Dear Friend,

Martin Luther King, Jr., once said that “Peace is not merely a distant goal that we seek, but a means by which we arrive at that goal.”

Over the past year, we have seen violent protests spread throughout our country, and over and over, those who committed violence were not held accountable. In fact, when the statue of Christopher Columbus was torn down this past summer in Baltimore, Speaker Nancy Pelosi shrugged it off as “people will do what they do.”

This lack of accountability undoubtedly contributed to the shameful display this week in the United States Capitol building...KEEP READING HERE

WHAT'S GREAT IN THE 8TH

Frontline workers all over Southern Missouri are getting their COVID-19 vaccines this week. This is a pivotal step toward keeping Missouri safe and healthy. Thank you to all our healthcare workers for your hard work and dedication to our communities.

Southeast Missouri made a big impact on entrepreneurs like Michael Seaman of Swipesum, when four startups won Codefi's competition. The winning new businesses received $50,000, a membership in Codefi, access to venture capital and angel investment networks, business coaching and will each relocate to Cape Girardeau as part of the 12-month long program. I am always thrilled to see new businesses blossom in Southeast Missouri, congratulations to our four winners!

The Light Pole Banner Design Contest is back for the 7th year with the theme, "It's a Brand New Day!" The competition is open to all K-12 students in the Mineral Area and the winning artwork will be displayed on banners around town for a whole year.

Reese Palmer is a very brave sixth grader at Lincoln Intermediate School in Farmington. She was recently faced with a challenging situation when she came across a teacher unconscious and in need of help. Reese stayed calm, notified an adult, and set an example of bravery that we can all commend.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

H.Res. 8: A scheme by House Democrats to blatantly silence Republican votes.
PASSED, REP. SMITH VOTED NO.

H.R. 22: Requires greater transparency from agencies in regards to how their annual budget is distributed.
PASSED, REP. SMITH VOTED YES.

Agreeing to the Objection to the State of Arizona’s Electoral Votes: Would have objected to the certification of Arizona's 11 electoral votes due to voting irregularities and Constitutional concerns about the voting process.
FAILED, REP. SMITH VOTED YES.

Agreeing to the Objection to the State of Pennsylvania's Electoral Votes: Would have objected to the certification of Pennsylvania's 20 electoral votes due to voting irregularities and Constitutional concerns about the voting process.
FAILED, REP. SMITH VOTED YES.