By Blake Jackson
A packed house gathered at the Missouri Farm Bureau (MOFB) for their annual legislative press conference, where concerns over the future of agriculture and the broader economy were laid bare. MOFB President Garrett Hawkins painted a stark picture of challenges facing Missourians, highlighting inflation, energy policies, and a looming "all-of government" approach to climate change.
A central theme of the conference was the impact of federal energy policies on Missouri. Hawkins emphasized that This sign symbolizes what’s on the minds of so many Missourians and Americans. It’s an overarching approach to climate like we have never seen before.” He explained that the Biden Administration’s hyper-focused approach on green energy has led to twelve climate executive orders.
A massive expansion of the transmission grid is proposed to accommodate a shift away from coal and fossil fuels, which would burden Missouri with infrastructure serving external interests, jeopardize private property rights, and hinder rural development efforts.
"This sign symbolizes what’s on the minds of so many Missourians and Americans," Hawkins said, pointing to a display illustrating the challenges facing agriculture. "It’s an overarching approach to climate like we have never seen before."
The interconnectedness of energy and inflation was a key point. Hawkins explained that failing energy policies are a primary driver of inflation, which has soared since 2021. Electricity costs have increased by over 30% during this period, exacerbating financial pressures on families and businesses.
Governor Mike Parson, Lieutenant Governor Mike Kehoe, Senator Eric Schmitt, and Representatives Jason Smith, Eric Burlison, and Mark Alford echoed these concerns, underscoring the gravity of the situation for Missouri.
The event served as a platform to highlight the state's opposition to federal policies that threaten its agricultural sector and overall economic well-being.
Photo Credit: missouri-farm-bureau
Categories: Missouri, Government & Policy