Food is one of a handful of basic requirements for our survival. Yet too many Missourians are unable to meet this basic need when faced with the barriers of affordability and accessibility. According to 2022 data analyzed by Feeding America, 15 percent of Missourians – more than 920,000 people are food insecure. The numbers are...Read More
Issued and enforced during rare and extreme instances of community-wide crises and emergency, eviction moratoria (plural of moratorium) are a short term intervention federal, state and local government can employ to prevent the level of community destabilization that mass layoffs, mass evictions, and sudden, widespread homelessness would cause. In simple terms, an eviction moratorium prevents...Read More
Date: February 7th, 2024To: Chairman Bromley and members of the Utilities CommitteeFrom: Trina Ragain, Lead Policy Strategist, Empower MissouriRe: Opposition to HB 1435, HB 1804 and HB 2541 Empower Missouri, established in 1901, stands as the largest anti-poverty advocacy organization in our state. Central to our mission is the convening of a statewide Affordable Housing...Read More
Founded in 1901, Empower Missouri is the largest anti-poverty advocacy organization in the state. As part of our work, we convene a statewide Affordable Housing Coalition every month. This coalition is made up of individuals and organizations who are working to ensure every Missourian has access to safe, affordable, stable housing. On behalf of our...Read More
Date: February 6, 2024 To: Chairwoman McGaugh and Members, Elections and Elected Officials Committee From: Trina Ragain, Lead Policy Strategist, Empower Missouri Re: Opposition for Altering the Initiative Petition Process and Requirements through HJR 67 and HJR 93 As the largest and oldest anti-poverty non-profit in our state, Empower Missouri is committed to improving the...Read More
Date: January 29th, 2024To: Chairwoman Gannon and Members, Local Government and Elections CommitteeFrom: Trina Ragain, Lead Policy Strategist, Empower MissouriRE: Opposition for Altering the Initiative Petition Process and Requirements through SJR 48, SJR 49, SJR 51, SJR 56, SJR 59, SJR 61, SJR 73, SJR 74, SJR 77, and SJR 79 As the largest and...Read More
Founded in 1901, Empower Missouri is the largest anti-poverty advocacy organization in the state. As part of our work, we convene a statewide Affordable Housing Coalition every month. This coalition is made up of individuals and organizations who are working to ensure every Missourian has access to safe, affordable, stable housing. On behalf of our...Read More
Date: January 23, 2024 To: Chairwoman McGaugh and Members, Elections and Elected Officials Committee From: Trina Ragain, Lead Policy Strategist, Empower Missouri Re: Opposition for Altering the Initiative Petition Process and Requirements through HB 1749, HJR 72, HJR 102 As the largest and oldest anti-poverty non-profit in our state, Empower Missouri is committed to improving...Read More
Date: January 16th, 2024 To: Chairman Brown and Members, Emerging Issues Committee From: Trina Ragain, Lead Policy Strategist, Empower Missouri Re: Support for SB 750 Founded in 1901, Empower Missouri is the largest anti-poverty advocacy organization in the state. As part of our work, we organize a statewide Affordable Housing Coalition. This coalition is made...Read More
I’m excited to join the Empower Missouri team as Lead Policy Strategist! In my new role with the organization I’ll be partnering with our policy managers to advance state-level policy priorities related to food and nutrition security and affordable housing. My accidental love affair with public policy started 12 years ago when I accepted a...Read More