During the General Assembly’s annual spring recess, I had the opportunity to meet with many constituents in the district.  Now that we’re back in Jefferson City, lawmakers are set to begin the second half of the 2013 legislative session.  Much work lies ahead in the next few months, and I look forward to sharing that news with you in these legislative columns.

I joined my colleagues in the House and Senate, along with members of the Missouri Department of Agriculture, for a roundtable meeting to discuss issues relating to our state’s top industry.  As vice chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee, I was eager to learn more about colleges and universities in their education and research to help support those in the agriculture industry.  The University of Missouri’s Delta Research Center in Portageville held an Advisory Board Committee meeting on March 8 and presented the highlights of the research currently underway to assist farmers in their efforts to increase efficiences and yield in their product.

We also addressed our state’s infrastructure.  Senate Joint Resolution 16 would impose a temporary one-cent sales and use tax for transportation purposes.  The resolution would put to the vote of the people a ballot proposal that would raise Missouri’s sales and use tax by 1 percent for a 10-year period.  The proceeds for the additional sales and use tax would be used for transporation-related items.  This temporary sales and use tax measure would be resubmitted to Missouri voters every 10 years until the ballot proposal is defeated.  Missouri has the largest road system among our neighboring states; the seventh-largest in the country.   A modern, well-maintained highway system is a critical component of Missouri’s future economic growth.  However, it’s important that citizens make this crucial decision regarding an increase in the state’s sales and use tax.  Southeast Missouri has a lot of important infrastructure, with rail, ports and four-lane highways directing people to our highly desired and marketable region.

Recently, I was able to visit the Southeast Missouri Food Bank, which serves most of the 25th Senate District.  The food bank was awarded $1 million as part of the Missouri Foundation for Health’s $4 million Emergency Food Access Project, which aims to increase food distribution to as many underserved Missourians, while enhancing access to more nutritious and fresh food options.  The food bank will direct its grant award to infrastructure and equipment improvements, as well as its more than 170 community-based partners, including faith-based organizations, food pantries and senior centers.

I was also able to attend the monthly Sikeston Vision Executive Academy legislative forum.  This group is made up of business and civic leaders who share the goal of enhancing the quality of life, housing, education and economic development areas in Sikeston.  The academy recently started a mentoring program for new business owners and looks to decrease the amount of rental property owners and increase permanent home owners in the Sikeston area, while making the city a more marketable location for businesses and families.

In addition, I had the opportunity to meet with many folks from Caruthersville.  I toured the Pemiscot County Port Authority and learned about the positive economic impact the port has on our state.  Our rivers, roads and ports are a valuable asset to Southeast Missouri, and we need to take full advantage of these resources.

I had the great privilege of joining officials at the Department of Conservation to visit the Peck Ranch Conservation Area, more than 23,000 acres of rugged, forested hills and hollows located in northwest Carter County and eastern Shannon County, north of Fremont.  This area is predominately forest with nearly 1,500 acres of glades, along with fields, savanna, cropland and some wetlands.  Primitive camping, picnic areas, firearms range, viewing deck, deer and turkey blinds, an intermittent stream and natural areas make up Peck Ranch.   During my visit, I spoke with Conservation officials regarding the department’s restoration plan that began back in 2010 to re-establish elk to a suitable area in Southeast Missouri.  Elk were plentiful before European settlement, but these creatures had disappeared from Missouri by 1865.  You can take the 11-mile, self-guided driving tour at Peck Ranch Conservation Area to catch a glimpse of Missouri’s recently restored elk herd.  For more information on elk or these tours, call Twin Pines at (573) 325-1381.

Back at the Capitol, fourth and eighth grade students from Caruthersville recently visted with me.  They were full of energy and enjoyed touring their State Capitol and learning about our state’s history.  I hope this inside look into the work going on in Jefferson City increases their interest in state government as they continue with their education back home.  Brandon Siler and his father, Michael, from Puxico, visited this week during Youth Art Month.  I also enjoyed visiting with Alexia Jones and her parents from Charleston for Missouri’s Youth Adults Alliance (MYAA) award ceremony.  MYAA is a statewide coalition that strives to reduce underage drinking and substance abuse.  Each year they honor students from Missouri who have done exemplary prevention work in their communities, and Alexia was one to receive this distinquished award.

Several other groups also made their way to the State Capitol to share with me their support for and the latest news within their organizations.  Members of the Southeast Missouri Region of the Missouri State Teachers Association (MSTA) visited with me about how this group of Missouri educators is bringing more awareness to the teaching profession’s intellect and influence on our communities.

Members of the Missouri Rice Council also took time to visit with me at the Capitol.  Today, with approximately 200,000 acres of rice grown in the southeast counties, which include Butler, Dunklin, New Madrid, Pemiscot and Stoddard, this high quality crop has provided more than 550 milion pounds of ready-to-eat rice.  I am a proud supporter of our rice farmers and producers who work to put this healthy and economical food on tables within our communities, across the state and throughout the country and world.

Lastly, a large manufactuer located in Poplar Bluff Industrial Park recently announced the closing of its operations.  More than 500 workers at NORDYNE will lose their jobs over the next year.  This latest announcement continues the never-ending assault American manufacturers have experienced over the last 25 years, battling lower wages, regulations and employee costs in other countries, plus the many other overhead costs that foreign competition does not incurr.  Our unfair import trade policies here in the United States have not kept the playing field level; instead, they have penalized American companies for many years through unfair competition that is subsidized in many ways.  The closing of the NORDYNE plant is another painful example of the effects unfair import trade policies have on our local businesses.  Please keep these hard-working families in your prayers and that they will find another family-sustaining job in the Poplar Bluff area.  I will continue to monitor and find out more information as the situation develops. 

For more information on the topics included in this legislative column, please call our office at 573-751-4843 or visit our website at www.senate.mo.gov/libla, where you will also be able to see a list of my Senate bills filed this session. Thank you for the opportunity to serve you.