Mike McCaffree
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?
“Broadly, I want to see as many people be able to afford health insurance. I’m very concerned about the upcoming Medicaid cuts and people losing their health insurance from the Affordable Care Act due to the strict 2x year reporting requirement under the Trump administration policy staring [sic] Jan 1 2027.”
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?
“I support Ag Tech business and Ag Education in Missouri. I’ve served on the local school board for 17 years and am a firm believer in public schools and education.”
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?
“I’m most concerned about data centers effect on utility rates and how they might effect water quality in the surrounding areas. I’m willing to learn more if there is technology available that can mitigate any of these byproducts.”
Q4 If elected, in what capacities would you refer to scientists when you are deciding how to vote on a policy?
“I think it is always important to listen to all sides and listen to people with scientific knowledge especially in technical fields.”
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?
“We need to make science and math a priority in our public schools again. Missouri teacher pay ranks second to last in the nation and we need to invest in our teachers to attract and keep the best science and math teachers.”