Korman: Steam Train Excursion, Interim Committee on Disaster Recovery

The other day, I traveled along with my mother from Jefferson City to Washington, MO. on the Union Pacific Little Rock Express Steam Excursion. We were able to view the southernmost part of the 99^th district along a swelling Missouri River, while riding in a passenger railcar being pulled by a steam locomotive. I think the excursion helped bring awareness to the importance of Railways for both passenger and freight for Missouri and our country; even though the number of rail corridors has reduced in our area over the last one hundred years.

With the end of Session and beginning of summer my responsibilities as Representative transitioned from legislative priorities to constituent issues and communications with citizens of the District. I have visited, presented or discussed issues to a number of groups already with a calendar filling up for the summer. Some of these include the Warrenton County Rotary Club, Marthasville Elementary, Montgomery 4-H Club, VFW Post 4436, MoDOT, 4^th Degree Knights of Columbus, Warren Co. R-3 Retirees, radio and newspaper interviews, as well as a Town Hall meeting with 26^th District Senator Brian Nieves with many concerned citizens.

Wednesday I traveled down to Joplin, MO and met up with many of my House colleagues to help with cleanup. Our efforts put a very small dent into what is needed in the town. If you, your church or a service organization is considering going down to help, I would recommend going as soon as possible with as many people as possible. The need is definitely there. If you need help coordinating a cleanup effort feel free to contact the 99^th District office and we can forward you to an appropriate contact.

The Speaker of the House, Steve Tilley, recently appointed a special committee, Interim Committee on Disaster Recovery, to deal with natural disasters both in Southeast Missouri for floods and Joplin for tornadoes. While I was not named a member of this committee, I will try to follow it this summer; especially with the risk of flooding along the Missouri River.