Missouri has an HIV criminalization problem. Under current Missouri law, if someone knows they are living with HIV but does not disclose their status before engaging in certain activities considered to be “exposure”— some of which don’t carry any risk of transmission — they can be charged with a class B felony, punishable by five...Read More

There are a lot of attacks on workers and voters going on this session – so many that it’s tough to keep them all straight and keep track of what’s real and what is purely political grandstanding. The number one thing to know is that on July 1st, more than 230,000 Missourians will be newly...Read More

Many states have begun the efforts of legalizing low-level offenses; however, the records of past criminal histories are still a challenge that presents many obstacles for job seekers.  A criminal conviction can carry all sorts of consequences, even some that are beyond the scope of the penalties that are associated with a criminal sentence. It...Read More

Empower Missouri is proud to announce that two new members are joining our Board of Directors! Coming from government, business and civil society, the new board members bring years of experience and leadership to help address equal justice for all Missourians and to help advocate for a Missouri in which all people have basic human needs. ...Read More

Over one year after the start of the global pandemic, we are still learning of the devastating impacts COVID-19 has had on our society. One area that has been heavily impacted by COVID-19 is affordable housing. It became apparent early on in the pandemic that its effects on the economy would be detrimental to many...Read More

We have come a long way in what we know about HIV treatment and transmission since the HIV/AIDS epidemic began 40 years ago. In terms of health, an HIV diagnosis today largely means continuing to lead an ordinary life with regular treatment and monitoring. With one pill a day, we can now reduce the level...Read More

My name is Scott Quirmbach and Clean Slate legislation would change my life.   In 1994, when I was 18 years old, I moved to Warrensburg, Missouri. I was a young man looking for independence halfway across the country from home. I quickly found a group of new people to be around. They enjoyed drinking alcohol,...Read More

At Kids Win Missouri, we envision a state where all children have the opportunity to be healthy, happy, and successful. That’s why we supported Medicaid expansion on the ballot last August – because we know that by expanding Medicaid in our state, Missouri’s kids will win BIG. Although expansion is targeted to uninsured adults, research...Read More

Within the next few weeks, the U.S. will be approaching one year of living in the worldwide pandemic of Covid-19. This past year has brought upon many devastating impacts on individuals and families throughout the nation. While we begin looking to the future with hope as the vaccine begins to be distributed, there still remains...Read More

Below is the testimony that Smart Sentencing Coalition member Kenya Brumfield Young presented to the Senate Judiciary Committee on January 22, 2021 about the passage of Senate Bill 60. Senate Bill 60 puts into place new policies that aim to increase police accountability and build trust between police and the communities they serve. Empower Missouri...Read More