Congressman Smith tours Stoddard County farms

By JONATHON DAWE

Statesman Staff Writer

Infrastructure regulations and the U.S. Senate are major problems facing Stoddard County farmers. That sentiment was shared by many in attendance for Congressman Jason Smith's second annual farm tour on Friday morning.

Smith arrived at the farm of Jim Stuever southeast of Dexter and was met by newly elected Missouri Rep. Tila Rowland Hubrecht and Stoddard County Presiding Commissioner Greg Mathis, as well as numerous local farmers.

"I'm glad to be here," Smith said as he greeted everyone. "Tell me everything I need to know."

With that, Stuever mentioned the diverse types of agriculture that can be found within Stoddard County and noted that the county has farmers who produce soybeans, cotton, grain and other crops in addition to corn. Stuever went on to express concern over the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations.

"You know, when we had the government shutdown last year, the EPA was one program that no one complained about being shut down," Smith quipped.

Smith went on to explain that Congress has been working and passing bills; but the U.S. Senate is taking too long to pass anything through.

"I don't know. You can't force one chamber to pass a bill," Smith elaborated. "The house passed the appropriations bills, but the Senate has to pass them and send them back. Hopefully things will change in January. We need some new representation."

Smith fielded numerous questions relating to rising costs and mentioned the SCRUB Act he introduced to the house. The bill, which stands for "Searching and Cutting Regulations that are Unnecessarily Burdensome" was passed in June. The bill is designed to identify and eliminate "outdated and ineffective regulations."

Smith mentioned that the average American Household is burdened with $15,000 in regulatory costs each year.

"The SCRUB Act challenges these regulations," Smith explained to everyone. "How do we reduce the regulations? We need to. There are over 175,000 page of regulations. We've got to start reducing them."

Stuever pointed out to Smith that Stoddard County is one of the only remaining counties in Missouri with townships. As a result, he said, the rising costs have made it difficult for necessary road and bridge work to be done.

"We have deficient bridges that school buses shouldn't be driving over," Stuever explained. "I think it goes without saying that the agricultural economy really helps drive the U.S. Economy. We need these issues addressed."

Smith said he understood and mentioned that the 8th Congressional District is just under 20,000 square miles, which is the largest Congressional district in the state.

"As a result, infrastructure funding is a huge issue," Smith commented. "But where is the money going to come from? The people of Missouri just voted down the transportation tax. The money has to come from somewhere, and you won't find me fighting to raise taxes. So where does the money come from?"

Smith explained that he believes there is a lack of confidence among the people concerning their representation.

"Everyone knows there's waste in government," Smith said. "A lot of people talk about earmarks; but do you know where the earmarks come from? Obama.

"Who should get to earmark funds should be the representatives that are representing their constituents."

Smith went on to say that the Senate needs to do its part in helping with the appropriations.

"The government shut down for 16 days last year, and not a single thing changed," Smith stated. "We need more accountability. The budget has only been balanced four times in the last 60 years. That is just unacceptable."

Stuever then started describing his operation to Smith.

"The reason I brought you to where we are right now is because this is where the power is," Stuever explained. "And it's off a hard surface road, so it's easier for people to get in and out. Not everyone has access like that. There are plenty of farms with gravel roads that are incredibly difficult to get in and out for loading."

Stuever went on to explain that everything he has in his operation is undersized; but that was what he could afford.

"We're not the old picture of the old man with the pitchfork and the woman next to him," Stuever explained. "I don't think that exists anymore. We all have to work together to make things work."

Smith said he believes having someone in the White House who is friendly to rural areas would help considerably and, again, noted that the Senate needs to help.

"We've passed 347 bills through the House," Smith explained. "They still haven't been dealt with in the senate. Where are we going just to get approval for a bill?"

Friday was the fourth day of Smith's farm tour, and he said he believes things could certainly change for the better, concerning area farmers, after the next election.

"If the regulations are dealt with and we get a senate that will work with the house, I think things could definitely improve," Smith said. "It's just really important that we get new representation in the Senate."