During the age of COVID-19, many of us are doing our duty to protect ourselves and others. We stay home, wash our hands, and wear masks when we absolutely must leave the house.  Many are presently feeling heightened emotions due to fear of the illness, the stresses of homeschooling children, changes to work life, etc....Read More

The Empower Missouri advocacy family experienced a heart-breaking loss last week. Reverend Theodore (Ted) William Schroeder was tragically killed in a traffic accident on Wednesday afternoon, April 15, 2020. He was 83. His wife Linda was also injured in the accident and was briefly hospitalized, but has been released. Ted and Linda have been very...Read More

The four highest ranking Majority Party leaders issued a joint statement on April 15th, saying that the Missouri General Assembly will reconvene in late April in a way that will balance the health and safety of lawmakers, employees and Capitol visitors during COVID-19 public health emergency with the legislature’s constitutional obligation to pass the state...Read More

As a statewide advocacy organization, Empower Missouri is keeping an eye on what the state is doing or not doing regarding the issues we work on as they relate to the COVID-19 pandemic. As Empower Missouri has always done, we continue to work in coalition around these issues and advocate for evidence-based public policy wherever...Read More

Empower Missouri Advocacy Family, Midday last Friday, Gov. Mike Parson declared a State of Emergency as the first cases of COVID-19 were diagnosed in Missouri. Life has significantly changed for most of us during the past eight days. Many are working from home, with the pleasure and challenges of having children home with us. Some...Read More

As COVID-19 continues to impact the lives of Missourians, it is important now that our federal lawmakers take action to help the most vulnerable populations during the outbreak and that our state officials hear from you. It is urgent that a state response match the needs of our neighbors with low incomes, those displaced from...Read More

On Tuesday, March 3, HB 1691 was heard in the Judiciary Committee. Sponsored by Rep. Holly Rehder, this bill would modernize our outdated and harmful HIV-specific statutes that criminalize people for acts that pose no risk of HIV transmission. The hearing was scheduled for 4 p.m. or “upon adjournment” of floor debate. With the floor...Read More

Today’s Weekly Perspective will be a bit different. We normally drill down into a priority public policy area, but some big changes are in progress here at Empower Missouri, and we’d like to share our vision as well as concrete progress that our Board of Directors and staff are making in implementing a new strategic...Read More

Empower Missouri is seeking a candidate for a contract position as Interim Executive Director. This is an opportunity to help set up our 119-year-old organization for enhanced success. The ideal candidate will work with the Board of Directors to position the organization for continued growth and collaborate to identify our next full time Executive Director....Read More

Jefferson City, MO — On February 20th, 2020, Empower Missouri, along with more than 100 other individuals and organizations, signed and delivered a letter to Governor Parson and House and Senate leadership encouraging them to re-institute the Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) statewide match. Missouri has a dire shortage of affordable and available rental...Read More