When Lincoln Hough isn’t in Jefferson City working as a state representative, he’s either at one of the civic organizations he supports or working cattle on his family farm.
The seventh-generation Greene County native was elected to his first two-year term in the House of Representatives for the 140th district in 2010 at age 28.
“I am humbled to earn this experience that allows me to represent the work ethic and family values that make southwest Missouri a great place to live, work and raise a family,” says Hough, who is a Republican. “To know you are the voice of 35,000 constituents is an awesome responsibility and one I do not take lightly.”
Hough was named Freshman Legislator of the Year for job creation in 2011. And in the 2012 legislative session, Hough introduced House Bill 1709, which establishes the Missouri Works Program that would provide tax incentives to companies for job creation, retention and capital investment.
“I believe a strong pro-business climate is critical for southwest Missouri to be successful in competing for new commerce and creating jobs, and Missouri Works is an important first step in that direction,” Hough says.
Guiding people through the state government is one of the most rewarding aspects of Hough’s position, such as helping a man receive a large Medicaid reimbursement he had been struggling to get for more than a year.“Very often I am able to facilitate communication between a constituent and the necessary state department and, in some cases, can help resolve an issue (that improves) the life of that person,” Hough says.
He especially enjoys educating students about state government when they visit Jefferson City.
“I believe democracy must be learned by each generation and make it a point to encourage each student to take an interest in their government and get involved,” Hough says. “As I share with them how laws are passed and how each one can affect them, I can see their interest and know we will have a new generation of civic leaders.”
Hough also is a member of the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce, the Greene County Cattleman’s Association and the Greene County Farm Bureau.
Statewide, he serves as an advisory member of the Missouri Main Street Connection Board, which works to revitalize and preserve historic main streets. This year, Hough was one of a few freshman members chosen to serve on the House Budget Committee.
“I consider it an honor every day to work toward improving the lives of the many hardworking southwest Missourians I represent.”
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