Date: March 26, 2024To: Representative Alex Riley, and members of the House General Laws CommitteeFrom: Gwen Smith, Criminal Justice Policy Manager, Empower MissouriRe: Our support for HB 2468 Founded in 1901, Empower Missouri advocates for the well-being of Missourians through civic leadership, education, and research. As part of our work, we organize a statewide Community...Lee mas

As the largest and oldest anti-poverty advocacy agency in our state, Empower Missouri is committed to improving the quality of life for all Missouri residents through advocacy. Since our inception, Empower Missouri has focused on the criminal justice system and its impacts. Our Community Justice Coalition consists of community advocates and organizations from across the...Lee mas

Last year, Vee Sanchez, Affordable Housing Policy Manager, provided an excellent overview of land banks and how they can be a part of the solution to address our affordable housing crisis. As the affordable housing shortage grows in Missouri, we need to take serious steps in addressing how we view the causes of homelessness, lack...Lee mas