From the Capitol
Due to a variety of factors, such as inflation, a stagnant motor fuel tax and increased costs of materials and doing business, Missouri has fallen to 47th in the nation in terms of revenue spent per mile on transportation. This is despite the fact that we have the seventh-largest state highway system, which includes 33,884 miles of roadways and nearly 10,400 bridges. We must find a viable means of adequately funding our aging transportation infrastructure system, and we must do so sooner rather than later — our citizens’ safety and Missouri’s very economic prosperity depend on it.
In an effort to find a long-term funding solution, the Legislature passed House Concurrent Resolution 47 during the 2017 session to establish the 21st Century Missouri Transportation System Task Force. I was honored to be one of 10 lawmakers appointed to this bipartisan task force. We, along with 13 other appointees, have been charged with evaluating the current condition of our roads and bridges and current funding situation and making recommendations to the Missouri General Assembly.
On Wednesday, Sept. 20, the 23-member panel met in Kirksville for the third of six public meetings. The topic for the day was “The Future of Transportation (modern technology); beyond roads and bridges (other modes, transit, etc.).” A final report of the task force’s activities, findings and legislative recommendations is due to the General Assembly by Jan. 1, 2018.
In late June, the governor issued Executive Order 17-17 to formally establish the Missouri State Justice Reinvestment Task Force. The task force is currently taking a deep dive into actions that can be taken to keep Missouri from having to build another prison in the short term and to set our criminal justice environment on the right path in the long term. This means identifying efficiencies within the Department of Corrections, as well as evaluating probation and parole procedures, sentencing standards, etc. The task force will present its recommendations to the governor by the end of 2017.
District News
On Tuesday, Sept. 19, I joined three of my fellow lawmakers at the 3rd Annual Youth Community Coalition Legislative Forum event at Hickman High School. The Youth Community Coalition works to prevent substance abuse and promote healthy behaviors among youth. This year’s forum focused on the issues of substance abuse, bullying and mental health. Speakers included Sgt. Jeff Rukstand with the Columbia Police Department, mental health experts, students and school officials.
Events like this are critical in several ways. First, they offer state lawmakers the opportunity to ask questions and hear firsthand from our constituents and community leaders about the issues most affecting their lives. Second, they give us an idea as to what programs and initiatives are successfully addressing a need or problem at the local level that may be able to be duplicated at the state level. Finally, the information we take away from these events helps guide us as we work to craft efficient, effective legislation that’ll improve the health, safety and well-being of all Missourians.
Senator Rowden joins area lawmakers at the 3rd Annual Youth Community Coalition Legislative Forum at Hickman High School on Tuesday, Sept. 19.
I want to thank everyone who helped organized this great, insightful event, as well as all those who shared their personal stories and experiences.
In other local news, the University of Missouri-Columbia recently received a $21.6 million endowment from David Novak to establish the Novak Leadership Institute within the School of Journalism. It is the sixth-largest gift ever received by the University of Missouri. David Novak is the founder of the Yum! Brands restaurant company. Both he and his wife, Wendy, graduated from the MU School of Journalism in 1974.
Congratulations to…
- Fourth-grader Dalton Boler for raising $420 for Pilot Grove Elementary’s Buddy Pack Program, which helps provide students and families in the district with food, clothing and other necessities. Recently elected to his school’s student council board, Dalton organized a trail ride to raise money for the Buddy Pack Program. Dalton plans to continue his fundraising efforts in order to support programs targeting bullying in schools. Congratulations Dalton, and thank you for all your hard work.
- Goshen Primitive Baptist Church in Wilton, Missouri, on the occasion of its 185th Goshen Primitive Baptist Church was constituted on Sept. 21, 1832. Members celebrated this milestone achievement with a Bible study and luncheon on Sunday, Sept. 17. Congratulations to Goshen Primitive Baptist Church and all of its members.
- Diamond Deener of Chester Boren Middle School for being selected as the August Student of the Month. Diamond is in the eighth grade. Congratulations Diamond.
- Boonville Lady Pirates Senior McKenna Stumph for tying her personal best and the school record with a 1-under par 34 at her final home match at Hail Ridge Golf Course on Wednesday, Sept. 13. McKenna was a three-year starter for the Lady Pirates and also played for one year on the Boonville boys golf team. Congratulations McKenna.
I am here to serve you, and my office door is always open to your questions, concerns and suggestions. You can reach my staff at 573-751-3931 and an array of legislative and constituent resources at www.senate.mo.gov/rowden.