JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – An initiative intended to be a resource for issue-based communication between constituents and legislators rolled out today from Speaker-elect John Diehl (R-Town and Country), called the “100 Great Ideas for Missouri.” The project is based on a website that allows Missourians to post ideas for legislations that they believe will improve the state.
“We’re not wanting your hard-earned tax dollars: we just want your ideas,” reads the initiative website. “Have you seen waste, fraud or abuse of your state tax dollars? Do you have an idea to reduce the size of government, save taxpayers money, or make government more efficient? Do you have an idea that will help grow our economy and create jobs?”
Starting next week, representatives across the state will host tour stops for the project to receive constituent feedback. Diehl told The Missouri Times that he will attend the events when possible.
“It’s a resource for legislators to reach out to their constituents to find out what they want their legislators to be doing,” Diehl said. “Our goal is to have our members get out into their districts and have contact with their constituents proactively about what they would want to do. It may be ideas from small businesses – they may have taxation issues, or laws that affect how their businesses grow or expand – get rid of what keeps them from growing or expanding. We’re just putting it out there for ideas from the average person. “
Diehl shared the House members are getting excited for the project and he likes that the project allows members to take as much initiative as they wish.
Citizens can visit the campaign’s website, 100GreatIdeasForMissouri.org, to submit their ideas. The initiative also has Twitter (@100GreatIdeasMO) and Facebook to receive feedback.
Rachael Herndon was the editor at The Missouri Times and also produced This Week in Missouri Politics, published Missouri Times Magazine, and co-hosted the #MoLeg podcast. She joined The Missouri Times in 2014, returning to political reporting after working as a campaign and legislative staffer.
Rachael studied at the University of Missouri – Columbia. She lives in Jefferson City with her husband, Brandon, and their two children.