Chris Reichard
DemocraticQ1 In their 2024–2025 report, the Missouri Office of Rural Health reported that 42% of counties in MO do not have a hospital. What policies, if any, do you plan to implement to address access to health care, primarily in rural areas?
“Currently, I have about about a dozen stagnant bills tagged that support and expand rural healthcare support.”
Q2 The Missouri Department of Agriculture has reported that Agriculture and related industries have contributed 93.7 billion dollars in economic output and 456,618 jobs to Missouri in 2021. Would you continue to develop and support agtech business in Missouri as well as the education and scientific training for Missourians to contribute to this industry? Why or why not?
“Yes. From food to forestry, production to trade, the agricultural industry affects virtually every aspect we need for fruitful lives.”
Q3 America has a growing AI industry, supporting cutting-edge innovation but raising issues of resource use, privacy, and economics. In your opinion, what are the costs and benefits of new data center construction in Missouri and how would your policies accomplish a balance between them?
“With the controversial concerns surrounding data centers I believe that further data center construction should be brought to local communities on the ballot to determine their future. Between ecological, utility and corrupt political concerns as learned specifically through the Festus data center fight where the actions of the city council pushed my support from a soft no to a hard no, I believe using the voice of the people at the ballot is the best path forward. That said, I acknowledge that AI can be a useful and powerful tool that I use myself.”
Q4 If elected, in what capacities would you refer to scientists when you are deciding how to vote on a policy?
“I trust in science. The methodical testing that sets precedent for factual basis on making decisions has been the core of advancement for civilization. As more information becomes available there is always room to grow and adjust without bias for the benefit of everyone.”
Q5 What are your opinions on the current state of science literacy, and how could K-12 education standards be adapted to improve the public understanding of and relationship building in science?
“On a curriculum basis, Missouri’s science literacy falls below the national literacy rate — slightly worse than when I was in school two decades ago. A feel as though a focus on scientific and mathematical literacy should be pushed for improvements across the board.”