Accountability Behind the Walls Here in Missouri, more than 24,000 people are incarcerated in the facilities across the state. The Department of Corrections (DOC) carries the responsibility of maintaining safety, rehabilitation, and ensuring lawful conditions. Independent oversight is necessary to ensure these responsibilities are met. Transparency and accountability are not optional in a system entrusted...Read More

Date:   March 9, 2026 To:     Chairman Mayhew and Members, Corrections and Public Institutions Committee From:  Jerika White, Criminal Justice Policy Manager, Empower Missouri RE:      Support HB 2153 As the largest and oldest anti-poverty non-profit in our state, Empower Missouri is committed to improving the quality of life for all Missouri...Read More

Date:   February 26, 2026 To:       Chairman Mayhew and Members, Corrections and Public Institutions Committee From:   Jerika White, Criminal Justice Policy Manager, Empower Missouri RE:      Support HB 1616 and HB 2832  As the largest and oldest anti-poverty non-profit in our state, Empower Missouri is committed to improving the quality...Read More

Date:    February 25, 2026 To:       Chairman Schroer and Members, Senate Judiciary Committee From:   Jerika White, Criminal Justice Policy Manager, Empower Missouri RE:      SB 1509 As the largest and oldest anti-poverty non-profit in our state, Empower Missouri is committed to improving the quality of life for all Missourians through...Read More

Date: January 27, 2026 To: Representative Don Mayhew and the Members of the House Corrections and Public Institutions Committee  From: Jerika White, Empower Missouri RE: Support for HB 2831 and HB 2695 As the largest and oldest anti-poverty non-profit in our state, Empower Missouri is committed to improving the quality of life for all Missouri residents...Read More

Hear from Rev. Dr. Cassandra Gould (she/her/hers), the Director of Cultural and Political Engagement for Faith in Action, about the need for Clean Slate in our state! Why do you believe Clean Slate to be an important and necessary policy solution for Missouri?  As a Black faith leader, I believe Clean Slate is essential because...Read More

I traveled as a first-time attendee to the Clean Slate Initiative annual convening in Chicago earlier this month. The convening celebrated the 5th year anniversary for the Clean Slate Initiative launch. The Clean Slate Initiative, a national advocacy organization, is working across the country to pass and implement laws that automate record sealing for people...Read More

Date: April 2, 2025 To: Chairman Mayhew and Members, Corrections and Public Institutions Committee From: Jerika White, Criminal Justice Policy Manager, Empower Missouri Re: Support for HB 774, 603, 729 As the largest and oldest anti-poverty non-profit in our state, Empower Missouri is committed to improving the quality of life for all Missouri residents through...Read More

Date: March 25, 2025 To: Chairman Schroer and Members, Senate Judiciary Committee From: Jerika White, Criminal Justice Policy Manager, Empower Missouri Re: Support for SB 378 As the largest and oldest anti-poverty non-profit in our state, Empower Missouri is committed to improving the quality of life for all Missouri residents through advocacy. Since its inception,...Read More

Date: March 5th, 2025 To: Members of the Crime and Public Safety CommitteeFrom: Rika White, Criminal Justice Policy Manager, Empower MissouriRe: Our Support for HB 728 On behalf of our staff, board, and the members of our Crime and Public Safety committee, I ask that you vote “do pass” on HB 728. This bill modifies provisions...Read More