Thanks to constituents of the 18th Senatorial District, we have a better idea of what people are looking for from their state government. I had a legislative survey on my Missouri Senate Web page, and the results are now in.

There are four areas that respondents found the most important to fund here in Missouri, and these are the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, Department of Health and Senior Services, Department of Economic Development and the Department of Higher Education. When you get down to it, economic development, education and health care are those things that affect the most people.

With an economy that could be on the brink of a major recovery, it is important to keep focus on how to bring about a better business climate. Those who responded to our survey say community development, the Quality Jobs Act and the Small Business Incubator are the most important aspects of rebuilding Missouri’s economy.

Responders also believe it is important to boost tax breaks for small businesses, offer greater tax incentives to companies that create jobs, continue to cultivate Missouri’s ethanol industry, pursue alternative energy methods for job creation and stabilize energy prices. New Missouri Senate leadership has already said tax incentives and attracting more jobs to the state are a top priority, and they are for me as well. I also agree with those who responded to our survey regarding fuel costs, I would love to see gas and oil prices come down, because they are really hurting our farmers and consumers.

Some of the other survey results include:

• 73 percent say they would like to see Right to Work legislation become law in Missouri;
• 85 percent want us to reduce regulations and oversight, especially when there are multiple departments involved and it can be reduced to one department;
• 82 percent of those who responded would prefer to see expansion at the Callaway Nuclear Plant; and
• 57 percent of respondents say, even though they believe state government and the Legislature are heading in the right direction, they do not think transportation needs in this state are currently met.

A growing number of lawmakers have been looking at transportation in Missouri, and I believe something has to be done to keep roads in good shape and begin building new infrastructure. When the economy is bad, things like this tend to be put on the back burner. But now, the need is growing to the point it cannot be ignored anymore, and a number of options could be weighed this year. Transportation and education go hand in hand with economic development.

The First Regular Session of the 97th General Assembly began on Jan. 9. Much like my colleagues, I am ready to start on the issues of the day and keep Missouri growing. I want to thank everybody who took the time to fill out our survey. It is this insight that will help us in Jefferson City.

As always, if you have any questions or comments, please do not hesitate to contact my office. Thank you.