During this year-long pandemic, many ordinary citizens have stepped up to keep our society running. Despite the spread of the new, deadly virus, Americans in essential jobs have risen to the challenge and we must take a moment to honor them.
Chief among these heroes are our schoolteachers. Locally, our schools have mostly remained open, allowing our teachers to fulfill their critical role of educating and encouraging our children. I would like to thank our educators and administrators for working to keep our schools operational.
The importance of our educators cannot be overstated. They have the power to impact the entire course of future generations. I would like to express appreciation to two teachers who continue to be a positive influence on my life.
Mrs. Linda Hodges taught us history at Clarkton High School, and later became the school’s principal. She made learning fun, and I was proud to have earned some of my best grades in her class. I was honored to have received a letter from her after my election. In it, she encouraged me to work hard for the people of Missouri and mentioned the time I helped bring President Bush to Poplar Bluff. It was also great to see her at a parade in Malden after so many years.
Equally impactful on my life and career is Mrs. Ilene Raymer, my second grade teacher at Halloran School in Ellsinore. Back in those days, we had class in a one-room schoolhouse.
It was a hardscrabble community, most didn’t have plumbing and we made our own food.
We were poor, but were taught that hard work could accomplish anything. You were expected to respect your teacher. In fact, if you got in trouble at school, you got in trouble at home!
Mrs. Raymer continued to visit me after I completed her class, making me understand how much she truly cared about her students. She also wrote me a letter expressing pride at my being elected to the legislature, noting she always had faith I would make a difference in people’s lives. It was thrilling to have a chance to visit with her recently at the grocery store.
I am sure many of you have certain teachers you treasure for inspiring and preparing you for a successful life and career. I ask that you to take a moment to reach out and let them know you appreciate them. I want to thank all teachers for dedicating your lives to ensuring the best education for our impressionable young people.
This week, the House passed HB 738, which makes numerous changes to the state’s election laws. The bill authorizes the Secretary of State (SOS) to audit voter registration lists and require election authorities to remove improper names. Beginning Jan. 1, 2022, it requires the use of a paper ballot and repeals electronic voting system language with certain exceptions for voting equipment used for the disabled. It allows use of absentee ballots without stating a reason beginning the third Tuesday before an election provided that photo identification is provided or other exceptions are met. The bill also specifies photographic identification requirements for voting a regular ballot, but allows use of provisional ballots with any type of documentation currently allowed for voting. Supporters say the bill will ensure fair and secure elections in Missouri. Most of the measures are designed to combat actual problems and attempts at fraud personally witnessed by the sponsor in past years.
May God bless and keep you and our great nation.
Hardy Billington represents District 152, which includes parts of Butler and Dunklin counties.