Back to Session

When I was a school lady, I was always thrilled to see students returning to the classroom after the Christmas break, ready to get back to work. This week felt something a lot like that as the Missouri Senate convened for the start of the 2023 legislative session. The First Regular Session of the 102nd General Assembly began on Jan. 4 and it felt great to be back in Jefferson City representing the people of the 33rd Senatorial District.

Because this was the beginning of a new General Assembly, we welcomed newly elected senators along with those who were reelected for a second term in November. Eight new senators took the oath of office this week, and I couldn’t help think back on the day I stood in their place two years ago. I look forward to working with these new citizen legislators and can’t wait to hear the ideas they bring to the table as the session unfolds.

Many of you are accustomed to reading my legislative updates in your local newspaper but some of you may be wondering who I am and why you’re seeing my comments. Every 10 years, legislative districts are redrawn. That happened last year but the changes didn’t take effect until this legislative session began. What this means for the 33rd Senatorial District is some Missouri citizens I represented in the past – specifically those who live in Oregon, Ripley, Webster and Wright counties – have been reassigned to other senatorial districts. While I no longer officially serve those counties, I will continue to fight for the region as a whole.

Beginning this week, the 33rd District consists of Douglas, Howell, Ozark, Shannon, Stone, Taney and Texas counties. Four of those counties were unaffected by redistricting, but residents of Shannon, Stone and Taney are new to the 33rd. I’d like to welcome all of you to the district and I look forward to getting to know many of you much better in the years to come. For those of you who don’t know me, allow me to introduce myself. I am a lifelong resident of the Ozarks. I grew up in Gainesville and I attended the College of the Ozarks and Missouri State University. I’ve worked as an elementary school teacher, principal and school district superintendent – all in the Ozarks. My husband and I live on a farm near Wasola, where we operate a small business. I’m a mother and grandmother. I served one term in the House of Representatives before being elected to the State Senate in 2018.

Above and beyond all that, I am a Missourian through and through. I am especially devoted to the Ozark region. The Ozarks are my home and I couldn’t be more proud to be your senator. My office doors will always be open to my constituents, so if you find yourself in Jefferson City during the legislative session, please drop in. If you’ve visited us in the past, our office has moved within the Capitol. We are now located in room 320, directly across the hall from the Senate chamber. Please visit if you can. I’d love to see you.

It is my honor to serve the residents of Douglas, Howell, Ozark, Shannon, Stone, Taney and Texas counties in the Missouri Senate, and it’s always a pleasure to hear from friends and family back home. If I can help you in any way, please call my Capitol Office at 573-751-1882.  You can also visit my webpage at www.senate.mo.gov/mem33, on Facebook: @SenatorKarlaEslinger, or follow me on Twitter: @seneslingermo.