Greetings, My Fellow Missourians

We thought we had good news on two transportation bills. I had hoped to get the naming of the Dr. Charles Bourland Bridge and the J.D. Stehwein Memorial Highway passed this Session. Unfortunately, due to the confusion and crazy sausage making of the last three weeks of session, our transportation bills didn’t make it. They were added on to a senate bill as amendments, with a good many other roadway designation bills. But unfortunately, they didn’t make it to the Governor’s desk.

The Missouri Department of Transportation is urging motorist to be aware of road surfaces when out driving on these hot summer days. With temperatures consistently reaching over 90 degrees, the heat is causing roads to warp or buckle which creates holes in the surface called pavement “blow-ups”. MoDOT State Maintenance Director Natalie Roark said, “Since it is difficult to know where or when a pavement blow-up will happen, our maintenance staff continually monitors road conditions on state routes. When you encounter a blow-up in the road, slow down and report the location to MoDOT as soon as possible so our maintenance crews can make the repairs. Remember, never make a cellphone call from behind the wheel. Buckle Up Phone Down.” If you encounter a blow-up, please report it to MoDOT’s service center at 1-888-ASK-MODOT (275-6636)

MoDOT has started their second mowing of the year. I have seen mowers out working on Saturdays and Sundays now. Due to COVID-19, MoDOT is spacing out their workers leaving some work to be done on weekends to practicing social distancing.

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted MoDOT’s funding as well. The departments Director stated that the impact is from multiple factors but some include a decline in the motor vehicle sales tax and declines in license and registration fees.

Senator Doug Libla believes that our state is not adequately funding roads and bridges. He would like to see Missouri’s gasoline tax increased from 17 cents per gallon to 19 cents per gallon. A 2 cent increase has the potential to raise $144 million annually for transportation. Missouri’s gas tax hasn’t been raised since 1996. Missouri has about 34,000 miles of roadway making it the nation’s 7th-largest highway system, but it ranks 49th in funding.

“We need to do our jobs up here (Jefferson City) and that is to take care of the assets and resources that Missourians deserve and expect and the traveling public for the safety of our families, but also for economic development,” Senator Libla told Missourinet reporter Brian Hauswirth. He went on to say, “Out-of-state motorists pay 40 to 50 percent of Missouri’s gasoline tax. When we go into their states, we have to pay what their (other states) going rate is on the fuel user tax per gallon. But they have lots of other taxes on their gasoline too, and diesel fuel.”

For the full article visit: Missourinet Interview with Senator Libla

Interim hours: Now that Session is over for 2020, I will be back in District full time. If you need any assistance my Legislative Assistant Amy Helton will be happy to help you Monday-Thursday.

It is my honor to serve the constituents of District 125. If you ever have questions, concerns, or input, please feel free to contact me any time at (573) 751-4065.

YOUR District 125 Capitol office is 413B, and YOU are always welcome.

If you would like to be added to the e-mail list to receive our Capitol Reports, you may e-mail me at warren.love@house.mo.gov or call the Capitol office at (573) 751-4065 and speak with my Legislative Assistant.