On Tuesday, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced it would drop the proposed “hardwood checkoff” after opposition from Congressman Jason Smith and other members of the Missouri congressional delegation. The program would have hurt small forestry businesses in our area by forcing them to pay mandatory assessments for the USDA to conduct research and execute a public relations campaign. The plan was opposed by forestry groups in the state and around the country, including the Missou... READ MORE
Last week, Congressman Jason Smith sent a letter to the Director of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR) expressing concerns over the Southeast Missouri Ozarks Regional Restoration Plan’s attempt to acquire lands in Oregon County and lack of transparency. The proposal calls for the DNR to acquire 2,463 acres of land in Oregon County, funded with money from a lawsuit filed by the Southeast Missouri Lead Mining District against lead smelter ASARCO. The damaged lands in the lawsuit d... READ MORE
Today, Congressman Jason Smith called Governor Nixon’s proposal to transfer private land to state control in Oregon County “a clear misuse of funds.” Governor Nixon’s Missouri Department of Natural Resources plans to buy the land in Oregon County with money set aside in a lawsuit settlement to restore land damaged by lead mining. The problem is that the counties damaged in the lawsuit are nowhere near Oregon County. “As much as the governor’s administration may want to stake their legacy on thi... READ MORE
Calling it a “clear misuse of funds,” U.S. Rep. Jason Smith has taken Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon to task over a state proposal to transfer private land to state control in Oregon County. Smith’s office issued a news release Monday evening that addresses the plan that would allow the state Department of Natural Resources to buy land in Oregon County. The land would be bought with money set aside in a lawsuit settlement, the release said, that is intended to be used for restoration to land damaged b... READ MORE
Today, Congressman Jason Smith sent a letter to the Director of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR) expressing concerns over the Southeast Missouri Ozarks Regional Restoration Plan’s (SMORRP) attempt to acquire lands in Oregon County and lack of transparency. The proposal calls for the DNR to acquire 2,463 acres of land in Oregon County, funded with money from a lawsuit filed by the Southeast Missouri Lead Mining District against lead smelter ASARCO. The damaged lands in the laws... READ MORE
Last week, Congressman Jason Smith sent a letter to the Director of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR) asking for better communication about the department’s planned purchase of 2,463 acres in Oregon County. In the letter, Congressman Smith urged DNR to extend the comment period for this project and to host a public meeting so that community members may voice their opinions. “I am deeply concerned about the implications this purchase would have on our area,” said Congressman Smi... READ MORE
Barb McKeon, an assistant director at Birthright of Cape Girardeau, shows donated afghans to Congressman Jason Smith during his tour of Birthright on Tuesday. U.S. Rep. Jason Smith on Tuesday took a tour of Birthright of Cape Girardeau, which offers alternatives to abortion, and asked questions about the not-for-profit's services and funding. Smith, R-Salem, co-sponsored two bills that would block taxpayer dollars from supporting Planned Parenthood or other organizations that perform abortions ... READ MORE
A Stop in Wayne County Congressman Jason Smith, at right, visited Wayne County last Saturday as part of his 3rd Annual Farm Tour. Smith was joined by State Rep. Paul Fitzwater, at left, on a visit to Leerjak Ranch in Patterson. Pictured with Smith and Fitzwater in front of the Leerjak General Store are (l-r) Sierra, Erica, Ronnie, and Annalea Ross. Congressman Jason Smith visited Wayne County during his 3rd Annual Farm Tour. He visited Leerjak Ranch in Wayne County on Saturday, Aug. 29. Smith’s... READ MORE
Provided by Ruth Ann Skaggs | Pictured (Left to Right) are are Josh Skaggs, Kelsey Skaggs, Rep. Shelley Keeney, Congressman Jason Smith, Rep. Linda Black, and Eli Skaggs. Missouri’s 8th Congressional District U.S. Representative Jason Smith, visited the Skaggs Brothers & Sons new poultry farm, Aug. 21, as part of his Annual Farm Tour. The family owned and operated farm is located on Highway OO, in Madison County. Missouri House of Representatives members Linda Black with the 117th District and ... READ MORE
Government regulations and keeping the next generation interested in agriculture were two of the most discussed topics when U.S. Rep. Jason Smith visited a beef cattle farm just outside of Jackson on Monday. Paul "Butch" Meier of Butch's Angus is a fourth-generation farmer who said he hopes his sons and grandchildren carry the farm through the next few generations. "I've lived on this tract of land all my life," he told the congressman and the small group of farmers gathered Monday. The average ... READ MORE