JEFFERSON CITY — I understand that every person in my Senate district is busy. I remain on a steady schedule myself. That is one of the reasons I wanted to make certain to thank the people who took time out of their hectic schedules to fill out the 5th District’s Legislative Survey, either online or in paper form and mailed it back to the Capitol.

It is with the input of local citizens that lawmakers learn what is important and draft legislation accordingly. With that said, we had more than 800 paper surveys returned to our Capitol office. If you were one of those thoughtful, involved people, watch your mailboxes. I am preparing a special mailer to highlight your thoughts and the work you have helped guide me in developing.

It is an honor to me to be able to serve you, my hometown of St. Louis and the glorious state of Missouri. While the door to the Capitol office might bear my name on it as your state senator, I would have no place as an elected official if the citizens of the 5th District had not voted me in to that position. Thank you for allowing me to be your voice in the Missouri Senate. I wish only to continue to advocate and fight for the issues the affect us every day.

Senator Jamilah Nasheed represents the 5th Senatorial District in the Missouri Senate, which serves a portion of St. Louis City.