The past few weeks have been eventful, as the state legislature reconvened after returning to Jefferson City from “spring break,” marking the symbolic midpoint of session.

This is the time when bills start crossing into the other chamber and working through the final steps before becoming laws.

Before session began, I often used the term “cautious optimism” when discussing my expectations for the 2025 session. The combination of many new faces in the general assembly and the end of the grueling 2024 campaign cycle created a promising opportunity to build new relationships with lawmakers and set an expectation to tackle difficult issues facing Missourians.

As we pass the midpoint of session, my cautious optimism persists. Legislation has been moving through the process at a steady and deliberative pace. This environment of progress is a change from what we saw last year and offers hope for successful outcomes in the months ahead.

At Missouri Farm Bureau, we are encouraged by the progress we have seen so far, but we remain determined and will not be taking any of these opportunities for granted. It’s time to deliver results for our members.

MOFB supports several legislative items that directly impact Missouri’s farmers, our members, and rural communities. As we all know, agriculture is a cornerstone of Missouri’s economy. State issues that matter to farmers and rural Missourians include access to affordable health coverage, protecting private property rights, retaining our water resources, and promoting rural infrastructure.

MOFB’s top policy priority is the implementation of Missouri Farm Bureau Health Plans. The rising cost of health coverage is a major concern for farmers and self-employed entrepreneurs. The need for a sustainable, affordable option is critical. We know that 10 other states are offering these health plans to their members, with plans costing 30% less than comparable unsubsidized health plans on the marketplace. We are committed to ensuring this important legislation passes and provides much-needed relief to our members.

The Health Plan legislation has made significant progress through the legislature this year, making it out of the Senate for the first time with bipartisan support. Senate Bill 79 now moves to the House of Representatives, where the process will be repeated. We are grateful to our allies in the Senate for helping this bill clear such a tremendous hurdle and look forward to working with members of the House of Representatives to deliver this bill to the Governor’s desk.

MOFB has also made progress on other issues important to rural Missourians. We are working to close a loophole in Missouri law that could allow solar and wind generation developments to use eminent domain to expand across the countryside. These structures take up a significantly greater amount of acreage than other power-generating structures, and it is important they do not infringe upon the property rights of Missourians. Landowners who want to lease their land for solar and wind should have the right to negotiate their terms, not face the threat of their land being taken through eminent domain.

The legislature has made significant strides to secure Missouri’s water resources by restricting how much water can be exported out of the state. Some states have mismanaged their water resources and may look to states like Missouri for their water needs. We must protect our abundant water resources and put the needs of Missourians first. This bill has been passed out of the Senate and received its hearing in the House of Representatives.

As we move into the later weeks of the legislative session, our work is far from done. There is still much to accomplish, and we at MOFB will continue to advocate on behalf of our members.

The positive tone of this session is encouraging, but in the volatile world of politics, success is never guaranteed. We will need the continued support of our members. Please continue to reach out to your legislators and let them know what matters most to you and your family. Let’s work together to make Missouri a great place for farmers, families and rural communities to thrive.