Missouri voters deserve leaders who put rural communities first. But U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt has repeatedly sided with special interests over the needs of Missouri’s small towns and farms.
Cuts to Medicaid Provider Taxes
In June 2025, Schmitt voted “Yes” on the budget reconciliation bill that caps medical provider taxes at 3.5%.
That cap threatens to cut hundreds of millions from Missouri hospitals, especially in rural areas that rely on Medicaid reimbursements.
Local healthcare leaders warn that lowering provider taxes makes it harder for rural hospitals to cover costs—putting emergency care out of reach for many Missourians.
Stripping Funds from Rural Communities
In July 2025, Schmitt voted for the rescissions package that clawed back over $1 billion from public broadcasting and cut foreign aid.
That move hits small-town PBS and NPR stations—and the farms and families they serve—hardest.
These cuts fund big-city media critics, not rural Missouri schools, hospitals, or broadband projects that depend on community TV and radio grants.
Why It Matters
Dozens of rural Missouri counties already lack a hospital.
Local radio and TV are critical for weather alerts, farm news, and school closings.
Missourians can’t wait years for cuts to be undone or for distant donors to care.
About Me: Ricky Dana
I was born in Waverly and grew up in Marshall, Missouri. I’ve worked the land, raised horses, and served rural Missouri through my work with the Lincoln University College of Agriculture. I’ve spent my career helping farm families, expanding healthcare access, and supporting public outreach in our rural communities.
Here’s what I’m fighting for:
Expand Medicaid now to keep rural hospitals open and staffed
Protect public broadcasting that serves our farms, schools, and small towns
Bring high-speed internet and reliable healthcare to every county in Missouri
Write policy based on Missouri values—not orders from D.C. lobbyists
I’m not funded by billionaires or coastal donors—I’m backed by you. And I’ll always put Missouri first.
Josh Hawley just rolled out the “Protect Medicaid and Rural Hospitals Act.” It sounds like a lifeline—but it doesn’t send any money to help Missouri hospitals until 2031. That’s six years too late for the towns already losing care. And remember: Hawley just voted to slash Medicaid by over $1 trillion. Now he’s acting like a hero? That’s damage control, not leadership.
The Bill Arrives Too Late
Funding delayed until 2031 means no help for today’s struggling hospitals.
More than a dozen rural hospitals have closed since 2014—and dozens more are at risk.
Missouri families can’t wait half a decade for relief.
He’s Not From Rural Missouri—And It Shows
Born: Springdale, Arkansas
Raised: Kansas City suburbs, not on a farm
Education: Stanford University and Yale Law School
Residence: Northern Virginia—far from Missouri’s heartland
He flies in for photo-ops. He doesn’t drive the 60-mile trip to your nearest ER.
Who Really Funds Hawley?
Funding Breakdown (Jan 1–Jun 30, 2025)
Source
Amount
Percent
Total raised
$708,458.87
100%
Itemized individual donations
$223,803.44
31.6%
Unitemized small-dollar gifts
$45,885.49
6.5%
PACs & committee contributions
$6,000.00
0.8%
Committee transfers (Victory Committee)
$475,856.78
67.2%
Special-interest money (PACs + committee transfers) makes up roughly 68% of his funding—cash from D.C. insiders and out-of-state power brokers.
Why Missouri Can’t Wait
Dozens of counties have no hospital at all.
Seniors, veterans, and working families lose care every day.
Hawley’s bill is a press release, not a plan.
About Me: Ricky Dana
I was born in Waverly and grew up in Marshall, Missouri. I’ve worked the land. I’ve served at Lincoln University to bring healthcare and ag programs to rural towns. I don’t need a photo-op—I live this life. I’ll fight for:
Immediate Medicaid expansion
Funding for rural clinics and hospitals
Better access to care for veterans, seniors, and kids
Trade policies that help local farmers—not mega-corporations
I’m not funded by billionaires. I’m backed by you.
My opponent just voted for the Rescissions Act of 2025 in the House on July 18, 2025—cutting $7.9 billion in foreign aid and $1.1 billion from public broadcasting (NPR/PBS) for a total of $9 billion. Full vote details (Roll Call Vote 2025203).
