State Rep. Matthew Overcast, Esq.

07/07/2026

07/07/2026

Spray, cover, check, repeat! Tiny bugs can cause BIG trouble. State Rep. Matthew Overcast, Esq. didn't know much about tickborne diseases before his daughter, Lyla, and her siblings were diagnosed with alpha-gal syndrome (AGS), a food allergy to a sugar that most mammals, except for humans (and some others), have in their bodies. Lyla's whole world changed because of a lone star tick bite, and she is not alone. She's telling YOU 🫵 that you can prevent tick bites!

🛡 Use the right amount of bug spray, wear your pants tucked into your socks and check yourself for ticks any time you go outside.

Mammal products and byproducts can become dangerous for those with AGS - even products you may not think about can have trace amounts added during manufacturing, such as medications, white sugar and even bottled water! Some people with AGS are more sensitive than others, but most people have to avoid red meat and dairy.

07/04/2026

🇺🇸 Happy Independence Day! 🇺🇸

Today we’re celebrating more than just a date on the calendar. We’re celebrating the grit, faith, and freedom that have carried this country for nearly 250 years.

In 1776, a group of ordinary citizens took an extraordinary stand. They put their names on the line and pledged “our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor,” all because they believed our rights don’t come from government... they come from God.

George Washington understood that preserving freedom would always depend on the American people. In his First Inaugural Address, he reminded us that “the preservation of the sacred fire of liberty” had been entrusted to our care. For nearly 250 years, Americans from every walk of life have answered that call.

Having had the privilege of serving in the United States Air Force, I’ve seen firsthand what that commitment looks like. I’ve stood alongside men and women willing to sacrifice for something greater than themselves. It’s a powerful reminder that the freedoms we enjoy are never guaranteed... they’re preserved by those willing to defend them.

You’ve probably heard it said that freedom requires eternal vigilance. Whether Thomas Jefferson spoke those exact words or not, the principle remains true: liberty endures only when good people are willing to stand up for it.

Benjamin Franklin famously challenged us with the words, “A republic, if you can keep it.” That challenge is just as relevant today. Our Constitution and our freedoms don’t run on autopilot; they depend on citizens who stay informed, get involved, and put country before self.

It is a true honor to serve as your State Representative. I’m proud to stand for the principles that have made America the greatest nation in history: faith, family, freedom, limited government, personal responsibility, and the rule of law.

So today, fire up the grill, spend time with your family, wave Old Glory proudly, and take a moment to remember those who have fought, and those who continue to fight, to preserve our liberty, from our Founding Fathers to every service member who has worn the uniform.

As celebrate America’s 250th birthday, may we recommit ourselves to preserving the blessings of liberty for the next generation.

May God continue to bless the United States of America, the great State of Missouri, and every family who calls it home.

Happy Independence Day! 🇺🇸

07/02/2026

07/01/2026

A huge thank you to Burkhard Bilger for making the trip to Missouri, to our home and to farms across the state to tell the story of alpha-gal syndrome. On behalf of the farmers, ranchers, outdoorsmen, and families across Missouri whose lives have been impacted by tick-borne illness, thank you for caring enough to tell our story with honesty and compassion.

Burkhard has a gift for storytelling that no AI could ever replicate. Like the American cowboy, journalists of his caliber are becoming a dying breed, and that’s something worth reversing. Thoughtful, boots on the ground journalism still matters because it gives a voice to people whose stories might otherwise never be heard.

If I were an executive at The New Yorker, I’d be doing everything I could to make sure Burkhard sticks around for a very long time.

In the summer of 2003, in a suburb of Sydney, Australia, a surfer went to see an allergist. He was the 11th patient the doctor had seen who developed an anaphylactic reaction after eating red meat. She suspected the symptoms could be related to tick bites. By 2007, researchers in the U.S. had reached the same conclusion: for some people in America, a bite from the lone-star tick could cause a dangerous allergy to red meat.

