Congressman Jason Smith Capitol Report
A Favorite Tradition
July 22, 2016
Next week marks the start of one of my favorite annual traditions, the 8th Congressional District Farm Tour. In southeast and south central Missouri we know agriculture is at the heart of not only our economy, but our communities, and our families. The early mornings, late days, and stress associated with mother nature and volatile markets are something everyone is familiar with. But, that way of life also brings many of us together, it helps strengthen the bond of our communities, and teaches the next generation the value of hard work, perseverance and kindness.
These are the same traits handed down to me through seven generations of our family, all of which have called this area home, and it still resides in the amazing people I am honored to meet during this special tradition.
This coming week, I look forward to beginning my 4th annual Farm Tour which will take me nearly 3,000 miles crisscrossing across all 30 counties of Missouri’s 8th Congressional District. It will also encompass over 40 stops and provide a valuable opportunity to hear about issues folks are facing firsthand. These folks and families are a vital part of our state’s number one industry, but they are also unique in their contribution to the broad range of agriculture products we produce. In fact, Missouri’s 8th Congressional District is one of the most diverse agriculture districts in the country, and that is going to be one of our highlights this year.
As an example, most people are probably familiar with the soybeans, rice, cotton, and corn grown in our district, but we also grow peanuts, process honey, and harvest timber. We are also really proud of the quality of our beef and pork, but our region also has several trout and fish farms as well breeders of pheasant and quail for hunting. And, while most of us think about farming especially when we gather at the dinner table there are a number of other industries that play a key role in manufacturing these products. For instance, we have a number of cotton gins and mills to process raw materials, but also biodiesel facilities and a chemical manufacturer that produces environmentally friendly catalysts for spraying applications. Not to mention several companies that uniquely specialize in aerial spraying themselves. Missouri’s wine industry is also taking off and some of the most popular destinations are here in Missouri’s 8th District, both on the east and west ends of the district.
There is so much to be proud of and I am excited to get a closer look at these operations and meet the families behind them over the next two weeks.
There are over 19,000 farms in our district and over 29,000 hardworking folks who tirelessly keep those farms operating for the people not only in Missouri, but across the nation. Agriculture is the backbone of our district and the state of Missouri and I am a firm believer it is what is going to lead us into the future as well. I sincerely look forward to traveling southeast and south central Missouri to listen to the concerns of all of the hardworking folks who make the agriculture industry possible. Often each of them is carrying on the practices within their own family, others are innovators using the values they have learned to create their own opportunity, and for me the experience of meeting and learning from these folks has become very special – traditions we all hope to carry on.
Jefferson City, Missouri - The campaign of Republican gubernatorial candidate John Brunner today announced former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee has endorsed John Brunner for Governor of Missouri.
In his endorsement Governor Huckabee said: “Special interests are falsely attacking my friend John Brunner because he can’t be bought. A lot of politicians are too indebted to the donor class to fight for you, but not John Brunner. He is a tough marine, a manufacturer, and a missionary whose faith doesn’t just influence him, it defines him. Unapologetically pro-life and pro-liberty, John Brunner will fight for you. I urge you to vote for John Brunner for Governor.”
Governor Huckabee served as the Governor of Arkansas from 1996 to 2007, and was a candidate for President in both 2008 and 2016. In 2005, Time Magazine named Governor Huckabee as one of the nation's Top 5 Governors.
"I am incredibly humbled and honored to have Governor Huckabee's support and endorsement. He is a principled conservative and dedicated leader of faith who leads with conviction and stood up to the establishment and the special interests throughout his entire career,” John Brunner said. “We both share a common vision of securing more freedom, with less government - and putting our faith into action. Like Governor Huckabee, I believe we can take back America, one state at a time, with tested and proven conservative leadership."
Dexter, Missouri - Join Navy Seal and conservative outsider Eric Greitens for a Breakfast Meet and Greet in Dexter.
Greitens is running for Governor in the state of Missouri and will arrive in Dexter on July 21st at 9:00 a.m. at the Airport Café’.
He will be there for about one hour before heading to his next tour stop. The event is free and the public is encouraged to attend.
The Airport Café is located at 901 Harry Bennet Drive.
For more information about the Eric Greitens Bus Tour click HERE.
Jefferson City, Missouri - Gun Owners of America (GOA), one of America’s largest non-profit organizations dedicated to preserving Americans’ 2nd Amendment rights, today endorsed John Brunner for Governor.
“After weeks of researching the Republican candidates for governor of Missouri, Gun Owners of America proudly announces the endorsement of John Brunner,” GOA Chairman Tim Macy said. “For more than forty years, John has thrown his support behind candidates and causes that stand up for your constitutional liberties. John understands that the government’s role is to protect your individual liberty, not to take it away. He knows that it’s the criminals and terrorists who are behind the violence in this country, not law-abiding gun owners.”
“As an authentic constitutional conservative dedicated to protecting all of Missourians constitutional rights, I’m proud to receive Gun Owners of America’s endorsement for Governor,” Brunner said. “It’s more important than ever that we stand up for the right to keep and bear arms and I’ll never waver in my defense of the right of law-abiding Missourians to do just that.”
Gun Owners of America (GOA) is a non-profit lobbying organization formed in 1975 to preserve and defend the Second Amendment rights of gun owners. GOA sees firearms ownership as a freedom issue. GOA was founded in 1975 by Sen. H.L. (Bill) Richardson (now retired). The GOA Board of Directors brings over 100 years of combined knowledge and experience on guns, legislation and politics.
Jefferson City, Missouri -The campaign of Republican gubernatorial candidate John Brunner today announced Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) has endorsed John Brunner for Governor of Missouri.
Issuing the endorsement and encouraging Missourians to support John Brunner, Sen. Paul said:
John is a true patriot, who will fight for you when he gets elected as governor. We are a nation in dire need of a new direction. As governor, John Brunner will be a principled, constitutional conservative who will fight to make that happen. As a veteran, a successful businessman, and a true friend, I know John will make a tremendously positive difference in the state of Missouri. Today I’m asking every Missourian to vote for John Brunner, and I’m asking you to support his campaign with your most generous possible contribution. I’m standing with John Brunner, and I hope you will, too.
"I am honored to have the endorsement of an American patriot like Sen. Rand Paul," John Brunner said. "We share a common vision rooted in the principles of liberty. Just as Sen. Paul continues the fight against big government and the status quo in the US Senate, Missouri's next governor must be prepared on day one to lead from the front to defend our Constitution and embrace our entire Bill of Rights. My oath of office as a US Marine has no expiration date - I am ready to lead. I believe we can take our country back, one state at a time, and it begins right here in Missouri."
