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

For the last few years, I have written about the topic of local control as it pertains to the St. Louis City and Kansas City Police Departments, pushing back against state legislators who want to take control of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department and expand their control over the Kansas City Police Department. However,...Lee mas

Date: February 13th, 2024To: Rep. Falkner, Chair, and Members, House Committee on Local GovernmentFrom: Mallory Rusch, Executive Director, Empower MissouriRe: Support for HB 2065 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 up...Lee mas

Date: February 12th, 2024To: Chairman Schnelting and Members, House Special Committee on Homeland SecurityFrom: Gwen Smith, Criminal Justice Policy Manager, and Mallory Rusch, Executive DirectorRE: HB 2470 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 our...Lee mas

Date: February 12th, 2024To: Chairman Haden and Members, House Healthcare ReformFrom: Mallory Rusch, Executive Director, Empower MissouriRe: Our support for HB 1918 and HB 2626 Empower Missouri has spent more than 120 years fighting poverty in Missouri. Today, we come to present testimony on a bill which specifically targets our neighbors with the lowest incomes....Lee mas

Date: February 12th, 2024To: Chairman Hoskins and Members, Senate Economic Development and Tax PolicyFrom: Mallory Rusch, Executive Director, Empower MissouriRe: Our support for SB 822 Empower Missouri has spent more than 120 years fighting poverty in Missouri. Today, we come to present testimony on a bill which specifically targets our neighbors with the lowest incomes....Lee mas

On behalf of the staff, board, and statewide Criminal Justice Coalition convened by Empower Missouri, I am here today to oppose the bills referenced above. I am also a lifelong resident of and long-time homeowner in the City of St. Louis.  First and foremost, there is simply no logical explanation for pursuing this type of...Lee mas

Date: January 29th, 2024 To: Chairman Luetkemeyer and Members of the Senate Judiciary Committee From: Mallory Rusch, Executive Director, Empower Missouri RE: Our opposition to SB 1115 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 Justice...Lee mas

Date: January 18th, 2024 To: Chairman Roberts and Members, House Crime Prevention & Public Safety Committee From: Mallory Rusch, Executive Director at Empower Missouri Re: HB 1659 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 our...Lee mas

Date: January 17th, 2024 To: Chairman Luetkemeyer and Members, Senate Judiciary & Civil and Criminal Jurisprudence From: Mallory Rusch, Executive Director at Empower Missouri Re: SB 746 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 our...Lee mas