NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEContact: Jason Crowell
Date: February 23, 2004Phone: 573-450-4410
Crowell Announces Candidacy for the Missouri State Senate
Makes Education, Job Growth, and Government Accountability His Priorities
Cape Girardeau - House Majority Floor Leader Jason Crowell officially announced his candidacy this week for the 27th district of the Missouri Senate. Current Senator, President Pro Tem Peter Kinder, is term-limited and unable to seek reelection.
During his announcement, Crowell highlighted his legislative priorities that include supporting teachers and classrooms, reigning in wasteful government spending, and providing a business climate that grows and sustains good paying jobs for Southeast Missouri families and workers.
“Public education is essential to our state’s future economic growth and must be protected as the number one priority in the state budget,” said Crowell. “Every day thousands of teachers across our state work tirelessly to ensure that our young people have an opportunity to learn and to succeed. Whether it is elementary and secondary or higher education, Missouri lawmakers should endeavor to make our state’s public education second to none.”
Rebutting calls for higher taxes on Missouri’s working families, Crowell stated, “We should expect a state government that is accountable and efficient with the tax dollars already being sent to Jefferson City. Missouri families are overburdened with taxes and I will maintain my commitment to hold the line against tax increases.”
“Jefferson City must also do more to support our state’s agricultural interests,” said Crowell. “Our farmers and ranchers are receiving less for their outputs at a time when they are paying even more for their inputs. The future of Missouri is intertwined with the future of our farmers.”
Crowell further committed to prioritize reforms that fight crime and protect our most vulnerable citizens. “I will work to provide adequate resources to our local law enforcement and to strengthen penalties against drug crimes. In addition, I will be an advocate for legislation that promotes life and protects our families.”
The 27th district comprises the six counties of Cape Girardeau, Perry, Scott, Bollinger, Mississippi, and Madison. Numerous elected officials within the district have endorsed Crowell’s candidacy including: Speaker Pro Tem Rod Jetton (Bollinger County), Representative Peter Myers (Scott County), Representative Lanie Black (Mississippi County), and Representative Rob Mayer (Stoddard County).
Representative Myers emphasized Crowell’s commitment to Southeast Missouri in his endorsement. “Jason truly represents the common sense, conservative values of Southeast Missouri in Jefferson City,” Myers said. “He is a great public servant who will continue putting people before politics in the Senate. I have absolute confidence that Jason will keep the priorities of Southeast Missouri at the forefront of Senate debate.”
Crowell is a life-long resident of Southeast Missouri and a member of Centenary United Methodist Church. He is a graduate of Cape Central High School, Southeast Missouri State University, and the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Law. His community involvement includes serving on the board of directors of the Southeast Missouri Network Against Sexual Violence and on the University of Missouri Delta Center advisory board. Crowell represents the 158th District in the House of Representatives and currently serves as the House Majority Floor Leader, the number three post in the Missouri House.
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