I am one of you, born and raised here in rural Missouri, and I will always fight for all Missourians, especially our farm families and small towns.
I already have trade-agreement plans in progress to move more of Missouri’s cash crops and livestock to buyers at home and abroad. In 2023, Missouri was the 8th-largest agricultural exporter, shipping $5.6 billion in farm goods overseas (USTR), and our agriculture industry is a $93.7 billion engine that employs nearly 460,000 people (MO Dept of Ag).
With smarter deals, we can grow that number—bringing billions more back into our rural communities.
Tax Relief for Family Farms
I will introduce legislation to remove all federal income tax on family-farm sales of cash crops, garden vegetables, and livestock. Under Article I, Section 8, Congress has the power to levy and adjust taxes, and the 16th Amendment allows income taxes on any source of income. This change keeps more money in local pockets for equipment, seed, and hiring.
To ease local property-tax burdens, I will create a production-based tax credit that farms can apply against their county and municipal property and real estate taxes.
Property Tax Credits for Farm Families
Our farm families feed Missouri—and the world. To support them, I’ll champion legislation for production-based property tax credits. Farms that meet certain output levels can claim credits against their county and local property and real estate taxes.
Credit Amount: Up to 25% of county/local property tax paid on agricultural land.
Eligibility: Producing at least 1,000 bushels of grain (or equivalent livestock output) annually.
Example Benefit: A 200-acre farm paying $60 / acre ($12,000/year) could receive up to $3,000 in credits annually.
These credits deliver immediate relief—keeping farms competitive, family-owned, and thriving.
Improving Rural Health Care
Our district is incredibly lean on health services—all but seven Missouri counties have shortages of primary care providers, and 18 rural hospitals have closed since 2014 (The Beacon News).
Urgent Care Clinics: Open 5 new offices across MO-4. Startup cost ~$850,000–$1 million each (Experity Health).
Mobile Clinics: Deploy 10 rotating units with Missouri extension offices, community centers, and churches. Startup ~$150,000–$200,000 each; annual operating ~$275,000 (Chief Healthcare Exec; Mobile Health Map).
Building Infrastructure & Broadband
We’ll repair rural roads and bridges so farmers can get goods to market faster. We’ll also subsidize high-speed internet so families can do primary-care checkups online when clinics aren’t nearby.
MO-4 has ~788,949 people (Census Reporter), about 316,000 households. If 75% (~237,000) need service at $75/month, that runs ~$213 million/year.
Funding the Plan
We’ll pay for these initiatives by:
Closing the carried-interest loophole and raising the top marginal rate on incomes over $5 million—part of the “Buffett Rule,” which analysts estimate could raise about $36.7 billion per year nationwide (Wikipedia).
Enacting a 1 percentage-point increase in the corporate income tax rate, which could generate approximately $14 billion per year over the next decade (https://www.crfb.org/blogs/cbos-revenue-savings-options?utm_source=chatgpt.com).
Redirecting unused federal relief funds and unspent infrastructure monies to jump-start clinic construction and broadband build-out.
Even setting aside 0.5% of that annual revenue—roughly $250 million—would cover the yearly cost of rural health care, broadband subsidies, and infrastructure projects in Missouri’s 4th District.
Rough Cost Estimate for MO-4
Initiative
Quantity
Unit Cost
Initial Cost
Annual Cost
Urgent Care Clinics
5
~$1 million each
~$5 million
Break-even in ~2 years
Mobile Clinics
10
$150K–$200K each
~$1.5 million
~$2.75 million
Broadband Subsidy
237,000 households
$75/month
N/A
~$213 million
All figures approximate; final costs depend on clinic size, subsidy levels, and rollout pace.
Conclusion
Rural Missouri deserved an advocate who lives here, farmed here, and raised horses here. I am one of you, and I will fight every day to:
Bring billions into our economy through trade-agreement legislation that opens new markets for our cash crops and livestock.
Cut federal income taxes on family-farm sales and create production-based property tax credits with the Family Farm Tax Relief Act.
