Dear Neighbor,
Happy Thanksgiving from the Howe family.
I encourage you to take time this week to stop and think about all that we have to be thankful for as Americans. We live in the greatest nation in the world and enjoy freedoms others can only dream about. We also have unmatched opportunities in this country; if you have the will and are willing to work hard, just about anything is possible in the USA.
As for legislative news, election-season rules have been lifted, meaning I can resume sending emails like these to share my thoughts on the latest events.
The 2015 session starts in about six weeks and we have been busy putting a new structure together in the House in anticipation of the new majority taking office Jan. 6. New leaders are in place, including Speaker Kurt Daudt from Crown and Majority Leader Joyce Peppin from Rogers. The process of filling out committee rosters currently is underway. I will pass along my committee assignments when they are confirmed.
This will be a budget year at the Capitol, so items related to that will take center stage. I will pay close attention to the transportation portion of our two-year spending plan. This is an important issue in our part of the state, where roads such as Highway 23 remain in need of improvement. I will advocate for a transportation budget that focuses on priorities like roads and bridges.
One non-budget item I will be working on is helping state agencies become more available as a problem-solving resource for people. Too often citizens come to me with issues caused by disconnect and I will be looking for ways of improving our system so people and our agencies can work together and find solutions.
Please pass along your thoughts and ideas regarding these issues and any others that may be on your mind. That kind of feedback helps me continue doing my best to represent the people in our area. I am accessible to meet locally and also encourage people to contact my legislative office at (800) 947-8264 if you would like to schedule an appointment at the Capitol during the session.
I will keep you up to speed as we near Opening Day in the Legislature. Until then, I hope you and your family enjoy a happy Thanksgiving. Stay warm, be safe on the roads and enjoy the company of friends and family.
Good Luck,
Jeff