A good crowd turned out in Stockton last Thursday for the first educational meeting of the Farming Rights Amendment issue that will be on the ballot in November. Approximately 100 people attended the presentation which outlined the history of the issue and why it is so important we seize this opportunity to ensure the rights of farmers and ranchers for generations to come. More events such as this one continue to be added around the area.
Tuesday of this week marked the opening of candidate filing for elective office in Missouri. Typically, the first day of filing is the busiest. A total of 249 people filed to run for the offices of State Representative or State Senator. Although many people were there and the office was busy, Secretary of State Jason Kander’s staff did an excellent job of keeping the process moving smoothly. Filing remains open through March 25.
On Monday the Senate gave first-round approval to a constitutional amendment that would prohibit the governor from withholding money from public schools. Under current law, the governor can withhold money from almost all areas of the budget if incoming revenues fall below projections. This measure would only pertain to the budget of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. If passed by the Legislature it would go to a statewide vote of the people.
Also this week, Show-Me Cannabis, an organization advocating for the legalization of marijuana, announced they will not be pursuing an effort to get the issue on the 2014 statewide ballot. By their own admission, their polling came back showing that Missourians do not favor legalizing marijuana in our state. Several bills have been introduced this year but do not appear to be gaining significant support among the legislators.
On Wednesday I presented a bill in committee that would require the Missouri Department of Economic Development to open a trade office in Israel. Currently, more than 70 Missouri companies do business with Israel, and a physical office there would enhance this economic opportunity. Companies with strong presences in our state have found eager customers and partners in Israel willing to purchase Missouri products. In 2012, Missouri companies exported over $100 million worth of goods to Israel, so there is potential that exists for Missouri to expand into that market. In this global economy it is important to foster relationships that will create and retain jobs here in our state.
Visitors to the office this week included: Todd Leonard, Herb Hammen & students from SBU; Ben Salmon, Kelly Knepp & Chastity Florido, Nathan, Rylan & Jason Blosser, Mark Sabala, Carolyn Crooke, Carolyn Green, Torey Williams, and Jessica Parker.
The next educational meeting of the Farming Rights Amendment issue will be Thursday, February 27 in Springfield at the Darr School of Agriculture in the Bond Learning Center. It will begin at 6:00 pm and is located at 2401 S. Kansas Expressway. I encourage everyone to attend and bring your friends and neighbors.
Upcoming meetings are:
February 27 Darr Agriculture Center (Springfield) 6:00 pm
March 6 Boswell Auditorium (Lebanon) 6:00 pm
March 13 Prairie Grove School (Buffalo) 6:00 pm
April 3 Osceola High School (Osceola) TBA
April 5 State Fairgrounds (Sedalia) TBA |