Expand health care across MO-4 by funding new urgent care clinics and rotating mobile units under the Rural Health Care Expansion Act.
Build modern infrastructure and broadband access with the Rural Infrastructure & Connectivity Act.
H.R. 4, the “Rescissions Act of 2025,” cuts almost $8 billion from programs Americans rely on. One of the biggest hits? It wipes out every dollar for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting—meaning no federal money for PBS or NPR starting in 2026.
How H.R. 4 Hurts Key Services
No More PBS & NPR Funding
PBS KIDS shows for low-income kids could disappear.
Local public radio stations lose farm reports, weather alerts, and community news.
Fewer Emergency Alerts
Public broadcasters help warn rural areas about floods, tornadoes, or wildfires. Without them, fewer people get the message.
Weaker U.S. Leadership Abroad
The bill also cuts billions for global health, refugee aid, climate work, and disaster relief. When America steps back overseas, instability can ripple back home.
What This Means for Missourians
Many families in Missouri-4 depend on public TV for free educational shows and on public radio for market prices and weather forecasts.
Farmers count on NPR’s farm reports to plan planting and sales.
Seniors and rural residents may lose their main source of news and emergency updates.
Mark “Awful” Alford and Missouri-4
Your current District 4 U.S. Representative, Mark “Awful” Alford (whom I hope to replace), is set to vote for H.R. 4. That means he’s supporting cuts that gut PBS, NPR, and vital services in our district. If you live in Missouri-4, now’s the time to ask him why he’s backing a plan that leaves rural communities in the dark.
Contact Congressman Mark “Awful” Alford and Tell Him to Vote No on H.R. 4 if he cares even the least about Rural Missourians
Washington, DC Office
328 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-2876
Columbia District Office
2401 Bernadette Drive, Suite 117
Columbia, MO 65203
Phone: (573) 540-6600
Raymore District Office
1272 West Foxwood Dr.
Raymore, MO 64083
Phone: (816) 441-6318
Lebanon District Office
500 E. Elm Street
Lebanon, MO 65536
Phone: (417) 532-5582
Republicans often sneer “woke” at anything they dislike—calling it radical or un-American. But:
Original Meaning: “Woke” comes from Black activists warning each other to stay alert to injustice. It means being aware of unfair treatment and ready to fix it.
Today’s Use: Many MAGA figures use “woke” as a catch-all insult for social justice, education on racism, LGBTQ+ rights, or even accurate news. It’s a way to shut down debate rather than discuss ideas.
Conclusion
H.R. 4 is a brazen power grab disguised as “belt-tightening”—designed to dismantle public media, sever your lifelines, and twist “woke” into an all-purpose insult. Here in Missouri-4, watch Texan transplant Mark “Awful” Alford betray our district and grovel for Trump’s approval as he votes to starve PBS and NPR of every dollar. He’s willing to rip away children’s shows, farm reports, and emergency alerts just to rack up MAGA points. Don’t let him sell us out in silence—demand he stand with Missouri, not Trump, before these devastating cuts become law.
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Locally grown produce at a Missouri farmers market – fresh, safe, and close to home.
I live in a small farming community in Missouri. Lately, I’ve seen prices shoot up at the grocery store—and I’m not alone. My neighbors feel it too. Tariffs pushed by the Trump administration have made it harder to grow food, ship it, or sell it for a fair price.
What Farmers Are Saying
Many Missouri farmers are frustrated. One corn grower north of Kansas City said the rules keep changing, so it’s hard to plan. Things like fertilizer, seeds, and supplies now cost more because of these trade policies. Source:American Farmland Owner
Deals Lost to Other Countries
China used to be one of the biggest buyers of U.S. farm products. But not anymore. One Missouri farmer lost a multimillion-dollar deal with a buyer in China. The buyer backed out because of tariffs. China also blocked soybeans and other crops from U.S. companies. Sources:
Many can’t. Costs for fertilizer and fuel are way up. Interest rates are high too. At the same time, prices for crops like soybeans have dropped by a third. That makes it harder for farmers to make ends meet. Source:Missouri Independent
Food Prices and Safety Concerns
Families are paying more at the store. Meats, eggs, and other basics have gone up over 5% in the past year. On top of that, there have been many food safety warnings. The CDC is tracking at least 17 outbreaks of foodborne illness—mostly from Salmonella. And in many cases, we’re not even told what brand is responsible. Sources:
We should be able to find fresh, local food at local stores. Why are our stores filled with food that traveled 1,000 miles, while nearby growers struggle to sell what they raise? I’d trust beef, eggs, or vegetables from my neighbors before something shipped in from another country.
