The 2026 Missouri Legislative Session ended with drama – this time in a good way. Three key policies entered the final week as almost-passed…but not quite. Clean Slate, land banks improvements, and Food is Medicine legislation were all passed by at least one chamber by the end of April but had not yet fully cleared...Lee mas

This is part of an ongoing series looking at the impact of missed court appearances in Missouri. Check out part one in this series, Mass Incarceration in Your Backyard, and part two, Court Reminders Should Be Accessible for All, for additional context about the issue.  We need innovative solutions to the problems in our communities,...Lee mas

This is part of an ongoing series looking at the impact of missed court appearances in Missouri. Check out part one in this series, Mass Incarceration in Your Backyard, for additional context about this issue.  Background Empower Missouri is exploring the issue of automated court reminders in our state, a tool that reduces missed court...Lee mas

Date: March 31, 2026 To: Representative Jones, Chairman, and Members of the House Children and Families Committee From: Gwen Smith-Moore, Criminal Justice Policy Manager, Empower Missouri RE: Support for HB 1872 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...Lee mas

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...Lee mas

Date:   March 10, 2026 To:     Chairman Mayhew and Members, Corrections and Public Institutions Committee From:   Gwen Smith-Moore, Criminal Justice Policy Manager, Empower Missouri RE:      Oppose SB 888 As the largest and oldest anti-poverty non-profit in our state, Empower Missouri is committed to improving the quality of life for all...Lee mas

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...Lee mas

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...Lee mas