Denison: Joplin Cleanup Continues

“Characters do not change. Opinions alter, but characters are only developed.” – Benjamin Disraeli

Interim Committee to Look at Missouri’s Disaster Recovery Plans

The weather-related devastation that has impacted Missourians in all parts of the state has led House Speaker Steven Tilley to bring together a group of legislators to take a closer look at how Missouri responds to natural disasters. The Interim Committee on Disaster Recovery will spend the next several months taking a closer look at areas such as Joplin, Sedalia and Southeast Missouri that were hit hard by storms. Their immediate goal is to put together recommendations to the Speaker for any action the legislature could take in the short term to facilitate the recovery process. They will have that recommendation to the Speaker by July 31. Their big picture goal is to provide a report to the General Assembly by December 31 detailing long-term recovery strategies and how the state can be better prepared for future natural disasters.

Legislators Lend a Helping Hand in Joplin

While the interim committee is beginning to do its work, many legislators are already actively involved in helping Missourians recover from the natural disasters that have hit our state. In addition to coordinating relief efforts in their home districts, many members gathered together to travel to Joplin to not only survey the damage, but also to chip in by helping to deliver supplies and clear rubble. I was proud to be among the nearly 40 members of the House, along with family and staff, who traveled to Joplin on Wednesday, June 9 to help with the cleanup effort. Reps. Bill White, R-Joplin, and Charlie Davis, R-Webb City, organized the trip. Our tour began at Missouri Southern State University and traveled to the Duquesne neighborhood that lost 90 percent of its homes. We were then taken to stops near Range Line Road and Joplin High School. After a lunch break at Freeman Hospital, we began to help by cleaning up debris on 22nd and 23rd streets in Joplin. I know the trip helped all of us to gain a much deeper understanding of how much work will be necessary to return Joplin to where it was before the tornado.


Members along with family and staff working in the cleanup effort.

Interim Office Hours

Interim office hours are Tuesday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Normal schedule will resume December 1, 2011. If you need to call me at home, my number is 417-887-3353.

I look forward to hearing from you. If you ever have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact my office. Best wishes.