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Veterans late enrollment in Medicare Part B is costly Hello Ms. Toni: I am a veteran and have always received my healthcare from the Michael DeBakey VA center. I turned 65 last April 2019 and did not sign up for Part B in Medicare. Now I have a serious heart condition requiring surgery and I would like to go to a heart specialist outside of the VA, but I have been told I will have to pay 100% for doctor care, MRIs, etc. ...

The reason the controlling political party in Congress produces a budget for the federal government every spring is to lay out their priorities for the next 10 years, to set spending levels for the numerous federal agencies, and to share those numbers and ideas with the American people. ...

It’s been said that budgets are a reflection of values. How we spend our money reflects the things that are important to us. Or, as the Bible says, “Where your treasure is, there your heart is also.” As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I am constantly impressed by what Missouri’s budget tells us about our values. Well, more than a third of state money goes to take care of those in need...

This past week, an Iranian led militia attacked, torched, and attempted to storm our Embassy in Baghdad. It came on the heels of Iran killing an American contractor based in Iraq one month prior. These are just two recent examples of Iran’s continued assault on American democracy, and our support for the rule of law, individual and religious freedoms, and the State of Israel...

If you are reading this column on Wednesday, Jan. 8, you’ll find me in Jefferson City. On this day, lawmakers returned to the State Capitol for the start of the Second Regular Session of the 100th General Assembly of the State of Missouri. Along with 33 colleagues in the Senate and 162 members of the House of Representatives (one seat is currently vacant), I will begin the process of considering new laws and changes to our existing statutes...

Many were blessed this week to enjoy Thanksgiving gathered around a table with friends and family. Thanksgiving dinner provides us all the chance to reflect on what we are truly grateful for and how fortunate we are to have close family and friends in our lives. I am also thankful for all our servicemen and women serving to defend our freedoms. While I was praying for all of these families this Thanksgiving, there were two families especially on my mind — the Knowlan Family and the Ives Family...

There’s an old expression that says “It’s not bragging if you really done it.” Lately, Missouri’s governor has been particularly vocal in singing Missouri’s praises. If recent statistics and the many announcements of industries expanding or relocating to Missouri are any indication, I’d say the governor is on solid ground...

We’ve all heard the story: a group of America’s earliest settlers survive a brutal winter and are so appreciative of God’s blessing and the help they received from nearby Indians, they host a feast in celebration. The Pilgrims dress in their black hats and silver buckles. The Indians show up in full regalia. Everybody eats turkey, dressing and sweet potatoes...

2020 Medicare costs and Part B premiums are rising! Reader Alert: Effective Oct. 1, the new Medicare.gov Medicare plan finder was released. The Medicare plan finder has serious flaws and navigating this site is not easy. Please call your congressman or local TV stations to report on this issue. ...

The official start of winter is still weeks away, but apparently Mother Nature didn’t get the memo. Cold weather arrived in Missouri in late October, causing ghosts and goblins to go door to door in their winter coats and snow began falling in parts of the state well before Thanksgiving. As the temperature outside plummets, can rising utility bills be far behind?...

Changes to Plan F…causing Medicare Supplement renewal premiums to Rise Toni: We have received a 20% increase in our Plan F Medicare Supplement. I’m a 70-year-old female in decent health, but my husband is undergoing cancer treatment. Also, his cardiologist has advised him that he may need a pacemaker...

“I’m concerned that if we don’t impeach this president, he will get re-elected.” — Rep. Al Green (D-TX) Less than a year into President Trump’s administration, House Democrats were already voting on articles of impeachment. At the time it was because they were unable to accept the results of the 2016 election. ...

Monday, Nov. 11, is Veterans Day. It’s just a coincidence that it falls on Monday this year. Unlike so many other federal holidays, an attempt to permanently assign Veterans Day to a Monday and create a three-day weekend failed. The significance of Nov. 11 is simply too great...

The most important part of my job is making sure Missourians’ voices are heard in Washington. There’s no better way to do that than by visiting communities across our state and talking with families, veterans, farmers and people from all walks of life about the issues they care about most...

Have you noticed all the people “vaping” lately? If you’re like me, the phenomenon may have snuck up on you. Several years ago, I began seeing people sucking on odd-looking metal tubes and exhaling something that looked like steam. When I first inquired about this, I was told that vaping, or e-cigarettes, were a way to ween smokers from tobacco...

“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” – Letter from Birmingham Jail on April 16, 1963 “A man dies when he refuses to stand up for justice.” – Sermon in Selma, Alabama on March 8, 1965 These are the words of civil rights icon Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. ...

It’s been a tough year for farmers in Missouri. Heavy rains delayed spring planting and floods repeatedly inundated croplands. Tornadoes ripped a path of destruction across the state. Areas that were spared Mother Nature’s wrath weathered an economic storm of international trade disputes. Commodity prices remained depressed...

What Speaker Pelosi and her progressive pals are doing in the halls of our U.S. Capitol seems to defy even Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s most liberal interpretation of the Constitution and laws of the United States. Our Founders crafted the remedy of impeachment for serious situations and provided instructions for how that process would happen. ...

When I was a freshman in high school, I was summoned before my local city council over their objections to my FFA project. Their inflexible position forced my family to make a tough decision: if I wanted to keep my project operating—which is ultimately how I paid my way through college—my family and I would be forced to leave town. After multiple attempts to change the city’s mind, we moved outside the city limits...

BB Road Fire Department is pleased to introduce you to Mary Ellen Williman and Sandra Weiss, who have graciously volunteered to be out soliciters for our department fundraisers. They are both dedicated workers, gathing much needed support from giving people like you. ...

One of the most gratifying things about being a state legislator is that, occasionally, the actions we take in Jefferson City have real impact on the lives of everyday Missourians. It is especially rewarding when children benefit from our decisions. I had one such occasion recently, as I received an update on a program to expand science and technology education in my Senate district...

A common misconception is that the Missouri General Assembly is in session throughout the whole calendar year, just as Congress stays in session the entire year. The fact of the matter is that the Missouri Legislature begins in early January and ends in May. ...

Over the weekend, we were all alarmed by the images of oil fields on fire in the Middle East. Historically, whenever there is global uncertainty around the security of the world’s oil supply, it sends energy prices soaring, which impacts the day to day lives of the hardworking people here in southern Missouri just trying to make ends meet. ...

Some time back, I visited the local business of one of my constituents, and the conversations brought up during this meeting still continue to resonate with me. We discussed the Constitution, as well as the Framers’ intent on some of these issues. We discussed the point of the Oath of Office and how public servants are to uphold this sacred deed. ...

Nobody likes paying taxes. I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone who enjoys writing a check to the government. The worst for many of us is that sales tax check we write to the Department of Revenue when we buy a new vehicle. The only thing that makes it bearable is that we get to deduct the price of a vehicle we sold from the value of the one we buy...

Every year, we promise to never forget. We recall where we were and what we were feeling on September 11, 2001. I remember being in law school at Oklahoma City University and knowing immediately the world would never be the same. But too often we fail to remember the totality of loss. ...

This week has been a tough week for my family and me. Earlier this week, my father passed away. It is never easy to lose a parent, and I, unfortunately felt that up close this week. Regardless of age, what they have accomplished in life, or what they have left behind, when a loved one says goodbye everything else is put into perspective. ...

I have always said that southern Missouri is home to some of the most dedicated and talented farmers, workers, and families anywhere. Our workforce has an undeniable strength and tenacity; employers are now recognizing this and finding out that our home is one of the best places to expand, invest, grow and hire...