E-Newsletters

A famous quote says, "There's nothing certain in life except death and taxes."

It's ironic and infuriating then that the government taxes your death. It's known as the "Death Tax" or the "Estate Tax" or the "Inheritance Tax" and it applies to anything you might hope to pass on such as money, equipment, or land to your loved ones. No matter what you call it, a tax that kicks in when you die is absurd. It's not the government's money to begin with!

Dear Friend,

On Saturday, November 11th, 2017, our country will celebrate Veterans Day. For those history buffs, this day was originally named Armistice Day, marking the anniversary of the end of World War I, which was on the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month of 1918.

This special occasion provides all Americans with an opportunity to come together and pay tribute to the nearly 21.5 million veterans who have served in our nation's Armed Forces.

Dear Friend,

World famous scientist Albert Einstein once said after attempting to fill out his tax returns - "This is too difficult for a mathematician. It takes a philosopher."

Indeed, we live under a tax code that is simply too complicated. Figuring out what we owe shouldn't be so hard that we have to write another check just to fill out the form correctly.

October 22, 1986, was the last time a major reform to the American tax code was signed into law. That was over 30 years ago.

Over the years, different illegal drugs have been abused as they become more accessible and cheaper to purchase. Now, heroin, laced with synthetic opioids, has quickly become the latest epidemic to devastate our communities.

Daily news reports document countless heart-wrenching stories of fatal overdoses nationwide. This growing epidemic is infiltrating our homes, schools, and workplaces. Additionally, many of whom have died from an overdose aren't frequent users, but rather first time users who made a terrible decision.

Obamacare is broken.

It wasn't long after the law was passed that we began hearing those very words.

And it's true. Many Missourians lost the insurance plans that they were promised they could keep, premium prices doubled, and doctors are harder to find. Barack Obama promised his namesake law would boost the economy, but across the country, millions of Americans as well as small businesses reported ObamaCare harmed their ability to afford access to care for their families and employees.

In 2008, then Presidential candidate Obama declared war on coal, stating that his regulations would "bankrupt the coal industry." As President, he did exactly as promised.

Excessive, burdensome regulations came pouring out of the Environmental Protection Agency and when it came to coal-fired power plants, the final blow was called the "Clean Power Plan."

Earlier this year, I became a grandfather for the first time. What a joy and blessing that has been. Holding my new grandson, just as I did my own kids several years ago, reminds me of what a precious gift life truly is.

Unfortunately, not all folks recognize the value of life, and that is why I'm taking every step I can to protect it.

As I travel North Missouri, I catch a glimpse of the American flag almost everywhere I go. It's not just at government buildings; it's prominently displayed at many homes, farms and businesses. It's a constant reminder that we live in the greatest country on earth.

One overly large flag was on display during an important battle in our nation's history and inspired a song we sing to this day.