Friday, March 8, 2019
U.S. Senator Roy Blunt chatting with Raymore-Peculiar High School teacher Ms. Nicki Heist
WASHINGTON – Last week, U.S. Senator Roy Blunt (Mo.) met with Raymore-Peculiar High School teacher, Ms. Nicki Heist. Blunt released the following statement after the meeting:
“It was a pleasure to meet Ms. Heist while she was in Washington. I always enjoy chatting with a fellow teacher and it’s clear from our conversation that she cares deeply about her students. Her enthusiasm is certainly contagious. I appreciate everything Ms. Heist and all of our Missouri teachers do to give students the opportunity to be successful.”
Ms. Heist is a mathematics teacher at Raymore-Peculiar High School. She was visiting Washington, D.C. while attending the Teachers Teaching with Technology International Conference.
Wednesday, March 6, 2019
U.S. Senator Roy Blunt at Senate Youth Leadership Reception
WASHINGTON – On Wednesday, U.S. Senator Roy Blunt (Mo.) met with Missouri delegates of the United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP), A.J. Hessburg and Zoie Antoinette Francisco. Blunt released the following statement after the meeting:
“As a former high school history teacher, it is always great to see students engaged in government. I’m proud of all A.J. and Zoie have accomplished in the classroom and in their communities, and know they have a bright future ahead. It’s important for us to continue encouraging the next generation of leaders to consider careers in public service.”
Hessburg is a senior at Lindbergh High School in St. Louis and Francisco is a senior at Waynesville High School in Waynesville.
The USSYP was established in 1962 to provide educational opportunities for students interested in pursuing careers in public service. Students selected for the program spend a week in Washington participating in briefings, and meeting with government leaders and senior members of the national media. The 104 student delegates also receive a $10,000 undergraduate college scholarship and are encouraged to continue coursework in government and history. More information on the program, including how to apply, is available here.
Sunday, March 3, 2019
U.S. Senator Roy Blunt and Jim Eddleman tour Missouri’s National Veterans Memorial on Friday, March 1, 2019.
WASHINGTON– On Friday, U.S Senator Roy Blunt (Mo.) toured Missouri’s National Veterans Memorial in Perryville.
“We owe a debt of gratitude to those who made the ultimate sacrifice serving our nation in the Vietnam War,” said Blunt. “This memorial is a powerful tribute to the more than 1,400 Missourians and thousands of Americans whose memories are forever etched in our nation’s history. I’m grateful for Jim Eddleman’s service to our nation and his tireless efforts to build this memorial so families, friends, and veterans have a place close to home to honor their loved ones.”
Prior to touring the memorial, Blunt discussed his efforts in Congress to honor veterans in Missouri and across the nation. Blunt mentioned his Veteran PEER Act, bipartisan legislation that expanded veterans’ access to peer counseling specialists to better combat the risks of suicide and treat associated mental health conditions. Blunt also discussed a recent letter that he and the entire Missouri Congressional delegation sent to President Trump urging the administration to designate a state funeral for the last Medal of Honor recipient from World War II. Blunt continued, “While we can never fully repay our veterans for their sacrifices, we must do our part to ensure they have the benefits they have earned and deserve. From improving and expanding access to quality mental and physical health treatment to supporting our heroes in every step of their career, I’ll continue advocating for policies that help us fulfill our obligations to those who served.”
In September 2017, Blunt participated in a ceremony at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. that marked the start of a cross-country trip where an American flag and POW/MIA flag, each of which was flown over the memorial, made their way to the site of the Missouri’s NationalVeterans Memorial Park. Missouri is also home to the nation’s first Vietnam Veterans Memorial, which was dedicated on Dec. 2, 1967 in Wentzville. Sunday, March 3, 2019
U.S. Senator Roy Blunt with Madison County Opioid Task Force
WASHINGTON – On Friday, U.S. Senator Roy Blunt (Mo.) attended a roundtable event with the Madison County Opioid Task Force. The task force talked to Senator Blunt about their efforts to address the opioid epidemic in Madison County and discussed innovative solutions to help more Missourians receive the help they need.
“Earlier this year, a study from the National Safety Council found that, for Missourians, the chances of dying from an opioid overdose are higher than the national average,” said Blunt. “As chair of the appropriations subcommittee that funds health-related programs, addressing this epidemic has been a top priority for me. I worked to ensure the Department of Health and Human Services funding bill for this year focused on expanding access to treatment and prevention programs.”
The Madison County Health Department created the task force to develop solutions to address the opioid epidemic in the county. They first met in October 2018 and hold monthly meetings. The Madison County Opioid Task Force works to identify best practices to address opioid and illicit drug prevention. The task force is comprised of county health officials and members of the community.
Blunt continued, “I’m grateful for the opportunity to meet with the Madison County Opioid Task Force and discuss what is working – and what is not working – so we can help more people receive the treatment they need. I remain committed to supporting their work in Washington and making sure we have the right resources in the right places to combat this epidemic.”
As chair of the Senate appropriations subcommittee that funds health-related programs, Sen. Blunt has advocated for funding increases for opioid treatment, prevention, and recovery programs for four consecutive years. In September 2018, Blunt announced that Missouri was awarded $31.5 million in grant funding through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to address the opioid epidemic. Last week, Blunt chaired an appropriations subcommittee hearing on the opioid epidemic. Missouri Department of Mental Health Director Mark Stringer testified at the hearing.
Sunday, March 3, 2019
U.S. Senator Roy Blunt at Crader Distribution Company
WASHINGTON – On Friday, U.S. Senator Roy Blunt (Mo.) toured Crader Distribution Company in Marble Hill. Blunt released the following statement after the visit:
“It was great to be back in Bollinger County to tour Crader Distribution Company and meet with Crader employees. After 100 consecutive months of positive job growth, we now have more job openings than jobseekers. In such a rapidly growing economy, it’s more important than ever to ensure Missourians can receive the education, training, and skills they need to successfully enter, or re-enter, the workforce.”
During the tour, Sen. Blunt underscored the critical role apprenticeships and workforce development programs play in maintaining U.S. competiveness in a 21st century economy. He also recently visited and met with job creators around Missouri to highlight how businesses are preparing students for in-demand, good-paying careers.
Crader Distribution Company was founded in 1944 and today employs 108 workers.
