St. Charles Regional and O'Fallon Chambers Advocate for County Priorities at State Capitol
Jefferson City, MO – On Wednesday, March 12th, the St. Charles Regional Chamber and the O'Fallon Chamber of Commerce & Industry joined forces to bring a contingent of over 20 business and community leaders to Jefferson City for St. Charles County Day at the Capitol. This pivotal visit provided a unique opportunity to directly engage with state lawmakers and advocate for critical issues impacting the region. The delegation’s agenda included a private meeting with Governor Kehoe, where they addressed key concerns such as the need for additional state funding for the Center for Advanced Skills Training in Law Enforcement (CASTLE), a regional law enforcement training center being jointly developed by O'Fallon and St. Charles. Other pressing topics discussed with the Governor included workforce development, the challenges of attainable housing, and the importance of the childcare tax credit.
The day’s activities continued with a formal introduction on the House Floor during session, where the delegation was recognized as special guests by State Representatives Travis Wilson and a photo opportunity with our representatives Terri Violet, Wendy Hausman, Mark Matthiesen, and Colin M. Wellenkamp. They observed a debate on HB 495, a bill addressing crime and the proposed state control of the St. Louis Police, which holds significant implications for the region. A productive lunch at the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry followed, featuring a discussion with Jared Hankinson, Director of Legislative Affairs, regarding the Missouri Chamber's 2025 legislative priorities. The visit provided invaluable insights into the legislative process and fostered direct communication with key decision-makers, ensuring St. Charles County’s voice is heard on important state matters.
The St. Charles Regional Chamber and the O'Fallon Chamber of Commerce & Industry encourage community members to stay engaged with legislative affairs by attending their upcoming legislative breakfast on June 4th. This event will provide another opportunity to connect with local representatives and discuss ongoing legislative initiatives. For more information, please visit www.StCharlesRegionalChamber.com