Missouri House of Representatives, District 25

Good afternoon, my fellow citizens.

Think beyond potholes. Our comprehensive infrastructure plan includes smart traffic management and predictive maintenance. Vote for roads that work smarter, not harder. Today, I want to talk to you about something we all experience every day; our roads and infrastructure. We drive on these roads to work, to school, to visit our loved ones. Our businesses rely on them to transport goods. Our emergency services depend on them to save lives. Yet, how many of us have found ourselves swerving to avoid a pothole, or stuck in traffic due to ongoing repairs? Despite the taxes we pay, despite the promises we hear year after year, our infrastructure continues to crumble beneath our wheels. It's time for a change. It's time for a new approach to how we manage, fund, and maintain our vital infrastructure. 

Let's start by acknowledging the scale of the problem. According to the American Society of Civil Engineers, our nation's infrastructure scores a C- grade. That's barely passing, and it's not good enough for our communities, our economy, or our future. So, why are we in this situation? 

• First, our funding model is outdated. We rely heavily on fuel taxes to fund road maintenance. But as our vehicles become more fuel-efficient and electric vehicles become more common, this revenue source is shrinking. We're trying to fund 21st-century infrastructure needs with a 20th-century funding model. 
• Second, the costs of construction and materials have risen dramatically over the years. The money we do collect doesn't stretch as far as it used to. 
• Third, our road networks have expanded, but our maintenance budgets haven't kept pace. We're trying to maintain more miles of road with relatively fewer resources. 
• Fourth, and perhaps most frustratingly, there's often a lack of transparency in how our road repair funds are allocated and spent. 

Too often, it feels like our tax dollars are disappearing into a black hole, with little visible improvement to show for it. But identifying the problem is only the first step. What we need now are solutions. And that's why I'm here today, to share with you my vision for a new approach to infrastructure. 

• Modernize our funding model: We need to explore new ways of generating revenue for infrastructure maintenance. This could include implementing usage-based fees, where those who use the roads more contribute more to their upkeep. We should also consider establishing dedicated infrastructure banks to ensure stable, long-term funding for these critical projects.
• Increase transparency and accountability: I propose creating a public dashboard where every citizen can see exactly how their tax dollars are being spent on infrastructure projects. You should be able to track the progress of road repairs in your neighborhood, see the costs involved, and understand the timeline for completion. 
• Invest in technology: We need to leverage new technologies to make our infrastructure smarter and more efficient. This includes using advanced materials that last longer and require less maintenance, implementing smart traffic management systems to reduce congestion, and utilizing predictive analytics to identify and address potential issues before they become major problems.
• Focus on long-term planning: Infrastructure projects can't be approached with a short-term mindset. We need to develop comprehensive, multi-decade plans for our infrastructure needs. This means looking beyond the next election cycle and making decisions that will benefit our communities for generations to come.
• Explore public-private partnerships: By partnering with private sector companies, we can bring additional resources, expertise, and innovation to our infrastructure projects. These partnerships can help us complete projects faster and more efficiently, while still maintaining public ownership and oversight of our critical infrastructure. 
• Prioritize sustainability: As we rebuild our infrastructure, we have a unique opportunity to make it more environmentally friendly. This means incorporating green technologies, designing for resilience against climate change, and prioritizing projects that reduce our overall carbon footprint.

Now, I know what some of you might be thinking. "We've heard promises about fixing our infrastructure before. What makes this time different?" And you're right to be skeptical. But here's what sets this plan apart: First, it's comprehensive. We're not just talking about filling potholes; we're talking about reimagining our entire approach to infrastructure. Second, it's forward-thinking. We're not just trying to patch up the system we have; we're building the system we need for the future. And third, it's transparent. Under this plan, you won't have to wonder where your tax dollars are going. You'll be able to see the progress for yourself. But here's the most important part: This isn't just my plan. It needs to be our plan. 

Because fixing our infrastructure isn't just about smoother roads or faster commutes. It's about building the foundation for our community's future. Better infrastructure means safer streets for our children to play on. It means more efficient transportation for our businesses to thrive. It means quicker response times for our emergency services. In short, it means a better quality of life for all of us. So I'm asking for your support, not just at the ballot box, but in the months and years to come. Because rebuilding our infrastructure will take time, it will take effort, and yes, it will take investment. But I believe it's an investment worth making. Together, we can build an infrastructure system that doesn't just meet our needs today, but anticipates our needs tomorrow. An infrastructure that we can be proud to pass on to our children and grandchildren. Thank you for your time. Let's rebuild our future, together. Share this information.