Sen. Cindy O’Laughlin believes a firm foundation stems from faith, family and fairness. As majority floor leader for the Missouri Senate, O’Laughlin continues to live and serve the state’s constituents by these strong values.
First elected in 2018, O’Laughlin represents northeast Missouri in the state Senate. In 2022, her peers selected her as the majority floor leader, the first female to hold this position in the state’s history.
O’Laughlin’s journey began on a family farm in Iowa, and she later moved to Grant City, Missouri. Her educational path led her to Northwest Missouri State University for two years, followed by the University of Missouri-Columbia, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in business administration.
Before being elected to the Missouri Senate, O’Laughlin served as a school bus driver, an administrator at a local Christian school and a member of her local school board.
A FOUNDATION IN FAITH
Today, O’Laughlin resides in Shelbina, Missouri, with her husband and several dogs, including basset hounds, as well as several rescue dogs. In that rural community, O’Laughlin raised her four sons and a foster daughter.
When asked about her choice to become a foster parent, O’Laughlin explained, “When I encounter challenges, my instinct is to ask, ‘Is there anything I can do to make this situation better?'” This mindset played a pivotal role in her decision to pursue a career in public office.
“There is a lot you can do if you are willing to do it,” said O’Laughlin. “You can often get discouraged when considering the cost, time or other resources. But I think you should try to help if you can.”
O’Laughlin credits many of her characteristics as a senator to her entrepreneurial background in the trucking company. 
O’Laughlin Inc., a family-owned and operated trucking business since 1950, was originally established by her father-in-law, Leo O’Laughlin, and primarily focused on trucking services. Today, O’Laughlin Inc. offers local trucking without storage and ready-mix concrete in Shelbina, Macon, LaBelle and Marceline. O’Laughlin’s oldest son now owns and operates the family business, alongside herself and husband. O’Laughlin’s years of experience within the trucking industry and working in a small business have shaped much of the senator’s thinking and her beliefs on how state government should be run.
“Government can be the source of the problem in many ways,” said O’Laughlin. “I felt it could be more successful if run like a small business.”
FAIRNESS ON THE FLOOR
Today, as O’Laughlin oversees the Senate floor, she can demonstrate the validity of her beliefs through her leadership.
O’Laughlin is credited with improving the efficiency of the Missouri Senate during her first year serving in that role.
“Before I was floor leader, I observed what was happening,” said O’Laughlin. “I thought it could be done differently and with more success. I knew we were quickly approaching an impasse and felt I was the only one who could be acceptable to both sides.”
Those who work closely with the senator and her political peers says that she demonstrates both fervor and fairness on the floor.
“The Missouri Senate is fortunate to have the strong leadership of Sen. Cindy O’Laughlin,” said Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe. “Having previously served as floor leader, I know Sen. O’Laughlin is the right person for the job. She understands the importance of agriculture to our state’s economy and works hard to protect our state’s top industry and Missouri farm families.”
In many ways, O’Laughlin has been a soybean supporter and friend of agriculture in the Senate.
“I am willing to fight for rural Missouri,” said O’Laughlin. “I try to educate myself and stay connected to agriculture, and I will do what I can to get things done.”
O’Laughlin supported the biodiesel tax credit within HB 3 in 2022. This bill provides that any taxpayer with a tax year beginning before Jan. 1, 2023, but ending during the 2023 calendar year is allowed a tax credit for fuel sold or produced during the portion of such tax year that occurs during the 2023 calendar year. This clarifies that all biodiesel made and biodiesel blends sold so far qualify for credit, regardless of tax year.
This ensures all current production capacity is covered and qualifies for the 2 cents per gallon credit, and each plant can apply for the credit on a first-come, first-served basis. As floor leader, O’Laughlin was also instrumental in passing the ag omnibus bill.
Floor time is very precious at the end of session, and her fellow soybean supporters shared she prioritized the bill and gave it quality time on the floor to get it passed.
“I appreciate Sen. O’Laughlin as a friend and supporter of agriculture,” said Matt Wright, Missouri Soybean Association president. “Through her years of service, she has not forgotten that her district is weighted heavily toward agriculture.”
Wright expanded, “I specifically remember testifying in a hearing where her first question was, ‘How is this bill going to affect the family farmers?’ I knew then we were going to be OK.”
LESSONS FOR LEADERS
Navigating through Jefferson City, forging valuable connections and seeking guidance from mentors is essential. O’Laughlin, for instance, found a mentor in former Sen. Doug Libla.
“Libla possesses a lot of common sense,” O’Laughlin remarked. “We believe that our impact on the world is not confined to the senate; we’ve already made a meaningful difference.”
Libla, from southeast Missouri, echoed these sentiments. “She’s an excellent listener, a sharp thinker and upfront with you,” Libla praised.
Libla also added that O’Laughlin is a very dedicated hard worker, with lots of energy. These qualities are particularly welcomed on the Senate floor.
O’Laughlin also emphasized the significance of seeking external perspectives by leaning on friends and family.
“We don’t communicate our goals enough, and we’re not listening to others,” O’Laughlin pointed out. “If I assume the President Pro Tem position, this will be a top priority.”
When asked for advice on pursuing a political career, O’Laughlin emphasizes the importance of not feeling the need to prove oneself.
“Potential candidates should inquire about what a candidate will do if they aren’t elected,” O’Laughlin suggested. “You want a representative with diverse interests. Focusing solely on reaching Jefferson City can lead to a skewed perspective.”
Beyond her leadership in Jefferson City, O’Laughlin has played pivotal roles on various statewide boards, including the Associated Builders and Contractors, the Children’s Trust Fund, and the Missouri Club for Growth. She’s also a member of the National Rifle Association, Missouri Cattlemen’s Association, the Missouri Farm Bureau and Macon First Baptist Church.
Missouri Soybeans deeply appreciates O’Laughlin’s unwavering dedication to the state’s soybean producers. The Missouri Soybean Association’s collaboration with state senators like O’Laughlin is crucial and highly effective.
To find out more about Missouri Soybeans’ policy priorities, visit mosoy.org.
