I want to thank all the road crews that did an outstanding job of clearing Missouri’s roads after the weekend weather. This winter has been relentless even as we are approaching spring. By Monday afternoon the main roads were cleared and safe for travel due to the hard work of the state and local crews. I realize these workers spent many hours at night away from their homes and families to accomplish this. It was very much appreciated.
 I was pleased to sponsor Susan Sparks from Humansville to be a member of the State Historical Records Advisory Board. Susan and her husband Mark came to the Capitol Wednesday morning for her confirmation hearing in front of the Senate Committee on Gubernatorial Appointments. Governor Nixon makes the initial appointment, and the Missouri Senate must then approve the nomination. Since most of these appointments pay nothing other than travel expenses to the meetings, I sincerely appreciate those citizens willing to serve in these positions.
My bill requiring the Missouri Department of Economic Development to open a trade office in Israel received a favorable vote in committee this week. I am pleased with the progress of this bill as I believe it would provide important economic opportunities for Missouri businesses and workers. In today’s global economy it is important we use every tool possible to put Missouri products in front of consumers around the globe. In 2013 Missouri exported $12.9 billion in goods.
Tuesday night the Senate spent some time debating my bill to provide a method for construction of a new state mental hospital and also to catch up on maintenance projects we have deferred for several years. The current hospital located in Fulton is past the point of its useful life. Because of the condition of the facility we are paying an excessive amount of money for utilities, workers compensation, overtime, and repairs. Workers and residents also face unsafe working and living conditions daily. There is little debate on whether a new hospital is needed. Legislation to do this has been proposed by the House, Senate, and Governor Nixon. The issue is how best to pay for it. My proposal is to take advantage of current low interest rates and finance construction with long term bonds. This issue will continue to be a priority topic as Session continues.
It was a great turn out for the educational meeting held at SMU in Springfield on the Farming Rights constitutional amendment. So far we have had good crowds and enthusiastic reaction to the presentations. The next meeting will be tonight, March 6th in Lebanon at the Boswell Auditorium located at the Lebanon High School. Food will be served at 6:00 p.m. and the presentation will begin at 7:00 p.m. Upcoming meetings in the area are listed below:
Visitors to the office this week include Ken Ashlock, Dr. Doug Kiburz, Kevin Bond, Linda Fisher, Ginger Dollinger and Mark & Susan Sparks, Jack & Patty Dill, Lee & Monica Garrett.
Upcoming meetings are:
March 13th – 6:30 p.m.
Prairie Grove School
12 Winding Creek Drive
Buffalo, Mo
April 3rd - 6:30 p.m.
Osceola High School-Commons
76 SE Division Road
Osceola, Mo
April 5th - 6:00 p.m.
Sedalia State Fairgrounds
Agriculture Buidling
Sedalia, Mo
April (TBA)
Bolivar
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