U.S. Rep. Mark Alford (R-Raymore) is one of 72 House Republicans to vote no on the bill to suspend the nation’s debt limit through January 2025. Congressman Alford joined us live on 939 the Eagle’s “Wake Up Mid-Missouri” this morning, telling listeners that he will never vote for what Washington wants, but will always vote for what residents in west-central Missouri’s fourth district want. Congressman Alford says his constituents were opposed to the bill by an 8-1 margin, based on contacts with his office. He also discussed details of a 15-minute phone call between him and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-California) this week, and says Speaker McCarthy has told him three different times in his office to vote his district first. Congressman Alford remains a supporter of the Speaker. Congressman Alford’s district includes parts of Columbia, Centralia, Sedalia and Warrensburg:
(AUDIO): U.S. Rep. Mark Alford (R-Raymore) discusses debt ceiling, AM radio issues and new Columbia district office on “Wake Up Mid-Missouri”
President Joe Biden (D) tweeted yesterday that “MAGA House Republicans are threatening a default that that could cost us millions of jobs and trigger a recession,” while they protect tax breaks for the wealthy and corporations. U.S. Rep. Mark Alford (R-Raymore) says President Biden is the one threatening default, saying the House passed a debt ceiling raise. President Biden and U.S. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-California) will meet this afternoon on the debt ceiling, ahead of the deadline. Congressman Alford spoke about the issue in detail this morning on 939 the Eagle’s “Wake Up Mid-Missouri”. His district includes part of Columbia as well as Hallsville, Sedalia, Clinton, Fort Leonard Wood and Waynesville. He also supports bipartisan efforts to keep AM radio in new cars, noting the numerous rural stations in his 24-county west-central Missouri district. Congressman Alford says AM radio is critical for rural Missouri news and severe weather coverage. He also says a new Columbia district office will open this summer:
(AUDIO): U.S. House Agriculture Committee to hold farm bill listening session in August in Sedalia
A west-central Missouri congressman who serves on the House Agriculture Committee on Capitol Hill says the committee will hold a listening session at the state fair in Sedalia this summer about the federal farm bill.
U.S. Rep. Mark Alford (R-Raymore) tells 939 the Eagle’s “Wake Up Mid-Missouri” that the committee wants to hear from you and farmers across the state.
“I got a commitment two weeks ago from Chairman GT Thompson (of Pennsylvania). They will be coming, we will be having a listening tour at the (Missouri) state fair (in Sedalia) August 14. Chris Chinn is going to be there, we’re hoping to have the governor there, we’re waiting on his confirmation for that. But this is going to be a big deal. We want as many people there as possible,” Congressman Alford says.
Congressman Alford, whose sprawling district includes Columbia, Centralia and Sedalia, says child nutrition should be a key part of the farm bill. The current farm bill expires in September.
“And we’re trying to get some others there, some other key players. (U.S. House Speaker) Kevin McCarthy is not committed yet, but we’re working on him. But we do have confirmation. We will have several key agriculture board members, ag committee members. I will be there,” Alford says.
Congressman Alford is pushing child nutrition in the farm bill, which expires in September. Child nutrition has traditionally been a bipartisan issue on Capitol Hill.
Columbia’s city council gives green light to new park in northeast Columbia
A check for $200,000 from JBS’s “Hometown Strong Initiative” and Swift Prepared Foods will pay half of the cost of developing a park in one of Columbia’s poorest neighborhoods.
Whitegate park will be developed near Towne Drive and Whitegate, which is near Paris road and it’s also near Clark lane and I-70. Swift executives were in Columbia Monday evening to make the check presentation to the city council, which accepted the check and approved the park proposal. It will include a new playground, shelter, basketball court, handball court and lighting.
The voter-approved 2021 Columbia park sales tax is also providing funding for the 400-thousand dollar project.
Whitegate park will be near Columbia Insurance Group and the Reentry Opportunity Center. Construction is expected to begin this summer, with completion expected in the spring of 2025.
U.S. Rep. Mark Alford (R-Raymore), who represents northern Columbia and Boone County on Capitol Hill, has predicted that the new Swift Foods plant will help Columbia and will help feed families.
(AUDIO) Columbia’s mayor says Swift Foods’ opening on Route B is huge
A west-central Missouri congressman who represents part of Columbia and Boone County predicts the new Swift Foods plant will help Columbia and will help feed families.
U.S. Mark Alford (R-Raymore), who serves on the House Agriculture Committee, notes the $200-million plant was built on a former field on Route B.
“You could call this not the field of dreams but the field of meals. People are going to be able to eat quality charcuterie and Italian meats from everything that’s produced here, bringing in jobs, helping the fourth congressional district, the great state of Missouri and Columbia grow,” Alford says.
Congressman Alford joined Missouri Governor Mike Parson, Boone County Presiding Commissioner Kip Kendrick and others at the bipartisan ribbon-cutting ceremony. The plant is still hiring employees, and the average salary is more than $50,000.
Governor Parson says the opening of Swift Foods in Columbia shows Missouri is open for business. The governor tells 939 the Eagle that more companies want to invest in the Show-Me State.
“And I think these facilities are just a huge driver in our economy, and just proves that we’re open for business. We’re expanding, our economy is good, it’s a good place to do business. And I think you’re heard those comments up there from the CEO’s and the companies. That’s why they’re here,” Parson says.
The governor says Swift has a wonderful facility and that it’s a great time for Columbia’s growth. The 325,000 square feet plant is near Como Smoke and Fire on Route B. Mayor Barbara Buffaloe says the plant’s opening is huge for Columbia, and will provide living wage jobs.
“We know we have low unemployment. So we know this is an area in our community where we have a lot of people that want to come to Columbia. So this will help us grow Columbia, getting more people here seeking these good-paying jobs,” Buffaloe says.