Hello from Jefferson City. First, I would like to express what an honor it is to represent the 12th District in the Missouri Senate for yet another year. This week, legislators returned to Jefferson City for the Second Regular Session of the 103rd General Assembly, and I too left my farm in Chillicothe to begin work this year. I am proud to be serving my fourth year as your state senator, and am excited to begin another session working on issues important to Northwest Missouri.

One of the most significant responsibilities I take on this year is my new role as chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee. My top priority in this role will be delivering a balanced budget that reflects Missouri’s values. Missourians expect their tax dollars to be managed responsibly, and I am committed to ensuring state spending is thoughtful, conservative and focused on core priorities.

As the session begins, the Missouri Senate heard the opening address from the Senate president pro tem, who emphasized fiscal responsibility, transparency and measurable outcomes. I share this vision and look forward to working with my colleagues to ensure state government remains accountable to the people it serves.

In addition to budget work, I have filed legislation addressing key concerns for our state’s agricultural community and long-term security. Senate Bill 885 focuses on foreign ownership of Missouri agricultural land. This legislation would return Missouri law to the framework that existed prior to 2013 by prohibiting new foreign ownership of Missouri agricultural land after Aug. 28, 2026. The goal of this bill is to protect Missouri farmland, strengthen food security and provide certainty for Missouri farmers and ranchers.

I have also filed Senate Bill 883, which addresses the growing use of advanced reproductive technology in livestock production. As ranchers and farmers increasingly adopt tools such as embryo transfer and other reproductive services to improve herd genetics, Missouri law needs to support them. This bill establishes clear pathways for trained livestock reproductive specialists to meet growing demand while maintaining appropriate oversight and safeguards. Senate Bill 883 is designed to support innovation in agriculture while ensuring animal health and producer confidence.

As the legislative session moves forward, I will continue working to represent the values and priorities of Northwest Missouri. I appreciate the trust you place in me to serve as your voice in Jefferson City.

As always, please feel free to reach out with your thoughts or concerns. My Capitol office phone number is 573-751-1415, my email is Rusty.Black@senate.mo.gov, and my mailing address is Room 420, State Capitol Building, Jefferson City, MO 65101.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve you.