WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) announced it would keep the current Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) core population threshold of 50,000 in place rather than expanding it to 100,000. This announcement comes in the wake of a letter to OMB from Congressman Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-03), the Missouri Republican Congressional delegation and Governor Mike Parson expressing concern that increasing the threshold would have a devastating impact on 144 areas in Missouri.

“As the Representative of a district that is home to many small towns and rural communities, it is my job to ensure these areas all get a fair shake when it comes to federal support. By maintaining the current population threshold, many Third District areas will continue to have a seat at the table,” said Congressman Luetkemeyer.  

Background: MSA standards are used by the federal government to determine eligibility for certain programs and grant opportunities. Read the full letter to OMB HERE.