Jason Smith is a seventh-generation Missourian, a citizen-legislator, and a champion for the rights and values of rural Missourians.
Jason was raised in Salem, Missouri, where he still owns the same family farm that was started by his great grandfather. He attended Salem High School, where he was an active member of FFA. At the University of Missouri-Columbia, Jason earned degrees in Agricultural Economics and Business Administration. After receiving degrees from both programs in three years, he attended law school at Oklahoma City University before returning home to serve his community. Back home in Missouri Jason began running the family farm and practicing law. It was during this time that he recognized the harm that the overbearing government was inflicting on Missourians and our economy. This inspired Jason to run for office himself so he could begin to undo the damage.
Small business is the backbone of our economy in the Eighth District of Missouri. Government regulation does not create jobs, but instead inhibits small businesses. Seven out of ten jobs are created by small businesses. Washington should encourage, not overregulate job growth and small business creation.
We must focus on reforming our tax code. By simplifying the thousands of pages of IRS regulations, small business owners can focus on building their business instead of filling out complicated tax forms. Red tape is strangling our small businesses and money spent on regulations detracts from budgets that could be spent on growing businesses and hiring more employees.