(Sept. 21) -- Representative Jamie Burger and Senator Holly Rehder were on hand to speak at the Sikeston Regional Chamber luncheon held at Carson’s Thursday.

Both Burger and Rehder, who helped Sikeston receive $9.3 million in ARPA grants, spoke together on issues that are currently ongoing in Jefferson City.

Rehder, who is running for Missouri lieutenant governor in the November 2024 election, championed the Save Women Sports Act in the last legislative session, and in partnership with Burger, the bill was signed into law in June.

“This bill means a lot to me,” Rehder said. “Now from kindergarten to collegiate level you will lose your funding if you allow biological boys to take a girls spot.”

Burger, who is running for majority floor leader, said as part of this year’s budget, they were able to get $2.5 million to upgrade antiquated equipment at Missouri Delta Medical Center.

“You think about Mo Delta and we’re the connection between here and Arkansas, kind of the last stop, so we need to continue to make improvements,” Burger said, adding they are hoping to match that funding in the next budget.

Burger also said legislators are going to push for the Interstate 57 corridor. He said Arkansas is planning to construct a 100-mile stretch of road down their state to make it four lanes and that Missouri needs to make that connectivity.

“We will continue to do that saber rattling to get that money into southeast Missouri,” Burger said.