Saturday is Independence Day and many of us will celebrate by having picnics, attending parades, and watching a fireworks display at dusk. Let us not forget the reason why we celebrate this very special day, the day that our forefathers signed the Declaration of Independence.
On July 4, 1776, the United States of America was founded with the signing of the Declaration of Independence. With the signing of this important document, we claimed our independence from Britain, and Democracy was born. Fifty-six men of simple means and education put their lives, happiness, and worldly possessions on the line to give future generations freedom by inscribing their names on a piece of paper. These men had security in life with money and property, but above all else they wanted freedom and liberty. They gave us a nation that believes in its citizens - a government of the people, by the people, and for the people. On July 4, 2009, the United States of America will celebrate its 233rd birthday— 233 years of independence, liberty, freedom, and the uninterrupted pursuit of happiness.
Our forefathers gave more than time and hard work to the cause of independence. Most of these men sacrificed everything they had, including their lives. The British charged some with treason, others fought and died in the Revolutionary War, and many witnessed their homes and livelihood taken from them and destroyed. Yet all stood proud and with determination pledged their devotion: “I am well aware of the toil and blood and treasure it will cost us to maintain this declaration, and support and defend these states. Yet through all the gloom I see the rays of ravishing light and glory. I can see that the end is worth all the means. This is our day of deliverance,” said John Adams.
We, as Americans should never forget why we have our freedoms and how they were won. Today, there are still those who are willing to give everything for their country. These brave service men and women remind us that the liberties we often take for granted are valuable and worth fighting for. We are not perfect, but we enjoy more freedoms than any other nation on the planet and our promise is perfect. The Fourth of July is just one day a year when we as a nation can stop and reflect on the free and independent life we all have and the struggles of those before us, among us, and in the future. This Fourth of July, I hope you will join me in reflecting, remembering, and thanking those American soldiers who are defending the freedom we celebrate. Only two have ever offered to lay down their life for you, one is Jesus Christ — the other is the American soldier.
Happy 233rd birthday America, may it just be one of many, many more to come.
Contact Me
As always, I appreciate hearing your comments, opinions, and concerns. Please feel free to contact me in Jefferson City at (573) 751-2459. You may write to me at Jason Crowell; Missouri Senate; State Capitol; Jefferson City, MO 65101, or email me at: jcrowell@senate.mo.gov or visit me on the web at http://www.senate.mo.gov/c
On July 4, 1776, the United States of America was founded with the signing of the Declaration of Independence. With the signing of this important document, we claimed our independence from Britain, and Democracy was born. Fifty-six men of simple means and education put their lives, happiness, and worldly possessions on the line to give future generations freedom by inscribing their names on a piece of paper. These men had security in life with money and property, but above all else they wanted freedom and liberty. They gave us a nation that believes in its citizens - a government of the people, by the people, and for the people. On July 4, 2009, the United States of America will celebrate its 233rd birthday— 233 years of independence, liberty, freedom, and the uninterrupted pursuit of happiness.
Our forefathers gave more than time and hard work to the cause of independence. Most of these men sacrificed everything they had, including their lives. The British charged some with treason, others fought and died in the Revolutionary War, and many witnessed their homes and livelihood taken from them and destroyed. Yet all stood proud and with determination pledged their devotion: “I am well aware of the toil and blood and treasure it will cost us to maintain this declaration, and support and defend these states. Yet through all the gloom I see the rays of ravishing light and glory. I can see that the end is worth all the means. This is our day of deliverance,” said John Adams.
We, as Americans should never forget why we have our freedoms and how they were won. Today, there are still those who are willing to give everything for their country. These brave service men and women remind us that the liberties we often take for granted are valuable and worth fighting for. We are not perfect, but we enjoy more freedoms than any other nation on the planet and our promise is perfect. The Fourth of July is just one day a year when we as a nation can stop and reflect on the free and independent life we all have and the struggles of those before us, among us, and in the future. This Fourth of July, I hope you will join me in reflecting, remembering, and thanking those American soldiers who are defending the freedom we celebrate. Only two have ever offered to lay down their life for you, one is Jesus Christ — the other is the American soldier.
