Last week, the Great Northwest delegation hosted the 19th annual Great Northwest Days in Jefferson City. More than 350 business, community, municipal and county leaders from 18 counties in northwest Missouri converged on Jefferson City to meet with legislators and advance our priorities. I personally had the opportunity to meet with the delegates of the counties in the 12th Senatorial District to lay out our plan for 2020.
For a long time, I believe our part of the state had been forgotten. From my first day in office, I have worked hard to make sure that the people in Jefferson City understand there are a lot of exciting things happening in our communities. From the rich history throughout our region to the new investments in renewable fuels and energy, northwest Missouri has a lot of which we should be proud. However, there is still much work to be done, as we work to address our unique challenges in workforce development, infrastructure and health care.
Strong communication between government and business is critical to developing and growing our economies. We must have a safe and reliable infrastructure comprised of good roads, good bridges and reliable drinking water. We must improve the way patients utilize and doctors deliver health care, thereby keeping patients in better health and using our health care system in a more effective manner.
Having events like Great Northwest Days reminds us of how much we have accomplished, what challenges we still must overcome and the many opportunities we have before us. I am committed to working hard to ensure the people of the 12th Senatorial District are well-represented in the Missouri Senate. I know, by working together, we can and will improve the quality of life for every resident in northwest Missouri.
As always, please feel free to call, email or write with your ideas or concerns. My Capitol office number is (573) 751-1415, my email is dan.hegeman@senate.mo.gov and my mailing address is Room 332, State Capitol Building, Jefferson City, MO 65101.