The 2018 legislative session has officially reach its halfway point. Next week, there will be no debates in the Missouri Senate, however, many lawmakers like myself, will be hard at work in our districts.
Recently, several counties in the 33rd Senatorial District were declared a drought zone and are now officially able to receive assistance. The recent drought has affected the early growing season and because of the severity of the drought and impact on crops, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) through the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act named Webster, Wright, Texas, Douglas and Ripley counties as a natural disaster area due to the 8-week long drought.
Affected farmers may be eligible for certain emergency loan assistance programs through the Farm Service Agency (FSA). Those affected must apply for the emergency loan within eight months of the disaster declaration. For more information please contact your local FSA office.
I am sure each of us is guilty of not finishing a medical prescription given to us by our family physician. Whether we think we will use the medication later or we simply forget to finish the final dose, the truth is leaving excess prescription medications, especially painkillers, around our homes is dangerous. Sadly, it is now common for unused, forgotten or expired painkillers to be misplaced or become lost or stolen.
The Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America reports most people who misuse opioid prescription painkillers get them from friends and family. However, there are steps that can be taken to prevent this from happening. Pay attention to how much medication you have remaining, never share your prescription medication with others, and always dispose of unused medication. Leftover drugs can be discarded at a take-back event or by using a drug deactivation pouch.
Prescription medication take-backs offer a safe way for community members to dispose of unused or expired prescriptions and over-the-counter medications. There is no cost for disposal, and all medications except sharps, which include needles, syringes and lancets, are accepted. Labels and personal information do not need to be removed from packaging. Pharmacists and law enforcement are typically available to answer any medication disposal related questions.
Spring break officially marks the halfway point of the 2018 legislative session. During the first half of the legislative session, my Senate colleagues and I introduced 558 bills and 22 Senate Joint Resolutions. I look forward to working with my colleagues when we return to the State Capitol. While there are still numerous legislative issues that need our attention, I am looking forward to visiting with constituents and preparing for the final two months of this legislative session.
As always, I appreciate it when groups from around Missouri and from our community back home come to visit me at the Capitol. If you would like to arrange a time to come and visit me in Jefferson City, or if you ever have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact my Capitol office at (573) 751-1882.