This is my first State of the State address week as a senator and I now understand first hand how this event truly kicks the session into over-drive.
As I said over and over during the campaign, I know that jobs are your main priority and that you elected me to not only protect every job possible, but to also create a business environment that allows companies in Central Missouri and across the state to expand and hire more employees.
As an employer, I know that state employees are vital to the Central Missouri economy and that any talk about streamlining government and reducing the size of the state's workforce has ripple effects across the district.
Accordingly, I have spoken with the governor's office and the budget director both Wednesday and Thursday, and want to share the substance of those conversations with you in an attempt to alleviate some of the fear and apprehension that naturally accompanies discussions about "streamlining."
Both the governor's office and the budget director have assured me of several things: 1) the vast majority of any workforce reductions will take place via natural attrition such as not refilling positions when an employee leaves; 2) these reductions will be spread geographically across the state, and will not all occur in Central Missouri; and 3) many of the reductions, such as those within the Department of Transportation, have already occurred.
A single job lost is significant, just as a single job created is significant. I will not lose sight of this fact and will continue to work to ensure that we create an environment in Central Missouri where jobs, whether in the public or private sector, are protected, and where businesses can expand to hire more employees.
As such, I remain very focused on getting Senate Bill 50 passed and ensuring that we are well-positioned to build a second nuclear plant at the current site in Callaway County. This bill will create thousands of good, high-paying jobs in Central Missouri and across the state, will help secure our energy future, and will ensure that our electric rates are among the lowest in the nation.
On Jan. 28, I will be in Callaway County at the Wright Brothers' Store in Calwood from 7-8 a.m. to talk with you about issues facing the district. On Saturday, Feb. 5, I will be on KWOS radio, broadcasting from the Navy League Chili Cook-Off at the American Legion Post 5, 1423 Tanner Bridge Drive, in Jefferson City, from 8-9 a.m., and will also be available to talk with you.
I am in this office to serve the constituents of the 6th Senatorial District. Please contact us at (573) 751-2076 if my office or I can be of any assistance to you or if you have questions.
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Sen. Mike Kehoe, R-Jefferson City, serves Missouri's 6th state senatorial district.