3-day filibuster he was able to modify legislation that would have totally banned gender-affirming care for transgender minors so at least it would not ban such care for minors who had already started the process and that the law he strongly opposed would expire in four years.

Razer said he remains saddened by legislative attacks on transgender people and how hateful rhetoric during legislative hearings – especially directed toward transgender children and their parents such as when one senator berated a 14-year-old transgender child – often leave people in tears.