Happy 233rd birthday America, may it just be one of many, many more to come.
Contact Me
As always, I appreciate hearing your comments, opinions, and concerns. Please feel free to contact me in Jefferson City at (573) 751-2459. You may write to me at Jason Crowell; Missouri Senate; State Capitol; Jefferson City, MO 65101, or email me at: jcrowell@senate.mo.gov or visit me on the web at http://www.senate.mo.gov/c
Recently, Governor Nixon has been promoting the “Caring for Missourians” initiative that he asked the General Assembly to approve this past session. The program diverts $40 million over 26 higher education institutions to address the ever thinning health-care professional shortage throughout the state, but places no specific requirement to Universities that the funds be used for “Caring for Missourians”. It is the sole discretion of our Universities and Colleges on how to use these one-time funds.
Funding for “Caring for Missourians” has been appropriated through Fiscal Year 2010 Federal one-time stabilization funds. Southeast Missouri residents will benefit by Southeast Missouri State University receiving $1,166,806, Three Rivers Community College receiving $363,924, and Mineral Area Community College receiving $338,100. Governor Nixon hopes of the additional money to eventually train and graduate more than 900 additional Missouri students in the field of health-care over the next five years; a very worthy priority.
It is no secret that our state is in dire need of more health professionals. According to the Nixon Administration, Missouri hospitals are facing a shortage of more than 7% for Registered Nurses, 6% shortage of pharmacists, 8% for both physical and occupational therapists, and a 7% shortage of medical laboratory technicians. The “Caring for Missourians” program stands to not only train and educate medical professionals to meet the drastically high demand for health-care; it also stands to bolster our struggling economy.
The logistics of the initiative will be to hold each individual college or university responsible for spending the increased appropriation on developing a specific plan to maximize the benefit of those funds for expanding healthcare training programs. According to Southeast president Dr. Ken Dobbins in a June 9th article in the Southeast Missourian, he has said that “the University will use the money, about $1.2 million, to hire two faculty members. An accelerated nursing program, which will accommodate 10 students, will be added for students who have already completed a science degree. They will be able to complete a nursing degree in 18 months. The money will also be used to enhance teaching labs and expand the nurse practitioner program to include six more slots.”
“Caring for Missourians” is clearly a commendable program. However, I am concerned with a few issues. The first being the potential lack of oversight and eligibility requirements. As of now, there are no measures to ensure that only Missouri residents will be selected to fill the increased educational slots. Missouri taxpayer dollars could very well be paying to help students from another state have increased access to education and training. The second issue of concern I have is that the program offers no safeguard from students leaving our state once they have obtained their education via “Caring for Missourians”. It does Missouri no good to use taxpayer dollars to educate individuals, only to have them go work in Kansas or Illinois immediately upon graduation. Lastly, I am concerned with sustainable funding for the program. It is the General Assembly’s position that the funding for “Caring for Missouri” comes from Federal one-time funds and is not intended to be recurrent in nature.
I raise these concerns because of the June 9th Southeast Missourian newspaper article, where Dr. Dobbins, is quoted as saying, “the University will not institute similar policies because they are not necessary”. He also said in the article, “The majority of students stay in Missouri after completing their education.” It is my opinion that the “Caring for Missourians” initiative should be targeted only to Missouri resident students and those who agree to stay in Missouri upon graduation but I want to know what you think. Do you agree or disagree? Please let me know.
Overall, I believe that the program is more than worthy of the one-time Federal funds. The money will go a long way in not only meeting our high demand for health professionals, but may also help move our economy forward. But should it benefit Missourians first and foremost?
