Building a Stronger Missouri: Looking Ahead to 2025

 Column by Missouri Senator Cindy O’Laughlin (R-Dist. 18), Exclusively written for the NEMOnews Media Group 

As we approach January 2025, I want to share a quick look back at where we’ve been and—more importantly—where we’re going. Representing Northeast Missouri has always been a privilege, and I don’t take it lightly. 

This past year has been about taking care of the basics—improving roads, supporting rural healthcare, and backing law enforcement. It’s the kind of work that matters to families in this part of the state. 

·Highways Still Need Work: I’m glad we’ve seen progress on some of our roads and Highway 63 here in Northeast Missouri, but let’s be honest—there’s a long way to go. Too many of our rural roads still look like they haven’t been touched in years. I’ll keep pressing MODOT to prioritize the roads we rely on every day. It’s not a luxury; it’s a necessity. 

·Healthcare Close to Home: This year, we secured funding for a Radiation Oncology Center in Kirksville sponsored by Hannibal Regional. Families battling cancer shouldn’t have to drive hours to get treatment. While this is currently held up in a battle with Northeast Regional Hospital I am confident we will win this because people need and deserve to have cancer treatment locally. We also pushed for investment in rural healthcare innovation, making sure hospitals and providers in our part of the state get the resources they need to serve us better. 

·Standing with Law Enforcement: I’ve said it before—safe communities don’t just happen. It takes men and women willing to show up, day and night, to protect us. We made sure they have better tools and training this year, but it’s still a tough job. I’ll keep standing with them because they stand with us. Sheriffs often find themselves alone in rural, remote locations and we need to support their efforts at keeping citizens safe. We are also pursuing a way to structure their retirement so it is available when they decide to retire. The Missouri Supreme Court nullified what had been working so a new solution must be found. 

The new year is about staying focused and getting results for Northeast Missouri. Here’s what I’ll be working on: 

·Holding Government Accountable: People are tired of government waste, and they have every right to be. State agencies need to work smarter and serve the people paying their bills—you. Whether it’s MODOT’s mismanagement of road projects or bureaucratic delays that leave small businesses and farmers frustrated, I’ll push for better oversight and transparency. We’re not asking for miracles— we’re asking for competence. Government should make life easier, not harder, and I won’t stop until we see real improvements. The roads are economic development tools; in the end it’s about having a system that can move people and goods in a cost effective and safe manner. MODOT in some cases refuses to recognize this fact and will advocate to take away access for current businesses or refuse to work with new businesses trying to locate in high traffic areas. These businesses provide jobs and tax revenue to towns and cities across our state and must be a priority. Without farms and other businesses we don’t need the MODOT system as there’s nobody to support it. 

·Backing Our Farmers: Agriculture isn’t just part of our economy—it’s part of our lives here in Northeast Missouri. I grew up in a farming family, and I know the challenges that come with it: rising costs, unpredictable markets, and unnecessary regulations that pile up year after year. In 2025, I’ll focus on cutting red tape, defending family farms, and creating new opportunities to support the next generation of farmers. Whether it’s access to better infrastructure, broadband for rural areas, or fighting against policies that hurt agriculture, I’ll make sure farming families get the support they deserve. We must not let the “Green Energy” scam hurt our farms and take away valuable land for such things as massive solar farms. Those forms of energy do not produce reliable energy and sacrificing our food supply in the name of “Green Energy” is a foolish policy. Protecting agriculture is a top priority. 

·Putting Kids First in Education: Education has to work for parents and students—not politicians or bureaucrats. Parents have a right to know what’s happening in their children’s classrooms and to be involved in the decisions that affect their kids. At the same time, we need to make sure our schools prepare students for real life, whether that means going to college, learning a trade, or starting a job right after graduation. I’ll keep working to make sure resources get to the classrooms, not caught up in administrative waste. Every child deserves a chance to succeed, and we have to give our teachers and parents the tools to make that happen. School choice is the method by which we can insure quality education. 

·Keeping Families Safe: I talk to families all across this district, and one thing is always clear: everyone deserves to feel safe where they live. Whether it’s making sure law enforcement is properly supported or addressing crime that puts families and businesses at risk, safety has to remain a priority. I’ll keep working to get local communities the resources they need—so when someone calls for help, they know it’s coming. Safe neighborhoods, strong schools, and thriving small towns all go hand-in-hand. Unborn children continue to need our protection and we will be looking for ways to protect them. 

When I’m out talking to people— whether it’s in Kirksville, Shelbina, or any of the small towns that make up Northeast Missouri—I hear the same thing. You want leaders who are honest, work hard, and don’t forget where they came from. That’s what I’ll keep doing. 

Thank you for trusting me to serve as your voice in Jefferson City. I look forward to what we can accomplish together in 2025. 

I wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. 

Cindy O’Laughlin