Power Profile: Representative Jamie Burger
Representative Jamie Burger represents the 148th District in the Missouri House of Representatives. Photo courtesy of Tim Bommel with House Communications.
According to Rep. Jamie Burger, R-Benton, he has been blessed with a good life. Burger is a lifelong resident of southeast Missouri and currently lives in Benton with his wife of 46 years. His three daughters and their families all remain in the area, and with grandkids between the ages of four and 21 nearby, there is always an opportunity to attend ball games. “I always tell my wife we're going to be T-ball people our whole life,” said Burger with a laugh. “Being a grandfather is the best thing in the world.”
His hope for the future is that his grandkids will be offered the same opportunities in life that he received. “I want to visit my great-grandkids or grandkids where they work, close to home or in Missouri,” said Burger. “I don't want them to have to travel far off to get a job.”
Burger thinks supporting law enforcement and maintaining Missouri’s business-friendly practices are critical to ensuring those opportunities for future generations. Having spent 37 years, including 30 in management, at Buzzi Unicem USA, Inc., a global cement manufacturer, economic development has been a priority for Burger during his 18 years on the Scott County Commission and four years in the Missouri House of Representatives, where he was elected assistant majority floor leader by his peers. And in order to support economic growth, he knows the value in supporting Missouri’s infrastructure. “Anytime that we can expand our infrastructure improvements to highways, to utilities, economic development follows, and that creates jobs and makes everything better for the whole community,” said Burger.
He noted that having reliable power across the state is important for everyone’s interests. To maintain that power generation, he thinks coal-fired and nuclear plants are essential, with wind and solar power being good additions to diversify the state’s electricity production portfolio.
“I came from a cement plant background,” he said. “It was important for us to have uninterruptible power because once the plant's up and running, it's vital that we continue to run.” While managing the plant, he regularly reached out to Ameren Missouri with questions and found them to be a responsive and respectful partner.
Now, Burger sees an opportunity to have a greater impact. With the legislative session over, he is turning his attention to his campaign to be the next state senator to represent the 27th Senatorial District in the Missouri Senate. In his role in House leadership, he worked closely with state senators and believes the possibility exists for the General Assembly to do more when it comes to economic development.
“It's about the timing, and I think now is my time,” said Burger. “I'm excited about that opportunity and looking forward to serving in a greater aspect than I am right now.”
To learn more about Rep. Burger's work in the Missouri House, please visit his official website at house.mo.gov.