JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – House Speaker Jonathan Patterson has appointed State Representative Major Conference Chair Bennie Cook to serve on the Human Services & Public Safety Committee for the Council of State Governments–Southern Region (CSG South). His appointment will be for a two-year term, ending December 31, 2026.
CSG South is a member-driven organization and the largest of the four regions operating under the Council of State Governments. Established in 1947, the organization promotes and strengthens intergovernmental cooperation and facilitates collaboration among state policymakers among its 15 state member states: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia.
Cook, R-Houston, expressed his enthusiasm for the appointment, stating, “It is an honor to be given this opportunity. I look forward to collaborating with legislators from across the Southern region to advance public safety initiatives and human services policies that can positively impact our communities.”
As a member of the committee, Cook will play a vital role among legislators. His responsibilities will include representing the interests of Missouri, attending sessions and business meetings on the Southern Legislative Conference, and providing input on official policy positions. Additionally, he will serve as Missouri’s presenter during the state legislative roundtable at the SLC.
This appointment underscores Cook’s dedication to public service and his commitment to fostering collaborative relationships on key issues that impact citizens across the Southern states. He looks forward to contributing to the continued success of the CSG South, gaining experiences, and gathering resources that will better our great state.
