Date: March 5th, 2025 To: Members of the Crime and Public Safety CommitteeFrom: Rika White, Criminal Justice Policy Manager, Empower MissouriRe: Our Support for HB 728 On behalf of our staff, board, and the members of our Crime and Public Safety committee, I ask that you vote “do pass” on HB 728. This bill modifies provisions...Read More

In this year’s State of the State address, our new Governor, Mike Kehoe urged legislators to pass a “comprehensive crime bill that includes increasing penalties for crimes like violent rioting and fleeing from law enforcement in a vehicle, cracking down on criminals who participate in reckless stunt driving and street racing, and efforts to increase...Read More

Last week Empower Missouri was joined by almost 200 advocates, community members, and supporters for our Day of Action at the State Capitol. It was a fantastic day of advocacy, camaraderie, and community. Attendees reached every corner of the Capitol, and it seemed like every time I turned a corner or stepped onto the elevator,...Read More

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,...Read More

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...Read More

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...Read More

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...Read More

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...Read More

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...Read More

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...Read More