Luetkemeyer Column- Looking Ahead

Statement

As the 112th Congress begins its last month of work, it is time to look ahead to the changes the 113th Congress will bring as it pertains to the soon-to-be-retired 9th Congressional District and the newly created 3rd Congressional District.

As many of you are aware, due to congressional redistricting, in January, I will begin representing the new 13-county 3rd District which consists of all or part of the following counties: Callaway, Camden, Cole, Franklin, Gasconade, Jefferson, Lincoln, Maries, Miller, Montgomery, Osage, St. Charles and Warren. We have already begun planning for this transition, but our top priority is to make sure that you continue to receive the level of service you deserve from the office of your representative in Congress.

Additionally, because of redistricting, there will be new office locations to assist you with any questions, concerns or casework issues you may have with the federal government that are available to the public. The new office locations will be in Jefferson City and Wentzville but will not open until the first of the year, and the existing office in Washington, Mo, will remain open since it will continue to be in the new 3rd District. In the weeks ahead, we will provide additional information regarding the specific addresses and phone numbers for these new locations.

As with any transition, there will be a short period of adjustment, but rest assured that my staff and I are working to make sure these changes are as seamless as possible. For example, beginning in January, my website http://luetkemeyer.house.gov will be updated with the new office locations and phone numbers along with the additional resources to assist you in your dealings with my office and the federal government. Also, letters from our office have gone out to those with active case files regarding the transition and how cases will be dealt with when the 9th District ceases to exist. If you have a pending case and will not be in the new 3rd District, please keep an eye on your mailbox for this letter. I want you to know that before, during, and after the transition period my goal is to keep you informed and connected with your government both here at home and in Washington, D.C. Our dedicated staff will remain readily available if you need clarification about a federal agency, veterans benefits or any other issues.

Although the month of December is shaping up to be busy in Washington as negotiations continue regarding the fiscal cliff and the automatic tax increases and spending cuts scheduled to take place if nothing is done, please know that I remain committed to making sure that the people of the old 9th District are taken care of while we prepare to begin serving the people of the 3rd District. It is somewhat of a juggling act. There will certainly be challenging times ahead and I encourage you to visit our website or keep an eye on the media for announcements from our office regarding the impacts of transition on the people of the 9th and 3rd Districts. The bottom line is that you deserve to have a voice in Washington and I will do all I can to ensure that you do during our transition.

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