A NOTE FROM THE UNIVERSITY MISSOURI FLAGSHIP COUNCIL PAC
The University of Missouri Flagship Council Political Action Committee supports members of the General Assembly and statewide officeholders who are candidates for election and have demonstrated not only their support for higher education, but also understand and appreciate the value of our flagship institution to the State of Missouri.
Tom Rackers, Flagship lobbyist, works in the State Capitol on a daily basis during the legislative session. With the November 3 General Election weeks away and voters already casting ballots, he shares a message, especially for voters in the 19th State Senate District, as to why the re-election of State Senator Caleb Rowden is critical to the future prosperity of the University.
The Future of our Flagship University
Tom Rackers, University of Missouri Flagship Lobbyist
November 3, 2020 is a very important day for the future of our University. It is the day voters from the 19th State Senate District will elect the Senator who will represent the district and the University of Missouri flagship campus for the next four years in the Missouri General Assembly. Looking toward the 2021 legislative session, we need the proven leadership of Senator Caleb Rowden as the General Assembly continues to deal with critical budget issues that will affect our flagship university.
Rowden is a member of the majority party. Depending on the outcome of the election, he will be one of 24 to 26 senators serving in the 34- member Senate, part of a veto-proof majority. Rowden has served as our State Senator for the last four years and is currently the Majority Floor Leader in the Missouri State Senate. This is a very powerful position that determines what legislation will come before the Senate.
Rowden teamed up with State Rep. Greg Razer, a democrat from Kansas City, to found the University of Missouri Caucus a couple of years ago. Both have worked tirelessly across party lines to secure core appropriations for the University, including funding for the Next Gen Precision Health Institute. Rowden is the recipient of the Mizzou Alumni Association’s 2019–2020 Henry S. Geyer Award for an elected official.
I’ve had the privilege of working with Senator Rowden while he was in the House (2012–2016) and Senate (2016–2020). In those nine years, he has never failed to support our priorities. Senator Rowden championed funding to maintain our AAU status. Even with declining state revenues, his leadership with appropriations made it possible for our University to grow and prosper. That is what I call a true son!
The simple fact is that this is the most important vote you will ever make for the future of our university. We must re-elect Senator Rowden.
Folks, this is not a partisan issue. We all know the impact our flagship institution has not only on the mid-Missouri area, but the state as well. It is about the next four years and the future of our public research and land-grant university.
Those of you that will be casting a ballot in the 19th State Senate District (Boone and Cooper Counties), please vote to re-elect Senator Rowden so that our University will continue to be successful.
Take this opportunity to convey this message to your family and friends as they prepare to cast their ballots.
The future of our flagship university is in your hands. Make your vote count!!
