House Majority Floor Leader Alex Riley emphasizes deregulation, strategic investment and collaborative leadership
For the first installment of the 2025 Public Policy Speaker Series, Missouri House Majority Floor Leader Alex Riley spoke with Chamber members to discuss his legislative priorities, reflect on his path to public service, and share insights on the importance of leadership and collaboration in state government.
Riley, who represents Missouri’s 134th District in Greene County, was first elected to the House in 2020. A Springfield native and Missouri State University graduate, he spoke about how his background – both in the local community and as an attorney – shaped his approach to policy and public service.
“I started to get frustrated with what I was seeing,” he said. “People in Springfield just wanted to start businesses, but there was so much red tape standing in their way. I wanted to make the business and economic climate better.”
That frustration became a core motivator in Riley’s commitment to reducing government overreach and creating an environment that fosters innovation and economic growth. He emphasized a strong belief in empowering individuals and nonprofit organizations to lead problem-solving efforts in their own communities.
“I believe government functions best when it gets out of the way and allows individuals and organizations closest to the challenges to lead the way,” he said.
One of Riley’s key legislative victories in 2024 was the passage of the Regulatory Sandbox Act, which allows innovators and entrepreneurs to test new products and services without being hindered by outdated or overly burdensome regulations. He described the legislation as a forward-thinking step that positions Missouri as a more competitive and innovative-friendly state.
He also highlighted the importance of strategically investing public dollars in local organizations that are best equipped to support Missouri families. Riley pointed to state-supported projects such as The Arc of the Ozarks’ new Autism and Neurodevelopmental Center and Victory Mission’s planned facility expansion as examples of key wins made possible through state partnerships with nonprofit providers.
In addition, Riley shared his ongoing efforts to support reform of Missouri’s welfare system, with a focus on addressing the “benefits cliff”— a point at which individuals risk losing public assistance as soon as they begin to earn more income. He described this work as critical to helping Missourians transition more smoothly into stable employment without facing sudden setbacks.
“These reforms are about making sure that we’re not punishing people for trying to improve their lives,” Riley said. “We should be building bridges out of poverty, not cliffs.”
As Majority Floor Leader, Riley holds one of the most powerful positions in the House, responsible for deciding which bills advance to the floor for debate and votes. He described his leadership style as collaborative and rooted in relationships — an approach that he says has helped unify his caucus and build bridges across the aisle.
He has made a point of visiting lawmakers in their own districts to better understand their priorities and perspectives. That work, he said, has contributed to a more policy-focused legislative session and a stronger sense of shared purpose among House members.
“If there is an opportunity to make something non-partisan by having a conversation and putting in the work, then I’m all for it,” Riley said.
To close, Riley encouraged Chamber members and business leaders to stay engaged in the legislative process, noting that personal input from the business community can be especially influential with lawmakers.
“You don’t want to just hear it from the lobbyists and the folks who are paid to advocate,” he said. “You want to hear it from the people who are in the trenches doing the day-to-day work too.”
As Missouri navigates ongoing economic and policy challenges, Riley’s focus remains on passing legislation that promotes business growth, streamlines government operations, and improves quality of life for families across the state. His leadership in the Missouri House continues to shape the state’s future with a clear goal: ensuring Missouri remains a place where people can build lasting, successful lives.
Thank you to our Presenting Sponsor Hahn | DeBoef Government Relations and Seasonal Gold Sponsor Missouri State University
