Senator Bill Stouffer is a life-long resident of Saline County, a farmer, and small business owner. Stouffer and his wife, Sue Ellen, live on their family farm in Napton, a small town near Marshall, MO. A former school board president and graduate of the University of Missouri College of Agriculture, he has been a farmer since 1967.

Born April 19, 1947, Stouffer is the father of two sons and has four grandchildren. He is an active member of Alma Meats, Inc., the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association, Missouri Corn Growers, Missouri Soybean Association, Missouri Farm Bureau, Missouri Civil Air Patrol, NRA, and the Smith Chapel United Methodist Church. In addition, Sen. Stouffer chairs the General Assembly’s 4-H Caucus.

Stouffer’s leadership experience in the agriculture industry includes serving as a member of MFA’s Board of Directors for 16 years, serving as a former chairman of the board for eight years. Under his leadership, MFA made significant changes in its management practices including removal of partisan politics and an antiquated distribution system from the cooperative. This transition is attributed to saving MFA, Inc. from bankruptcy in the early 1980’s. Stouffer has also chaired the University of Missouri’s Ag Foundation, was an elected member of the state’s first corn merchandising council, and was inducted into the Missouri Institute of Cooperatives Hall of Fame in 2008.

Stouffer is considered a leader in transportation issues and is the first Transportation Chair to have driven the state’s roads in a car, tractor, and a semi. His business experience has also relied heavily on barge and rail traffic. His efforts include finding solutions to fund expansions to Interstates 70 and 44 including truck-only lanes.

Health care, gun rights, and agriculture are also top legislative priorities. In 2006, Stouffer passed an Assisted Living bill that AARP called “Missouri’s most significant legislation for seniors in a decade” and he continues to focus on reform in brain injury and older adult care. In 2007, Stouffer passed the Hunting Heritage and Preservation Act, the National Rifle Association’s number one priority in the nation. In 2008, Stouffer hopes to pass the nation’s first 5% Biodiesel Standard.

For his work for his constituents, Stouffer has received the Missouri Association of Homes for the Aging (MoAHA) Distinguished Public Service Award (2006), the Brain Injury Association of Missouri, Inc. Legislator of the Year (2006) & Legislative Leadership Award (2007), the Missouri Agribusiness (MO-AG) Star of Agribusiness Award (2008), the St. Louis Regional Chamber and Growth Association (RCGA) Lewis & Clark Statesman Award (2006, 2007), the Missouri Asphalt Pavement Association Senator of the Year (2007), and has received the National Family Week Advocacy Award (2005) for his work for Missouri’s Baptist Children’s Homes.

Stouffer currently serves as Chairman of the Senate’s Committee on Transportation and Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Conservation, and Natural Resources. He also leads his caucus on veteran’s issues.