Traveling the 33rd

It’s been a flurry of activity since the 2023 legislative session ended on May 12. I hope you had an enjoyable summer and have stayed cool with these record temperatures. One of my priorities this summer was to meet constituents out in the district and attend as many events as possible. A few highlights include attending the local farm bureau annual dinners, local fairs and celebrating the 60th anniversary of Missouri State University – West Plains. 

When you look out across the 33rd Senatorial District, without a doubt you can tell our number one economic output is agriculture. Whether you’re a logger, raise cattle or grow soybeans, you can find it all in the 33rd District. Being a third generation farm family, it’s always been important to me to stay connected with the agricultural community and hear from them directly about their concerns. I’ve been honored to be invited to many county Farm Bureau dinners and speak on Senate Bill 138, the farm bill I sponsored that was signed into law by the governor. While this legislation included many benefits to farmers, I’d like to highlight two: funding to market our Missouri-Made hardwood forest products to help our loggers and the Beginning Farmers Act to help young farmers just starting gain success in agriculture. This bill originally focused on promoting Missouri’s hardwood products industry and the Ozarks’ hardworking timber producers, and I was proud to work with my colleagues to add more measures to help farmers and ranchers across the state. 

This year, I was so glad I could attend the Crane Broiler Festival and meet constituents in Stone County. I was honored to be there with former Senator Doyle Childers who introduced me to local law enforcement, educators and friends. Stone County is a new county I represent with the redistricting changes last year, and I’m proud to be your senator and advocate for you in Jefferson City.

Another very special event this year was the 60th anniversary of Missouri State University – West Plains. It was great to see so many friendly faces and supporters of the university come together for this momentous occasion. I was honored to present a resolution from the Missouri Senate to the university marking this achievement in education. I can’t wait to see what the next 60 years will bring for MSU-WP as they continue to serve our community and educate the next generation.

I’ll continue traveling the district and attending as many events as I can to meet with you and hear your ideas about how your state government can better serve you. If there is an event you would like for me to attend, please email my office at Karla.Eslinger@senate.mo.gov so I can put it on my calendar and plan to be there. 

It is my honor to serve the residents of Douglas, Howell, Ozark, Shannon, Stone, Taney and Texas counties in the Missouri Senate, and it’s always a pleasure to hear from friends and family back home. If I can help you in any way, please call my Capitol Office at 573-751-1882.  You can also visit my webpage at senate.mo.gov/mem33, on Facebook: @SenatorKarlaEslinger, or follow me on X (Formerly Twitter): @seneslingermo.