Electric cooperative leaders find warm welcome in Jefferson City
In an event as regular as the returning of the bluebirds in spring, representatives from electric cooperatives across Missouri descended on the Missouri Capitol Feb. 5 and 6 for the annual Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives State Legislative Conference.
They also used the occasion to honor State Sen. Cindy O’Laughlin with the Cooperative Champion Award for her strong support of electric cooperative goals.
This award stands as a shining tribute to individuals like Sen. O’Laughlin who champion co-op values and tirelessly strive to better rural Missouri,” says Caleb Jones, CEO of the Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives. “She serves as a beacon, guiding Missouri to a future where sustainable, affordable and consumer-focused energy solutions thrive.”
During the conference, the 175 directors, managers and key staff learned how to make the most of their visits to legislators through a mock briefing session between Rep. Bob Bromley and AMEC Vice President Mike Sutherland. They received legislative updates from Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe, Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft and State Treasurer Vivik Malek. Then they headed to the Capitol where they found a warm welcome and open doors from Missouri’s legislators.
The issues they shared with legislators included strengthening grid reliability, removing any obstacles in the way of high-speed rural broadband deployment and passage of sales tax exemptions for certain costs related to electric distribution and transmission.
They also shared how electric cooperatives are governed and how the cooperative business model is uniquely designed to meet the needs of co-op members.
“Wherever we called, we found the lawmakers happy to see us and interested in learning about our issues,” says Tom Houston, manager of Webster Electric Cooperative and chairman of the AMEC Legislative Committee. “They want to help Missouri move forward and know that we do too.”
