February 2024 | Legislative Relations Crucial for Cooperative

Posted: February 1, 2024 at 8 a.m.

With the 2024 legislative session underway in Jefferson City and Washington, D.C., active involvement in legislative relations is important for SEMO Electric Cooperative and GoSEMO Fiber. This engagement enables us to advocate effectively for our members and subscribers, as legislative decisions significantly impact electric and broadband services. Being engaged at local, state, and federal levels ensures that our voice is heard in shaping policies that affect our community, support infrastructure improvements, and address regulatory changes impacting service delivery. Through our involvement, we safeguard the interests of cooperative members, striving to shape policies that promote reliable, affordable, and sustainable services. Being at the table is crucial, especially as we aim to educate high school students about legislative relations.

Did you know SEMO Electric Cooperative offers two exciting opportunities for high school students? The NRECA Youth Tour invites high school juniors on an all-expenses paid trip to Washington, D.C., alongside students from Missouri and across the nation. It’s a chance to explore museums, visit iconic monuments, and meet elected officials from June 14-20, 2024. Additionally, high school sophomores can join the Cooperative Youth Conference and Leadership Experience (CYCLE), an expense-covered trip to Jefferson City. This experience focuses on educating students about electric cooperatives, nurturing leadership skills, and immersing in Missouri state government from July 16-19.

Both programs offer invaluable insights into cooperatives, community involvement, and democracy. To learn more or apply, visit gosemo.com or reach out to your high school counselor. Applications close on February 1, 2024, and attendees’ parent(s) or legal guardian(s) must be SEMO Electric Cooperative member-owners.

Book of the Month: “Everybody is going through something. Sometimes they need hug. Sometimes they just need someone to listen. Sometimes they need a shoulder to cry on. Will you be that friend?” Beautiful Mercy by Matthew Kelly

Be smart. Act safe. Keep pushing forward!

Sean is the CEO/GM of SEMO Electric Cooperative and GoSEMO Fiber.

Sean, accompanied by local and statewide elected officials, attends a fundraising event in Oran. The cooperative’s active involvement in local, state, and federal legislation, which could impact electric members and broadband subscribers, remains crucial. Team SEMO is committed to being present in Jefferson City for the 2024 legislative session.