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Missouri lawmaker accepts Trump appointment

(Courtesy: Alisa Nelson at Missouri Net Radio News)

A Missouri state representative has stepped down to accept a USDA appointment from President Trump.

Republican State Representative Ben Baker from Neosho will lead Missouri’s USDA Rural Development office. “I’m humbled to accept an appointment from President Donald Trump. I still want to help you in your districts. That’s something that I look forward to in serving in this capacity for the people in the state of Missouri.”

In a farewell speech, Baker told his fellow legislators Wednesday, “How in the world has this happened to me, where the President has the confidence in me to do this job in our state. That to me, has been the honor of my life,”

The USDA says the new directors will focus on finding ways to empower rural America and unleash economic prosperity.