Kraus: A Holiday Worth Remembering

With the Fourth of July holiday upon us, I feel the need to say thank you. This holiday is typically one we celebrate with family and friends, barbeque and fireworks, whether we travel across the state or just to our own backyards. But it means so much more than that. It’s a day of gratitude and remembrance, as well.

Independence Day is recognized as the day upon which the forefathers of this country made the distinctive move to separate themselves from the tyranny and oppression of the British Empire by signing the Declaration of Independence. The freedoms those men were seeking, the self-evident truths and unalienable rights, the aptly named “American experiment,” were so important, they were willing to lay down their very lives to attain them. With their decision and their signatures, they set this country on the path to become the nation that it is today. Their strength imbued a country with the conviction and the courage to stand up against subjugation, and it is for that purpose on July 4 we celebrate the event that began the history of our great nation.

While we are discussing Independence Day, I would like to take this opportunity to thank those men and women that choose to take up the mantle of continued courage and serve our country. We hear often that freedom isn’t free. I know that firsthand. I am honored each and every day, knowing there are brave people standing up for this country I love and keeping it safe, no matter where they may be stationed in the world. Our country is great for many reasons, but not the least of which is our soldiers’ belief in its greatness. They fight our battles, both here and overseas, so that we might have the opportunity to celebrate with our friends and families this Independence Day.

It is for these reasons I say thank you. I thank the men and women that rose up against those that would have kept us bound to their way of thinking. And I thank the people that still today believe that this country is great and choose to defend our very way of life.

As you celebrate this weekend, please take a moment to remember what it is the celebration stands for. We have the opportunity to gather together because we are free. We set off fireworks emulating the rockets and cannon fire that was necessary to secure our freedom. On Independence Day, let’s celebrate the fact that we are Missourians, that we are Americans, that we have the right to Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness, and these gifts have been handed down to us at a considerable cost.

Named to Interim Senate Committee On Natural Disaster Recovery

Senate Leader Robert N. Mayer, R-Dexter, has appointed me to the newly created Senate Interim Committee on Natural Disaster Recovery.

I welcome the chance to serve on this committee, especially after having been involved on a personal level with the recovery efforts in Joplin. When I offered to help in Levasy, I was gratified to learn that the flood preparations were well attended by volunteers. It is important to me to be able to offer aid in any form I can.

This committee is broken down into three subcommittees, consisting of Emergency Response, Fiscal Response, and Insurance Response. I will serve on the Subcommittee for Emergency Response. Each subcommittee is responsible for gathering public testimony related to its own area, as well as for working with the agencies and administration tied to the specific area.

This year’s weather pattern has been unpredictable and destructive. Missourians should be able to know without a doubt that, if a catastrophic weather event occurs, their state government is doing what it can to protect them and assist them as much as possible to get back to a normal, everyday lifestyle.

Flood Information for Independence Day Travelers

Rain, runoff, and reservoir releases have contributed to flooding along the Missouri River. The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) is partnering with Iowa, Kansas and Nebraska to provide road closures and detour information to travelers who may be heading across the nation’s heartland this Fourth of July.

MoDOT’s flooding web page, www.modot.org/flooding, provides information on the latest road closures with a link to the Traveler Information Map and detour information. Visitors can also get information about how to prepare and travel safely around flooded areas.

Currently, Interstate 29 remains closed in the northwestern corner of Missouri at the Route 136 interchange at Rockport. Downstream from there, current predictions indicate the river will crest later this week on Wednesday, Thursday or Friday at levels below the records set in 1993, but above flood stage in some areas. However, with additional rainfall and levee breeches, these predictions change regularly. Information on predictions can be found at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration website at www.crh.noaa.gov/mbrfc.

District Activities

Last Friday, I attended a meeting of the Eastern Jackson County Betterment Council. The next day, my family and I made another trip to Joplin to help with recovery efforts. There is still much to be done.

This week, I hope to attend the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce Public Policy Council meet and greet for members of the Kansas City Caucus and for the Kansas City mayor and city council.