Last week, I stood in the magnificent Missouri Senate chamber and took an oath to represent my constituents in the 33rd District to the best of my ability, and to uphold the principles and values of the Missouri Constitution. It was one of the proudest moments of my career, and I look forward to shaping public policy to help Missouri shine as an example to our nation as a place where families want to live, work, and raise their children.

I have several priorities for the legislative session, including economic development. Every Missourian deserves to have a rewarding career that enables them to provide a comfortable life for their family, and I know that many citizens have struggled to find a better job, or employment, period. As a former small business owner in our state, I know that the best service the state government can provide is to step back and let employers run their businesses. Whether your job is working in an office or working on a farm, excessive rules and regulations hinder economic progress, and such overbearing policies have no place in the Show-Me State. Coming from a rural area in our beautiful state, I understand that the agriculture industry, in particular, has come under fire in recent years. Our state’s No. 1 industry has endured enough hardship with the terrible drought and heat we suffered in 2012, so focusing on how to help agriculture thrive in Missouri is a top concern.

Another priority of mine for this legislative session is to focus on preserving our God-given liberties as outlined by the U.S. Constitution. I’m a proud father and grandfather, and I want to ensure that our posterity can enjoy the free America prior generations have loved and valued. I also have a great amount of respect for the men and women in our Armed Forces. I served as a sergeant in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, and I highly respect our troops for their service to our country. These heroes deserve lawmakers in office who, in their respective legislative chambers, will defend the same American freedoms our troops so bravely fight for here at home and overseas. I am proud to be a citizen of this country and the state of Missouri, and I’m honored to be in Jefferson City to fight for a better life for my constituents.

I appreciate you reading this report; I will continue to write legislative columns throughout session, so please stay tuned as the upper chamber continues its work at the Capitol. You can also stay up-to-date with my work in the Senate by visiting my website at www.senate.mo.gov/cunningham. Thank you and God bless.