E-Newsletters
As residents of North Missouri, we've learned to expect the floods that accompany the heavy rains of Spring. We're used to flash floods cutting off roads and making our lives more difficult. We're prepared to deal with minor and moderate flooding along the Missouri and Mississippi rivers. This year has been different.
Gridlock is everywhere these days, from the halls of Congress to the highways and streets back home. It is only fitting, then, that the best way to end the gridlock in Washington is to invest in our infrastructure and end the gridlock that affects Americans every day. Whether we're talking about roads, rivers, railways, or airports, it's obvious we have a lot of work to do in repairing our nation's crumbling infrastructure.
As the school year begins to wind down—though maybe not as quickly as we would like after so many snow days—it is important we take a moment to recognize the important role teachers play in our country.
In the 1930s, rural electrification was a game-changer for folks across the country. It completely changed the future for millions of Americans, bringing their lives into the 20th Century. Now we face a similar moment in our nation's history and the history of rural America.
Recent flooding along the Missouri River has devastated communities, destroyed homes, and ruined farms. For some, the recovery process is just starting to begin—others are still waiting for the floodwaters to recede. Ultimately, this is going to be a long rebuilding process. Right now, we are still working to make sure those affected by flooding receive the resources needed to rebuild. It is my hope that we learn from this disaster and make the changes necessary to put families, farms, and communities first when it comes to managing the Missouri River.
Tax Day came and went again earlier this week, but, this year, many Americans actually did have something to celebrate. This year, thanks to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, the federal government kept less of your money and you were able to keep more.
More money in the pockets of hard-working North Missourians is a great thing for our country's economy. That's why we implemented the most comprehensive tax reform in 30 years. Undoubtedly, it was time to make some changes to ease the tax burden on middle-class families.
Record flooding in Northwest Missouri has devastated homes, businesses and livelihoods. It's heartbreaking to see entire communities inundated with water as levees overtopped or failed. As difficult as it is, I know we're resilient and we will get through this. However, when I was surveying the devastation in Holt County a few weeks ago, I couldn't help but think, what if the priorities on the river were in line with reality? What if flood control always took precedence as I have called for on numerous occasions?
Our public schools have always been one of our best assets in North Missouri.
Just outside of Mound City, Missouri, lies a wildlife refuge named Squaw Creek. The pristine land, known for being a haven for snow geese, was made a federal refuge and given its moniker by President Franklin Roosevelt in 1935. The name "Squaw Creek" evokes many memories and a proud history in Holt County.
In North Missouri, we cherish our 2nd Amendment rights. We value the opportunity to teach our children how to safely hunt or target practice, and we feel far more secure knowing that we can capably defend ourselves if necessary. Unfortunately, our rural values always seem to take a backseat to the latest reactionary ideological crusade to take away our gun rights.