Date: March 3rd, 2025 To: Sen. Rusty Black, Chair, and members of the Local Government, Elections, and Pensions CommitteeFrom: Misha Smith, Affordable Housing Policy Manager, Empower MissouriRe: Opposition to HB 595 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...Lee mas

Date: February 26, 2025 To: Rep. Parker, Chairman, and members of the House Judiciary Committee From: Rika White, Criminal Justice Policy Manager, Empower Missouri Re: Our support for HB 731 and HB 1075 Founded in 1901, Empower Missouri advocates for the well-being of Missourians through civic leadership, education, and research. As part of our work,...Lee mas

Date: February 26, 2025 To: Senator Schroer, Chairman, and Members of the Senate Committee on Judiciary and Civil and Criminal Jurisprudence From: Gwen Smith-Moore, Criminal Justice Policy Manager, Empower Missouri Re: Support for SB 353 and SB 434 As the largest and oldest anti-poverty non-profit in our state, Empower Missouri is committed to improving the...Lee mas

Date: February 26, 2025 To: Chairman Schroer and Members, Senate Judiciary Committee Re: SB 251, SB 281, and SB 449 As the largest and oldest anti-poverty advocacy organization 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...Lee mas

Date: February 26, 2025 To: Chairman Mayhew, and Members of the House Corrections and Public Institutions Committee From: Gwen Smith, Criminal Justice Policy Manager, Empower Missouri Re: Our support for HB 317 Founded in 1901, Empower Missouri advocates for the well-being of Missourians through civic leadership, education, and research. As part of our work, we...Lee mas

Growing up, it was just expected that kids in Jessica’s neighborhood would eventually end up involved with the legal system. Poverty and limited opportunities led many to drugs and alcohol, and eventually to crime. At age 16, she had her first child and dropped out of school to be able to provide for them. Selling...Lee mas

Date: February 19, 2025 To: Chairman Schroer and Members, Senate Judiciary Committee From: Jerika White, Criminal Justice Policy Manager, Empower Missouri Re: Our opposition to SB 196 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 18, 2025 To: Senator Curtis Trent, Chairman, and members of the Senator General Laws Committee From: Jerika White, Criminal Justice Policy Manager, Empower Missouri Re: Our support for SB 225 Founded in 1901, Empower Missouri advocates for the well-being of Missourians through civic leadership, education, and research. As part of our work, we...Lee mas

Date: February 17, 2025 To: Rep. Christ and members of the House Emerging Issues Committee From: Gwen Smith, Criminal Justice Policy Manager, Empower Missouri Re: Our support for HB 723 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...Lee mas