Local food means fresher meals, fewer safety risks, and less dependence on big corporations. It’s better for our families, our health, and our economy.
Over the past few weeks, the Supreme Court has made decisions that help Donald Trump’s administration strengthen executive power. In multiple key cases, six conservative justices have outvoted the three liberals, weakening courts’ ability to check the president. Many of these rulings came in one-page orders without full explanations, hiding how and why the court sided with the White House. When judges stack power on one side, our system of checks and balances breaks down and the rule of law erodes .
Education Department Ruling
On July 14, 2025, the Supreme Court cleared the way for President Trump to cut nearly half of the Education Department’s staff. A lower court judge had blocked Trump’s plan to fire about 1,400 workers and move functions like student loans and special education to other agencies. By lifting that block, the court let Trump reshape a cabinet agency without Congress’s approval. Critics warn that students with low incomes or special needs could lose vital support if these duties leave the department .
What about Missouri Schools?
This change affects about 892,246 public school students in Missouri (fall 2023) and could leave only about 880,200 by fall 2025. With fewer workers, the department will struggle to enforce civil-rights rules or run programs like Title I funding, special education, and student loan help. Families in both rural and city areas may lose key support, making schools less fair and hurting Missouri students now and in the years ahead
Blocking Nationwide Injunctions and Birthright Citizenship
On June 27, 2025, the Court used a 6–3 vote to limit judges’ power to block Trump’s policies nationwide. In the birthright citizenship case, it ruled that judges can only protect the people who sue, not everyone in the country. That halted lower court orders that had paused Trump’s executive order ending citizenship for babies born to non-citizen parents. The decision did not rule on the policy’s legality, only on who can block it, effectively letting Trump push forward until more courts weigh in .
Other Key Cases
This term, the Supreme Court also backed other Trump moves. It let his administration resume deporting migrants to third countries without a hearing on harm. It upheld a ban on transgender people serving in the military. It allowed the government to freeze or cut payments to groups that carry out federal work. In each case, conservatives used a fast-track “shadow docket” process, leaving people with fewer legal options and speeding up the president’s agenda .
Undermining Congressional Power
The Court has also let Trump bypass rules set by Congress for independent agencies. It allowed him to fire two Democratic labor board members and paused a judge’s order to reinstate three Consumer Product Safety Commission officials. These watchdog agencies were created by lawmakers to protect the public. By siding with the president, the Court weakens Congress’s power to set terms and duties of these officials, giving the White House more control over agencies meant to stand guard over our rights .
Why This Matters
These rulings reshape Washington’s balance of power. By lifting blocks and narrowing who can challenge policies, the Court hands more power to the president and sidelines Congress. This breaks the Constitution’s plan for three branches to share authority. Justice Sonia Sotomayor called the birthright decision a “travesty for the rule of law.” Legal experts warn that deciding by bare-majority orders without transparency erodes trust in all branches of government .
Public Support for Reform
Many Americans see the danger and want change. A recent Pew Research Center survey found 87% of adults favor term limits for members of Congress, and nearly 80% support age or term limits for Supreme Court justices. This broad agreement crosses party lines and shows voters know rules on service length help keep democracy healthy. Reforming term rules for judges and lawmakers is key to restoring balance and trust in government .
Conclusion and Possible Outcomes
If Supreme Court justices decide cases based on personal views instead of the Constitution, we risk:
Unchecked Power: The presidency could act without real limits.
Weakened Laws: Agencies and programs may be dismantled without Congress.
