Dinkins: Greetings Friends of the 144th district!

As I sit down to write this, there is only a couple of days until the 2024 general election. By the time it is printed, the election will be over. I hope that no matter how the results turn out in the various elections, that we can all come together as a county, state, and nation. We can accomplish so much more for the good of everyone if we all choose to work together. I hope that everyone in the 144th district voted and whether or not your favorite candidate won; I hope you will make an effort to work together for the good of all.

Compare Medicare coverage

According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, nearly 70% of Medicare beneficiaries did not compare their coverage options during the annual open enrollment period, potentially missing out on savings and better plans. The Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance (DCI) is urging Medicare-eligible Missourians to review their Medicare Part D drug plan or Medicare Advantage plan to better suit their health and financial needs.

DCI offers free support through the Missouri State Health Insurance Assistance Program (MO SHIP), where certified counselors provide unbiased assistance in comparing options and checking eligibility for programs that lower prescription drug costs, like the Low-Income Subsidy and Medicare Savings Programs. DCI Director Chlora Lindley-Myers noted that Missourians who consult MO SHIP save an average of $2,000 during open enrollment.

DCI encourages reviewing Medicare plans annually to avoid unexpected costs and care disruptions, as health needs may change. For assistance, contact MO SHIP at 1-800-390-3330 or visit missouriship.org. MO SHIP is available year-round for both phone and in-person help.

Missouri Under a Drought Alert

Governor Mike Parson has signed an executive order declaring a drought alert for Missouri until March 31, 2025, as drought conditions persist in parts of 88 counties across the state. This order enables the state to direct resources to the affected areas and closely monitor conditions through winter.

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources will activate the Drought Assessment Committee to evaluate drought levels and coordinate response efforts. Residents are encouraged to report local drought conditions on the Condition Monitoring Observer Reports (CMOR) platform. Additional resources, drought news, and response information are available at www.dnr.mo.gov/drought.

Workforce of the future

The House Special Interim Committee on Workforce Innovation and Technology has been meeting to strengthen Missouri’s workforce and prepare it for future technological advancements. The committee's focus is on making the state's workforce adaptable by addressing key issues like eliminating training gaps, ensuring access to broadband internet for online education, and leveraging resources such as the Ag Tech corridor in St. Louis to create job opportunities.

The committee is also tackling workforce housing, integrating technology in sectors like agriculture and manufacturing, expanding supply chain logistics jobs, and studying the impact of artificial intelligence on jobs over the next 10 to 20 years. Throughout the summer, the committee has gathered input from universities, colleges, commissions, and businesses to better understand workforce challenges and prepare for future demands.

As always, please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions, concerns, or suggestions you might have. As your Representative, I am here to assist you however I can. I can be reached by email at Chris.Dinkins@house.mo.gov or by phone at (573) 751-2112. Please do not contact me via social media. These messages are easy to overlook and may not be responded to in a timely manner.

CHRIS DINKINS serves the 144th District of Missouri. She can be reached by email at Chris.Dinkins@house.mo.gov or by phone at 573-751-2112.