Greetings from your Missouri Capitol. Summer doesn't seem to want to give up, so enjoy this while we can because cold weather will be here before we know it! It's been a busy two weeks here in the Capital City and here's a brief recap.
My wife and I attended the Governor's Ham Breakfast at the State Fair and we enjoyed a cooler-than-normal morning and had great fellowship and breakfast with a few of my colleagues here in the House and heard some great reports from state Agriculture Director Chris Chinn on how Missouri's agriculture is progressing this year and the governor gave us a preview of an announcement he was to make later in the day concerning Broadband and its expansion. Gov. Mike Parson said, "Investing in our broadband infrastructure is critical to unlocking our full economic potential in this state and will serve Missourians for generations to come. We expect this investment to increase broadband internet connectivity and access in every corner of the state for hundreds of thousands of Missourians. Quality internet supports learning, health care, business, and agriculture in today's economy, and we are excited to capitalize on this opportunity to truly make a difference and improve lives."
In addition to the $400 million plan, the Department of Economic Development also submitted an application to the U.S. Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) Broadband Infrastructure Program requesting an additional $56 million for broadband deployment. If approved by NTIA, this funding could support up to 19 projects, connecting more than 17,000 households, businesses and other institutions.
I had the opportunity to present a Missouri Flag to Capital City High School AP teacher Ben Smythe's class and visit with them about some of the activities happening in the Capitol. The flag I presented had been flown over the Capitol and along with the flag comes a certificate of authorization. I was very impressed with Mr. Smythe and especially his students and the history they are learning in preparation of their educational opportunities. Thank you Mr. Smythe.
I also had the opportunity to present a resolution to Joe Driskill at his retirement ceremony. Joe is a former legislator, former Director of Missouri Department of Economic Development and the first Missouri Military Advocate with Economic Development. The job Joe did over the five-plus years in this position generated millions of dollars for the state of Missouri in military contracts throughout the state and improved relations with our military installations throughout the state. Joe will be missed and has set the bar very high for whoever replaces him. Enjoy your retirement, Joe Driskill.
Leigh and I attended the annual Central Missouri Foster Care and Adoption Associations luau fundraiser. This organization is so special in what they do for foster children here in Central Missouri as well as advocate for adoption and foster care throughout the state. Deanna Alonzo is their executive director and a great friend. Her story is amazing as is her organization. If you don't know of their work I would encourage you to give them a call and see how you can help them.
Finally, in my column two weeks ago I told you of the remembrance ceremony for the 20th anniversary of 9-11 and those activities are happening this week. The activities begin on Friday evening at 7 p.m. with the opening ceremony and the keynote speaker Joe Torrilo, the last New York firefighter pulled from the rubble of the World Trade Center. The evening will culminate in the reading of the 2,996 names of those who lost their life on Sept. 11, 2001. I am proud to have served on a committee that has been meeting for the past two years to plan this ceremony and give honor to those who died during that attack. At 8:30 a.m. Sept. 11, the Stephen Siller's Tunnel to Towers 5K walk/run will take place on the south lawn of the Capitol. Pre-registration is encouraged but you can register on the day of the event from 7-8:15 a.m. on the south steps of the Capitol. Daylight to dusk static displays of 9/11 artifacts, emergency and military vehicles will be available for public viewing on the south lawn of the Capitol. At 10:30 a.m. the Veterans Council will have a rededication of the Veterans Plaza at the Jefferson City Police Department at 401 Monroe St. Then at noon the Missouri Patriot Day Parade will begin making its way down High Street and the day's activities will conclude from 1-3 p.m. with the Missouri State Fire Marshal's 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at the Jefferson Building, 205 Jefferson St. Hope you all can attend some if not all of these remembrance ceremonies.
As always, my door is always open and I welcome your comments and concerns for District 60 so stop by or give me a call.
State Rep. Dave Griffith, R-Jefferson City, represents Missouri's 60th District, and shares his perspective on statehouse issues twice a month.