Political Quotes

“there are lots of things we disagree on here on the Senate floor, but one thing we all agree on is the importance of getting the right people to help us do these jobs. I rise today to honor one of my outstanding staff members, Derek Coats. Derek has recently been awarded the Great Griffon Award by his alma mater, Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph, MO. The Great Griffon Award is given to those Missouri Western alumni who have made outstanding contributions to the workforce, to society, or to Missouri Western. Derek has done all three. After graduating from Missouri Western in 2002, with a bachelor's degree in political science, Derek began his service to Missouri in the U.S. Senate, in the office of my predecessor, Senator Bond. He served on Senator Bond's staff through 2010 in a variety of different jobs, rising to the role of district office director. When I came to the Senate in 2011, I asked Derek to join my team. Since then, he has served as my State director and deputy chief of staff, overseeing day-to-day operations across five statewide offices. Derek regularly spends his days traveling the State, meeting with Missourians and hearing their issues and concerns. The information he shares with me from those visits ensures our work in Washington aligns with the critical needs and priorities of our State.…”