United for Missouri is that group. Based in Springfield, United for Missouri will be headed by Carl Bearden, who had been the director of Americans for Prosperity-Missouri for three years.

Bearden said United for Missouri constitutes an evolution of grassroots organizing. 

“ AFP is designed to help give you a voice, especially on federal issues. Now it’s time to fine-tune our vision and action plan for Missouri’s financial stability and growth. To do so, we need a locally driven, funded and focused group that is committed to advancing what’s right for our state. United for Missouri is that organization,” Bearden said.

One local issue highlighted by Bearden is the need for the city of Cape Girardeau to put its purchasing policy online to help level the playing field for prospective vendors. Indeed, the City Council should go a step further and make each city expenditure available on line in an easy-to-locate, searchable format.

“The main problem is lack of transparency in government,” Bearden said. “Local officials too often approve plans with little to no public input. And it’s impossible to go online to find out where taxpayer money is headed.  Sometimes that is the public’s fault for not paying close attention. The best way to ensure fiscal accountability is to make it easier for the public to see exactly how money is being spent, as it’s being spent.  Then the taxpaying public can be more informed and more involved in the process.”

United for Missouri also will tackle a number of state issues, including the Health Care Freedom Act (or Prop C, which is expected to be on the ballot on Aug. 3), tax policy and the impact of federal programs on state spending.

 “Our job will be to keep people informed, engaged,” Bearden said, “and make sure they are heard in Jefferson City, city halls and in county courthouses all across the state. We will stay abreast and keep you informed of key local issues that could have an impact on your livelihoods, liberties and values.”