The recent Russian invasion of Ukraine is the headline on television, radio, newspapers and social media around the world. It can be easy to think of this conflict as something happening “on the other side of the world” with no real implications for us. Unfortunately, it is not the case.
As the conflict escalated, several state officials took steps to examine what involvement Missouri might have with Ukraine or Russia. This includes the state treasurer who reviews the money our state may have invested in stocks, bonds, and other investments owned by Russians. At first glance, this may seem bad, but it is quite common for seemingly innocuous investment areas to have ties to many countries around the world. I applaud our state treasurer for his actions. It’s a decision similar to what happened in the months following the attacks on America on September 11, 2001, when the Treasurer’s Office ordered a similar investigation into where Missouri money has been invested.
Likewise, several state legislators have introduced bills and resolutions condemning Russian aggression and supporting Ukraine. Again, these may be smaller movements, but still necessary to show a united front in times of turmoil and to demonstrate that the states still hold the power, just as the founders meant by bringing this country together not so long ago.
As chairman of the Missouri Senate Appropriations Committee, I will also be keeping tabs on where our money is going. This is job #1 for me. The money our state invests is done to keep our AAA rating intact, so we only have to pay the lowest interest rates on the money we borrow. These investments also keep our state pensions afloat, which includes our hard-working teachers. So, yes, the war that involves the neighboring country of Alaska to the west is important, not only to the world, but also to the Show-Me State.
As always, please don’t hesitate to call, email or write with your ideas or concerns. My Capitol office number is 573-751-1415, my email is dan.hegeman@senate.mo.gov, and my mailing address is Room 332, State Capitol Building, Jefferson City, MO 65101.
Dan Hegeman is the state senator for the 12th district.