Loss of Trust: When courts side with power, people stop believing in justice.
Risk of Anarchy: With no faith in the system, some may break rules, leading to chaos.
Only 35% of Americans say they trust the judicial system, the lowest level ever recorded . To protect our republic, we must restore judges who follow the Constitution, not personal views. We need term limits for Supreme Court justices and all elected officials. This will help keep power balanced and ensure our courts serve the people — not one man’s power grab.
Support Our Campaign
Help restore checks and balances. Get involved today!
While I am running as a Democrat, I want to speak honestly and respectfully: I am not running as part of the Mainstream Missouri Democratic Party. I’m running as a Common Sense Rural Democrat—grounded in the values, concerns, and daily realities of rural Missouri.
My priorities are shaped by the lived experiences of the people in places like:
Marshall (Saline County)
Sedalia (Pettis County)
El Dorado Springs (Cedar County)
Warsaw (Benton County)
Lamar (Barton County)
Butler (Bates County)
Osceola (St. Clair County)
Clinton (Henry County)
Hermitage (Hickory County) — as well as other rural communities, cities, and towns across our district that face the same challenges and deserve to be heard.
I have great respect for the work many in the state party are doing, but their platform is primarily shaped by urban and suburban priorities. That approach doesn’t fully reflect the specific needs of our rural communities and farm towns—places where roads, schools, hospitals, and family farms are the backbone of daily life.
At times, I may sound more like an independent voice—and in many ways, I am. But I am squarely focused on one thing: serving the people of Missouri’s 4th District, regardless of party or political opinion. I don’t answer to a political machine or an urban party platform—I answer to the people who live, work, and raise families right here in rural Missouri.
I’m a Missouri Grown Candidate—raised here, rooted here, and running to represent all Missourians with honesty, fairness, and common sense.
A recent MSNBC opinion highlights how the Trump administration’s “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE) — previously led by Elon Musk — has slashed Social Security staffing, closed field offices and imposed new verification rules—sowing chaos at an agency that serves over 66 million Americans[1]. Under Commissioner Frank Bisignano, more than 7,000 positions have already been eliminated, call wait times have exploded, and critical in-person services are disappearing[2].
Who’s Responsible
President Donald Trump — directed the formation of DOGE to deliver “efficiency” through across-the-board cuts.
Elon Musk — DOGE’s original leader, whose aggressive cost-cutting blueprint laid the groundwork for widespread staffing and office closures.
Commissioner Frank Bisignano — confirmed in May 2025 and now overseeing the implementation of DOGE’s staffing and policy changes[3].
Impact on Missourians
AP News reports that at least 47 local SSA field offices nationwide are slated for closure this year under DOGE’s directives—dozens of which serve rural areas where Missourians already drive hours for in-person help[4]. Kiplinger confirmed these closures affect communities of every size, forcing working families to choose between lost wages and long drives just to speak to a clerk[5].
Rapidly aging population: Between 2020 and 2024, the 65 and over cohort in Kansas and Missouri grew by 13 percent, swelling demand for SSA services[6].
High disability prevalence: 10.5 percent of Missourians under 65 live with a disability—higher than the national average of 9.1 percent—and rely on SSDI for essential income[7][8].
Long-Term Pain for Elderly and Disabled Americans
These cuts don’t just inconvenience; they threaten the checks that sustain millions. As of May 2025, the Social Security Administration’s Monthly Statistical Snapshot shows:
69.628 million Americans receive Social Security (OASDI) benefits each month[10].
61.405 million are aged 65 or older receiving Old-Age and Survivors Insurance[10].
74.090 million Americans receive Social Security, SSI, or both[10].
Many of these beneficiaries live on fixed incomes and cannot afford repeated travel or endless hold times, putting them at risk for missed benefits and financial hardship.
References
[1] Zeeshan Aleem, “How DOGE’s reckless cuts created chaos at the Social Security Administration,” Yahoo News.
[2] Meryl Kornfield & Hannah Natanson, “Social Security stops reporting call wait times and other metrics,” The Washington Post.
[3] “Social Security’s new commissioner, rule reversals and cost cuts,” MarketWatch.
