You may or may not know this, but there is a single industry in our state worth more than $40 billion: Missouri’s military. Our bases in Missouri, along with other sources of military personnel, provide thousands of jobs for our citizens, not counting the active military working here, as well as reserves, the National Guard, and people serving many of the other facets of our armed forces.

The bad news is that the military is downsizing. We are slated to lose nearly 5,400 active duty soldiers, as well as 1,000 Department of Defense employees and their families. The Legislature has fought to retain these jobs as well as create additional positions related to the military here in our state. An army analysis estimates that Missouri could lose more that $300 million in sales as a result of the downsizing. By the year 2020, nearly 60 percent of the work force would be eliminated.

With that in mind, on Monday, March 2, at 5:30 p.m., there will be a special listening post at Nutter Field House. Many state senators and representatives are scheduled to attend this meeting and urge the federal government to retain these positions and keep military presence strong in Missouri. Local residents are encouraged to attend and stand with us in support.

I always encourage my constituents to feel free to contact me throughout the year with comments, questions or suggestions by calling my office at (573) 751-5713. To find more information about the bills I sponsor, or visit www.senate.mo.gov/brown.

Thank you for reading this and for your participation in state government.