Date: January 22, 2025 To: Rep. David Casteel, Chair, and members of the Commerce Committee From: Misha Smith, Affordable Housing Policy Manager, Empower Missouri Re: Our opposition to HB 595 and HB 343 Founded in 1901, Empower Missouri is the largest anti-poverty advocacy organization in the state. As part of our work, we convene a...Read More

Date: January 21, 2025 To: Chairman Black and Members, Senate Local Government, Elections and Pensions From: Mallory Rusch, Executive Director, Empower Missouri Re: Our support for SB 50 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...Read More

The Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program is an essential resource for millions of low-income families across the United States. It is available for income-eligible pregnant and postpartum women, breastfeeding moms, and children under five (up to their fifth birthday). Additionally, dads, grandparents, foster parents, and anyone raising kids under five can apply for support for...Read More

As our population ages, one issue that increasingly demands attention is food insecurity. Lacking consistent access to enough nutritious food for an active, healthy life, food insecurity can have serious consequences for physical health, mental well-being, and overall quality of life, especially for us as we age.   The Scope of the Problem According to the...Read More

Below is a quick summary of key issues for Empower Missouri in the upcoming legislative session. If you would like to learn more, please register for our Legislative Preview Webinar on December 17th from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.  I am quickly approaching my first legislative session as Chief of Policy Staff with Empower Missouri,...Read More

With the holidays quickly approaching, many turn their attention to the joys of sharing meals with those closest to them. Often, preparation for holiday meals begins with the creation of a menu, possibly dividing up who is preparing what and where the holiday feast will take place. Some culinary artists may have a signature dish...Read More

Empower Missouri started in 1901 as an annual conference focused on helping support Missourians who were living in poverty, and over 120 years later, the tradition continues. Last week, we gathered in Columbia, Missouri to learn from experts and from each other, to strategize for the upcoming session, and to be in community. If you...Read More

Today’s Weekly Perspective is a copy of a speech that I delivered earlier today at our Anti-Poverty Advocates Summit, Empower Missouri’s 123rd annual conference in Missouri. It has been lightly edited and is much longer than our typical blog posts.  One week ago, Americans elected former President Donald Trump to a second term in office....Read More

You hear from us often about the complexities of poverty and the need for a variety of policy solutions to address the housing crisis, food insecurity, access to justice, and the inaccessibility of adequate healthcare. Poverty and its effects are far-reaching and impact nearly every aspect of a person’s life, at every phase of life....Read More