It is hard to believe we are almost in fall already and soon the leaves will be changing, and the cooler temps will prevail. It has been a SCORCHING summer for Missouri farmers and ranchers, and everyone is feeling the impact of the drought conditions. One of the biggest concerns they are facing is whether or not they will have a hay shortage this fall, if the dry pastures don’t get some much-needed rain soon.
It has been a rough couple of years for Missouri farmers with an unpredictable supply chain and increased input costs. Missouri is looking at various tax credits and relief programs to provide resources for our agricultural industry during these trying times. Supporting our local farmers and rural communities is a driving force behind our advocacy here at Outstate MO and we will continue to fight for the economic success of rural Missouri.
Another priority for us here at Outstate MO is the availability of reliable and affordable energy sources. We have all watched the headlines this summer regarding the energy crisis that our country is experiencing. From California to across the Midwest, states have issued threats of rolling blackouts and power failures to their residents as they battle the summer heat with an unreliable power grid.
In California, a state that remains focused on transitioning their energy sources to more green and solar options without a proper balance, is among those states that have experienced the worst power failures this summer. At one point, the state was borrowing energy from nuclear and coal sources to supply over 40% of their power to meet demands. This is a prime example of the need for a balanced energy grid, where reliability and affordability remain the focus. Amid these transitions to more renewable forms of energy, Missouri must not make the same mistakes as other states if we are to avoid a similar fate. Missouri must maintain its nuclear, coal and gas backbone if we want to maintain a reliable power grid and avoid blackouts.
Missouri Department of Economic Development has been working hard this summer to push out grant guidelines and open applications for the significant amount of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds that were appropriated through a legislative bill in May. The grants cover a variety of areas of need for Missouri, including broadband expansion, workforce development, community revitalization and others. The focus is on providing resources for those impacted most by COVID-19 as well as enhancing the economic success of our state. Our team at Outstate MO will continue to utilize media platforms, our relationships with thought leaders and policy makers, and our network of local organizations to advocate for the appropriate deployment of these funds to ensure that rural communities are NOT left behind. Below is a summary of the various grant programs that the department is overseeing, and you can learn more about each program here.
We are enthusiastic about the economic success of our state and know that one of the best ways to impact our future here in Missouri is to get involved in our statewide elections. We are pleased to announce that we will be putting together a candidate spotlight for various state and federal level races ahead of the November elections. We will be featuring various candidates throughout the month of October on our social media platforms so be sure to gives us a follow at the social links below. We want to ensure that you have all the info on where these candidates stand on rural issues that impact Missouri so you can make an informed decision about who YOU feel is best to lead our state.
We are pleased that you have joined us in protecting the rural interests of Missourians and preserving our future for generations to come.
Sincerely,
Outstate MO Team
