Capitol Report by Brad Lager — Pulling together during challenging times

Already this year, we have experienced a couple of the worst tornados in modern history, the flooding of 130,000 acres of farmland in Southeast Missouri, and now, some of the most devastating flooding Northwest Missouri has ever seen. The result: thousands of hard working Missourians displaced from their homes, businesses and way of life.

In response to the wrath of Mother Nature, local emergency management coordinators began implementing their emergency plans; neighbors started helping neighbors, and local leaders are leaving no stone unturned in their commitment to protecting and saving our communities. Thousands of National Guardsmen have been deployed to Joplin, southeast Missouri and now up and down the Missouri River basin in hopes of helping their fellow Missourians. Ordinary citizens from around our great state are stepping up to do whatever they can to help those who are being displaced and detrimentally impacted by horrible these events.

Since the first flooding preparations began, I have spent time every week up and down the Missouri River basin. I have seen first hand the unbelievable impact this is having on our communities. The most frustrating part of this current challenge is not that fact that we are once again fighting the power of Mother Nature, but the fact that much of this could have at least been mitigated, if not prevented, if organizations within the federal government would have done their job. This is not just unfortunate and unbelievable, this is unacceptable.

Although it will be months before the clean up process can begin, it took only moments for me to be reminded of why this is such a great place to live. From our friends down the street to the folks around the state, the outpouring of concern and support has made these troubling times much more bearable. Throughout these difficult weeks, open doors, a warm bed, and a willingness to help out have been the norm and not the exception. This sense of caring about our neighbors, concern for our communities and pulling together during challenging times, reminds me of why I feel so blessed to call Northwest Missouri my home.

As always, please feel free to call, email, or write with your ideas or concerns. The Capitol number is (573) 751-1415, my email is [email protected] and my mailing address is Room 422, State Capitol Building, Jefferson City, MO 65101.