View from the Capitol - April 1, 2016

This was a busy in district work week that gave me an opportunity to visit some of the great people and places in Missouri’s Fourth Congressional District.

Small business is the backbone of America’s economy, and I was pleased to visit a small business on the square in Hermitage. Lightfoot Hardware has been serving the community for a long time and it was great to visit with owner Terry Turner about the federal budget and other issues affecting Main Street America. While there, customers and area ranchers brought up concerns with new regulations coming from the USDA that could hurt cattlemen and, ultimately, consumers.  As a member of the House Agriculture Committee, I am concerned with overregulation that is hurting those who feed the world. I am taking their concerns to Washington.
 

Vicky with Lightfoot Hardware owner Terry Turner
 

In El Dorado Springs, I met with employees of Sac Osage Electric Cooperative, a rural electric cooperative providing power to more than 8,500 customers in a nine county area. These hardworking folks keep the lights on for thousands of Missouri 4th District families rain or shine.  I appreciate their service and wanted to hear their thoughts on issues facing them.  We discussed concerns with the Clean Power Plan which is already having a negative effect on Missouri family's electric bills.  While we all want clean air, the regulations coming from Washington are forcing the closure of economical and efficient coal-powered electric plants in the U.S. which is raising the costs of energy. The electric cooperatives are doing a good job providing power and helping to inform Americans of the need to keep energy affordable. I applaud their efforts and will continue to advocate for common sense regulations that keep our air clean, while allowing us to continue to use the natural resources our country has been blessed with to keep the lights on in a way that Missourians can afford.
 

Vicky speaks with Sac Osage Electric employees

I visited the community of Glasgow in Howard County where I stopped into some of the downtown businesses and visited with the owners and employees of those businesses. This historic city is located on a sharp bend of the Missouri River about 35 miles north of Columbia. In fact, it was at a quaint eatery known as the River Bend Restaurant where I met with some of the community’s business leaders and elected officials, hearing some of the thoughts and concerns they have. Thanks to meetings like this and others throughout our district I never have a shortage of good common sense ideas to take back to Washington.

Vicky stops by the Rolling Pin Bakery (top); Vicky speaks with Mayor Fred Foley at his restaurant (bottom right); Vicky visits Henderson’s Pharmacy (bottom left)

In neighboring Cooper County, I visited the Unlimited Opportunities sheltered workshop in Boonville. This job training and employment service for adults and children with developmental disabilities provides opportunities in recycling, rest area maintenance, and working at a resale store. Unlimited Opportunities’ mission statement is laudable: “Promoting independence through person-centered services which empower individuals served to achieve their personal goals with dignity and respect.” My visits to our district’s sheltered workshops are always rewarding as I see, firsthand, people who refuse to allow disabilities get in the way of achievement.

Sadly, Missouri said farewell to a true statesman this week. John T. Russell, who represented Lebanon and Laclede County in the Missouri House and then in the State Senate for over four decades, passed away at the age of 84. I got to know Senator Russell during my time in the Missouri General Assembly. I appreciated his advice as I sought to represent the Fourth District in the U.S. House and valued his friendship. My prayers are with his wife, Margaret, and their children, grandchildren, and great grand-children. Those of us who got to spend time with him and to learn from his example of leadership were blessed to have known him.

Lastly, I wanted to let you know about a new section on my website that will make it easier for you to share your stories with me. By going to the “Your Story” page at https://hartzler.house.gov/your-story you can share your experiences with Obamacare, taxes, federal agencies such as the EPA or the IRS, almost anything. I want to hear from you. You can also use this page to share your ideas to improve how our government works for you. I encourage you to visit and tell me your story. My office and I will do what we can to resolve your issue, get you the information you need, or bring your issue to the attention of Congress. I am honored to serve you in the House of Representatives, and I am committed to making sure your voice is heard in Washington.

Have a great week,

Vicky Hartzler
Member of Congress

P.S. In addition to this newsletter, you can get even more timely updates by following me onFacebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Click the links to follow me, and like and share my posts to spread the word.