Love note from Jeff City

Greetings, My Fellow Missourians

With only 3 weeks left as your State Representative, I am down to the short rows on getting some loose ends finished up on the “Discover More on Route 54”project. This project to promote tourism, local economy, and the businesses along the U. S. Highway began nearly 8 years ago. I did not dream up the idea, so I am going to give credit where credit is due. In 2010 I was campaigning in Weaubleau and stopped at an Antique Store ran by Lee Parson. While getting acquainted, I learned that he had recently spearheaded a community fundraising effort to build a beautiful Veterans Memorial. Further discussion led him to say that awareness needed to be done to promote the Highway 54 Corridor which runs all the way across Missouri entering from the west from Kansas, running northeast thru Lake of the Ozark’s, our State Capitol in Jefferson City, and crossing the Mississippi River at Louisiana, Missouri. He further said, “Some get their kicks on Route 66, so we need a slogan sort of like that for Route 54. It could be a slogan like, “Discover More on Route 54.” Lee Parson passed away before his idea was put into play, but the credit goes to him. By the way Lee’s younger brother is Mike Parson our current Missouri Governor.

Back to getting some loose ends attended to. On Wednesday morning, I loaded my old Suburban with ladders, chainsaws, and tools to install and repair some of the signs that have been installed along 60 miles of the 54 Corridor running thru House District 125. The first sign that was installed 8 years ago on the Wheatland Prairie was already grown up with Persimmon Sprouts and Multiflora Rose. After about 2 hours of clearing, it has been revitalized and is visible again.

I want to give a “Shout Out” to the newest sponsor of Discover More on Route 54. It is Parker’s Decor & More in Hermitage. They have a great selection of unique items just in time for Christmas Gifts. By the way, for all businesses along the iconic highway the annual sponsorship is $25.00. In addition to Facebook  check out the official website at www.discover54.com.

In 2014, the Missouri Legislature made the “Discover More on Route 54” official by passing and signing into law HB 1141. State Statute 227.520 I want to encourage the communities along the 54 corridor to not only support but also help promote the project. One example could be encouraging the local high school art classes to paint nostalgic murals on the exterior walls of store buildings. The murals could include the Highway 54 sign, old Erector Set type bridges, classic cars, cornfields and limestone bluffs with red cedar trees. My hope is that community leaders and volunteers will continue to support and promote Highway 54.

State Continues to Experience Healthy Revenue Growth

Despite the many difficulties created by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Missouri continues to see healthy revenue growth as the year nears its end. The state recently released its revenue numbers for November 2020 and growth for fiscal year 2021 continues to outpace the growth seen last year.

The state’s numbers show that general revenue collections for November 2020 were at $811.1 million, which is significantly more than the $708.5 million collected by the state in November 2019. The change represents a 14.5 percent increase.

For the year-to-date, the state has experienced 23.3 percent growth. At this point last year, the state had collected $3.68 billion. This year the state has brought in $4.53 billion in general revenue collections.

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.