Greetings Friends of the 155th District!
First and foremost, I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude for electing me to serve as your State Representative for the 155th District. I am committed to doing everything within my power to support our district and the wonderful citizens who reside here. If you require any assistance or state support, please do not hesitate to reach out to my office. No issue is too small for us to address. If I am unable to resolve your concern directly, I will ensure that you are connectedwith someone who can help.
Please note, while our office receives many inquiries regarding federal matters, I want to clarify that we do not have direct contacts at the federal level. However, I would be happy to reach out to your U.S. Congressman or U.S. Senator’s office on your behalf, or to provide you with their contact information if you need it and follow up with them as necessary.
The First Day and Week of the 103rd General Assembly
The first day of the session was truly amazing and humbling. I was fortunate to have my wife and my three daughters in attendance for this special occasion; a moment I will cherish forever. As I stood in the House Chamber, raised my right hand preparing to take my oath of office, I was overcome with a deep sense of responsibility and gratitude, reflecting on the trust placed in me by the citizens of the 155th District to seize this opportunity to make the most meaningful impact for our communities and better the lives of my constituents back home.
I vividly recall when I was first approached about running for State Representative of the 155th District; I was both surprised and honored to have so many people from the district reach out and ask me to run to be their representative. I discussed this incredible opportunity with my wife, who has been my unwavering support from that very first day. While it’s been a challenging and arduous process to get here, I am grateful that we embraced this challenge together as a family. My wife and each one of my children contributed during our campaign, and each one of them continues to make personal sacrifices so that I may continue to serve the great people of District 155. Please keep my family and I in your prayers in the weeks and months to come.
I am also proud and honored to announce my selection by Speaker Patterson to collaborate with Melanie Stinnett and other likeminded Republicans in addressing Amendment 3 by crafting legislation that will impose guardrails on abortion rights in Missouri to the fullest extent permitted by law and the powers of my office. As a man of faith and a father of five wonderful children, protecting the lives of the most vulnerable among us is of utmost importance to me, just as it is for many of the residents of our district.
I am honored to have served our country in the U.S. Military, and I am honored to be able to serve again as your Representative in our Constitutional Republic government. Thank you for your trust, and I look forward to serving our district diligently and effectively. If you see me out and about in the district, please feel free to stop and say hello!
A Look Back at 2024 and a Look Ahead to 2025
As we bid farewell to 2024, it’s hard to believe how quickly the year has flown by. This transition invites us to reflect on the past twelve months, celebrating our triumphs and acknowledging the challenges we’ve faced. It also encourages us to look forward to the promise and potential that the new year holds.
Every year brings its unique challenges, and 2024 was no exception. Yet, time and again, Missourians rose to the occasion. Our state’s economy has shown remarkable resilience, with steady growth and strong revenue projections supporting the budget. Missouri maintained its AAA credit rating, paid down debts, and preserved over $1 billion in reserves for future needs. Unemployment stabilized at 3.7%, and employment grew by 2.4%, positioning Missouri among the nation’s leaders in job growth.
Legislatively, 2024 was marked by significant accomplishments, particularly for our young residents. The General Assembly approved a $51.7 billion budget—a $1.3 billion reduction from the previous fiscal year—that prioritized essential infrastructure projects, including major road improvements. This budget also addressed rural road enhancements, broadband expansion, border security, education, and support for veterans and first responders. K-12 education received full funding, new investments were made in career and technical education, and state employees, along with higher education faculty, enjoyed pay raises.
Education reform was another critical focus. Lawmakers passed important legislation expanding tax-credit programs for private school tuition and charter school initiatives. Efforts to raise teacher pay demonstrated our commitment to ensuring every Missouri child has access to quality education and supporting the dedicated educators who make it possible.
Additionally, Missouri took significant steps to protect life, including legislation barring Medicaid reimbursements for abortion clinics. Renewing the Federal Reimbursement Allowance ensured vital funding for hospitals, pharmacies, nursing homes, and ambulance services essential to the Medicaid program. New laws also promoted public safety, safeguarded property rights, and bolstered rural economic development and job growth.
As we welcome 2025, the legislature reconvenes on January 8, ready to tackle key issues in the upcoming session. Focus areas will include the state operating budget, protections for the unborn, reducing tax burdens, ensuring election integrity, promoting school accountability, enhancing government transparency, and safeguarding against overly burdensome mandates.
103rd General Assembly Officially Underway
New and returning lawmakers arrived at the Missouri Capitol this week to begin their service in the Missouri House of Representatives. On Wednesday, January 8, all 163 members gathered in the House Chamber to take their oaths of office, officially kicking off the First Session of the 103rd General Assembly.
At noon, outgoing Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft called the chamber to order and temporarily presided over the proceedings. In his brief address, Ashcroft emphasized the honor of representing the people of Missouri and the significant responsibility lawmakers have to create opportunities for future generations.
“Remember, the people of your district are counting on you,” Ashcroft reminded the assembly. “You are their representative—the person they can call or reach out to. They know their voice is heard because of you. You don’t serve for yourself; no good elected official serves for themselves. You were elected because the people wanted you.”
After Ashcroft’s remarks, the Honorable Mary Russell, Judge of the Supreme Court of Missouri, administered the oath of office. House members then elected State Representative Ann Kelley as the temporary Speaker to oversee the session. Under Kelley’s leadership, State Representative Jon Patterson was decisively chosen as the Speaker of the House for the next two years.
Additionally, State Representative Chad Perkins was elected as Speaker Pro Tem, and Joseph Engler was designated as the Chief Clerk of the House. The session concluded with a reading of the United States Bill of Rights and the adoption of resolutions necessary for the operation of the 103rd General Assembly.
Members are now awaiting their committee assignments to begin work on legislation for the 2025 session. The next order of business is to discuss and adopt the official House Rules that will govern proceedings.
Reflecting on 2024—an eventful year with its share of highs and lows—we reaffirm the strong spirit and perseverance of Missourians. As the legislature resumes its work in 2025, lawmakers will strive to provide commonsense solutions that enhance Missouri as an ideal place to live, work, and raise a family.
If you ever have, any questions or concerns feel free to call me at 573-751-2042 or email me at Matthew.Overcast@house.mo.gov. Our office is always here for you.
