Perspective: Always ready to listen to members of 3rd District

Blaine Luetkemeyer
Blaine Luetkemeyer

The number one priority of my office is to serve the people of Missouri's 3rd District. Whether you need help with a federal agency, you are trying to find out if federal grants are available for a project or if you or your child is interested in applying to a service academy, my offices can assist you.

Just recently, my staff hosted the latest round of Constituent Service Days in all 13 counties of the 3rd District. Including this latest round of meetings, members of my staff made 39 stops in 33 different cities this past year. We rotate which towns the meetings are in, but we always stop in every county, every time. These meetings are held to give you the opportunity to meet face-to-face with members of my staff to share any concerns you may have or ask questions. I review all of the feedback my staff hears from you, and I take those concerns with me to Washington to make sure Congress hears them as well.

One of the most important services my staff and I can help with is assistance with federal agencies. I cannot override decisions made by a federal agency but I can intervene on a person's behalf to get them answers and help resolve their problems. From January to November, my offices were able to finalize approximately 400 cases opened by 3rd District residents. If you ever have any questions regarding casework, I urge you to call my Jefferson City office so a staff member can help you.

Another service my office can assist with is applying to a military academy. Some of the brightest young men and women in our area apply. The process includes a formal application and an interview with a panel of community volunteers from the 3rd District. For the class of 2022, there were 21 candidates interviewed and waiting for what we hope is good news. The class of 2021 saw an amazing nine academy appointments just from our district.

Additionally, there are many Missouri families who have traveled to Washington over the years. My office is always happy to give you a tour of the Capitol, as well as schedule tours at other historic sites and museums across the city, including the White House. Members of my staff, many from the 3rd District, are more than willing to show you various rooms in the Capitol and highlight incredible history and stories that have happened here in the nation's capital.

Our nation's government is elected by the people, for the people. My offices stand ready and willing to assist you in any way we can. Please give my offices a call with any questions you have regarding the many constituent services we offer. I look forward to hearing from you and working with you.

U.S. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer, R-Mo., shares his perspective each week on national issues, including ones that affect Missouri. He represents the state's 3rd District, which includes Jefferson City. His local office can be reached at 635-7232.