Dorothy Yeager, executive director of OATS Transit and Missouri Public Transit Association board member, says, "We must support the preservation of Missouri transit by maintaining the state’s $11.7 million investment in public transit, which mirrors the budgets in 2024 and 2023."

James Owen of Renew Missouri responds to a recent opinion article.

Katelynn Bowen, of Cassville, says, "Child care in the U.S. is broken and Barry County is no exception."

The League of Women Voters of Southwest Missouri says investment and support of libraries is increasingly important amid efforts to hinder their ability to provide resources.

Rep. Jeremy Dean: "Thank you for the trust you’ve placed in me to represent you. I look forward to working with you to create a stronger, more connected community for us all."

BK&M President Ralph Duda says the city keeps moving the goalpost on what is needed to approve his rezoning request at the Sunshine and National intersection.

Brandon Wall, Rogersville, says, "I’m pleased with and fully support the decision of the Missouri State University Board of Governors on Nov. 22 to retain President Biff Williams in his capacity with the university."

Dr. David Lancaster, a physician based in Columbia, says, "The overreaching noncompete language commonplace in health care employment contracts must be reconsidered as it continues to exacerbate our health care workforce shortage and diminish patient care."

David Stokes, director of municipal policy for the Show-Me Institute, says "the ongoing effort to exempt senior citizens from property tax increases around the state are a ... misguided attempt at tax reform that will have harmful effects on the counties where it becomes law."

Stephanie Vojicic, president of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Missouri, discusses contract negotiations with Mercy.

Mercy President/CEO Steve Mackin advocates for a good-faith contract negotiation with Anthem. 

Jammi Glenn of Arvest Bank-Springfield Region: "Providing funding for future projects, developing products to meet their individual needs and staying involved with health care organizations are just a few ways the business community can maintain its connection with the health care community."

Mindy Brissey, SBA’s regional administrator in the Great Plains Region, says "America is in the midst of a historic small-business boom."

Dean Thompson updates readers on his work at the Springfield chamber.

David Stokes, director of municipal policy for the Show-Me Institute, opposes a constitutional amendment set to appear on the Aug. 6 ballot.

Missouri House Speaker Dean Plocher says tax cuts have been good for the state's bottom line.

Stephen Kleinsmith, an Ozark resident and former Nixa Public Schools superintendent, says "there are numerous compelling reasons for this, including the separation of church and state, the religious diversity among students, legal precedents and the potential for disruption."

Roy Holand, former state legislator: "For those citizens bold enough to offer public comments, a more respectful and informational exchange could occur with the BOE adoption of the hearing policy used by the local city council and state legislature."

Jaimie Trussell, president and CEO of Council of Churches Inc.: "There is a cost of doing nothing to support our most vulnerable neighbors. In many ways, our community is already paying for it."