Protecting Agriculture in Missouri

One of the main issues we address annually in Jefferson City is agriculture. The success of the industry drives our state’s economy and puts food on the table for Missourians, Americans and people across the globe. The agriculture industry in Missouri was strengthened this year with the passage of Senate Bill 12. The measure was signed by the governor and increases weight limits for trucks hauling livestock and grains during harvest, adds livestock to the equine liability waiver, and allows Missouri beef producers more control of the state’s Beef Checkoff program. The governor also signed House Bill 259, a measure known as the “Dairy Revitalization Act.” The legislation aids dairy producers with Federal Margin Insurance Premium payments; gives eighty $5,000 scholarships for students who want to return to the dairy industry; and requires an annual report by the University of Missouri on innovations for the dairy industry.

My colleagues and I also approved two resolutions aimed at shortening the overreach of the federal government.  House Concurrent Resolution 21 urges the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to withdraw their proposed “Waters of the U.S.” regulation. The resolution was passed because the EPA has ignored Congress and the Courts in proposing a rule that tries to regulate land use under the disguise of clean water initiatives. Sadly, the EPA and the Army Corps of Engineers finalized the rule and ignored thousands of concerns from landowners in Missouri and across the country. It has been reported the agency only took six months to review more than one million public comments on the proposed rule. Furthermore, Senate Concurrent Resolution 36 discourages the EPA from promulgating any rule regulating the use of individual propane gas barbecue grills. This resolution was passed after a report detailing how the EPA spent thousands of dollars of taxpayer money to possibly regulate emissions from outdoor grilling.  

On Monday, our nation paid tribute to those who gave the ultimate sacrifice to protect the freedoms we enjoy today. Memorial Day is not just a day of good food and good friends; it’s a day to remember the fallen men and women who died protecting our way of life. I hope you took a moment this past Monday to remember these brave soldiers who helped shape our nation.  

Thank you for allowing me to serve the citizens of the 28th Senatorial District and the state of Missouri. I always appreciate hearing from you. If you have any questions about the topics discussed above, or any other issues, please do not hesitate to contact my office.

‘Nothing is Politically Right Which is Morally Wrong’