State Sen. Chuck Purgason announced Friday that he intends to file for re-election.
“I have had the honor to work with the people of the 33rd District over the last four years,” stated Sen. Purgason, “and I would be honored to continue to work for them one more term.
“Over the last 12 years as a state representative and senator, I have been privileged to fight for the people of this district. Together we have brought the state’s budget under control, lowered taxes, protected the rights of family farms, invested in our local schools and increased access to affordable health care. With the continued support of the people of the 33rd District,” said Purgason, “I believe we can build upon the successes of the past and overcome the challenges of the future.”
Due to term limits, Purgason, a Republican, is eligible for one last term.
“While this will be my last term in the Missouri Senate, I will continue to work tirelessly to bring both common sense and conservative principles to the capitol,” said Purgason. “I know firsthand that you can not change Jefferson City overnight, but I have committed myself over the last 12 years to bringing change day by day in all that I do in the Missouri Legislature.
Being a state senator is much more than working on laws or creating new programs,” said Purgason, “its answering letters and telephone calls from people with problems and concerns daily. It’s much more than legislation; its caring about the people and the communities I serve and insuring our conservative principles are the means by which all new laws are measured.”
Purgason, 47, served in the Missouri House of Representatives from 1996 until 2004 where he served as majority whip in 2003 and 2004. He was elected to the Missouri Senate in 2004. Purgason brings 12 years of experience working with the state budget. He served as chair of the House Committee on Appropriations for Health, Mental Health, and Social Services, was a senior member of the House Budget Committee and currently serves on the Senate Appropriations Committee. He also chairs the Senate Committee on Health and Mental Health, as well as serving on the Agriculture, Conservation, Parks and Natural Resources Committee and the Joint Committee on MO HealthNet.
In addition to his legislative duties, Purgason is the founder and owner of Ozark Wings Hatchery and Hunting Preserve. He lives on the family farm near Caulfield with his wife, Janet, and their three children, Robert, Tracey and Cory.
Filings opened Tuesday.