Alpha-gal syndrome has spread across the world, now infecting people in more than 30 countries on six continents. In the U.S., as many as half a million people have the syndrome, but some researchers believe the number could be higher. Alpha-gal has disrupted the lifestyles of farmers from Virginia to southern Missouri. It has also infiltrated the island community of Martha’s Vineyard. With no cure, no consistent means of diagnosis, and no way to fully eradicate its carriers, alpha-gal syndrome represents a unique challenge to public health. Bilger reports on the syndrome’s rise, and the stories of those who have been afflicted: https://newyorkermag.visitlink.me/aCCmE6

06/25/2026

Yes!!

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1EZYmgPv1p/?mibextid=wwXIfr

06/10/2026

On May 29, I had the privilege of visiting Gainesville Healthcare Center and presenting Johanna Stewart with a Missouri House Resolution in honor of her 94th birthday.

Johanna shared that until she was 19 years old, she helped her father work the family farm by driving teams of mules and horses to plow fields before planting season. That’s the kind of grit and work ethic that helped build the Ozarks.

She also made sure to keep me humble. While reading her resolution, my dyslexic brain got ahead of my eyes and I misread a line. Johanna caught it instantly and didn’t hesitate to razz me about it. At 94 years young, her sense of humor is still as sharp as a tack.

Coming down and spending time with our seniors is one of the best parts of this job. Their stories, wisdom, and perspective are a treasure, and I always leave these visits grateful for the opportunity to listen and learn from our spirited family members.

Happy 94th Birthday, Johanna, and thank you to the wonderful staff at Gainesville Healthcare Center for the care and compassion you provide every day. 🇺🇸❤️

06/02/2026

As session closed out, many people assume things slow down. In reality, the interim is often just as busy: district meetings, constituent work, bill drafting, research, and preparing for the next legislative session.

But among all the work that comes with the job, few things are as rewarding as taking time to recognize the men and women who have dedicated their lives to serving others.

And yes, for those who have asked, I like to personally write a message on the back of many resolution frames. I like to include a favorite quote, a fitting scripture, or a few words of encouragement tailored to the person and the occasion. It’s a small gesture, but I believe meaningful service deserves meaningful recognition.

Public service comes in many forms, and I’m grateful for every opportunity to honor those who faithfully invest in our communities, our schools, and our future. 🇺🇸🍎📚

🇺🇸🍎📚

05/30/2026

🚨 ATTN 🚨 HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. held a press conference in New Hampshire outlining new federal efforts to combat tick borne diseases, including Lyme Disease and Alpha-Gal Syndrome.

Of particular interest to many families across southern Missouri:

• Tick-borne disease prevention discussion begins around 6:45
• Alpha-Gal Syndrome discussion begins around 9:04
• Discussion regarding potential future medicines aimed at preventing or treating Alpha-Gal begins around 9:53

For families like mine, where Alpha-Gal has caused severe anaphylactic reactions in our children, it is encouraging to finally see this issue receiving serious national attention.

For years, many families suffering from tick-borne illnesses have felt ignored, dismissed, or left without answers. Regardless of politics, increased research, prevention efforts, provider education, and legitimate scientific study into Alpha-Gal Syndrome are badly needed.

Watch the full press conference here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rPx4xGE2ypM

According to HHS, the administration announced new initiatives related to tick control, Lyme disease innovation programs, and additional NIH-supported Alpha-Gal research efforts.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services protects the health and well-being of all people living in the United States and provides essential human services.

05/29/2026

How often do you have to think about your diagnosis when you have alpha-gal syndrome?
"I'm thinking about it all day long."

State Rep. Matthew Overcast, Esq. didn't know much about tickborne diseases before his daughter, Lyla, and two of her siblings were diagnosed with alpha-gal syndrome (AGS), a food allergy to a sugar that most mammals, except for humans (and some others), have in their bodies. Lyla's whole world changed because of a lone star tick bite, and she is not alone.

But YOU 🫵 can stop ticks in their tracks! 🛡️ Use the right amount of bug spray, wear your pants tucked into your socks and check yourself for ticks any time you go outside.

Lyla and her family have to worry about eating at restaurants, the types of medications they can take and many more small details they used to take for granted. Mammal products and byproducts can become dangerous for those with AGS - even products you may not think about can have trace amounts added during manufacturing, such as white sugar, bottled water and even some toilet paper! This food allergy extends far beyond what you consume, and Lyla says it best that it affects every part of your life. Some people with AGS are more sensitive than others, but most people have to avoid red meat and dairy.