Missouri State Representatives Robert Sauls (front row, 3rd from left) and Patty Lewis (front row, 4th from left) with BLET members from Missouri.
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Elected government leaders from the State of Missouri addressed BLET members during the Western Regional Meeting in Kansas City on Tuesday, June 4.
Missouri State Representatives Robert Sauls (District 21) and Patty Lewis (District 25) expressed their intent to continue the pursuit of rail safety legislation at the state level. Both representatives said the events of East Palestine are still fresh in the minds of their constituents, and it is driving the push for state-level rail safety bills in Missouri. Rep. Sauls said that — unfortunately — the majority party has refused to hold hearings on a rail safety bill he backed, which seeks to limit the length of freight trains that carry hazardous materials. Rep. Lewis pledged to continue working with BLET State Legislative Board Chairman Tim Morgan on two-person crew and train length bills.
Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas praised the locomotive engineers and trainmen for the important role they play in the nation’s economy. “We’ve had a lot of ups and downs since COVID, and frankly, you kept this country going. BLET members kept the trains moving. You are key to America’s economy. Thank you on behalf of the people of Kansas City and the entire country.”