Smith, Hubrecht field questions from community

By JONATHON DAWE

StatesmanStaff Writer

U.S. Rep. Jason Smith and State Rep. Tila Hubrecht appeared together at the Hickory Log in Dexter on Friday to answer questions and address concerns from their constituents.

"I specifically wanted to do this here in Dexter," Smith remarked. "I want you to be able to drill your legislators as much as possible. So, we'll take the questions rapid-fire; and Tila will answer all the difficult ones."

Smith opened by describing what he called an interesting past four or five weeks.

"We have a lot of issues going on," Smith explained. "The TPP was just released for congressional review, and we'll have 90 days for that. Last week, the budget agreement came out, and I did not support it."

Smith acknowledged that it has been an eventful past two and one half years for him in Congress, as he has worked to build successful relationships with fellow legislators.

"One thing they always ask when I come to visit with them is 'Why are you here, and what do you want?'" Smith laughed. "But I think it's important to do that and build relationships with other representatives so you can know who you can rely on."

Hubrecht likewise said her first year in Jefferson City was an interesting learning experience.

"I thought I knew what I was getting myself into when I ran for office," Hubrecht mused. "I think I spent most of the time walking around with my eyes wide open."

Hubrecht went on to explain that one issue she is focused on for the upcoming year is that of healthcare.

"There has been a lot of discussion on Medicaid expansion," Hubrecht said. "We're looking at managed care to help with some of the issues; but, I have concerns about how things might go."

Hubrecht clarified her remarks by stating that Missouri is in good financial shape at this point, but she fears the state could face a deficit if Medicaid is expanded.

"We appropriated more money for Medicaid than we did the year before," Hubrecht explained. "Other states have had to cut funding to programs like education as a result of expanding medicaid; and I really don't want to see our schools getting less funding than they're already getting."

As a result of this issue, Hubrecht said that she will be looking closely at all available options to do what is best for families.

She also mentioned that she is looking at legislation to do something to control costs on pharmaceuticals.

Three Rivers College Dexter Campus Director Bill Hampton asked Smith why some people on Medicare will get increases while others won't.

"Why not just give the increase across the board?" Hampton asked.

"Because that would be too much common sense," Smith answered.

What appeared to be the recurring theme during the meeting from Smith, was the need for the federal government and federal agencies to be scaled back.

"I think, if you give more control back to the states, that would be the best way to go," Smith remarked.

Dexter City Administrator Mark Stidham asked Smith why the EPA continues to change policies, making it more difficult for cities to keep up with federal demands.

"Say for instance, we have to change our wastewater system, and we have to pass a bond issue to do it, as people move away, we can't pay our bond issue," Stidham explained. "It takes 15-16 months for us to complete the project, and by the time we do, the regulations have changed, and we aren't in compliance."

Smith answered by saying the federal government really needs to understand the scope of its power, and that agencies like the EPA need to be scaled back.

"Right after I got elected, 300 families in this district lost their jobs because of new regulations at the Herculaneum lead smelting plant," Smith remarked. "We have more lead in our mines in this district than anywhere else, and we're having to export our lead to other countries so it can be smelted and then brought back over here. It doesn't make sense.

"The power of the purse is the best way to control these things. And it actually is a bi-partisan effort in congress to deal with the EPA."

Smith also went on to speak about difficulties facing farmers.

"That was the primary thing I disagreed on concerning this new budget agreement," Smith said. "They're wanting to cut crop insurance by $4 billion. They're trying to make an Obamacare for crop insurance, basically.

"When you have less than 100 members of Congress that represent rural districts, it's a fight every single day."

Smith went on to explain that the president wants to raise the estate tax, which he says would severely impact farmers.

"When you have a steep estate tax, and you look at what farmers have, all that money is tied up in their property," Smith explained. "So, if the tax were to be raised so much, a farmer would have to sell half his property just to pay the tax."

Smith went on to say that too many people are too far removed from rural America and understanding how things work.

"We have 75,000 jobs in our region that are based on trade," Smith remarked. "We have to educate the rest of the country as to just how important rural America is."