Contact Me
As always, I appreciate hearing your comments, opinions, and concerns. Please feel free to contact me in Jefferson City at (573) 751-2459. You may write to me at Jason Crowell; Missouri Senate; State Capitol; Jefferson City, MO 65101, or email me at: jcrowell@senate.mo.gov or visit me on the web at http://www.senate.mo.gov/c
It is no secret that our state is in dire need of more health professionals. According to the Nixon Administration, Missouri hospitals are facing a shortage of more than 7% for Registered Nurses, 6% shortage of pharmacists, 8% for both physical and occupational therapists, and a 7% shortage of medical laboratory technicians. The “Caring for Missourians” program stands to not only train and educate medical professionals to meet the drastically high demand for health-care; it also stands to bolster our struggling economy.
The logistics of the initiative will be to hold each individual college or university responsible for spending the increased appropriation on developing a specific plan to maximize the benefit of those funds for expanding healthcare training programs. According to Southeast president Dr. Ken Dobbins in a June 9th article in the Southeast Missourian, he has said that “the University will use the money, about $1.2 million, to hire two faculty members. An accelerated nursing program, which will accommodate 10 students, will be added for students who have already completed a science degree. They will be able to complete a nursing degree in 18 months. The money will also be used to enhance teaching labs and expand the nurse practitioner program to include six more slots.”
“Caring for Missourians” is clearly a commendable program. However, I am concerned with a few issues. The first being the potential lack of oversight and eligibility requirements. As of now, there are no measures to ensure that only Missouri residents will be selected to fill the increased educational slots. Missouri taxpayer dollars could very well be paying to help students from another state have increased access to education and training. The second issue of concern I have is that the program offers no safeguard from students leaving our state once they have obtained their education via “Caring for Missourians”. It does Missouri no good to use taxpayer dollars to educate individuals, only to have them go work in Kansas or Illinois immediately upon graduation. Lastly, I am concerned with sustainable funding for the program. It is the General Assembly’s position that the funding for “Caring for Missouri” comes from Federal one-time funds and is not intended to be recurrent in nature.
I raise these concerns because of the June 9th Southeast Missourian newspaper article, where Dr. Dobbins, is quoted as saying, “the University will not institute similar policies because they are not necessary”. He also said in the article, “The majority of students stay in Missouri after completing their education.” It is my opinion that the “Caring for Missourians” initiative should be targeted only to Missouri resident students and those who agree to stay in Missouri upon graduation but I want to know what you think. Do you agree or disagree? Please let me know.
Overall, I believe that the program is more than worthy of the one-time Federal funds. The money will go a long way in not only meeting our high demand for health professionals, but may also help move our economy forward. But should it benefit Missourians first and foremost?
Contact Me
As always, I appreciate hearing your comments, opinions, and concerns. Please feel free to contact me in Jefferson City at (573) 751-2459. You may write to me at Jason Crowell; Missouri Senate; State Capitol; Jefferson City, MO 65101, or email me at: jcrowell@senate.mo.gov or visit me on the web at http://www.senate.mo.gov/c
June marks the celebration of two holidays: this year, Flag Day on June 14th and Father’s Day on June 21st.
Father’s Day is specifically set aside to celebrate the significance of fathers. Fathers that have set an example of what it means to truly be there for their family, willing to offer their support and wisdom. Fathers are the ones who show us what it is to be a good dad, a good leader, and a good person. They are our own personal heroes.
It was during a 1909 sermon about Mother’s Day when Sonora Smart Dodd became inspired to create Father’s Day. Having been raised by her father after her mother died, Sonora wanted her father to know how special he was to her as a courageous, selfless, and loving man. Sonora’s father was born in June, thus, the first Father’s Day was celebrated on June 19, 1910.
June 14th is the day each year dedicated to our flag, the symbol of our nation. Flag Day was observed for the first time in 1877 which was the 100th anniversary of the adoption of our country’s red-white-and-blue banner.
