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0000017b-27e8-d2e5-a37b-7fffd9f70000On November 8, Missourians chose their next governor, determined races for U.S. congressional seats and several for the Missouri statehouse. In addition, voters decided among five proposed changes to the Missouri constitution.See the election results here, and view our coverage below on the local candidates and issues. Post election, we're continuing to add to our coverage with related content.

Koster Talks Healthcare, Education During Campaign Stop in Springfield

Chris Koster
Jason Rosenbaum
/
St. Louis Public Radio

As he continues his campaign for governor, Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster spoke of job creation during a visit to Springfield Wednesday.

“The change Missourians want is progress. The change Missourians want is cooperation. The change that Missourians want is bringing people together, and that is the change that we’re going to deliver.”

Koster’s main points revolved around investing in the state’s rural health care system improving education. He cited hospitals that had shut down in rural areas, such as Osceola and Farmington, and some areas schools that are only open four days a week.

When asked about jobs, Koster said that Missouri should remain a “low tax, business friendly regulatory environment” in order to stimulate job growth. He also said that the government needs to focus on workforce development, which is its part of the economic development bargain.

Koster stated that “in layman’s terms, workforce development is education, and so when we cut education we’re cutting workforce development.”

Springfield citizen Jackie Davis was among the roughly 70 people present for Koster’s speech. Davis said she was supporting the Democratic candidate because of his history of a hands-on approach to addressing Missouri’s problems and for “the progress he’s made as attorney general.”

David Perry, another supporter in the crowd, believes Missouri will benefit from a Governor Koster

“He’ll get back to providing us the services that governments need to. A good government shouldn’t provide too much or too little, but should just give the services right.”

Koster’s Republican opponent is Eric Greitens, who visited southwest Missouri last Thursday. During his trip, he received support from Congressmen Billy Long and Jason Smith, as well as Branson Mayor Karen Best.

Koster’s visit to Springfield Wednesday was part of a two-day bus tour that will also stop in Joplin, Neosho, Lebanon, and West Plains.