Missouri’s People Are Its Greatest Blessing

This past week I had the honor of presenting awards at the Missouri Electric Cooperatives Lineman Rodeo event here in Jefferson City. Being there was a great reminder of the strength of the hardworking people of this state. These linemen were at the rodeo to celebrate their skill and further demonstrate the pride they take in their job. Different crews from different regional co-ops in Missouri competed against each other in a series of exercises showcasing the different skills and talents it takes to keep the powerlines here in Missouri up and operational.

As I spent more time with them, I was filled with a strong sense of pride and reminded of an important truth. These linemen represent the best of Missouri. Hardworking people who take great pride in a difficult job that benefits us all. When storms gather and knock out power lines, these are the people that travel into the dark and keep the power running. They keep our homes safe and the lights on. 

Our state is blessed with many great resources - from our great rivers to the land itself. Missouri’s greatest resource, however, is the people who call it home. The people working hard each and every day to provide for their families and keep our state moving forward. This mindset and shared value are what make us a state leading the nation. 

It is important to never forget the importance of community and that we are all in this together. In the General Assembly it can become easy to forget that the bills we pass, the appropriations we make, are not just words on a page or numbers in a column, but actions that have real effect on Missourians. I am always vigilant of the importance of not forgetting that this great state is made up of countless people who work hard day in and day out. People who often do jobs that are difficult, looked down on or even forgotten, but still take great pride in the work being done. 

I cannot think of a better place to live than in mid-Missouri, and I can’t think of better people to work alongside to make it even better. After all, the people of Missouri are its greatest blessing.

Please feel free to contact my office at 573-751-2076. For information about my committee assignments or sponsored legislation, please visit my official Missouri Senate website at senate.mo.gov/Bernskoetter.