State Rep. Matthew Overcast, Esq.

06/02/2026

As session closed out, many people assume things slow down. In reality, the interim is often just as busy: district meetings, constituent work, bill drafting, research, and preparing for the next legislative session.

But among all the work that comes with the job, few things are as rewarding as taking time to recognize the men and women who have dedicated their lives to serving others.

And yes, for those who have asked, I like to personally write a message on the back of many resolution frames. I like to include a favorite quote, a fitting scripture, or a few words of encouragement tailored to the person and the occasion. It’s a small gesture, but I believe meaningful service deserves meaningful recognition.

Public service comes in many forms, and I’m grateful for every opportunity to honor those who faithfully invest in our communities, our schools, and our future. 🇺🇸🍎📚

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05/30/2026

🚨 ATTN 🚨 HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. held a press conference in New Hampshire outlining new federal efforts to combat tick borne diseases, including Lyme Disease and Alpha-Gal Syndrome.

Of particular interest to many families across southern Missouri:

• Tick-borne disease prevention discussion begins around 6:45
• Alpha-Gal Syndrome discussion begins around 9:04
• Discussion regarding potential future medicines aimed at preventing or treating Alpha-Gal begins around 9:53

For families like mine, where Alpha-Gal has caused severe anaphylactic reactions in our children, it is encouraging to finally see this issue receiving serious national attention.

For years, many families suffering from tick-borne illnesses have felt ignored, dismissed, or left without answers. Regardless of politics, increased research, prevention efforts, provider education, and legitimate scientific study into Alpha-Gal Syndrome are badly needed.

Watch the full press conference here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rPx4xGE2ypM

According to HHS, the administration announced new initiatives related to tick control, Lyme disease innovation programs, and additional NIH-supported Alpha-Gal research efforts.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services protects the health and well-being of all people living in the United States and provides essential human services.

05/22/2026

Today was one of those moments that humbles you to your core.

It was a profound honor to stand with our community and welcome home 1st Lt. Robert P. Aikman after nearly 80 years.

Lt. Aikman served in the United States Army during World War II in the Pacific Theater. He was assigned to Battery D, 1st Battalion, 59th Coast Artillery Corps, and was held as a prisoner of war by the Empire of Japan after the fall of the Philippines. After surviving captivity, he was later lost aboard the Enoura Maru in January 1945. For decades, his family and his country carried the weight of his absence.

His headstone tells part of the story: Silver Star. Bronze Star. Purple Heart. World War II. POW.

But no stone can fully capture the courage, suffering, sacrifice, and duty represented by this man’s life.

Moments like this remind us why the work of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency is so important. More than 80,000 Americans remain missing from past conflicts, and every one of them deserves to come home. Every family deserves answers. Every hero deserves to be named, honored, and laid to rest.

There can be no greater mission than keeping faith with those who gave everything for this country.

1st Lt. Robert P. Aikman, thank you for your service. Thank you for your sacrifice. Welcome home, sir.

We will remember.
We will honor.
And we will make sure your legacy stands. 🇺🇸

🇺🇸

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1GsDQ4G34y/?mibextid=wwXIfr

05/16/2026

05/15/2026

This session, my office, and that of Rep. Jordan, had the privilege of working alongside two outstanding interns, Claire Reynolds and Julia Martin

Claire and Julia were not simply here to observe. They were thrown headfirst into the legislative process; policy research, bill tracking, constituent work, committee prep, floor schedules, stakeholder outreach, whipping committee and floor votes, drafting materials, and the long, fast-moving days that come with trying to get real work done for Missouri families.

And they stepped up.

Their work helped our office move major priorities forward this session, including legislation and language addressing Alpha-Gal Syndrome reporting, modernizing access to epinephrine delivery systems, advancing rural health care priorities, supporting public safety reforms, and continuing the fight for Veterans, first responders, and others who have carried heavy burdens in service to our communities and our country.

Those wins do not happen because of one person. They happen because a team is willing to do the work behind the scenes; reading bills, catching details, preparing notes, helping constituents, tracking amendments, and making sure nothing falls through the cracks. Claire and Julia were part of that team, and they deserve credit for helping us get important legislation across the finish line.

They have both told me how much they learned from being placed directly into the legislative process, but the truth is, I learned from them as well. Their curiosity, professionalism, work ethic, and fresh perspective were a reminder that public service is strengthened when the next generation is willing to show up, ask good questions, and take the work seriously.

It was an honor to mentor them, but more than that, it was a privilege to work alongside them on behalf of the people of our district.

Claire and Julia, thank you for your dedication, your patience, your good humor, and your hard work. You made a real contribution to our office and to the people we serve.

I wish I could keep you both on staff forever, but I know you each have bright futures ahead. You are always welcome back.

Join me in thanking them for their exceptional service!

05/15/2026

As the legislative session wraps up, this official page will naturally be a little quieter during the interim. There will be fewer daily Capitol updates until session begins again next year, but I will continue sharing important district news, community events, legislative updates, and information relevant to the people of House District 155.

Thank you to everyone who has followed along, reached out, shared concerns, offered ideas, and stayed engaged throughout session. Your input matters, and it helps me better represent our communities in Jefferson City.

For those who would like to stay connected with our campaign as we move into re-election season, I encourage you to like follow my campaign page here: https://www.facebook.com/share/1ELWBsxpZA/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Thank you again for the honor of serving Douglas, Ozark, Taney, and Southern Stone Counties. I look forward to being back home in the district, visiting with folks, and continuing the work.

05/15/2026

Rural Missouri deserves more than excuses when it comes to health care access.

Too many families are driving too far, waiting too long, or going without care because the system has failed to meet the needs of rural Missourians. That is why rural health care access and the provider shortage have been a major focus of my work in the Missouri House.

This session, I filed and worked to advance legislation to expand Missouri’s health care workforce, create state-sponsored residency programs, open alternative training pathways for qualified providers, repeal outdated Certificate of Need barriers, modernize access to lifesaving epinephrine, advance Alpha-Gal Syndrome reporting, and support responsible, research-driven treatment options for veterans, first responders, and others facing serious mental health challenges.

I also want to be very clear: I am unwavering support for the Missouri Nurses and their ability to practice within their lawful scope of education, training, and professional licensure. Nurses are on the front lines in every corner of this state, and in rural Missouri, they are often the difference between timely care and no care at all.

Rural health care access will not be solved by protecting turf, defending outdated barriers, or putting special interests ahead of patients. It will be solved by respecting the professionals already serving our communities and allowing them to do the work they are trained and licensed to do.

Missouri patients should come first.

There is much more work to do, and I will keep fighting to expand access, strengthen our rural health care workforce, and make sure Missouri families can get the care they need close to home.

I said more on the House floor about why rural Missouri cannot afford to ignore these challenges. I encourage you to watch the brief clip below.: https://sg001-harmony.sliq.net/00325/Harmony/en/PowerBrowser/PowerBrowserV2/20200831/-1/15066?mediaStartTime=20260514121734&mediaEndTime=20260514121917&viewMode=3&globalStreamId=4