[4] “A list of Social Security offices expected to close in 2025,” AP News.
[5] Donna LeValley, “47 Local Social Security Offices to Close After DOGE Cuts,” Kiplinger.
[6] “Fewer kids, more retirees in Kansas and Missouri,” Axios.
[10] Social Security Administration, “Table 1 & 2: Number of people receiving Social Security, Supplemental Security Income, or both & Social Security benefits, May 2025,” Monthly Statistical Snapshot.
If you’re committed to standing with rural Missourians, our seniors and disabled neighbors in this fight against wasteful cuts, please chip in to keep our movement strong: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/ricky-dana-for-congress
Here are the developments from the past week (July 4 – July 11, 2025):
🏛️ Sen. Josh Hawley
Voted in favor of the “One Big Beautiful Bill” (GOP’s 2025 budget reconciliation package), which includes deep Medicaid cuts and work requirements that will strip healthcare coverage from many rural Missourians . The Missouri Dems warn this threatens rural hospitals and could cause up to 250,000 Missourians to lose health insurance and 37,400 jobs by 2035 . Although Hawley later claimed the rural hospital funding would increase, critics point out that the imposed work requirements may actually deprive many rural residents of Medicaid .
🗳️ Sen. Eric Schmitt
Also voted for the same GOP budget reconciliation bill, which includes Medicaid reductions, potential rural hospital closures, and increased energy costs .
⚠️ Summary – Detrimental Impacts on Rural Missouri
Chart 1-a
Here are the votes from July 4–11, 2025 where Rep. Mark Alford took actions that could negatively impact Missourians, especially in rural areas:
⚠️ Negative Impact Votes
July 2, 2025 — Voted Yes on H.R. 1 (the “One Big Beautiful Bill” reconciliation package) This legislation includes proposed Medicaid cuts and stricter work requirements that could strip healthcare coverage from vulnerable rural Missourians and threaten rural hospitals already stretched thin .
References
“Medicaid cuts in ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ could devastate Missouri’s rural hospitals, drive coverage losses,” ABC 17 News (July 3, 2025): https://abc17news.com/news/missouri/2025/07/03/medicaid-cuts-in-big-beautiful-bill-could-devastate-missouris-rural-hospitals-drive-coverage-losses/ “How federal Medicaid changes will affect MO HealthNet and KanCare,” The Beacon News (July 11, 2025): https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/2025/07/11/medicaid-mo-healthnet-kancare-changes-2025/ “States scramble to shield hospitals from GOP Medicaid cuts,” Missouri Independent (July 10, 2025): https://missouriindependent.com/2025/07/10/states-scramble-to-shield-hospitals-from-gop-medicaid-cuts/ “Info – H.R. 1 – 119th Congress (2025–2026): One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” Congress.gov: https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/1/all-info
Recently, Congress rammed through the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” — a sweeping tax-and-spending package that permanently locks in Trump’s 2017 tax cuts for the well-off while slashing critical supports for working families. The majority of our current Republican leaders in Washington — including Speaker Mike Johnson and Missouri’s GOP delegation — pulled the lever on this giveaway.
The Republicans just keep voting against the people who put them in office.
What this MEANS for Missourians
• 💸 $17 BILLION in lost federal Medicaid funding over the next decade — forcing our state to either cut services or kick 130,000 people off their health coverage.
• 🏥 Rural hospitals on the brink face deeper funding cuts despite a tiny $50 BILLION national rural hospital fund, compared to $1.2 TRILLION in healthcare cuts nationwide.
• 🥘 SNAP beneficiaries will encounter harsher work requirements and higher state costs, jeopardizing food security for tens of thousands of Missouri families.
• 📈 The Congressional Budget Office warns this bill adds $2.8 TRILLION to the deficit, fueling inflation, higher interest rates, and recession risk — and who pays? Middle and Lower-class Missourians.
No more fluff. This is a direct hit on hardworking Missouri families, our rural communities, and our state budget. If our leaders truly put Missouri first, they’d INVEST in people — not pad the pockets of the richest 1%.
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