National Dialogue

Why Reform Now?

U.S. Congressman Kenny Hulshof
Representing Missouri's Ninth District

Elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1996, Congressman Hulshof was appointed to the Committee on Ways and Means where he serves on the Oversight and Social Security Subcommittees. Hulshof recently completed his term as President of the Republican Freshman Class and participated in the first-ever Great Social Security Debate with President Clinton.

Since his Inauguration in January 1997, Hulshof has taken the lead on several issues in Congress. First, Hulshof introduced legislation to repeal the Death Tax. With the help of U.S. Congresswoman Karen Thurman of Florida and leading national agriculture groups, Hulshof sponsored Farm and Ranch Risk Management Accounts, FARRM Accounts, a risk management tool that helps farmers save money for bad crop years. Hulshof also introduced the SAVE Act, legislation which would let families keep more of their money. This spring Hulshof helped secure Missouri's fair share of highway funds, including $31.5 million to widen U.S. Highway 63.

Before the 1996 election, Hulshof worked as a Special Prosecutor for the Missouri Attorney General's Office prosecuting difficult murder cases in 53 counties. Prior to that, he served in the offices of the Prosecuting Attorney and the Public Defender in Cape Girardeau.

Hulshof received his undergraduate degree with honors in Agriculture Economics at the University of Missouri - Columbia (MU) in 1980. As an undergraduate at MU, Hulshof was recognized as an MU Curator Scholar, named outstanding student in the Agriculture Economics department, and voted President of the American Agricultural Economists Association Student Section. In 1983, Hulshof earned his law degree from the University of Mississippi.

Hulshof grew up on a family farm in Southeast Missouri, where his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Paul Hulshof, continue to farm.

Kenny married his wife, Renee, in 1994. A native of Hannibal, Renee is a graduate of the Journalism School at the University of Missouri and is employed as an advertising executive. Kenny and Renee live in Columbia and attend Newman Center Catholic Church.