As we move into October, I want to take a few minutes to share some updates from around the 143rd District and across our state. Even though the General Assembly is not currently in regular session, there is still plenty going on. I continue to spend my time visiting with folks throughout the district, working on issues important to rural Missouri, and preparing for the next legislative session. As always, I appreciate hearing from you and having the opportunity to represent our communities in Jefferson City.

Belle Named Missouri’s Cowbell Capital

As of August 28, 2026, Belle is officially the Cowbell Capital of Missouri. My HB 3407 helped establish the designation in state law, but what makes this legislation especially meaningful to me is the opportunity I had to work directly with the 2025–26 Maries County R-II eighth grade students on the idea and legislation.

The students were able to be involved in the legislative process, follow the legislation as it moved through the General Assembly, and see firsthand how an idea from their own community can become Missouri law. I am proud of these students and the positive attention they helped bring to Belle and Maries County R-II.

A special thank you also goes to Jimmy and Wendy Zumwalt for bringing the big cowbell to Belle and for all they continue to do for Belle and the surrounding area.

Celebrating Missouri Pharmacists and Strengthening Rural Healthcare

October is National Pharmacists Month, and I want to thank all of our pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and pharmacy staff for the work they do every day. Our local pharmacies are very important to rural Missouri. In many of our small towns, the pharmacist is someone people know and trust, and they are often one of the first people we turn to when we have a question about our health or medications.

This year, I was proud to serve as the House handler of SB 878 as it made its way through the Missouri House. I also sponsored HB 3499, which was the House version of the pharmacy modernization legislation, and provisions from my HB 1976 were included in the final legislation as well. SB 878 updates Missouri’s pharmacy laws and allows pharmacists to provide additional services, including certain medical devices, vaccines, and medication therapy services. It also provides protections for healthcare providers participating in the 340B Drug Pricing Program.

When you live in rural Missouri, you may have to drive quite a distance to see a doctor or another healthcare provider. We need to use the healthcare professionals we already have in our communities and give them the tools they need to serve their patients. These changes can help keep more healthcare close to home, improve access for rural families, and help reduce costs over time.

I want to personally thank our pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and everyone who works in our local pharmacies. You take care of our families, answer questions, work long hours, and are there when people need you. I appreciate what you do for rural Missouri, and I am proud to work with you to help keep quality healthcare available in our small towns and communities.

Relief for Missouri Farmers

Governor Mike Kehoe recently signed Executive Order 26-19 to provide temporary relief to Missouri farmers and agricultural haulers facing higher fuel, fertilizer, and transportation costs. The order temporarily allows vehicles licensed for farm use and engaged in agricultural operations to use dyed diesel fuel on state highways and also adjusts commercial vehicle weight limits to increase hauling capacity.

These temporary changes are intended to reduce transportation costs and give our farmers and producers more flexibility during harvest season. Agriculture is a major part of our economy and way of life in rural Missouri, and I appreciate efforts to help keep our farmers moving during a challenging year.

Representative Cook Hosts 6th Annual Capitol Christmas Choir Program

I am excited to once again host the 6th Annual Capitol Christmas Choir Program on Wednesday, December 9, 2026, in the Missouri State Capitol First Floor Rotunda.

High school choirs from across the area are invited to participate and perform three Christmas carols in the Capitol. The event will be livestreamed, and participating students will have the opportunity to take an official group photo, tour the Capitol, meet with elected officials, and enjoy lunch provided by their State Senators and State Representatives.

This has become an event I look forward to each year. It is always great to welcome our students, teachers, and families to the Capitol and hear Christmas music fill the Rotunda.

If your high school choir would like to participate, please contact my office at 573-751-2264 or bennie.cook@house.mo.gov.

Thank You

It continues to be an honor to represent the people of the 143rd District in Jefferson City. I appreciate the conversations, phone calls, emails, and visits I have with folks throughout the district. Hearing directly from you helps me better represent our communities and the issues that matter to rural Missouri.

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve. If I can ever assist you with a state agency or legislative matter, please do not hesitate to contact my office.