This weekend, we celebrated the 250th birthday of our great nation! What an incredible time to be alive and witness this historic milestone in our country's story. The Independence Day celebrations were fun with all the hamburgers, hot dogs, watermelon, family and community gatherings, historical reenactments, and, of course, the fireworks!
As we reflected on our nation's first 250 years, we could honestly acknowledge the areas where we can improve while also recognizing the many things America has done well. The preservation of our freedom is a principle that generations of Americans have fought and sacrificed to protect, and we must never take it for granted. Our freedom is one of the reasons our nation has long served as a beacon of hope for people around the world.
The General Assembly should always legislate with our freedoms and liberties in mind, doing everything possible to protect them. I pay close attention to legislation that I believe could infringe upon those liberties, and I am prepared to vote against such measures on your behalf when necessary. It is my responsibility to keep a watchful eye on the legislation that affects the people of District 154, and I take that responsibility seriously.
Speaking of legislation, Gov. Mike Kehoe currently has several bills from the 2026 legislative session awaiting action. He has completed work on the state budget and issued several line-item vetoes, but I am pleased that no appropriations specific to District 154 were vetoed.
I am also awaiting his signature on House Bill 2576, which creates several new state designations. This includes naming the Jerrad L. Bennett Memorial Bridge on Business U.S. 60/63 in the Willow Springs area.
As we move into election season, I encourage you to do your civic duty and vote. If we want to remain a strong and free nation, we need engaged citizens who participate in the democratic process and elect leaders who will faithfully represent the people they serve.
If you are not currently registered to vote, the deadline to register for the Aug. 4 primary election is today. Registration can be completed at the Howell County Clerk's Office, located at 35 Court Square in West Plains. There is no better time than now to get registered and help shape the next chapter of our nation's history.
At times, it may seem that our country is more politically divided than ever. Yet last weekend, Americans across the nation gathered to honor our flag, sing our national anthem and recite the Pledge of Allegiance. My hope is that, regardless of our differences, we all took a moment to appreciate the freedoms we share and the privilege of calling ourselves Americans.
I hope you and your family had a safe, joyful and memorable Independence Day!
Rep. Lisa Durnell serves on the House Agriculture Committee and the Special Committee on Tourism. She can be reached at 201 W. Capitol Ave., Room 115-C, Jefferson City, MO 65101-6806. Citizens may also contact her office by phone at 573-751-1455 or via email at lisa.durnell@house.mo.gov.
