Carthage Lawmakers Update Community on Busy Start to 2026 Session

CARTHAGE, Mo. — As the Missouri General Assembly's 2026 session enters its early weeks, local residents and business leaders gathered today in Carthage for insights from their state representatives on key priorities and emerging legislation.

State Sen. Jill Carter (R-Granby), representing District 32 which includes parts of Jasper County, and State Rep. Cathy Jo Loy (R-Carthage), serving the 163rd District, highlighted progress in Jefferson City since the session convened on January 7. Both lawmakers, fresh from committee assignments and early bill introductions, emphasized ongoing efforts in areas such as economic development, education, healthcare transparency, and conservative values important to Southwest Missouri constituents.

Sen. Carter, who serves as Majority Caucus Whip, discussed her push for greater prescription drug pricing transparency—a measure aimed at addressing rising costs and pharmacy challenges in rural areas like Carthage. She also touched on constituent concerns regarding utility services and rate issues, underscoring her commitment to holding companies accountable.

“Your insurance company owns the physicians groups that own the pharmacy companies,” Senator Carter said. “So, they're vertically lined and they're setting prices on a lot of this but it's all internal and we believe that there should be transparency in prescription drugs that process so you should know from your insurance company. The insurance company should know how much they are paying for those prescriptions to offer that to their providers or those who have insurance.”

Rep. Loy, in her second year in the House, noted the fast pace of the session with over 200 bills quickly referred to committees in the opening days. She highlighted her sponsorship of measures like the "Missouri Religious Freedom Protection Act" and efforts to support families, small businesses, and educational opportunities—drawing from her background as a former charter school commission member and grassroots organizer.

“It is just saying that churches decide whether they're open or not,” Loy said. “If they decide they're not going to be open because of ice or because there's too many people with the flu, that's up to the churches. But the government can't come in no matter what and shut your churches down. We're also adding in committee a little piece that will also say that outsiders can't come in and disrupt a church service. So we're trying to make sure that we're not stopping anybody's freedom of speech. But you should be able to go worship in your house of worship and not be interrupted.”

The event, part of ongoing community engagement, allowed attendees to ask questions directly and provide input on issues facing the region. Both officials encouraged continued dialogue as the session progresses toward its May conclusion.