On April 25, 1976, the Chicago Cubs were playing in Dodger Stadium when a father and son rushed onto the field with an American flag. The pair doused the flag in lighter fluid and attempted to light it on fire. Rick Monday, a center fielder for the Cubs, ran by the two and snatched the flag out of their hands, saving the flag from desecration. Afterwards, the crowd spontaneously broke into a round of “God Bless America” as the words “Rick Monday, you made a great play,” flashed on the scoreboard. Years later, this event was selected as one of the top 100 moments in major league baseball. (Rick Monday Tribute, 1976 Video; http://www.metacafe.com/wa
Our flag is a symbol that we respect and admire because it provides a constant reminder of the bravery of our armed forces. The stars and stripes have inspired works of art, musical compositions, literary works, and acts of bravery. From the creation of our nations’ anthem to the raising of the flag at the battle of Iwo Jima, our flag has served as a stirring reminder of the values our country continues to represent.
The month of June brings us much to reflect on: our fathers, the respect we hold for our county’s flag, and the many military members who made our great country what it is today. I wish you all many happy celebrations as we mark these two important holidays.
Contact Me
As always, I appreciate hearing your comments, opinions, and concerns. Please feel free to contact me in Jefferson City at (573) 751-2459. You may write to me at Jason Crowell; Missouri Senate; State Capitol; Jefferson City, MO 65101, or email me at: jcrowell@senate.mo.gov or visit me on the web at http://www.senate.mo.gov/c
Father’s Day is specifically set aside to celebrate the significance of fathers. Fathers that have set an example of what it means to truly be there for their family, willing to offer their support and wisdom. Fathers are the ones who show us what it is to be a good dad, a good leader, and a good person. They are our own personal heroes.
It was during a 1909 sermon about Mother’s Day when Sonora Smart Dodd became inspired to create Father’s Day. Having been raised by her father after her mother died, Sonora wanted her father to know how special he was to her as a courageous, selfless, and loving man. Sonora’s father was born in June, thus, the first Father’s Day was celebrated on June 19, 1910.
June 14th is the day each year dedicated to our flag, the symbol of our nation. Flag Day was observed for the first time in 1877 which was the 100th anniversary of the adoption of our country’s red-white-and-blue banner.
On April 25, 1976, the Chicago Cubs were playing in Dodger Stadium when a father and son rushed onto the field with an American flag. The pair doused the flag in lighter fluid and attempted to light it on fire. Rick Monday, a center fielder for the Cubs, ran by the two and snatched the flag out of their hands, saving the flag from desecration. Afterwards, the crowd spontaneously broke into a round of “God Bless America” as the words “Rick Monday, you made a great play,” flashed on the scoreboard. Years later, this event was selected as one of the top 100 moments in major league baseball. (Rick Monday Tribute, 1976 Video; http://www.metacafe.com/wa
Our flag is a symbol that we respect and admire because it provides a constant reminder of the bravery of our armed forces. The stars and stripes have inspired works of art, musical compositions, literary works, and acts of bravery. From the creation of our nations’ anthem to the raising of the flag at the battle of Iwo Jima, our flag has served as a stirring reminder of the values our country continues to represent.
The month of June brings us much to reflect on: our fathers, the respect we hold for our county’s flag, and the many military members who made our great country what it is today. I wish you all many happy celebrations as we mark these two important holidays.
Contact Me
As always, I appreciate hearing your comments, opinions, and concerns. Please feel free to contact me in Jefferson City at (573) 751-2459. You may write to me at Jason Crowell; Missouri Senate; State Capitol; Jefferson City, MO 65101, or email me at: jcrowell@senate.mo.gov or visit me on the web at http://www.senate.mo.gov/c
Jason Crowell's Notes
Celebrating the Birth of Our CountryJun 30, 2009
Caring for MissouriansJun 26, 2009
Celebrating Flag Day and Father’s DayJun 18, 2009
Helping Missouri’s Small BusinessesJun 12, 2009
First Step Reforms to Protect TaxpayersJun 5, 2009
Local Communities Receive State FundingJun 3, 2009
Creating Quality JobsMay 27, 2009
Honoring the FallenMay 25, 2009
Expanding Broadband Networks in Rural Areas: FY 2010 Budget Addresses SE Mo. PrioritiesMay 15, 2009
Sen. Crowell's Legislation Honoring Hometown Heroes Approved by LegislatureMay 14, 2009